Tucked away on the banks of the Zambezi River in Zambia lies Tongabezi. Established almost thirty years ago, Tongabezi has set standards so high that it has led to it being recognised by Condé Nast Traveller as the #1 Safari Lodge in Zambia, and more recently, as one of the ‘most luxurious all-inclusive resorts in the world’ by Travel & Leisure.
With six private houses, five river cottages, unforgettable game drives, and one of the world’s most exclusive bars; a stay at Tongabezi is an experience like no other. Situated on the almost silent bank of the Zambezi River, Tongabezi’s five river cottages are a remote retreat inviting guests to invest in a little rest and relaxation. Each cottage comes with its very own valet who acts as a private concierge during your stay. Perhaps you’d like your openair bathtub filled to the brim with bubbles just in time for your return from your early morning game drive? Or perhaps you’d like your valet to arrange a helicopter to take you over one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls? Your wish is simply their command.
Each of the private houses claim very different characteristics. The Nut House combines eclectic art, textiles and textures from around the African continent with design elements carefully sourced from Morocco, Mali, Zambia and South Africa; while the Dog House is home to three separate decks which are connected to each other and the rest of the world only by elevated walkways which hang above the mighty Zambezi River which runs underneath all of the rooms during high water.
It really is no wonder Tongabezi has been named one of the most luxurious all-inclusive resorts in the world; the fivestar property offers their guests a range of activities as standard as part of their all-inclusive booking. Whether it’s the A.M. and P.M. game drives spotting the Big Five or whether it’s tucking into incredible cuisine during a romantic floating dining experience on the Zambezi River; Tongabezi strive to make your dreams come true.
Of course, there are other once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to be had that Tongabezi can arrange for you also. Whether it be an encounter like no other walking with elephants or following in the footsteps of David Livingstone with a tour of Livingstone Island set on the edge of Victoria Falls; Tongabezi offers a whole host of activities sure to take your breath away. The luxury family-owned lodge is just on the border of Zambia, meaning that a visit to Botswana isn’t as unrealistic as it may first sound. Botswana’s Chobe National Park has one of the largest concentrations of game in Africa, so it’s an opportunity not to be missed when staying at Tongabezi.
Just over thirteen years ago, Tongabezi founded a pre-school which gave fifteen local children the start in life that most children in Zambia don’t receive. Today, the Tujatane School has over 240 students. Aside from the first ever classroom, which was built by Tongabezi, the development of the school has been made possible through the generous donations of people from across the world – but most notably, by guests of Tongabezi who experience first-hand the magic of Tongabezi and the school in which it founded. A stay at Tongabezi is filled with adventure, a warm and attentive team of staff whom the lodge would be incomplete without, and endless magical moments.
