It’s official, Zambia now has a new claim to fame and can proudly boast that – according to Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List for 2018 – we host one of the top 20 hotels in the World! The luxurious and romantic hideaway, Tongabezi Lodge has propelled Zambia into the limelight for those travel hungry subscribers that enjoy some of the finer things in life with a big side-order of adventure.

Tongabezi Lodge is tucked away on the banks of the Zambezi River, just upstream from Victoria Falls. It offers a unique ‘barefoot luxury’ experience, where indulgence and tradition are perfectly blended to create something so special that it manages to grab your heart and forever holds a little place in it.

Want to know why they made the grade?

ACCOMMODATION:

Elegant and lavish accommodation offers private cottages and themed houses which include ‘The Tree House’ – set against the basalt rock bed in the branches of three riverine Ebony trees, ‘The Nut House’ with its private infinity plunge pool, and ‘The Dog House’ which sits on elevated stilts overhanging the Zambezi itself. All rooms enjoy spectacular views of the Zambezi or are nestled away for that secluded hideaway feel.

The Tree House The Nut House The Dog House

FOOD:

All accommodation comes with a personal valet who can be contacted at any time and your meals are served wherever and whenever you choose. You can even have your meal delivered to you by canoe while dine on the floating sampan in the middle of the Zambezi River with the grunts of the hippo and birdlife as your dinner-time soundtrack.

Floating sampan dining

The Executive Chef has recently launched a new tapas-style menu which offers a selection of dishes inspired by fresh, locally grown or produced ingredients, many of which come from their own food garden. Other dishes include; Thai-style Zambezi bream fish cakes, spicy beef salad, and a crustless cashew-maple pie with cocoa cashew butter.

New tapas-style dishes

ACTIVITIES:

The idea is that you can do as much or as little as you choose at Tongabezi. You can put your feet up and laze for the entirety of your luxurious stay or take part in some of the bucket-list activities!

A trip to Victoria Falls is surely not to be missed and a dip in Devil’s Pool if you dare! You can enjoy tours of Livingstone Island, romantic private sand bar picnics, a sunrise or sunset boat cruise, game drives, an introduction to the Samonga village and Tujatane (the Tongabezi Trust School). If you are still craving more action – then take a helicopter or microlight flight over Victoria Falls, or even try white-water rafting.

Devil’s Pool, Victoria Falls

Condé Nast Traveler are a world-renowned, top luxury travel publication, so not only is this a great achievement for Tongabezi Lodge, but also for Zambia! The lodge is also currently in the running for an award from Travel & Leisure as part of their World’s Best Awards so don’t be afraid to vote and help keep Zambia at the top!

Words by Jess Fogarty