Sindabezi Island is a private island paradise in the waters of the Zambezi; upstream from Victoria Falls and close to Livingstone, Zambia. Here, in the haven of natural tranquillity, you will truly experience the sights and sounds of the African bush. From Sindabezi, the flood plain of the mighty Zambezi, and the views of the wildlife in the nearby National Park; will capture your soul.
Sindabezi Island is the little sister camp to Tongabezi Lodge; with the same luxury, feel, and romance. Named after the River Shinde; where it meets the Zambezi River right near the location of Sindabezi Island.
The main camp area boasts two decks; tucked away at the end of the island is the secluded mokoro deck; while the star gazing deck is a wonderful spot for dining and game watching. On an elevated deck up in the trees is the main dining area.
At night, the camp truly weaves its spell as you dine under a canopy of stars; with the river meandering past and the unmistakable sounds of hippos wallowing nearby. An experience never to be forgotten.
With zero grid dependence, Sindabezi is one of Africa’s top 10 Eco-lodges according to Fodor. All chalets enjoy hot water and bedside lighting, without forsaking the traditional camp atmosphere. So the only footprints you will leave behind are in the island’s silky soft sand.
Skip to Sindabezi Island Rates or Specials and Packages
Sindabezi Island Accommodation
Sleeping only 10 x guests in five open-fronted thatched chalets on wooden decks overlooking the river. Sindabezi is also the most environmentally friendly island in the river; with zero grid dependence. Rooms are romantically lit with hurricane lamps, candles, and starlight at night. The island manager and the team of staff will look after your every need to ensure an unforgettable experience.
Sunrise Chalet 1
A glorious sunrise view is all yours at Sunrise Chalet 1; the only chalet on the southern side of Sindabezi Island. This chalet also faces Victoria Falls National Park; across the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe so you’ll enjoy front-row seats; to regular wildlife sightings of elephants, impala, and wildebeest that come to the riverbanks to quench their thirst.
The other feature that sets it apart from Chalets 2, 3, and 4 is the large, modern outdoor bathtub. With a sundowner in hand and covered by a blanket of bubbles; you can watch the Zambezi River drifting down to the Falls; as the sky turns shades of pink, purple, and orange.
Sunrise Chalet 1 holds firm to its spot in the ‘romance department’ on Sindabezi Island.
Chalets 2 – 4
Paths made in the soft sand or along raised wooden walkways lead you to three luxury en-suite Chalets; each tucked away in a quiet spot on Sindabezi Island.
While the Chalets all share certain qualities, like private river-facing decks, luxurious interiors, and double or twin sleeping options; each has its own special feature.
The ‘loos with a view’ is a quirky feature of both Chalet 2 and 3; while the hammock in Chalet 4 is ideal for lazy afternoons. Another special highlight of Chalet 4 is the resident hippos that wallow in the river below; keeping you entertained from the comfort of your deck.
Honeymoon Chalet
Tucked away on a secluded part of Sindabezi Island with a sandy shoreline and stunning river view all to yourselves; celebrate love as castaways in the Honeymoon Chalet.
Imagine bathing together beneath the stars on your private deck before climbing into a four-poster bed draped in netting. Then, wake to hippos in the river and birds twittering in the trees; knowing another day of relaxed island living lies ahead of you.
Modern fittings pair effortlessly with locally sourced wooden furnishings and textiles. The neutral tones woven throughout the Chalet reflect the beach cove wilderness in which it sits.
Activities
Whether you’re feeling laid back and lazy or active and adventurous; you set the pace of each day spent on Sindabezi Island. The only thing we ask of our guests is to be back on the island by nightfall. You won’t want to miss the magic that settles over the island at night.
Fishing
Set a rod up against your very own river and wait for a nibble; is there anything more relaxing than that? There is no need to leave Sindabezi Island at all, although if you’re looking for a little more excitement; the guides do know the best spots to take a boat and hope for tiger fish.
Bird watching
Join one of the guides on a walk around the island with binoculars and a bird book; to spot some of Sindabezi’s diverse bird life. Or if you would prefer to go a little further afield, you can take your talking bird book; Captain Ronald, for example; into one of the boats and float around the nearby islands to see what you can find.
Unique Attractions
Sand Bar
Kick back at the Sindabezi Sand Bar in the middle of the Zambezi; with that special person or people in your life. In true pop-up style, the location of the sandbar changes; depending on the time of the year as nearby islands appear and disappear. So you never know where on the river you might end up.
Sampan
Dine in true Sindabezi style while anchored offshore in the Zambezi River on a floating platform. This is a breakfast or dinner experience quite unlike any other. Attended by waiters, each meal is paddled out; one course at a time to your private sampan. For breakfast, we advise an early start before the real heat of the day settles in. The sampan dinner is the only activity that will return to the island after nightfall.
Island Picnic
Let the guides pick you a shady spot on a sandy island nearby. Sindabezi Island is not the only magical island on the Zambezi for those that love feeling entirely isolated from civilization. Good company needs equally marvelous food and drinks, and the picnic lunch or sundowners and snacks match the occasion.
Best time to visit Sindabezi Island, Livingstone
Sindabezi Island is open throughout the year.
SUMMER: From August until April. October is the hottest month. Rains start around the end of November and last until around the middle of March. Temperatures however remain warm.
WINTER: From May until August. The evenings & mornings will be cool, warm clothing is recommended although the days are still warm.
Sindabezi can be combined with Tongabezi or as a standalone stay; from where you can enjoy all activities on offer at Tongabezi. The island can also be booked as a private experience when traveling in a group or as a family.
Getting to Sindabezi Island
Your stay at Sindabezi Island begins with either a short boat ride or; a guided canoe trip down the Zambezi River to the island. Along the way, there are opportunities for game viewing as you pass close to the shores; where animals wander to drink at the river’s edge. The main camp area is set on the sand; the perfect place to relax and take in the peace and tranquillity of this tiny island.
No children under 9 unless Sindabezi Island is booked on an exclusive-use basis. Children from 9 to 15 pay 50% of the adult rate when sharing with 2 x adults.
A 40% single supplement all year
Sindabezi rates include
Sindabezi Island Accommodation Special Offer
Wings & Wheels Incentive
Book a minimum of 4 nights at any one lodge. Or a combination of Green Safaris Lodges*. And we will include all flights and transfers from the nearest international airport. These are either Lusaka, or Livingstone in Zambia. Or, Lilongwe in Malawi.
*Green Safaris Properties are:
Kaya Mawa (Lake Malawi),
Ila Safari Lodge (Kafue National Park),
Chisa Busanga Camp (Busanga Flood Plains in the North of the Kafue National Park),
Tongabezi Lodge or Sindabezi (Livingstone),
Shawa Luangwa Camp (South Luangwa National Park).
Valid for all of 2024.
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Simonga Zambia
