Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia
Renovated
2019
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Luxe Local DesignOutside the door
The house
Time + TideSecluded riverbank quarters
Under the canopy of winterthorn trees, days unfold with private river safaris and elephants wandering across the Chongwe River.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Dedicated butler service, private safari guiding, and in-suite dinners served beside a private plunge pool.
Remarkable
Guided canoe trails and walking safaris explore the wildlife-rich confluence of the Chongwe and Zambezi rivers.
Notable
Open-air canopied suites set beneath winterthorn trees feature outdoor clawfoot tubs and sweeping riverfront decks.
What they say
UK Readers' Choice Awards – Africa
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Set at the confluence of the Chongwe and Zambezi rivers, with direct access to walking trails and canoe safaris.
1 of 5
The rooms
Canopied open-air suites feature freestanding clawfoot bathtubs, private plunge pools, and expansive timber decks oriented toward the water.
The plunge pools
Bring a swimsuit.
Private plunge pools sit on each suite's timber deck, facing the river where elephants regularly cross.
At the table
Your dedicated butler serves meals on the private deck, followed by sundowners and dinner beside a riverside campfire.
Lower Zambezi National Park
More like this
Lolebezi
“Biophilic riverfront lodge”
Royal Zambezi Lodge
“Riverside safari outpost”
The app
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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.