african travel
The legendary Zambezi, which meanders
through six countries in Africa – Zambia
and Zimbabwe among them – sets the scene
for an idyllic and leisurely RIVER safari
Julia Freemantle reports
For too long, Zambia and Zimbabwe have sat slightly in the shadow of their neighbours when it comes to their perception as safari destinations. Given their accessibility (approximately a one-and-a-half-hour flight to both Lusaka and Victoria Falls from OR Tambo International Airport, for a start), family-friendly lodges, luxurious options and unequivocal natural beauty make for an escapist and relaxing experience.
To add to the already extensive appeal of these two countries’ magnificent scenery, famously friendly people and excellent guiding, is the dual benefit of access to water- and land-based safaris.
A handful of recently launched or redesigned lodges dotted along the banks of the Zambezi River celebrate a sense of place and peace, and make a strong case for choosing one, or more, as your next safari hop.
This premium African travel experience is inspired by the remarkable setting, and the interiors and architecture work together to elevate the magnificent scenery without competing with it.
Going with the flow
Lolebezi, African Bush Camps, Zambia
With a desire to create a world-class Zambian travel experience – the owners are fourth-generation locals – Lolebezi is inspired by its remarkable location (immersed in a winter thorn thicket on the banks of the Zambezi). A location further emphasised by the awe-inspiring proximity of elephants, which like to stay close to the lodge during the winter months.
Engineers of the redesign, Fox Browne Creative, together with architect Jack Alexander, have conceptualised a series of spaces that balance traditional bush lodge elements while offering something altogether new; a nod to the culture and landscape of its location as well as a venue suitable for accommodating luxury travel guests.
ABC founder Beks Ndlovu’s affinity for the project was instant, having its roots in a long-standing love of the region. He’s always been attracted to the Lower Zambezi for the sheer amount of life it supports – from the healthy landscapes to the abundant wildlife and the surrounding communities that rely on it. “I first fell in love with it when I was a canoe guide doing safaris from the Kariba Dam wall all the way to the Mozambique border,” he says.
This unique biosphere – characterised by the white acacia (or winter thorn) forest, which flowers and drops its pods in winter, offering sustenance for the wildlife, flood plain and unique river system – hosts a large (and diverse) range of life, throughout the seasons. This sense of life and dynamism is reflected in the design. “There’s a whole market that needs to see the beauty of Zambia. And sometimes that requires creating something that shoots the lights out and challenges the norm – like Lolebezi. I don’t believe there’s anything like this in Zambia. I wanted us to complement what’s already being offered with something different, and add value to the Zambian economy,” says Beks.
A vibrant energy runs through the lodge – the spaces intentionally designed to spark a sense of curiosity. Natural textures and locally relevant materials are balanced by unexpected shapes and details – creating a tension between homely comfort and visual dynamism.
Built (literally) in response to the river – its rise and fall – the lodge has been designed to offer views up and down the waterway. “In this way, the architecture respects and responds to the natural rhythm of the river – which in the wet season, flows directly underneath the main bar and lounge,” says Jack.
Interiors, too, were cued by the surrounding landscape, and work in tandem with the architecture to underscore
the location. Three-and-half-metre-high, floor-to-ceiling glass doors fully open out onto the bush, with the gym and spa highlighting spectacular river views.
In terms of the daily guest experience, warmth comes standard here. Expect a constant flow of fresh and interesting fare, invigorating game viewing, boating and fishing with your expert guide.
With a desire to create a world-class Zambian travel experience – the owners are fourth-generation locals – Lolebezi is inspired by its remarkable location (immersed in a winter thorn thicket on the banks of the Zambezi). A location further emphasised by the awe-inspiring proximity of elephants, which like to stay close to the lodge during the winter months.
Engineers of the redesign, Fox Browne Creative, together with architect Jack Alexander, have conceptualised a series of spaces that balance traditional bush lodge elements while offering something altogether new; a nod to the culture and landscape of its location as well as a venue suitable for accommodating luxury travel guests.
ABC founder Beks Ndlovu’s affinity for the project was instant, having its roots in a long-standing love of the region. He’s always been attracted to the Lower Zambezi for the sheer amount of life it supports – from the healthy landscapes to the abundant wildlife and the surrounding communities that rely on it. “I first fell in love with it when I was a canoe guide doing safaris from the Kariba Dam wall all the way to the Mozambique border,” he says.
This unique biosphere – characterised by the white acacia (or winter thorn) forest, which flowers and drops its pods in winter, offering sustenance for the wildlife, flood plain and unique river system – hosts a large (and diverse) range of life, throughout the seasons. This sense of life and dynamism is reflected in the design. “There’s a whole market that needs to see the beauty of Zambia. And sometimes that requires creating something that shoots the lights out and challenges the norm – like Lolebezi. I don’t believe there’s anything like this in Zambia. I wanted us to complement what’s already being offered with something different, and add value to the Zambian economy,” says Beks.
A vibrant energy runs through the lodge – the spaces intentionally designed to spark a sense of curiosity. Natural textures and locally relevant materials are balanced by unexpected shapes and details – creating a tension between homely comfort and visual dynamism.
Built (literally) in response to the river – its rise and fall – the lodge has been designed to offer views up and down the waterway. “In this way, the architecture respects and responds to the natural rhythm of the river – which in the wet season, flows directly underneath the main bar and lounge,” says Jack.
Interiors, too, were cued by the surrounding landscape, and work in tandem with the architecture to underscore the location. Three-and-half-metre-high, floor-to-ceiling glass doors fully open out onto the bush, with the gym and spa highlighting spectacular river views.
In terms of the daily guest experience, warmth comes standard here. Expect a constant flow of fresh and interesting fare, invigorating game viewing, boating and fishing with your expert guide.
Sense and space
Zambezi Grande, Zambia
Shaded by trees on the banks of the river, private game experience Zambezi Grande cuts a gracious figure from the water. Originally a family holiday home, it has recently been repositioned as a lodge, with the requisite design update.
The intention of the revamp by Michele Throssell Interiors was to keep the feeling of ‘home’ while upgrading it to a five-star destination. The footprint remained the same but the entire interior space was re-imagined. Paying homage to the existing Cape Dutch-style architecture, Michele didn’t stray too far from the traditional spirit of the space and took inspiration from the colours of Zambia, the river specifically.
“From above when flying over the Zambezi, the colours range from dark greens to rust. The design was cued by the sights, smells and tones of the landscape: the contrast of colours as they range from foliage, to sand, water and rock; the galaxy of stars; the soundtrack of crickets and the calls of the wild that give this destination a profound sense of space and magic,” she says.
While intimate, the lodge offers all you need for a luxury stay. Game drives are a given, spa treatments are on offer, boat rides and immersive island or bush dinners allow you to experience the landscape in style, lit by lantern with wading elephants silhouetted by the sunset.
Shaded by trees on the banks of the river, private game experience Zambezi Grande cuts a gracious figure from the water. Originally a family holiday home, it has recently been repositioned as a lodge, with the requisite design update.
The intention of the revamp by Michele Throssell Interiors was to keep the feeling of ‘home’ while upgrading it to a five-star destination. The footprint remained the same but the entire interior space was re-imagined. Paying homage to the existing Cape Dutch-style architecture, Michele didn’t stray too far from the traditional spirit of the space and took inspiration from the colours of Zambia, the river specifically.
“From above when flying over the Zambezi, the colours range from dark greens to rust. The design was cued by the sights, smells and tones of the landscape: the contrast of colours as they range from foliage, to sand, water and rock; the galaxy of stars; the soundtrack of crickets and the calls of the wild that give this destination a profound sense of space and magic,” she says.
While intimate, the lodge offers all you need for a luxury stay. Game drives are a given, spa treatments are on offer, boat rides and immersive island or bush dinners allow you to experience the landscape in style, lit by lantern with wading elephants silhouetted by the sunset.
“When flying over the Zambezi the colours
range from dark greens to rust.The design was cued by the tones of the landscape”
Through its dynamic and fluid nature, water is constantly acknowledged in each lodge’s design. There’s an unmistakable sense of tranquillity and peace.
Soft landing
Mpala Jena, Zimbabwe
Located on the southern banks of the river, within the Zambezi National Park in Zimbabwe, Mpala Jena (meaning “white impala”) is the new incarnation of an existing tented camp.
The lodge is easy to reach (once you land at Victoria Falls Airport, it’s only a 15-minute drive to the boat station, then a quick 35-minute boat trip past lala palms that line the riverbanks). And the journey is a scene-setting introduction to what awaits.
The five guest suites and various pavilion-style public areas aim to encourage barefoot, beach-inspired relaxation, but in luxury. It’s a departure from the traditional safari, in style and in lifestyle, making the most of the white sandy banks of the river itself. Spending time relaxing at the lodge is a key focus – and where it differs somewhat from many other lodges.
As such the architectural design, interestingly, done remotely by Australia-based Hayman+Charlton Architects (using Craig Hayman’s extensive hands-on knowledge of the area) focused on maximising immersion in the outdoors by working with the natural landscape. No trees were felled during construction, for instance.
As a homage to the Zambezi’s power and fluidity, the design focuses on a sense of ease, with softness added using natural, handmade materials featuring perfect imperfections. Likewise, interior designer Tracy Kelly honed in on calm, relaxing colours (blues and greens inspired by the palms and river) and gentle, organic curved forms throughout the design (such as thatched roofs, the shape of the pool, and the verandah chairs). “We wanted to create the feeling of an embrace,” she explains.
Located on the southern banks of the river, within the Zambezi National Park in Zimbabwe, Mpala Jena (meaning “white impala”) is the new incarnation of an existing tented camp.
The lodge is easy to reach (once you land at Victoria Falls Airport, it’s only a 15-minute drive to the boat station, then a quick 35-minute boat trip past lala palms that line the riverbanks). And the journey is a scene-setting introduction to what awaits.
The five guest suites and various pavilion-style public areas aim to encourage barefoot, beach-inspired relaxation, but in luxury. It’s a departure from the traditional safari, in style and in lifestyle, making the most of the white sandy banks of the river itself. Spending time relaxing at the lodge is a key focus – and where it differs somewhat from many other lodges.
As such the architectural design, interestingly, done remotely by Australia-based Hayman+Charlton Architects (using Craig Hayman’s extensive hands-on knowledge of the area) focused on maximising immersion in the outdoors by working with the natural landscape. No trees were felled during construction, for instance.
As a homage to the Zambezi’s power and fluidity, the design focuses on a sense of ease, with softness added using natural, handmade materials featuring perfect imperfections. Likewise, interior designer Tracy Kelly honed in on calm, relaxing colours (blues and greens inspired by the palms and river) and gentle, organic curved forms throughout the design (such as thatched roofs, the shape of the pool, and the verandah chairs). “We wanted to create the feeling of an embrace,” she explains.
Watch this space…
Zambezi Sands, Batoka, Zimbabwe
In January 2023 visitors can expect the reveal of the much-anticipated refurbished five-star Batoka Zambezi Sands River Lodge (located on the bank of the river, in the western part of the Zambezi National Park). The
project is steered by Batoka Hospitality Group’s executive director Vimbai Masiyiwa. Only an hour’s drive from Victoria Falls, the lodge will realise Masiyiwa’s vision of a uniquely African luxury destination deeply connected
to the community, which will ideally help to grow the hospitality sector for Africans, by Africans.
In January 2023 visitors can expect the reveal of the much-anticipated refurbished five-star Batoka Zambezi Sands River Lodge (located on the bank of the river, in the western part of the Zambezi National Park). The project is steered by Batoka Hospitality Group’s executive director Vimbai Masiyiwa. Only an hour’s drive from Victoria Falls, the lodge will realise Masiyiwa’s vision of a uniquely African luxury destination deeply connected to the community, which will ideally help to grow the hospitality sector for Africans, by Africans.