
Tongabezi Lodge
Going with the family flow
Tongabezi Lodge doesn’t simply sit beside the Zambezi—it seems to breathe with it, each element of the space in quiet dialogue with the river’s steady flow. The lodge’s design doesn’t aim to impress with opulence or flash, but rather to complement its surroundings, respecting the natural rhythms of Zambia and the lives of the people who call it home. From the moment you step onto its grounds, there’s a sense of calm that wraps around you—a sense that here, time stretches to accommodate the gentle pace of discovery.

The layout of the lodge reveals itself gradually as if encouraging guests to explore at their own speed. Stone paths meander through gardens and trees, leading to spaces that feel both open and private, with 11 different villas, cottages and houses tucked away, yet somehow perfectly placed. Tongabezi isn’t about showy displays or grandeur; it’s about those smaller, intimate moments of connection that happen when you’re least expecting them. Whether it’s a hidden dining spot by the water or a quiet bench with a view of the river, the lodge offers a quiet invitation to pause, to notice, to be still.
The Dog House Family Villa embodies this ethos beautifully. It’s not just a space to stay but a space to live—designed with an eye for both comfort and connection. The spacious living area opens directly onto a deck and private pool, offering an unobstructed view of the Zambezi. This view becomes the heartbeat of the home, ever-present, whether you’re gathering with family around the dining table or relaxing in the pool. The villa’s thoughtful design strikes a delicate balance between togetherness and privacy, with two separate sleeping quarters flanking the shared living space. It’s the kind of place where families can enjoy time together but also retreat to their respective corners when they need it—a true home away from home, but with the added magic of the African bush just beyond the doorstep.
The experience at Tongabezi is woven together by moments of quiet discovery. Every path seems to lead to something unexpected—whether it’s a secluded spot by the river or a meal served in a hidden outdoor dining room beneath the stars. Meandering from one part of the property to another feels less like a walk and more like an unfolding narrative, where each turn offers a new chapter. It is this sense of organic exploration that makes the lodge feel so immersive. While the design of Tongabezi is understated, it never feels lacking; instead, it amplifies the natural beauty of the landscape, framing the river, the wildlife, and the horizon in ways that feel effortless and profound.

And then there’s the river itself. A private cruise along the Zambezi at sunset is one of the lodge’s most cherished offerings, and for good reason. The gentle pace of the boat, the sounds of hippos and birdsong, and the sight of elephants grazing along the riverbank all create an atmosphere that’s both peaceful and awe-inspiring. The bush is at its most tranquil during these twilight hours, and the experience is heightened by the silence—broken only by the soft hum of the river and the occasional call of wildlife.
Back at the lodge, dining becomes an exploration of its own. Every evening, the setting shifts—one night it might be a candlelit dinner on the deck, the next, a communal meal under the thatched roof of the main lodge. What remains constant is the quality and thoughtfulness of the meals themselves, crafted from ingredients sourced from the Mukuni Organic Farm. The connection between the lodge and its community is most evident here, where the produce is grown sustainably, by locals, and served with care, reflecting a genuine respect for the land and its people.
This respect extends far beyond the kitchen. Tongabezi’s commitment to the local community is perhaps its most defining feature. The Tujatane School, founded by Ben and Vanessa Parker, serves nearly 300 students from the nearby village of Simonga. What began as a small initiative has grown into a vital part of the region, funded in part by guest donations and sustainable programs like the lodge’s reusable water bottle scheme. Tongabezi isn’t just a retreat for travellers; it’s a lifeline for the community, providing education, employment, and opportunity where it’s most needed. This sense of purpose sets the lodge apart from more conventional luxury destinations, giving it a depth and authenticity that can’t be manufactured.
The staff are integral to this experience, not just as service providers but as storytellers, guides, and caretakers. Many have been with Tongabezi for years, drawn from nearby villages and deeply invested in the lodge’s mission. Their warmth is palpable, whether they’re preparing a meal, leading a safari, or simply sharing a conversation at the end of the day. There’s a sense that, to them, Tongabezi is more than just a job—it’s a place of pride and belonging, and they extend that sense of welcome to every guest.
For families, Tongabezi offers a rare kind of luxury—one that’s found in the spaces between adventure and relaxation. The Dog House is the perfect home base for those looking to explore the Zambezi with their loved ones, but the lodge offers far more than just a place to stay. It’s a place where families can reconnect with each other and with nature, whether they’re setting off on a river safari, dining under the stars, or simply lounging by the pool with the sound of the river in the background. The memories made here feel organic and unforced, born out of shared experiences that unfold naturally over the course of the stay.
In the end, Tongabezi Lodge is a place where the lines between guest and host, luxury and simplicity, nature and humanity, blur. Every element of the lodge, from its design to its community-driven initiatives, is crafted with a sense of purpose and connection. It’s a place where you can feel the pulse of Zambia in the air, in the water, in the people. Tongabezi doesn’t just offer a stay—it offers a story, one that you carry with you long after you’ve left the river behind.
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