Archived News >Green Alert 2009 > Exclusive lodges

		Exclusive Lodges
	Nine small exclusive lodges at the edge of the Zambezi

Tired of the big hotels? Looking for that wilderness and safari paradise for exclusive groups of 8-24 people? These nine extraordinary lodges are all dramatically and remotely located on the edge of the mighty Zambezi River 15-40 kms upstream of Victoria Falls on the Zambian side of the river.

Imagine a quality safari lodge on your own exclusive island in the middle of the mighty Zambezi? Or on its banks at a remote and idyllic spot. Elephants and other wildlife constantly in view and the sounds of grunting hippos and gentle rapids making you realise that this is indeed a sublime spot in Africa.

A key Green Route credo is: We’ll give you something you never knew you wanted.” And in this context we can offer you not one but NINE remarkable incentive-class lodges between15-40 km upstream of the Victoria Falls on the Livingstone (Zambia) side. Lodges not many incentive planners even dream exist and, for smaller groups, a great alternative to the three bigger established hotels.

The River Club
Offering a superb vista 18 kms upstream from Victoria Falls it faces west into the sunset and onto the Zambezi National Park. The River Club has a distinct Edwardian flavor and offers ten luxury thatched chalets that overlook the Zambezi River, and have en-suite facilities with astonishing views. The swimming pool is iconic and has a magnificent view over the Zambezi, but another big plus is the genial owner/host, ex British Army man Peter Jones. Our real favourite and worth the price tag.

Tongabezi Lodge
With 10 rooms it is adjacent to The River Club and so together could take a group of 40, though Tongabezi is more ethnic and chic and some thatched rooms are open-fronted to emphasize the dramatic views.

Toka Leya
The newest of the up market lodges along the banks of the Zambezi 10km upstream of the Falls it is small and elegant with 10 lodges.

Sindabezi Island
Incredibly remote and an eco paradise with just five thatched lodges on a small island 17km upstream of the Falls. A basic but beautiful camp – no electricity. Great for canoe and boat safaris and fishing. If there is ultimate tranquility and peace then this must be it!

Sussi Lodge
Another quality up market lodge 14km upstream with 12 stand-alone thatched en-suite lodges built tree-house style on raised wooden walkways. Its location is also superb and you’ll often see elephants beneath your bungalow migrating through the park. A dramatic feature is the stunning deck overlooking the river.

Chuma House
Actually two high-end and spacious luxury villas each with two en-suite rooms and a pool. These are adjacent to and owned by Sussi Lodge and therefore a VIP group of 32 could use this property.

Islands of Siankaba
A distant 40km upstream of the Falls this is a 7-room exclusive lodge on an exquisite island. A bit far to readily tap in to the activities at Victoria Falls but good for a night stop en-route to Chobe, Botswana as a “trail of the Zambezi”.

Thorntree Lodge
Nine stand-alone chalets at the very edge of the Zambezi 14km upstream of the Falls. This is a mid-range lodge with superb location and the notable feature of being home to the elephant-back safaris and walking with the lions. Tangala House A large private house 20km upstream of the Falls suitable for four couples. Very reasonable price and a good option for small VIP group.

OUR RATING
For small incentive groups with decent budget our top four ranking of these properties is: 1, The River Club; 2, Sussi Lodge; 3, Toka Leya; 4, Tongabezi.