Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia
Opened
2022
Price
$$$$
Outside the door
The brand
Zambia Luxury Lodge CollectionBiophilic riverfront lodge
Raised timber pavilions wrap around winterthorn trees along the Zambezi River, where floodwaters pass beneath and wildlife wanders through camp.
“Lolebezi has upped the ante for luxury in the wilderness within Zambia’s youngest national park.”
Where it shines
Remarkable
Biophilic timber pavilions built around winterthorn acacia trees, with green marble counters.
Notable
Eight riverfront suites with private plunge pools, thatched salas, and attentive safari guiding.
Notable
Zambezi canoe safaris and guided walking expeditions through game-rich riverfront wilderness.
What they say
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
Within the main glass, wood and thatched lodge lie green and gold interiors that wouldn’t be out of place in a contemporary boutique hotel.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
The concession sits along the Discovery Channel inlet, where elephants strip winterthorn branches and pods of hippos gather.
The rooms
Glass-fronted suites have private plunge pools and thatched daybeds, with bathtubs that look straight out over the river.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
A long pool stretches along the timber deck facing the Zambezi, flanked by patterned loungers under a wooden pergola.
At the table
Meals are served along the shaded river deck, and drinks are poured over a forest-green marble bar.
How it began
Concession owner Irfaan Yousuf named the lodge by blending the Zambezi River with the name of his son, Lole.
Stay here
Lolebezi
See rooms and prices on the hotel's own website.
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Lower Zambezi National Park
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Royal Zambezi Lodge
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.