Tongabezi - Private Luxury On The Zambezi I

“When you go, choose your companions wisely. Africa is not to be wasted,” - Ernest Hemingway

There are romantic hideaways and then there is Tongabezi. Where better to enjoy a back-to-nature romance with a bit of luxury thrown in than to base yourself right on the banks of the Zambezi. If that name sounds familiar, you will no doubt know that it is the very river that gives birth to the mighty Victoria Falls - more on that to come. Tongabezi is hidden among the shadows of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. We were certainly in the mood to spoil ourselves while in Livingstone, and this place is definitely one that will spoil your mind, body, and soul - in a good way of course. Our one splurge on our 17-day tour of Southern Africa which started from Lusaka. You only live one! Livingstone was the second stop having started off in Lusaka days earlier. All the lodges at Tonagbezi have views of the Zambezi, apart from our Garden House Lodge. What it lacked in views of the river, it made up handsomely in the exclusively private pool we had to ourselves.  All the lodges are secluded offering guests privacy and comfort as if you were chillaxing in your own home and a luxury not experienced in many hotels or lodges. There are only nine lodges which mean guests are catered to with undivided attention from staff.  Have I mentioned that from the moment we arrived we were made to feel like little stars?  Oh, I did I not mention, each lodge is allocated its very own butler so to speak anything you need 24/7! Staff available exclusively to your lodge, I had died and gone to heaven...A knock on the lodge entrance brought me back to health as our breakfast arrived to be enjoyed in the comfort of our Garden House.

From the moment when our private entrance to our lodge was opened…I had to pick up my jaw from the floor before anyone noticed. The Garden lodge comes with a living area and dining, pool, and 2 bedrooms, of course, we only needed the one. Though it’s perfect if you are in a group of four or if you are coming with kids. An open shower so you can shower right under the stars in Africa. That warm trickle of water flowing, while the stars twinkle above. It’s as if the constellations were in on the treat of making guests feel like stars. 

And Relax | Listen to the roar of the fire and animals nearby

After settling in, we gathered with other guests to watch the sunset over the river in front of the roaring fire while hippos were huddled in small groups and calling out to one another. This was by far one of the best stays I have ever had in a while, surpassing my stay Hong Kong Stay with Victoria Harbour views or that little sanctuary in Israel’s Shlomi overlooking the Lebanese mountains. Those places were great but this is on another level. Dinner each night was a special treat, with candlelit gourmet feast followed by live acapella choir singing as entertainment. We also had the option of dining on a floating table on the Zambezi but dinner but forgot to book ahead. If you find yourself in Zambia, and by that I mean get your butt to Tongabezi pronto! In the most polite way, of course. Even for a night you have to experience our African hospitality - but be warned, you might not want to leave. You know what they say about Africans, we are always smiling…well, this place will show you why.

I realise Tongabezi is in the luxury category and may not cater to all budgets so for a list of hotels in Livingstone, head over to this list of hotels in Livingstone.

Reasons to go...

With a good eight months of sunshine, Zambia's subtropical weather and heat generates a very laid back vibe which resonates in the calm and peaceful people of Zambia. If that doesnt put a smile in your face you will be instantly uplifted by the glow of the sun making contact with your skin. Being back in Zambia felt like my spirit had reconnected with its home. It felt so good to be back home and introducing the mister to this part of my home country. It certainly helped that our very own butler exuded a passion for Livingstone with a contagious warmth and enthusiasm which made our stay that much more special.... 

Blow are some of the pictures from our stay at Tongabezi. In the next post I will share with you details of the offered with your stay.

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