Best Safari Lodges and Camps near the Zambezi: Where Wilderness Meets

Introduction

Nestled along the banks of the majestic Zambezi River, Southern Africa offers a collection of safari lodges and camps that redefine luxury amidst untamed wilderness. These accommodations not only provide a comfortable retreat but also immerse guests in the sights and sounds of Africa’s iconic landscapes and diverse wildlife. From the thundering Victoria Falls to the tranquil floodplains teeming with wildlife, each lodge and camp near the Zambezi promises a unique safari experience. Join us as we explore the top six Zambezi safari lodges and camps that epitomize luxury and adventure in this breathtaking region.

1. Royal Chundu, Zambia

Located on a private stretch of the Zambezi River, Royal Chundu offers an exclusive retreat in Zambia’s Lower Zambezi region. This award-winning lodge combines luxury with a deep respect for nature, providing guests with unparalleled views of the river and surrounding wilderness. Accommodations range from spacious riverfront suites to private villas with plunge pools, all designed to blend seamlessly with the natural environment.

Activities at Royal Chundu include boat safaris along the Zambezi, where guests can spot elephants bathing along the riverbanks and hippos wallowing in the shallows. Guided bush walks and cultural visits to local villages offer insights into the region’s rich heritage and traditional ways of life. Fine dining experiences showcase local flavors and ingredients, creating a culinary journey that complements the safari adventure.

2. Tongabezi Lodge, Zambia

Set on the banks of the Zambezi River upstream from Victoria Falls, Tongabezi Lodge offers a secluded and romantic retreat in Zambia’s Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. This luxury lodge features individually designed houses and cottages, each with its own unique character and breathtaking views of the river. Private decks, outdoor bathtubs, and open-air dining areas enhance the experience of being immersed in nature.

Guests at Tongabezi can explore the Zambezi River on sunset cruises, fishing excursions, and guided canoe trips, allowing for intimate encounters with wildlife such as elephants, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species. For adrenaline seekers, activities like white-water rafting and helicopter flights over Victoria Falls provide exhilarating experiences against the backdrop of one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls that’s makes it a trip you must visit in life time.

3. Thorntree River Lodge, Zambia

Thorntree River Lodge embodies luxury and sustainability in Zambia’s Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, offering panoramic views of the Zambezi River and the distant spray of Victoria Falls. The lodge’s eco-conscious design incorporates natural materials and solar power, ensuring minimal impact on the environment while providing guests with modern comforts and amenities.

Accommodations at Thorntree River Lodge include spacious suites with private plunge pools and outdoor showers, allowing guests to unwind in privacy while soaking in the sights and sounds of the Zambezi wilderness. Activities focus on both relaxation and adventure, with options such as game drives, walking safaris, and cultural visits to nearby villages. Sunset cruises and birdwatching excursions highlight the diversity of wildlife and birdlife that inhabit the riverbanks and surrounding bush.

4. Chiawa Camp, Zambia

Located in the heart of Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park, Chiawa Camp is renowned for its intimate safari experiences and exceptional hospitality. The camp’s tents and suites overlook the Zambezi River, providing guests with front-row seats to the daily wildlife dramas that unfold along the riverbanks. Each tent is elegantly furnished with a blend of modern amenities and traditional safari decor, creating a comfortable retreat in the wilderness.

Chiawa Camp offers a variety of activities designed to showcase the park’s abundant wildlife, including game drives, walking safaris, and catch-and-release fishing expeditions. Guided canoe trips along the Zambezi provide opportunities to encounter elephants bathing, hippos basking in the sun, and crocodiles gliding through the water. Evenings at Chiawa are spent around the campfire, swapping stories of the day’s adventures under the starlit African sky.

5. Old Drift Lodge, Zimbabwe

Set within Zambezi National Park in Zimbabwe, Old Drift Lodge offers a blend of luxury and adventure on the banks of the Zambezi River, just upstream from Victoria Falls. The lodge’s spacious suites and family tents feature private decks with plunge pools and outdoor showers, allowing guests to unwind while taking in panoramic views of the river and surrounding wilderness.

Activities at Old Drift Lodge include game drives in Zambezi National Park, where guests can spot elephants, lions, and a variety of antelope species against the backdrop of baobab trees and mopane forests. River safaris provide opportunities to observe hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife along the Zambezi, while guided walks offer insights into the park’s diverse ecosystems and wildlife conservation efforts. Cultural tours to Victoria Falls and Livingstone town showcase the region’s rich history and natural beauty.

6. Victoria Falls River Lodge, Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls River Lodge is a luxury safari lodge located on the banks of the Zambezi River within Zambezi National Park in Zimbabwe. The lodge offers exclusive tented accommodations with private decks overlooking the river, providing guests with uninterrupted views of wildlife and sunsets over the Zambezi.

Guests at Victoria Falls River Lodge can enjoy a range of activities, including game drives, river safaris, and guided walks in Zambezi National Park, where encounters with elephants, buffalos, and zebras are common. Sunset cruises on the Zambezi offer spectacular views of Victoria Falls in the distance, while cultural experiences and visits to local villages provide insights into Zimbabwean culture and traditions.

Conclusion

The safari lodges and camps near the Zambezi River exemplify the perfect blend of luxury and wilderness, offering discerning travelers unparalleled opportunities to experience Africa’s natural beauty and wildlife up close. Whether you seek adventure on game drives and walking safaris or prefer relaxation on sunset cruises and private deck views, each lodge and camp promises a unique and unforgettable safari experience. As custodians of these pristine environments, these lodges also contribute to conservation efforts, ensuring that future generations can continue to appreciate the magic of the Zambezi’s untamed landscapes and abundant wildlife.