Tongabezi Lodge

Tongabezi Lodge is a boutique stay near Victoria Falls. Tongabezi sits on a quiet bend of the upper Zambezi with open-sided houses and cottages built into the riverbank. The lodge also runs trips to Livingstone Island, at the very lip of the falls, where in the dry months guides lead swimmers to Devil's Pool.

Who it suits

• Honeymoons
• Devil's Pool
• Privacy

Location

Upstream on the Zambezi, about 20 minutes from Livingstone. Read our Victoria Falls guide for the best time to visit and how to get there. See our Zambia guide for parks, seasons and getting there.

Getting there

The nearest town is Victoria Falls town (Zimbabwe) and Livingstone (Zambia). Fly into Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) or Harry Mwanga Nkumbula Airport, Livingstone (LVI). Tongabezi Lodge works well combined with 14 Days Grand Waterfalls of Africa: Murchison to Victoria, 5 Days Victoria Falls Adventure.

Things to do from Tongabezi Lodge

The upper Zambezi here is wide and calm, with islands, hippos and birdlife, so canoeing and boat trips are part of daily life. Livingstone Island and Devil's Pool are reached by boat downstream. The falls themselves, Livingstone town and the airport are about 20 to 30 minutes by road.

How long to stay

Three nights lets you combine a day at the falls with slower days on the river. It suits the end of a safari, when you want time to rest. Victoria Falls: March–July for thundering water; August–December for clear views, Devil's Pool and rafting.

Other places to stay nearby

• The Victoria Falls Hotel (classic): Victoria Falls town, a short walk from the rainforest entrance.
• The Royal Livingstone (luxury): On the Zambezi riverbank inside Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia.
• Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (mid-range): On a ridge above a waterhole, 4 km from Victoria Falls town.
• Matetsi Victoria Falls (luxury): A private reserve on the Zambezi, 40 minutes upstream of the falls.

Rates vary by season and room type; ask for current rates and availability.