Top 6 Best Safari Lodges & Camps Near the Zambezi River
Luxury, Wilderness, and Wonder Along Africa’s Legendary Waterway
Where the River Whispers the Secrets of the Wild (Lodges Camps Near the Zambezi River)
The Zambezi River—Africa’s fourth-longest river—is more than a body of water. It is a lifeline of legends, flowing through six countries and shaping the landscapes, cultures, and wildlife that surround it. From its origins in northwestern Zambia to its dramatic plunge over the iconic Victoria Falls, the Zambezi breathes life into vast ecosystems and nourishes some of the most spectacular safari regions on the continent.
For the discerning traveler seeking both raw wilderness and refined comfort, the banks of the Zambezi offer a collection of world-class safari lodges and camps that marry untamed nature with luxurious escape. These exclusive retreats are designed not only to immerse guests in the sounds and sights of the African bush but to provide intimate, soul-stirring moments that linger long after the journey ends.
Whether you’re watching elephants bathe from your private plunge pool, drifting along the river in a sunset cruise, or waking to the call of fish eagles echoing over the water, these lodges provide unrivaled access to Africa’s wild heart. Let’s journey through six of the finest safari camps and lodges near the Zambezi River—each offering a distinctive lens through which to experience the rhythm of this iconic waterway.
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Royal Zambezi Lodge, Lower Zambezi National Park – Elegance on the Edge of the Wild
Set at the confluence of luxury and wilderness, the Royal Zambezi Lodge rests gracefully on the banks of the Zambezi River, directly opposite the breathtaking Lower Zambezi National Park. This privately owned lodge is a masterclass in understated luxury, combining contemporary design with natural harmony. Thatched suites stretch along the riverfront, each offering open-air bathtubs, private decks, and uninterrupted views of elephants and hippos wandering nearby.
The lodge’s proximity to the park allows for extraordinary wildlife encounters, whether by boat, game vehicle, or on foot. Days begin with morning safaris through unspoiled terrain and end with candlelit dinners beneath ancient trees. Royal Zambezi also offers spa treatments, fishing expeditions, and canoe safaris, making it a haven for both relaxation and adventure. Here, every moment feels curated for tranquility and connection—to nature, to culture, and to oneself.
Chongwe River Camp, Lower Zambezi – A Canvas of Comfort and Conservation
Nestled at the meeting point of the Chongwe and Zambezi rivers, Chongwe River Camp is a place where luxury safari living meets environmental stewardship. The camp’s setting, shaded by winterthorn trees and framed by the dramatic Zambezi escarpment, offers panoramic views of wildlife and water, often without leaving your suite. Elephants frequently wander through camp, and lions are known to be heard in the night, reminding guests that they are deep within Africa’s wild pulse.
The camp’s tented suites are works of art, blending canvas, stone, and reclaimed wood with contemporary African aesthetics. Personalized service, gourmet cuisine, and a wide array of activities—from canoeing to cultural visits—ensure that each guest’s journey is as tailored as it is transformative. Chongwe is not only a lodge—it’s an immersive retreat that captures the essence of safari living while championing community and conservation.
Sausage Tree Camp, Lower Zambezi – An Icon of Ultra-Exclusive Safari Experience
Often heralded as one of Zambia’s most luxurious safari properties, Sausage Tree Camp offers a bespoke and ultra-private experience in the heart of the Lower Zambezi. With just a handful of tented suites—each complete with personal butlers, plunge pools, and uninterrupted views—the camp promises unparalleled exclusivity and intimacy.
Set against a backdrop of riverine forest and open floodplain, Sausage Tree blends minimalist elegance with natural textures. Game viewing is exceptional, with expertly guided game drives, walking safaris, and canoe trips that bring guests within breath-holding distance of wildlife. The Lower Zambezi is known for its thriving elephant population, big cats, and abundant birdlife, and this camp offers a front-row seat to it all. At night, guests dine beneath the stars beside a fire-lit riverbank—a fitting end to days steeped in wonder.
Toka Leya Camp, Zambia – A Riverside Sanctuary Near Victoria Falls
Just upstream from the thunderous Victoria Falls lies Toka Leya Camp, a serene eco-luxury lodge operated by Wilderness Safaris. Perched on raised wooden decks above the Zambezi River, the camp seamlessly blends into the surrounding riverine forest, offering a peaceful yet vibrant base for exploration.
The camp’s location offers a rare duality—close enough to enjoy the adrenaline and wonder of Victoria Falls, yet far enough to feel immersed in the quiet hum of the bush. Each tented suite is elegantly appointed with glass doors opening to expansive decks, inviting the river’s presence into every moment. Activities here range from white-water rafting and guided tours of the falls to relaxed river cruises and wildlife-rich drives in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. Toka Leya is where adventure meets serenity, all shaded beneath ancient fig trees.
Chiawa Camp, Lower Zambezi – The Gold Standard in Zambian Safari
Family-owned and rooted in conservation values, Chiawa Camp was the first camp to be established in the Lower Zambezi National Park and has since become a gold standard for luxury safari in Zambia. Tucked beneath a grove of mahogany and acacia trees, the camp’s canvas tents are raised on timber decks, offering stunning river views and exceptional comfort.
With a strong emphasis on guiding excellence and responsible tourism, Chiawa provides diverse safari activities that showcase the park’s rich ecosystems. Guests can enjoy traditional game drives, river safaris, catch-and-release tiger fishing, and even silent drifting safaris—a uniquely meditative way to observe life along the riverbanks. Chiawa’s award-winning service, creative cuisine, and deep commitment to wildlife protection make it not only a place to stay, but a place to believe in.
Zambezi Sands River Lodge, Zimbabwe – A Wilderness Escape with Timeless Luxury
Located within Zambezi National Park, just a short drive from Victoria Falls, Zambezi Sands River Lodge offers a luxurious and secluded escape amidst one of Zimbabwe’s most captivating landscapes. Each spacious suite comes with private plunge pools, outdoor showers, and massive glass doors that open to views of the mighty river and its ever-changing moods.
From this stylish base, guests can embark on a rich array of experiences, including bush walks, game drives, and canoe excursions. The lodge also provides private access to quiet stretches of the Zambezi, ideal for sunset cruises or stargazing in complete solitude. Its strategic location allows travelers to enjoy both the wild remoteness of the park and the marvels of Victoria Falls without compromise. Zambezi Sands is a place where opulence and adventure flow as seamlessly as the river itself.
Why Your Safari Belongs with WildHorn Africa (Lodges Camps Near the Zambezi River)
Choosing the right safari lodge near the Zambezi River is only part of the journey. What transforms a trip into a memory of a lifetime is how seamlessly it unfolds—from the first welcome smile to the final game drive. That’s where WildHorn Africa comes in. With years of expertise, deep local connections, and a passion for authentic African storytelling, WildHorn Africa curates safaris that go beyond luxury—they deliver transformation.
From tailor-made itineraries and private charters to immersive wildlife experiences and responsible travel partnerships, WildHorn Africa crafts every journey with care, precision, and purpose. Whether you’re drawn to Zambia’s remote parks, Zimbabwe’s legendary falls, or a multi-country adventure along the Zambezi, WildHorn Africa ensures your experience is both deeply personal and effortlessly executed.
Let the river lead you—and let WildHorn Africa make the magic real.
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