Tongabezi Lodge

A wonderfully romantic African getaway nestled on the banks of the Zambezi River, Tongabezi Lodge offers you a variety of houses to choose from, each with is own unique charm

Introduction

Situated in a dense forest on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River is a truly romantic treasure called Tongabezi Lodge. This exclusive lodge is located 18km upstream from the Victoria Falls on the Zambian side of the border. To get there, guests can arrange road transfer from Victoria Falls Airport (Zimbabwe), Kasane Airport (Botswana), Livingstone Airport (Zambia) or the Zambia-Zimbabwe Border. It is also near the Mosi oa Tunya National Park.

Guests at Tongabezi Lodge will feel well at home in a variety of accommodation options available there. The first of the rooms at Tongabezi is the Honeymoon House which has an open plan and direct view of the river. The house is complete with a private veranda with sun beds and a private garden.

The Bird House also has an open plan and veranda with a deck for private dining. It is unique with a sunken bath perfect for winding down after a day of activities.

A more secluded lodging which has its own hidden path is the Tree House. It literally feels like you are living within the Ebony tree which it is built around. Its open plan lets you experience the surroundings and the Zambezi River without you having to even leave your bed. It is slightly more enclosed and has a private deck closer to the river where you can enjoy sundowners or an intimate dinner.

At the far end of the lodge is the Dog House where you are guaranteed views from every space in and around the house. The Dog House is one of the larger ones with a separate lounge and bar, and has large glass windows instead of walls. It is unique in that guests have their own private vehicle with a guide and a boat.

On the other end of Tongabezi Lodge is the Nut House which is elevated on the Zambezi River bank. This house is enclosed with walls that let in light from every direction. It also has its own beautifully sparkling plunge pool out on the deck. Then there is the Garden House – ideal for a family lodging with a double room, master bedroom and lounge with dining room.

The Garden House is home away from home, complete with a large green garden, a swimming pool. This house is not river-facing and is more private and safe so that the kids do not go to the river banks unattended.

For guests who prefer a more "normal" lodging with closed fronts, there are five River Cottages which all have decks with sun beds to enjoy the view of the river.

The main communal building of Tongabezi Lodge is open-sided, facing the river with dining area with long table and lounge area. Dining is al fresco on the deck, in the dining area, or in private dining spots scattered around the lodge. Another shared area is The Lookout – a two storey open-fronted structure built on the deck right over the edge of the river. This is where guests can use the computers with internet, lounge and take in the view, or have a dinner party.

At Tongabezi Lodge, guests will experience real pampering in the bush. Besides the luxurious accommodation, there is a private valet who will take care of all your dining, activities and making sure that your stay is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. The lodge also offers a “San Pan” candle-lit dinner on a large wooden platform right in the middle of the Zambezi River, with your own waiter to tend to your meal. Spoil yourself at Tongabezi’s health spa which offers massages, reflexology and Shiatsu.

Other activities offered at Tongabezi Lodge include river cruises, canoe excursions, trips to the Victoria Falls, fishing trips, game drives, nature walks, shopping and cultural excursions. The lodge founded a school which it continues to support through its work at the lodge and contributions made by the guests of the lodge over the years. The lodge continues to support the community by employing mostly Zambian nationals, which also gives guests a taste of Zambian hospitality.

Tongabezi Lodge puts emphasis on romance, relaxation and rejuvenation. There aren’t very many animals in that particular area although you may get visits from hippo or elephants at the lodge. However, the Mosi oa Tunya National Park is close by and you may see animals during your game drive. Also, the price of staying at Tongabezi is on the high end, but you get real value for you money with all that is included in the rates.

Our Opinion

This lodge is quite pricey, but you will get excellent value for your money. For a romantic getaway, Tongabezi is a great lodge and is close to the Victoria Falls.

Summary

• 18km upstream from Victoria Falls
• On the Zambian side of the Zambezi River
• Near Mosi oa Tunya National Park
• Unique housing options to choose from – each room with different designs and facilities
• Open-fronted main lodge, deck and Lookout building on deck
• Luxury facilities and services including valet
• Various lodge activities inclusive

Accommodation at Tongabezi Lodge

• 5 River cottages with the same basic design – these are close fronted with king-size bed
• 6 different rooms/houses
• The dog house – king-size beds; big enough for families and group of friends; private plunge pool; view of the river; raised deck; open plan; own guide, vehicle and boat
• The bird house – king-size bed; open plan; outside sunken bath
• The nut house – king-size bed; open plan; walled; private plunge pool; open shower; elevated
• The honeymoon house – king-size bed; high on top of the river bank; first house of the lodge; private garden with chairs; outside bath tub
• The garden house – perfect for families or small groups; one of the newer additions; three buildings (one double room, one master bedroom with double bed, lounge with dining room); private garden; swimming pool; faces garden and pool
• The tree house – king size bed; claw footed bath tub; most secluded of the houses
• Total capacity at Tongabezi Lodge is 36 people

All rooms have:
• Safe
• Air Conditioning
• Private deck
• En-suite bathrooms with lavatory and shower
• Fan
• Mosquito nets
• Tea/coffee making facilities
• Clothes Press
• Fridge and mini bar
• Outside shower
• Fireplace
• Private lounge
• Personal valet

Advantages

• Very romantic getaway
• Beautiful secluded setting
• Less than 30 minutes from the Victoria Falls
• First class treatment with valet service, own guide for excursions
• Lots of activities included

Disadvantages

• Costly but with lots of value

Dining

• Dining is indoors and outdoors
• Ala carte menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Private dinners can be arranged on private deck, lodge pontoon or other areas of the lodge
• 24 hour room service
• Snacks, tea and coffee available throughout the day at main lodge

Facilities and Services

• Internet cafe
• Wireless internet
• Electricity supply
• Electricity supply
• The Lookout – lounges, dining, computers with internet
• Swimming pool
• Fire pit in communal area
• Spa treatment
• Valet
• Fire extinguishers around the lodge
• Full laundry service
• Credit card facilities
• Curio shop
• Airport shuttle (surcharge)
• Chauffer service
• 24 hour room service
• Friendly and helpful staff
• Activities desk
• Baby sitting service with prior arrangement
• Activities at Tongabezi Lodge: Canoeing trip; Sunrise and sunset cruises on the Zambezi River; Lunch on local private island; Private dinners on pontoon in the middle of the river (with your personal waiter) – “San Pan” dinners; Village visits; Guided bush walks on local island; Game drives in the Mosi oa Tunya National Park (park fees surcharge); Fishing (equipment included); Victoria Falls visit (park fees surcharge); Gorge hike below the falls; Museum tour (Museum fee surcharge); Market visits/shopping trip. Other activities and transfers to those activities are booked at the client’s expense.

Fully Inclusive Rates Include

• Accommodation
• All meals, soft drinks, local beers, spirits and South African wines
• Tongabezi activities
• Transfers to and from Tongabezi activities detailed above
• Valet service
• Full laundry service

Fully Inclusive Rates Exclude

• Imported spirits
• Cost of Victoria Falls tour, and other non-Tongabezi activities
• Transfers to non-Tongabezi activities
• National park fees
• Airport transfers to and from Tongabezi Lodge

Children

• Children 7 and older are allowed
• Children under 14 years old pay 50% of adult rate unless they are in their own room
• Family houses are available (max 4 people)
• Child-minding service can be arranged
• Warning! There are no fences on the river’s edge at Tongabezi Lodge and animals such as crocodile and hippo sometimes come out of the water to roam the grounds, so parents should keep their children close. The swimming pools also do not have fences and children should be watched at all times while swimming.

How to Get to Tongabezi Lodge

• Road transfer from Livingstone Airport – 25 minutes
• Road transfer from Victoria Falls Airport – 1.5 hours
• Road transfer from Kasane Airport – 1.5 hours
• Road transfer from Zambia-Zimbabwe border – 25 minutes
• Transfers are not included in the rate and must be pre-booked

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