Reviews of Tongabezi

"Walking back through the reception to our room we both said why haven't we been back here before now, the changes made since our last visit six and half years ago enhance the facilities.

A relaxing end to our holiday, food was excellent, the staff very attentive." See all these reviews: 10n in Zimbabwe; 2n in Zambia

"A wonderful way to end our trip. A most relaxing and comfortable environment.

The visit to Victoria Falls was memorable and the day spent on the Zambezi was wonderful" See all these reviews: 8n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia

"Lovely place on the banks of the Zambezi. The rooms are very luxurious and spacious and the staff went out of their way to look after us. Isaac, our personal valet was charming and helpful as was Thomas in the restaurant. Everyone is friendly and welcoming and the whole ethos is to make guests feel pampered. The guides were very good. There is a certain lack of organisation manifest when trying to check out. However, Juliet, the manager is delightful and welcoming and provided a fantastic day room as we were leaving in the afternoon and they needed us to check out of our room - a nice touch not seen in many places.

Health and safety is excessive and intrusive - life jackets on every boat trip and indemnities to be signed in advance. Given the cost of the accommodation, it is a shame that entrance into the falls, game park and any transfers to non-Tongabezi activities were charged extra. The cost of the trip to Livingstone island - which is managed by Tongabezi - was pretty steep. I felt that the management were trying to extract every last dollar from guests. The activities manager was selling activities rather than offering experiences.

The food was mixed -sometimes excellent, othertimes less so. Quantities were very (over) generous with both lunch and dinner being 3 courses. There was a choice of main course but all came with multiple vegetables - one couldn't choose either content or quantity. Unfortunately I also got food poisoning.........

There is no atmosphere and very limited contact with other guests. It is more like a luxurious spa than a safari camp and could disappoint anyone who is there to see animals - except for rhinos which are not found in South Luangwa. However, it is a lovely luxurious place to stay when visiting the falls and to chill out at the end of a safari." See all these reviews: 14n in Zambia

"We loved our stay at Tongabezi. The facility is breathtaking and our valet Japhet took very good care of us.

The service was friendly and efficient and our every need or desire was taken care of. It was so good that we were afraid the rest of our visit wouldn't be able to measure up but that turned out not to be a problem. I would recommend Tongbezi to anyone without reservation." See all these reviews: 13n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia

"Very luxurious too many guides made it feel a little disjointed no overall host" See all these reviews: 7n in Zambia

"a great way to end with a rest at a beautiful location
worth doing the sunrise and sunset cruises
definitely recommend the 30 minute helicopter flight over the falls and gorge - what a thrill
Raphael an excellent guide" See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia

"Very impressed how we moved from camp to camp with no difficulties.

The staff were particularly helpful, especially as they helped us when we were looking for a particular item in the shops.

The only comment I would make about this leg of the trip was how comparatively expensive the activities were. While I realise you have no control over this it may be worth informing visitors of this fact." See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia

"Location

Beautiful situation in Zambia overlooking Zambezi river. A little far from the Victoria Falls and we were not told that the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls were dry at this time of year. The lodge advised that the walk at them was not worthwhile.

Rooms

Well laid out with luxurious single houses with balcony and veranda. Nice room, bathroom with shower and bath. Fans, fridge and safe. Good bed with mosquito net. Subject to occasional power failures.

Service

Excellent with personal valet who ran bath for us.

Food

Good with nice variety. However it sometimes took a little long to arrive.

Activities

Excellent range but some were difficult to book - particularly the visit to Livingstone Island, the only way to see the Victoria Falls close up from Zambia. We did finally get on it and it was spectacular but t would probably have been advisable to have pre-booked from the UK.

The 30 minute helicopter ride over the Falls and through the gorges was expensive but spectacular.

The nearby wild life reserve has one of the few herds of White Rhino which we were lucky enough to see. The rest of the reserve is not worth driving round if you have come from other reserves/safaris.

The sunset cruise was pleasant.

Most activities are an "extra" at this lodge and we ended up spending a significant amount of extra money doing them.

Facilities

Good but the main emphasis is on romanticism and in this it succeeds superlatively. Private meals are available on your own terrace. A feature for us was the interesting nature of the other guests with whom we had fascinating conversations in the evening over drinks around the fire and over shared dinners." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia

"We loved it here. Had our own private family quarters with a sitting room, two rooms and a plunge pool. There were many activities on offer and we spent a lot of time on the river. A stunning location with wonderful staff.

I met Ben and Vanessa and talked to them about Tongabezi and the school. The food was amazing and I want them to bring out a cook book ASAP!" See all these reviews: 7n in Zambia

"A beautiful setting and an amazing room - we stayed in the Tree House.

Service here was absolutely top class, starting with our 'personal valet'. Sunsets over the Zambesi form our room were a truly memorable experience, as was dining on the river and island

Victoria Falls were, of course, an amazing sight" See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana; 3n in Zambia; 1n in South Africa