When you get to know us (and we hope that you do) you’ll learn we’re more than a little obsessed with Treehouses. The Tongabezi Tree House is no exception, hidden along the banks of the Zambezi River. It’s a privately owned eco-lodge that offers a few different room categories, one of which, seriously, is the Nut House – if that resonates. It does with us, and managing to pull off luxurious and romantic, and a little bit cheeky too, is why we love Tongabezi Tree House.
Location
This is that impossible-to-find hideaway, the one where it’s all about who you know (people like us, hint hint). Another reason we love Tongabezi Tree House – it has river frontage, set under a canopy of imposing trees, just 12 km upstream from the mighty Victoria Falls.
Camp description
There are five River Cottages and seven Houses, all highly individual – one of which is the Treehouse, and the one we have chosen to feature. The Tongabezi Tree House is not built in a tree, and you won’t need to climb up a ladder, but rather head along a secret pathway on the cliff’s edge until you get to your special hideaway overlooking the river. It’s built around massive basalt rocks and three impressive ebony trees.
Rooms
What started out as a tented camp with bucket showers is now a luxurious camp that Conde Nast named among its Top 20 Hotels in the World. The Treehouse’s king-size bed is romantic and practical (in this part of the world that’s not an oxymoron), with a mosquito net, and aircon within the bed canopy. The spectacular ball-and-claw bath is where you’ll spend the early part of your evening, enjoying the view and getting ready for a private dinner on your deck set over the water.
Activities and experience
The guided tour of the Falls is, of course, a must, and so too is a Zambezi River cruise. There are morning and evening cruises, but try and do both, to experience the morning mist as it rises in the valley, and the sundowners and snacks as the river vividly reflects the deep orange sunset. It takes some processing to believe you’re actually there. There is a village tour, a more historical tour of Livingstone, and a champagne picnic on your own island in the Zambezi. Do them all if you can.
Remember this is the adventure capital of Africa, so you can do everything from scenic heli flights to river rafting and bungee jumping – the latter though, we will graciously decline, thank you but no.
