Tongabezi Lodge (Livingstone)

River Cottages

Tongabezi Lodge River Cottages are situated along the riverbank with stunning views. Redefining life on the banks of the Zambezi River; the River Cottages feature high ceilings, giant bespoke wood and glass windows; with doors leading onto expansive sustainable pine decks. The signature African fusion Tongabezi style has been distilled to the best of ‘Made in Zambia’; in both the interior and outdoor spaces.

The Cottages all feature double beds which can convert to twins on request with a spacious mosquito net. All cottages have an en-suite bathroom with a separate bath and shower. Indoor and outdoor areas for relaxing, dining, and enjoying the expansive river views complete the suite.

Tongabezi is famous for keeping the romance of travel alive; therefore all the River Cottages were designed to provide a private haven; where your every whim just happens to be attended to by your very own valet. With a wealth of in-depth knowledge of Tongabezi and the surrounding area; the valet invariably becomes an indispensable source of information.

The cottages are closed-fronted with gauze netting in the windows. This makes them perfect for those guests slightly nervous about the open aspect of some of the Tongabezi houses; but who still want to enjoy the sounds of the African night.

Tongabezi Honeymoon House

A boho-chic retreat with all the indulgence and privacy needed to celebrate romance; the Honeymoon House is the original blueprint for laidback luxury Tongabezi accommodation.

Blue and white textiles combine with wooden furnishings and a thatched roof; to create an intimate space in which to unwind together. The private wooden deck with a private plunge pool and dining area overlooks the river; making for unforgettable alfresco living.

The en-suite bathroom has an indoor shower and open-air bathtub; that is made utterly unforgettable by the canopy of stars above and the Zambezi lapping gently below.

Tongabezi Bird House

Perched on a large, suspended deck on a cliff overlooking the Zambezi River; the Bird House is an intimate and secluded retreat that celebrates the romance of the wilderness. The Bird House features a king four-poster bed, draped in mosquito netting. There is a small indoor lounge, with wooden and glass folding doors opening onto a private terrace and private plunge pool.

Unwind outdoors beside the river from the claw-footed, open-air bathtub; covered in bubbles and with a cool, tall drink in hand as the sun sets over the Zambezi. Dine privately by the warm glow of lanterns, before sitting back to stargaze under the constellations of the Southern Hemisphere.

Tongabezi Tree House

Set against the basalt rock bed with a sustainable pine deck entwined amid the branches of three ebony trees; the secluded Tree House offers effortless immersion into its riverfront surrounds.

A hidden path winds away from the main lodge and along the cliff face to the Tongabezi Tree House. The Tree House enchants the imagination and invokes colorful daydreams with its Anatolian carpets; Asian chests and West African artwork.

Stunning views of the Zambezi River roll out from every part of this airy, open-plan space. The king bed is enveloped in a large, canopied mosquito net; sharing this extensive space with areas for dining and lounging.

The bathroom’s crowning glory is the claw-footed bath complemented by riverfront views and the sounds of nature.

Tongabezi Nut House

A sanctuary hidden away within the natural riverine scenery, the Tongabezi Nut House is entirely enclosed; with light streaming in through every wall to create a warm glow throughout.

A soft color palette flows throughout this intimate space, which is open-plan and divided into two levels. The four-poster bed sits covered in mosquito netting on the top level; with steps down into an indoor lounge, dining area, and separate en-suite bathroom. There is plenty of space for an extra bed for a child too.

Wooden and glass folding doors open onto the elevated private garden and a private infinity plunge pool that overlooks the Zambezi River.

Tongabezi Dog House

The Dog House occupies its own private world at the edge of the Tongabezi garden. Elevated walkways connect the three separate decks that make up your immense Dog House home with the rest of Tongabezi.

The house is made up of two bedrooms with a central indoor and outdoor lounge, private plunge pool, dining area, and bar. The mighty Zambezi River flows beneath the sustainable pine decking during high water; as the house is raised off the ground to guarantee spectacular views from each window, sofa, bed, and bath.

The Dog House is ideal for families with younger children but also Multi-Generational families or; two couples traveling together that love travel and appreciate being together in nature; but who also want a little space for privacy. The entire house can be booked by one couple too.

Tongabezi Garden House

Set back from the Zambezi River, the Garden House offers a different perspective to the sweeping river views; that can still be enjoyed from any of the main lodge decks. The House is fully walled; making the Garden House ideal for families with younger children.

This is a secluded home for families and friends that appreciate privacy and space; allowing all members of the group to spread out a little within a safe environment. Rich, earthy-toned textiles and wooden furnishings create inviting shared spaces in the dining room and lounge; as well as the private bedrooms, both fully en-suite.

Stepping outdoors, a large, covered lounge opens out onto your own garden and private plunge pool.

Tangala House – Exclusive family safari

Tangala Private House is a luxurious family home on the banks of the Zambezi River. It lies close to the main Tongabezi Lodge while still being secluded enough; to ensure a private and safe environment for your family holiday. Tangala has four bedrooms, three with en-suite bathrooms and raised king-sized beds; along with a lovely children’s playroom. Stylishly designed and furnished, the house has been featured in House and Garden in the UK. It comes with a vehicle and boat, a chef, waiters, and a private guide; all courtesy of Tongabezi.

Tangala House sleeps up to six and has a spacious open-plan kitchen and dining room; to suit the comings and goings of all family members. The rooms are enclosed, with large glass-fitted windows; to keep out the insects and allow guests to enjoy magnificent views across the Zambezi. The living room leads onto a ‘snuggery’ with satellite TV, video, Hi-Fi, and a fireplace.

An open-thatch veranda easily seats 10 and steps lead out onto the garden that has 250m of private river frontage. The 13-meter swimming pool has a shallow area with bench seating for the little ones and the terrace has an eight-seat railway sleeper picnic table. Tangala also has its own well-equipped gym; with large glass windows for you to enjoy the peaceful river view while working out.

As Tangala Private House is used intermittently by the owners of Tongabezi; it is available to book over the Christmas and Easter Holidays as well as in June, July, and August. Other dates throughout the year are available on request only. There is a minimum stay of three nights and a minimum occupancy of four people. Tangala is the home of our two gorgeous and people-friendly dogs, Luna and Tafika.

Activities in Tongabezi Lodge grounds

A VIST TO TUJATANE – TONGABEZI TRUST SCHOOL

Tongabezi is located in an area with scarce educational funding and limited academic recourses; therefore in May 1996, Tujatane was started to help provide primary education to the children of the Tongabezi staff. This initiative has proven a huge success and now has over 280 students. It is made up of classrooms, as well as; an art room, a music room and amphitheater, sports grounds, a library, and a canteen.

Tujatane also supports over 60 children who have moved on to secondary schools; all over Zambia, and many Tujatane alumni are at universities and colleges all over the world.

SIMONGA VILLAGE TOUR

Visit Tongabezi’s nearest traditional village, where a local villager will act as your guide. A unique opportunity for the village to share their way of life. You will be able to interact and converse with the locals and find out more about their traditional village lifestyle. The tour will last 45 minutes to an hour.

TONGABEZI STRETCH

Travelling invariably results in sitting a bit TOO long! Fancy a jog? Beautiful bush tracks await! Have a chat with the lodge manager or guide so they can point you in the right direction. They’ll also give you a quick safety briefing regarding any animals that COULD be in the area. It’s also good for them to know your planned route (safety first). At Tongabezi we also have a private gym and an incredible personal trainer. Yoga is also available.
We suggest choosing early morning to move and avoid the heat.

SUNRISE CRUISE

Explore the Zambezi river just before the sun rises and see how Africa wakes up. This is a fantastic way to see numerous wildlife and birdlife.
Departs at 05.45 in summer and 06.15 in winter

SUNSET CRUISE + SANDBAR

Cruise up and down on the 4th largest river in Africa; while watching the hippos play in the water and the Kingfishers diving for their afternoon snack. Stop at a nearby island and experience the African sunset with an ice-cold beverage in your hand. Don’t forget to take your camera as the sunset colors will stun you.
Departs at 5.30 pm in summer and 4.30 pm in winter.

FISHING CRUISES

Nothing beats the feeling of pulling a tiger fish out of the Zambezi. There are numerous species of fish to be found in the river; you have the opportunity to catch any of them. This is yet another opportunity to see the hippos, countless birdlife, and other wildlife while being on the river.
Departs at 8.30 am and 2.30 pm

COMMUNITY ART CENTRE

Visit our Art center and Textile studio to see incredible Zambian crafts in the making. An exciting addition to the Tujatane curriculum the center offers training and craft-making including clay work, beading, painting, and weaving.

ORGANIC GARDEN TOUR

The Tongabezi tennis courts have been transformed into a veggie and herb garden; with an array of herbs, citrus fruits, seasonal tropical fruits; as well as vegetables and salads. The groundsmen use suitable kitchen waste; such as tea bags, coffee grounds, and ash from the fire pits, and recycle it into usable compost.
You will be shown around by one of the groundsmen and your valet. The tour duration is all up to you and how long you would like to look around…

ISLAND PICNIC LUNCH

Take a riveting boat ride to an island; that has been specially picked out and enjoy a 3-course menu in the bush surrounded by the Zambezi. You will have the opportunity of seeing elephants, hippos, impala, and different birdlife. Your valet and boat guide will be on hand if you have any questions.
Departs every day from 1 pm depending on the weather

CYCLING & MTB

The ranges that you can cycle go from 5km to 100km, short or long; the guides know some great on and off-road tracks. The border is your limit!
Routes from 30 minutes to 2 hours are available.

Tongabezi Lodge Included Activities with a drive into Livingstone

Please note that all park and museum entrance fees are extra. Transfers are included at 9 am and 2.30 pm.

VISIT VICTORIA FALLS

Stroll along the Zambian edge of Victoria Falls, one of the 7 natural wonders of the world. Surrounded by rainforests, looking down into the gouge at the rainbows that the falls create. While at the falls, the guides can lead you down to the famous boiling pot (but forget the walk-up). Once completing the tour of Victoria Falls you can visit either the Livingstone veggie market or craft market.

MUSEUMS IN LIVINGSTONE

There are 3 different museums to visit. The Livingstone, The Railway, and the Field Museum. The Livingstone is located in the center of town with artifacts from the stone age to David Livingstone’s personal effects. The Railway Museum is located just out of town; on route to the falls, and it is a perfect stop for those train enthusiasts. The Field Museum is situated next to the falls and has a visual description of how the falls were formed.

LIVINGSTONE MARKETS

The local Livingstone markets have been running since the dawn of shopping. It is the epicenter of life for the people who call Livingstone home; the place they gather to wheel and deal and catch up on the local news. A visit will take care of all your worries about what to bring home from Africa; while you immerse yourself in the real hustle and bustle of our Livingstone life.

Tongabezi runs many activities specially designed for children’s entertainment such as:
Tracking in and around the Tongabezi grounds.
Visit Tujatane, where children can play games with the local children; as well as see how they live and learn.
Fishing challenges – learning to fish for the legendary Tigerfish.
African bush TV – legendary African storytelling around the fire.
Specially designed tours of the falls, town center, and game drives can be tailor-made depending on the family’s interest. Learn how to make toothbrushes and other bush skills.
African treasure hunt.
Drumming sessions around the campfire at night.
Learn traditional board games in the event of bad weather.
All of the activities can include or exclude mum and dad.

Rates Include:
Accommodation, meals, non-premium drinks, house and sparkling wine, laundry, and the below range of inclusive activities:
Visit the Tongabezi Trust School, Tujatane.
Sunrise and sunset boat trip on the Zambezi.
Lunch on the local Island with a guided walk
Fishing (equipment is provided).
Visit Victoria Falls on the Zambian Side.
Game drive in the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National park.
Walk in the gorge below the Falls.
Cultural visit to the museum.
Mountain bike trail to a local village.
Shopping trip on the Zambian side of the Falls.
Dog House and Tangala House enjoy private vehicles and boats for all activities.

Rate Exclude:
Champagne, premium wines, and liqueurs.
Any activities not listed and any museum or Park entrance fees.
All transfers and flights.
All curios, gratuities, and telephone calls.