Tongabezi

Tongabezi is a luxury lodge on the banks of the Zambezi River in Zambia, 20 kilometres upstream from the Victoria Falls and overlooking the Zambezi National Park on the opposite bank. The age limit at Tongabezi is seven years although this is flexible particularly when staying in the Garden House.

Accommodation & Facilities
Accommodation is in five thatched cottages and six spacious open plan stone and thatch houses, all with en-suite facilities and a view of the river. The cottages have a lounge, spacious bedroom with mosquito net canopy and a private deck area. The houses have distinctive architectural features, large decks, inside showers and outside baths with views over the Zambezi River.

Of the numerous accommodation options at Tongabezi, The Dog House and Garden House are the family specific rooms and are made up of two en-suite bedrooms with a lounge, dining area with fireplace and pool. The Garden House sleeps up to five, is set back from the river and is very safe and private and ideal for young families.   There is a heated private pool (which is 1.9m deep and has steps to get in and out) and a garden surrounded by a wall which offers security from the rest of the property and river areas.  The Dog House is on the river’s edge with elevated walkways over the river and is more suited to families with teenagers.  Beds can be added in both rooms and there is space enough for a family of six.  There is a private pool which is 1.9m deep and has steps to get in and out.

For larger family groups, a great option is to take the Garden House, Dog House and cottage five, which sleeps two,  as they are all in the same area of the lodge. Private family dinners can be set up in the Dog House which has a lovely dining / sitting / bar area.

Eating & Sleeping
Children can have separate meal times and the chef is happy to discuss the children’s preference on  arrival and provide accordingly.  Specific dietary requirements can be accommodated with prior notice.  A listening service is offered whereby a member of staff will listen out for the children if parents are having a later dinner.

Wildlife & Activities
Tongabezi is an ideal base for visiting Victoria Falls and offers a wide variety of activities including sunset and sunrise boat trips, bird walks and ‘Livingstone Day’ (Livingstone Museum, markets and lunch by the Falls). White water rafting, helicopter flights over the Victoria Falls, bungee jumps and horse rides are among many other activities that can be arranged at an additional charge.

Specifically for children…
All the guides are brilliant with families and children and most activities included at Tongabezi are suited to families.
• A visit to the Tujatane school where children can meet Zambian school kids is highly recommended.
• There are two children’s bikes and a selection of children’s life jackets available.
• A nice splash in the pool on a hot day will keep the kids entertained for a while.
• Cookie baking or pizza making in the kitchen.
• Arts and crafts at Tujatane – need to pre-arrange (dependant on school holidays).
• Treasure island hunt.
• Build your own catapult and kites.
• Drum playing and traditional dance.