Tongabezi Lodge

Set on a sweeping bend in the Zambezi about 10 miles upstream from the Victoria Falls, Tongabezi is Livingstone’s “original” private camp.

It was back in 1990 that Ben Parker, who still lives on the adjacent plot, built Tongabezi and for a number of years it was one of only a very few luxury options on the Zambian side of the river. In recent years competition has sprung up in all directions but Tongabezi has maintained its high standards and the emphasis remains on exclusivity and romance.

Tongabezi offers a variety of accommodation styles, there are 4 river cottages, although these are the standard accommodation units they are quite stunning, each with it’s own private verandah and great views across the Zambezi River. The Garden Cottage is set away from the river, it has been recently renovated and with 2 rooms and it’s own plunge pool it is ideal for families. For those in search of something a little special there are 4 individually named and designed open-fronted houses and finally the Dog House is a very luxurious family unit comprising 2 large bedrooms a separate living area with extensive deck and private pool overlooking the river.

Each house and cottage at Tongabezi has its own valet who will attend to you throughout your stay to ensure that you make the most of all that is on offer around the camp.

The swimming pool at Tongabezi is landscaped into a natural cliff and meals are usually served on the deck overlooking the river or in the “boat House”, a stunning addition to camp which over-hangs the river.

Days at Tongabezi have no set pattern and can be spent exactly as you wish. Choose simply to relax at the lodge or make the most of the wealth of activities on offer in and around the Victoria Falls area. Options include river boat trips, picnic lunches on islands, visits to Livingstone and both sides of the Falls, birding, white water rafting, bungee jumping, horse riding, or, my favorite, a visit to the stunning Livingstone Island which hangs seemingly suspended in mid stream half way across the falls themselves.

Perhaps because of its long standing in the Zambian tourism industry and certainly because it has maintained the highest standards of operation, Tongabezi remains a personal favorite of mine in the Livingstone area.