Tongabezi Lodge | Zambia
Tongabezi Lodge, Victoria Falls
On the Zambian side of the Zambezi River, just upstream from Victoria Falls, Tongabezi Lodge has long been celebrated for its unique character and intimate charm. Family-owned and full of personality, it combines riverfront luxury with a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes every stay feel personal.
Tongabezi is set along a quiet stretch of the Zambezi, about 20 minutes from the town of Livingstone and the entrance to Victoria Falls. The lodge is surrounded by riverine forest, with views across to the islands where hippos wallow and elephants often wander. The location offers the best of both worlds: close enough for easy access to the Falls, yet secluded enough to feel like a private hideaway in the wilderness.
The Lodge
What makes Tongabezi stand out is its individuality. There are a handful of houses and cottages, each with its own name, character, and design. Some, like the Honeymoon House and Bird House, are perched high above the river with open fronts that frame the water below. Others, such as the Dog House and Nut House, are larger, more secluded spaces with plunge pools, decks, and spacious lounges. Every house feels one of a kind, blending natural textures, bold African fabrics, and thoughtful details that give each room personality.
For couples, the River Cottages provide romantic hideaways right on the water’s edge, with private verandas and large glass doors that let the river take centre stage. Families and groups often opt for the larger houses, which come with extra bedrooms, large living areas, and private dining options.
The heart of the lodge is warm and inviting, with open-air dining under thatch, a riverside bar, and a pool shaded by giant ebony trees. Meals are fresh, creative, and flexible, often tailored to each guest’s preferences. Dining can be private and intimate on your veranda, or social and lively with other travellers on the main deck. The staff, many of whom have been with Tongabezi for years, know how to make guests feel at home without being overbearing, which gives the lodge its famously relaxed and personal atmosphere.
Safari Experience & Activities
While Tongabezi is not a traditional safari camp, it offers an incredible range of experiences that bring together river, wildlife, culture, and adventure. Morning or sunset boat cruises on the Zambezi reveal pods of hippos, basking crocodiles, and abundant birdlife. Fishing trips target species like tigerfish and bream, while canoeing along quieter stretches gives a more peaceful perspective of the river.
Game drives into Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park are a highlight, with the chance to see white rhino on foot with armed rangers, as well as giraffe, zebra, buffalo, and many antelope species. The park is small but rewarding, especially for guests who want wildlife experiences without travelling too far from the lodge. For those seeking more wilderness, day trips to Chobe National Park in Botswana can also be arranged.
Of course, the Falls are at the heart of any stay. Guided visits to both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides give different perspectives of the waterfall, while activities around the gorge add excitement for adventurous travellers. Helicopter flights and microlight rides provide a breathtaking aerial view, white-water rafting takes you through some of the best rapids in the world, and during low water season guests can even swim in Devil’s Pool at the edge of the Falls. Cultural experiences are also an important part of Tongabezi, with opportunities to visit local villages and markets, or support community projects that the lodge has helped establish.
Staying at Tongabezi is less about following a rigid schedule and more about enjoying the Zambezi in your own way. One day you might explore Victoria Falls, drift on a sunset cruise, and dine privately on a sandbank in the middle of the river. Another day you might simply linger in your suite, swim in your plunge pool, and listen to hippos calling at dusk. The variety of houses and cottages means each stay feels unique, and the flexibility of activities allows guests to create their own rhythm.
What makes the experience so memorable is not just the setting or the design, but the way it all comes together with the people. The staff treat you like an old friend, meals feel more like gatherings than formal affairs, and every detail is tailored without ever feeling forced. Tongabezi manages to be luxurious without being pretentious, adventurous without being rushed, and intimate without being isolating. It is a lodge that feels alive with character and heart.
Tongabezi is the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave. It is not only about the river views or the thrill of the Falls, but about the sense of belonging you feel while you are there. Speak to our team about including Tongabezi in your Zambia or Victoria Falls itinerary. We will design a journey that blends the wonder of the Falls with the warmth and character of this unforgettable riverside retreat.
Booking Process
We tailor every aspect of your travel – your itinerary, private guides, accommodations, & activities – to create the trip you’re dreaming of. With deep in-country knowledge, our team is able to craft your trip precisely the way you want. Request a custom itinerary below.
1. Make an Enquiry
Submit an enquiry online.
2. Speak to a Local Expert
Discuss your travel plans with your own dedicated Africa specialist.
3. Receive a Quote + Itinerary
We craft your dream itinerary and send you a quote.
4. Book Your Trip
Once every detail is just right, we confirm your booking.