Batoka Zambezi Sands
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Vibe
Elevated timber boardwalks connect solar-powered tented suites along the Zambezi River, keeping pathways clear of roaming wildlife.
“Riverbank safari retreat”
Elevated boardwalks link Bedouin-style tented suites crafted with natural textures, earthy tones, and river-facing viewing decks.
All-inclusive riverfront tented suites with private plunge pools, deep soaking tubs, and Ghanaian botanical bath amenities.
Zimbabwean-owned eco-lodge featuring regional culinary dishes and immersive visits to local village craft collectives.
On the banks of the Zambezi River inside Zambezi National Park, upstream from Victoria Falls.
“With just ten tents, it’s nothing if not intimate, and in typical tented-lodge luxury style its units are furnished with all the comforts of a brick-and-mortar structure…”
Rooms
Tented suites feature river-facing viewing decks, deep soaking tubs, and outdoor bush showers, with private plunge pools in select units.
“Zambezi Sands, a 10-tent luxury lodge with private plunge pools on a riverbank in Zambezi National Park, reopened in 2023 after a major refurbishment.”
Wellness
Bush meditation and outdoor yoga pair with open-air massage treatments using Ghanaian botanical oils along the riverbank.
Backstory
Zimbabwean entrepreneur Vimbai Masiyiwa and her mother Tsitsi acquired the camp in 2020, transforming it into a female-led ecotourism retreat.
Eat & drink
An open theatre kitchen serves regional Zimbabwean dishes, while sundowners are poured on the main timber deck overlooking the river.
The neighborhood
Set deep inside Zambezi National Park, guided 4x4 game drives and riverboat cruises depart directly upstream from Victoria Falls.
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The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.