About Tangala House
Tangala House is the private home of Ben Parker, one of Tongabezi's founders, his wife Vanessa, who works ...
... closely with the local schools in the area, and their young family. It stands on the banks of the Zambezi River, near to Tongabezi Lodge, about 15km upstream from the Victoria Falls.
Accommodation
4 bedrooms
Children
Open
All year
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Canoeing
Cultural excursion
Elephant encounter
Fishing
Helicopter
Kayaking
Microlight
White-water rafting







Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the safaris. See our 18 pictures of Tangala House to get the candid view.
View galleryTangala House: Our full report
Tangala House is the private home of Ben Parker, one of Tongabezi's founders, his wife Vanessa, who works ...
... closely with the local schools in the area, and their young family. It stands on the banks of the Zambezi River, near to Tongabezi Lodge, about 15km upstream from the Victoria Falls.
The house has been designed with style; it's large and completely furnished. In fact, staying here is staying in a real home – complete with the children's toys, books, and a fully-equipped kitchen.
Tangala House sleeps eight people comfortably, and makes an ideal stay for a family holiday. It has four bedrooms. Three of these are en suite, there's also a bathroom, a separate loo, a spacious kitchen/dining room, a children's playroom, a large living room opening onto a thatch veranda, a snuggery with fireplace and a 12m swimming pool.
Tangala comes fully serviced and staffed by team members from Tongabezi Lodge – including a chef and an experiences guide with a 4WD for excursions in the Livingstone area.
The house is ideal for families. It has glass windows all round and was designed to keep insects out! Staying here you'll often see elephant drinking from the opposite side of the river, as well as crocodiles and hippopotamus in the river. It's a great spot for birdwatching; so far they've noted over 145 species just from their kitchen window!
If you're planning a family safari, then in addition to Tangala House you might also consider including a trip to Zambia's other 'houses' which have been designed with families in mind. In the South Luangwa National Park, Robin Pope Safaris run the Robin's House and the Luangwa Safari House - both of which work very well for families or small groups.
For something completely different, families can have the old stately home at Shiwa Ng'andu largely to themselves – and a whole range of activities from game drives and horse-riding to archaeology projects are possible there!
Meanwhile, in the Lower Zambezi National Park, the spectacular Chongwe River House, was designed from scratch with families and small groups in mind.
Geographics
- Location
- Livingstone & Victoria Falls, Zambia
- Ideal length of stay
- Note there's a minimum 3-night stay here; we'd recommend 4-5 days as ideal - including time just to relax!
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Dining style
- Group Meals
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Special interests
- Family holidays
- Tangala House near Tongabezi is a lovely family home that can be privately hired by up to eight guests – complete with toys, books, a 12m pool and kitchen. Its location is well-suited for Zambia family safari holidays including a visit to the Victoria Falls.
- See ideas for Family holidays in Zambia
- Birdwatching
- Tangala has its own nice, quiet spot on the Zambezi. This makes it an excellent and fairly undisturbed place for birdwatching in Zambia; the boat trips from here are also excellent.
- See ideas for Birdwatching in Zambia
- Private villas & houses
- The stylish Tangala House is a lovely private house in Zambia’s Victoria Falls area that feels like a home - hosting up to eight guests. Expect excellent service from your private staff and enjoy activities like trips to the Falls or exploring the wildlife area near Livingstone.
- See ideas for Private villas & houses in Zambia
- Luxury
- Tangala House was designed as a luxurious family house, and is used mostly by its owners. However, it can be hired for a private group of up to eight – with a staff which includes a chef, a driver, and guides to show you around Livingstone and the Falls.
- See ideas for Luxury in Zambia
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Generally recommended for children
- Yes
- Notes
- A real family home - and a large and stylish one at that!
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Fire safety
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Canoeing
Cultural excursion
Elephant encounter
Fishing
Helicopter
Kayaking
Microlight
White-water rafting
Extras
- Disabled access
- Laundry facilities
- Full Laundry Service - Included
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Tangala House's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Tangala House.
Excursions from Tangala House
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Tangala House. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.

Chobe Day Trip
Full day - typically around 11 hours
For a top safari experience while visiting the Victoria Falls, don’t miss a day trip to Botswana’s Chobe National Park. Easily reachable from Livingstone, Zambia or Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Chobe boasts some of the best wildlife densities in southern Africa, with exceptional numbers of elephant drawn by the permanent waters of the Chobe River.
More about Chobe Day Trip
Fishing on the Zambezi River
Three hours or Seven hours
Many people head to Livingstone not just to see the Victoria Falls, but also to relax after an international flight or a busy safari, and a perfect way to do this is with a fishing trip on the calmer sections of the Zambezi River above the falls, drifting with the current, casting your line, and keeping an eye out for wildlife on the banks.
More about Fishing
Guided tour of Victoria Falls
Two hours - AM & PM departures
One of the seven Natural Wonders of the World, the mighty Victoria Falls has to be seen to be believed. Why not take an expertly guided trip to learn about the history, geology, flora and fauna of one of Africa's most spectacular sites?
More about Tour of the Falls
Helicopter Flight - Zambia
12 or 25 minute flights
Witnessing the power of the Victoria Falls from the ground is a stunning sight, but to see the world’s largest waterfall from the air is a very different experience! A helicopter flight over the Falls is truly incredible, and a worthy addition to your time in Livingstone.
More about Helicopter Flight
Historical Bridge Tour
Two hours - AM & PM departures
A feat of engineering the Victoria Falls Bridge was built in 1905 as part of Cecil Rhodes' vision to link the Cape to Cairo. With an expert guide and the appropriate safety equipment you'll not only discover the wonders of this Victorian marvel but also gain a unique perspective of the Victoria Falls themselves.
More about Bridge Tour
Livingstone Island & Devil's Pool
Three hours
Victoria Falls is one of the world's natural wonders, and a huge attraction for many visitors to southern Africa. We're often asked if the waterfall is best viewed from the Zambian or Zimbabwean side, but we think the best way to experience the full majesty of the falls is from the middle with a visit to Livingstone Island.
More about Livingstone Island
Rhino Walk
Around four hours - mornings only
Spend an unforgettable morning on a walking safari tracking Mosi-oa-Tunya’s small population of white rhino, with a strong chance of being able to approach these endangered creatures on foot.
More about Rhino Walk
Royal Livingstone Express
Four hours approx.
The Royal Livingstone Express is a lovingly restored steam train. Guests steam along the original Rhodesian railway line onto the stunning Victoria Falls Bridge. From here guests can marvel at the falls and the Batoka Gorge before enjoying 5-courses of fine dining.
More about Royal Livingstone Express
The Elephant Café
Approximately four hours
Visiting The Elephant Café is a great combination of a magical elephant encounter and fine dining. Spend time getting to know the elephants, some of them rescued from the wild many years ago, and others born into the herd. Then sit down and enjoy a delicious meal overlooking the Zambezi.
More about The Elephant CaféOther lodges in Livingstone & Victoria Falls
Alternative places to stay in this same area.

Avani Victoria Falls
Just a few minutes' walk from the Victoria Falls, with access for guests included, the Avani features good facilities in peaceful grounds at a modest price.

Royal Livingstone Hotel
Conveniently located just a short walk from the Zambia. side of the Victoria Falls, the colonial-style Royal Livingstone has beautiful grounds and small but quite luxurious rooms.

Tongabezi
Secluded on the banks of the Zambezi, less than 20km from the Victoria Falls, Tongabezi is one of the most exclusive lodges in Zambia.

Waterberry Lodge
Offering great value for money and within easy reach of the Victoria Falls, Waterberry is a small, family-friendly lodge on the banks of the Zambezi River.

Islands of Siankaba
In a lovely location on the Zambezi upriver of the Victoria Falls, Islands of Siankaba provides a tranquil setting to relax at the start or end of a safari to Botswana or Zambia.

Toka Leya Camp
The new Toka Leya Camp stands beside the Zambezi inside Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park – so wildlife often passes through. It's a comfortable tented camp which has great service and includes a range of activities.

The River Club
The River Club, near Zambia's town of Livingstone and the Victoria Falls, overlooks the Zambezi River.

Sindabezi
Sindabezi, near Zambia's town of Livingstone and the Victoria Falls, is an island in the middle of the Zambezi River

Thorntree River Lodge
Rebuilt in 2017, Thorntree River Lodge is one of the best riverside lodges in Livingstone, with a strong sense of the environment and straightforward access to the Falls.

David Livingstone Lodge
The four-star David Livingstone Safari Lodge is in a lovely spot on the edge of the Zambezi River in Zambia, close to the Victoria Falls.

Sussi & Chuma
Sussi & Chuma combines a luxurious, laid-back camp with a good location on the Zambezi River, with quick access to the Victoria Falls.
When to go to Livingstone & Victoria Falls
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Tangala House in Livingstone & Victoria Falls
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Livingstone & Victoria Falls in January
At the peak of Livingstone's green season, expect heavy rainfall for a few hours most days with sunny spells in between. Temperatures remain high, reaching over 30°C/86°F with high humidity.
The landscape around Victoria Falls is lush and green, offering spectacular views of the falls at their fullest. However, the abundance of water disperses wildlife in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, making game viewing challenging.
The high water levels in the Zambezi River limit some activities like whitewater rafting and visits to Devil's Pool. On the bright side, this is an excellent time for birdwatching in the park, with many migratory species present.
The Livingstone Museum provides a great indoor activity option during rainy periods.
- Hot and humid with frequent rainfall
- Victoria Falls at high water level, misty views
- Lush green landscape, great for photography
- Wildlife dispersed, game viewing challenging
- Low tourist numbers, cheaper accommodation
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in January
Livingstone & Victoria Falls in February
February remains in the heart of the green season in Livingstone. Dramatic thunderstorms deliver a few hours of rain most days, interspersed with clear sunny skies.
Victoria Falls is at its most powerful, creating an impressive spectacle of mist and rainbows. The high water levels in the Zambezi River allow for thrilling boat trips, offering unique perspectives of the falls and surrounding landscapes.
While game viewing in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is limited due to thick vegetation, you might spot animals with newborns. The Livingstone Museum and local markets provide cultural experiences during rainy periods. This is also an excellent time to enjoy spa treatments and relaxation at riverside retreats, taking in the lush, green scenery.
- Peak of green season, hot and humid days
- Victoria Falls impressive but views obscured
- Birdwatching excellent with migratory species
- Most adventure activities unavailable
- Quiet tourist season, best hotel deals
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in February
Livingstone & Victoria Falls in March
March is the last month of Livingstone's green season, with heavy downpours still occurring most days. Water levels at Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River are at their highest, creating a magnificent, thunderous display. While this limits some activities like whitewater rafting and visits to Devil's Pool, it's an excellent time for scenic flights over the falls.
In Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, wildlife viewing remains challenging due to thick vegetation, but patient observers might be rewarded with sightings of predators taking advantage of vulnerable young animals. The Livingstone Museum offers insights into local history and culture on rainy days.
As the season transitions, some adventure activities begin to resume, and the lush landscape provides stunning backdrops for photography.
- Rains begin to subside, still hot and humid
- Victoria Falls at its most powerful
- Landscape lush and green, photogenic
- Wildlife with young, but viewing difficult
- Fewer tourists, great for budget travellers
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in March
Livingstone & Victoria Falls in April
As Livingstone transitions from intense downpours to lighter, sporadic showers, April marks a shift in tourist activities. Victoria Falls remains impressive, though water levels start to decrease slightly. This is the first month when it's possible to visit Livingstone Island, offering unique views of the falls.
In Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, as the landscape begins to dry, wildlife viewing gradually improves. Adventure activities like whitewater rafting on the Zambezi River start to become available again.
The Livingstone Museum and local craft markets provide cultural experiences, while the town's restaurants and bars offer a taste of local cuisine and nightlife. This is also an excellent time for relaxing spa treatments and golf, with pleasant temperatures and decreasing humidity.
- Transition month, rains becoming less frequent
- Victoria Falls spectacular but misty
- Adventure activities slowly resuming
- Wildlife viewing improving as bush thins
- Moderate tourist numbers, good value stays
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in April
Livingstone & Victoria Falls in May
May typically marks the start of Livingstone's dry season. While there's a chance of an odd shower, most days are clear and sunny. As winter approaches, temperatures start to drop, with highs around 26°C/79°F.
Victoria Falls remains impressive, but water levels decrease, improving visibility. This is an excellent time for activities like whitewater rafting on the Zambezi River and visiting Devil's Pool.
In Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, game viewing improves as vegetation thins out. Walking safaris become more feasible, offering close encounters with wildlife. Cultural experiences at Livingstone and Mukuni villages are enjoyable in the mild weather. Adventure activities like bungee jumping and gorge swinging at Victoria Falls are in full swing.
- Start of dry season, clearer and cooler
- Victoria Falls views improving
- White water rafting season begins
- Game viewing getting better in national park
- Tourist numbers increasing, book in advance
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in May
Livingstone & Victoria Falls in June
Livingstone sees virtually no rainfall in June, with a strong chance of sunny days throughout. The humidity drops dramatically, and temperatures fall to around 10°C/50°F at night but still warm to 25°C/77°F during the day.
Victoria Falls offers clearer views as mist decreases, making it ideal for photography. This is a prime time for activities like whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, and visiting Devil's Pool. In Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, the thinning vegetation significantly improves game viewing and walking safaris.
Sunset cruises on the Zambezi River are particularly beautiful this time of year. Early morning and late evening activities may require warm clothing.
- Cool dry days, chilly nights
- Victoria Falls views excellent
- Prime time for white water rafting
- Wildlife viewing good in Mosi-oa-Tunya park
- High season begins, busier and pricier
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in June
Livingstone & Victoria Falls in July
As the dry season continues in Livingstone, vegetation dies back and water becomes scarcer. This results in excellent game viewing in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, with wildlife clustering around remaining water sources.
July is the first month of winter, and while daytime temperatures are in the 20s Celsius / 70s Fahrenheit, nights can be cold. Victoria Falls offers clear views with reduced mist, ideal for photography and activities like the 'Flight of Angels' helicopter rides. This is peak season for whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, and gorge swinging.
Cultural tours to Livingstone and Mukuni villages provide warm daytime activities. Sunset cruises on the Zambezi River offer spectacular views and wildlife sightings. Remember to pack warm clothes for early morning and evening activities.
- Cool and dry, perfect weather
- Victoria Falls views at their best
- Ideal for all outdoor and water activities
- Excellent game viewing opportunities
- Peak tourist season, book well in advance
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in July
Livingstone & Victoria Falls in August
By August, Livingstone's landscape is dry, and wildlife in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park congregates around remaining water sources, providing excellent game viewing opportunities. With virtually no chance of rain, sunny days are almost guaranteed.
The flow over Victoria Falls is reducing, so views are clear, not misty; there are often perfect conditions for activities like whitewater rafting and visits to Devil's Pool. This is an ideal time for walking safaris in the national park. Cultural experiences at local villages are enjoyable in the mild daytime temperatures. Adventure activities like bungee jumping and gorge swinging at the falls are popular.
Sunset cruises on the Zambezi River offer stunning views and wildlife sightings. Early morning and evening activities can be chilly, so warm clothing is recommended.
- Warm days, cool nights, very dry
- Low water levels, great for Devil's Pool
- White water rafting at its most thrilling
- Wildlife concentrated near water sources
- Very busy, highest prices for accommodation
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Livingstone & Victoria Falls in September
September is one of the most popular times to visit Livingstone. Rain is almost unheard of, humidity is low, and temperatures are starting to climb. The flow over Victoria Falls can be greatly reduced and so offers clear views with minimal mist, perfect for photography and activities like the 'Flight of Angels' helicopter rides.
This is prime time for whitewater rafting on the Zambezi River and visiting Devil's Pool. In Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, game viewing is at its best as wildlife clusters around scarce water sources. Walking safaris offer excellent opportunities to see animals up close.
Adventure activities like bungee jumping and gorge swinging are in full swing. Sunset cruises on the Zambezi are particularly beautiful this time of year.
- Hot days, warm nights, very dry
- Low water at the Falls, best for rock swimming
- Excellent for all adventure activities
- Peak time for wildlife viewing
- Still high season, busy and expensive
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Livingstone & Victoria Falls in October
As the dry season peaks in Livingstone, the landscape is brown and barren. Victoria Falls is at its lowest flow, revealing the full extent of the rocky gorge. This is the best time for whitewater rafting on the Zambezi River and swimming in Devil's Pool.
In Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, game viewing reaches its peak as animals concentrate around remaining water sources. However, temperatures can be uncomfortably hot, reaching over 40°C/104°F in the daytime. This makes walking safaris challenging, especially without shade.
Cultural experiences at local villages are best enjoyed in the cooler mornings or evenings. Adventure activities like bungee jumping and gorge swinging continue, but the heat can be intense. Sunset cruises on the Zambezi offer a cooler alternative and excellent wildlife viewing.
- Very hot days and nights
- Lowest water levels at Victoria Falls
- Best month for white water rafting
- Wildlife viewing excellent as water scarce
- Tourist numbers start to decrease
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
Livingstone & Victoria Falls in November
November typically marks the end of the dry season in Livingstone. While the timing of the first rains is uncertain, temperatures remain high and humidity builds.
Victoria Falls is at its lowest flow, offering unique views of the rocky gorge. This is the last chance for activities like swimming in Devil's Pool before water levels rise. In Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, wildlife viewing can still be excellent early in the month, but animals start to disperse as soon as the rains arrive.
Adventure activities like bungee jumping and gorge swinging continue, weather permitting. As the month progresses, the landscape begins to transform with the first rains, bringing a burst of green growth.
- Hot and humid, occasional rain showers
- Water levels at Victoria Falls increasing
- Some adventure activities become limited
- Wildlife starts to disperse with early rains
- Shoulder season, fewer tourists
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Livingstone & Victoria Falls in December
December marks the start of Livingstone's green season, with heavy thunderstorms most days interspersed by sunny spells. Victoria Falls begins to slowly increase in volume, offering a mix of clear views and building mist.
Water-based activities on the Zambezi River, like whitewater rafting, may be suspended as water levels rise.
In Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, the arrival of rain disperses wildlife, making game viewing more challenging. However, this is an excellent time for birdwatching as migratory species arrive.
The Livingstone Museum provides a great indoor activity option during rainy periods. Cultural experiences at local villages offer insights into seasonal traditions. Despite the rain, adventure activities like bungee jumping and gorge swinging continue when weather permits. The landscape transforms into a lush, green paradise.
- Green season begins, hot and humid
- Victoria Falls gaining water volume
- Many adventure activities unavailable
- Wildlife dispersed, viewing more challenging
- Low season, quiet with cheaper rates
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in December

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