Sindabezi Island

Sindabezi is a private island retreat in the waters of the Zambezi on the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls. The only one of its kind in the area, this African bush camp can be exclusively booked to ensure a private holiday away from the crowds. This is especially good if you’re planning a family getaway or a get together with a small group of friends. On the island you get to see a different side of Africa, as you find yourself face to face with nature and the joys of rustic living. There is no electricity on the island, and hot showers are supplied via buckets. But don’t let this put you off, as you definitely won’t be ‘roughing’ it on this secluded island. The many staff members at your service will see to that!

To reach the island, you are taken on a scenic boat ride or - if you’re lucky - a guided canoe trip downstream from Tongabezi, the main lodge. This takes about 20 minutes but we never even noticed the time as we were busy looking out for the various wild animals from the Zambezi National Park that come to drink at river’s edge.

Once on the island, we were taken to the main camp area which is set on fine river sand. Relaxation is the main activity on the island and the peace and tranquillity this island offers makes it quite easy to partake in. The staff are great and always at hand to cater to your every need. In addition each member is also a qualified guide, willing to teach you a thing or two about the local bird or wild life. They also make you feel quite at ease, especially when the island’s regular guest, Horace the hippo drops in for a visit.

Night time is truly an experience, especially if you’ve just arrived from a big city or town. As the island doesn’t have electricity it relies on wood fires and hurricane lamps (in the rooms) to light up the surroundings. This does however not affect the quality of the food or service you’ll receive on the island. The dining is of a five star standard and served on a proper set table (in case you were worried!). The best part is the fact that you not only dine under the very visible stars, but you are constantly reminded of your surroundings by the sounds of animals wallowing in the water and birds in the trees. It really is the closest you’ll get to the African bush without having to sleep on the ground.

In addition to the bird watching, fishing, game viewing and other activities offered at Sindabezi, all the activities at the main Tongabezi lodge are also available to Sindabezi guests. These include the various beauty treatments such as Shiatsu, Swedish and Sports massage, reflexology, aromatherapy, manicures and pedicures.

It really is quite an experience to be in such close proximity to animals such as elephants, hippos, baboons and the like without any risk of danger. If you’re after something different and yet luxurious in its own way, this is the place for you!

Sindabezi Island is ideal for private groups as it only sleeps ten people at a time. There are five open fronted thatched chalets that allow you to experience the sights and sounds of nature up close. The island has a very rustic feel to it, as wood fires replace electricity and showers come in the form of a bucket hoisted up a tree (they are hot, however). At night you’ll dine by candle light and once in your room, you’ll have a hurricane lamp to guide your way (you’ll be surprised to see how dark it can get, this far from civilization).
The sunrise over the flood plains of the river is quite a sight worth savouring. It was certainly one of the best parts of our stay.
 

Dinners consist of five star dining on the river sand, under a canopy of stars. Fresh fruit and vegetables are used throughout, and a local dish is always offered in conjunction with their European menu with an African twist. Fresh bream from the Zambezi features as well.
Island lunches and picnics can also be arranged. All meals, house wine and drinks are included in the package (except for premium wines, champagne, sparkling wines and liqueurs)
 

Location: Sindabezi is an island in the middle of the Zambezi River, upstream from the Victoria Falls. It is a 20 minute (3km) scenic boat or guided canoe ride from the main Tongabezi Lodge.

General facilities:
• Private guide, boat and vehicle
• All the additional activities at the main Tongabezi lodge (including beauty treatments such as massage, aromatherapy, manicures and pedicures)

Room facilities:
• Mosquito nets
• Hurricane lamps (no electricity)
• Hot water bucket showers (on demand)
• Private verandas overlooking the mighty Zambezi
• Sun loungers
Activities:
• bird watching (over two hundred species)
• Game viewing (elephants, hippos, many types of game, monkeys and baboons)

Included activities:
• Sunrise and sunset boat trips on the Zambezi
• Guided canoeing excursions
• Lunch on Chunda Island with guided walks
• Fishing (equipment provided)
• Visits to Victoria Falls
• Game drives on the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park (park fees are extra)
• Walks in the gorges below the Falls (Park fees are extra)
• Guided Museum Tours (Museum entrance is extra)
• Shopping trips to the Zambian side of the Falls
• Tujatane School (spend time with the children of the Tongabezi Trust School)

Excluded activities:
• Flights over the Falls
• Elephant Back Safaris
• Visit to Livingstone Island
• Visit to Mukuni Village
• Crocodile & Snake Park
• Bird watching with an expert
• White water rafting
• River-boarding the rapids
• The Gorge Swing
• Bungee Jumping
• Golf At Elephant Hills

Services:
• Laundry service (A complimentary laundry service is available at the lodge if required)
• Babysitting service
• Morning calls with tea/coffee/hot chocolate

Open: Sindabezi Island is open all year round.