Tongabezi Lodge in Victoria Falls, Zambia

Experience Tongabezi Lodge

Victoria Falls, Zambia

Just 7 miles upstream from Victoria Falls, Tongabezi by Green Safaris is one of Zambia’s most iconic eco-luxury lodges. Nestled in a secluded spot on the Zambezi River, this award-winning property offers a soulful and stylish safari experience with uninterrupted river views, exceptional service, and complete flexibility.

Whether you’re traveling as a couple, a family, or a multigenerational group, Tongabezi caters to your needs with five charming River Cottages and a collection of uniquely designed Houses that accommodate two to eight guests. Each suite is individually styled with a mix of rustic elegance, local art, and open-plan design to let the wilderness in.

Here, time slows down. There’s no set schedule – guests can choose their own pace with a curated mix of Victoria Falls tours, sunset cruises, Zambezi canoeing, community visits, or simply relaxing poolside. Tongabezi is also known for its eco-conscious design, gym and wellness offerings, and exclusive riverfront setting that makes it a top choice for romantic honeymoons and intimate family escapes alike.

Highlights and Activities at Tongabezi:

ROOMS: 10 luxury rooms (5 river cottages and 5 unique ‘house’ types )

BEST FOR: honeymooners, couples and multigenerational families

ACTIVITIES:

Victoria Falls Tour! On both the Zambian and Zimbabwe side
Sunrise and sunset river cruises
Sampan Dinner (for the romantics)
Electric Dhow River Cruises
Village Tours
Game Drives

REGIONAL ACTIVITIES:

Scenic Helicopter flights
Microlight Flights
White River Rafting
Devil’s & Angel’s Pool (Seasonal)
Canopy Tours
Bungee Jumping
Gorge Swings
Rhino walks

Why We Love Tongabezi Lodge:

You’d never guess that one of Condé Nast’s Top 20 African Retreats began in 1990 as a simple riverside camp with tents and bucket showers. Despite its luxurious evolution, Tongabezi has stayed true to its roots – celebrating Zambia’s natural beauty, warm local hospitality, and a deeply ingrained spirit of community and conservation. It’s this rare blend of authenticity and eco-conscious luxury that makes Tongabezi truly unforgettable.

Guest Favorite: For thrill-seekers, white-water rafting on the Zambezi is an absolute must. Offered during low water season (typically August to December), this adrenaline-pumping experience takes you through some of the world’s most exhilarating rapids – right below Victoria Falls.

Insider’s Tip: For families or small groups, book one of the private Houses. They’re uniquely designed, come with personal valet service, and offer total privacy with front-row river views – ideal for milestone celebrations or simply reconnecting in nature.

Let's Plan Your Trip!

FAQs About Tongabezi Lodge

Tongabezi Lodge is a year-round destination, with each season offering something special.

High Season (Dry Season: May to October)
This is the best time to see Victoria Falls clearly from the Zambian side – lower water levels offer stunning views and access to walking trails. Cooler, drier weather also brings more elephant activity along the Zambezi River near the lodge. It’s a fantastic time for sunset river cruises, cultural tours, and relaxing outdoor adventures.

Green Season (Wet Season: November to April)
Expect lush greenery, dramatic afternoon skies, and exceptional birdwatching. From February to April, Victoria Falls is at its most powerful, creating a breathtaking spectacle. White-water rafting is typically available during this season, while canoeing and other water activities depend on water levels. Tongabezi remains fully operational year-round, offering a wide range of experiences regardless of the season.

👉 Ubuntu Travel Tip: Let our Travel Specialists help match your travel goals to the ideal season – whether you’re chasing adventure, dramatic scenery, or tranquil riverside moments.

Tongabezi is just 20 minutes from Livingstone and about 45 minutes from the main entrance to Victoria Falls. This makes it the perfect luxury base to explore one of the world’s natural wonders while still enjoying peaceful riverfront seclusion.

Absolutely! Tongabezi is one of our top picks for multigenerational travel. The lodge offers a variety of private houses – sleeping up to five guests – along with two exclusive-use family houses designed for comfort and connection. Families enjoy the ideal blend of space and privacy, with plenty of shared experiences like boat cruises, nature walks, and cultural village visits.

A stay at Tongabezi includes a variety of enriching and unforgettable experiences. Enjoy guided tours of Victoria Falls, river cruises (including serene electric dhow cruises), catch-and-release fishing, game drives, market visits, and even a romantic sampan dinner under the stars. Guests can also visit Livingstone Island when water levels allow.

Looking for a little more adventure? High-adrenaline experiences like helicopter flips, white-water rafting, and gorge swings can be arranged nearby at an additional cost.

Tongabezi blends warm Zambian hospitality with a deep sense of purpose. The lodge offers completely flexible itineraries – no set schedules, just tailor-made days designed around you. Guests stay in beautifully styled private houses, enjoy inclusive activities like a Livingstone Island visit (seasonal), and support award-winning eco-tourism initiatives.

Your stay also contributes to the Tongabezi Trust School, making your visit part of a meaningful impact in the local community.

Yes! Tongabezi is perfectly positioned for seamless combinations with nearby safari destinations like Zambia’s Lower Zambezi or South Luangwa, as well as Botswana’s Chobe National Park and Okavango Delta.

With easy access to regional airports and expert guidance from our Ubuntu Travel team, we’ll design a tailor-made itinerary that flows effortlessly – from the thundering Victoria Falls to the heart of big game country.

Tongabezi offers a range of individually designed cottages and houses along the banks of the Zambezi River, each with its own character and level of privacy.

• River Cottages – Private thatched cottages with spacious decks overlooking the Zambezi River.
• Tree House – A unique elevated house built around ebony trees with beautiful river views.
• Honeymoon House – A romantic split-level cottage with a private plunge pool and outdoor bathtub.
• Bird House – A secluded two-bedroom house with expansive river views and private dining spaces.
• Garden House – A spacious three-bedroom private house ideal for families or small groups.
• Dog House – A two-bedroom riverside house with a private plunge pool and open living spaces.
• Nut House – A private four-bedroom house designed for families or larger groups.

Why Choose Tongabezi Lodge in Zambia

An award-winning eco-lodge offering charm, romance, and immersive adventure on the Zambezi River.

Victoria Falls tour at Tongabezi Lodge, Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia

Victoria Falls Tours

Just 20 minutes away, with guided excursions to experience the thundering falls in all their glory.

Accommodation Variety

From romantic cottages to private family houses, personalized stay for couples and families.

River & Safari Activities

Sunset cruises, canoeing, catch-and-release fishing, and game drives keep your itinerary full.

Livingstone Island Experience

Track and learn about rhino conservation on expert-led walks through Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park.

Adventure Activities

Choose from sunset cruises, game drives, fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching right from the lodge.

Sampan Dinners

Dine by candlelight on a floating deck in the Zambezi River – just you

Ready to start planning Luxury Safari?

Reach out and let’s start talking. We’ll listen and begin to tailor an experiential, private, luxury vacation based on exactly how you want to experience Africa. From adventure to relaxation—and everything in between—let us handle every detail of your unforgettable journey.

INQUIRE NOW

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Toka Leya

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Thorntree River Lodge

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Singita Castleton, Sabi Sands, Big Five, Singita

11-Day Cape Town to Victoria Falls

Experience an unforgettable South Africa family safari. Discover vibrant Cape Town, thrilling Big Five safaris, and majestic Victoria Falls.

From $10,400
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Travel + Leisure, Cape Town, Royal Portfolio

14-Day Cape Town & Big Five Honeymoon

Begin your honeymoon in Cape Town, marvel at Victoria Falls, and relax on Mozambique’s tranquil beaches.

From $12,600
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Waterfalls and Wildlife

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What Ubuntu Travelers Are Saying

      
 Excellent5.0116 reviews
 5.0
 Excellent116 reviews
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   Brianna Gleason 
 23 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. From the very first zoom call with Leah to the detailed itinerary that Jenna put together to the boots on the ground communication from Jacinta, Mandie, Nyameka and the whole team we had the most incredible first safari experience in Kenya thanks to Ubuntu. They put us up in the most iconic tents with staff that went above and beyond to make sure we had a memorable experience. Our plane transfers from lodge to lodge were seamless and very easy to navigate. We had the absolute best safari vacation and we owe that to Ubuntu!
  
 
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   Kelly Mordecai 
 18 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We worked with Ubuntu to plan our honeymoon, and throughout the entire process, we experienced such wonderful customer service. With so many things pulling us in different directions between wedding planning, our personal lives, and work, there were definitely times when our responses and decisions took longer than expected. No matter how long an email sat in our inbox, though, the Ubuntu team was always quick to respond. They patiently answered all of our questions, no matter how silly, and consistently provided helpful specifics, whether that was a direct link or step-by-step instructions.

We really appreciated that the team focused on giving us the information we needed to make informed decisions without ever making the process feel like a sales pitch. They were respectful and realistic when it came to conversations about our budget while still making sure they were creating the best experience possible for us.

Once we arrived in Africa, the experience continued to be top-notch. The accommodations were beautiful, and every staff member we interacted with was professional, welcoming, and went above and beyond to make our trip memorable. Having all of our airport transfers and domestic travel taken care of was such a relief and exactly what we needed after the chaos of wedding planning.

We would recommend working with Ubuntu to anyone we know who is planning a trip to Africa. They made the entire experience seamless, stress-free, and incredibly memorable. We are so grateful for the role they played in making our honeymoon so special.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
  
 
   Christopher Tower 
 18 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We just arrived home from a 31 day epic adventure in Africa.  We covered SA (Cape Town and surrounds), Singita at Sabi Sands, Vumbura Plains in the Okavango Delta, Joburg, Vic Falls Zimbabwe, Tanzania (Nomad at Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti and Tarangire National Parks), Rwanda (Kigali and Singita at Volcanoes National Park).  Ubuntu did an absolutely amazing job in arranging the trip.  They were with us every step of the way.  Excellent team and service!  CDT
  
 
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   Carol Loftus 
 16 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Could not ask for a better safari firm.  No stone is left unturned and you always feel like you can get answers, day or night!  This is my second time using Ubuntu and I highly recommend them.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
  
 
   Kyle Song 
 13 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolute 1st class travel planning.  We had the most amazing and memorable trip, and as a person who likes to travel plan myself, this trip had so many moving parts there's no way I could have tackled it. I'd give Ubuntu an 11/10 rating if I could.  They made our travel seamless, relaxed, and delivered the most incredible experience.  100% we will use them again.
  
 
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   Lindsey Colner 
 12 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had the BEST experience with Ubuntu planning our South Africa trip! From the beginning, they were so easy to work with and were amazing at communicating with us both before and during the trip.

They put together the perfect itinerary for us with safari at two different lodges, time on Benguerra Island, and we even decided to add Franschhoek a couple of months before we left. They made everything so easy and somehow managed to make the entire trip feel completely seamless.

One of the biggest things that stood out was how responsive they were when we had our international flight canceled. I literally just had to send them a WhatsApp message with our new flight information, and they immediately took care of rearranging everything for us. We never had to stress about figuring out transfers or logistics ourselves.

They even had porters meet us at every airport, so we barely had to think about our luggage or where we were supposed to go. We truly felt taken care of every step of the way.

It was honestly the trip of a lifetime, and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience. We are already talking about when we can go back and will 100% be using Ubuntu again to plan our next trip. Highly, highly recommend them!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
  
 
   Tawanda Mukora 
 1 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic service
  
 
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   K O 
 19 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. What an incredible South Africa trip Ubuntu planned for my wife and I! Ubuntu set us up with full-day guided Peninsula and Winelands tours during our few days in Cape Town, followed by four days of Safari game drives at the Savanna Lodge within the Sabi Sands Nature Reserve.

A huge thank you to Ubuntu for finding a perfect balance/mix of fun activities and relaxed downtime throughout out trip! Ubuntu took care of all the travel logistics once we got down to South Africa. Ubuntu set us up with our Guest Experience Liaison that would check-in with us ever couple of days and was available on call if we needed any sort of logistical support. We didn't end up needing to lean on our liaison since everything went so smoothly, but surely felt we had all the support we needed had something come up.

We know we will be utilizing Ubuntu the next time we travel to Africa and highly recommend Ubuntu to anyone else planning a trip to Africa!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
  
 
   Eddie Nunns 
 12 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. From the plains of the Serengeti to the shores of Zanzibar, Ubuntu Travel designed an unforgettable Tanzanian package to celebrate a milestone birthday. I was especially grateful that they embraced this solo traveler and ensured that every detail was planned out in advance, making this a trip of a lifetime.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
  
 
   Kristin Titov 
 24 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ubuntu Travel planned the most epic safari vacay for my husband and in Tanzania.  We loved every place we stayed and every detail was taken care of!  Their communication was exceptional!
100 out of 10!

Tongabezi Lodge, Victoria Falls

One of Zambia’s most prized safari lodges, situated in a hidden location on the banks of the Zambezi River

Experience Tongabezi Lodge

Highlights and Activities at Tongabezi:

Why We Love Tongabezi Lodge:

FAQs About Tongabezi Lodge

When is the best time to stay at Tongabezi Lodge?

How Close is Tongabezi Lodge to Victoria Falls and Livingstone?

Is Tongabezi Lodge Suitable for Families?

What Activities are Included in a stay at Tongabezi Lodge?

What Makes Tongabezi Lodge Unique

Can I Combine A Stay at Tongabezi with a Safari in Botswana or Zambia?

What room types are available at Tongabezi Lodge?

Why Choose Tongabezi Lodge in Zambia

Victoria Falls Tours

Accommodation Variety

River & Safari Activities

Livingstone Island Experience

Adventure Activities

Sampan Dinners

Ready to start planning Luxury Safari?

Top Luxury Safari Lodges Near Victoria Falls

Toka Leya

Thorntree River Lodge

Victoria Falls River Lodge

Toka Leya

Thorntree River Lodge

Victoria Falls River Lodge

Explore These Inspiring Safari Itineraries

11-Day Cape Town to Victoria Falls

14-Day Cape Town & Big Five Honeymoon

Waterfalls and Wildlife

What Ubuntu Travelers Are Saying