2 NIGHTS ON THE ZAMBEZI RIVER | 2020

With the craziness that the world is experiencing right now, all we wanted to do was get away from the business of the cities and the impending doom of crowds and immerse ourselves into n a t u r e. The stress the world is experiencing right now leaves a residual anxiety within us all, an uncertainty of where to go and what to do along with so much fear. Even after just 2 days at the Tongabezi Safari Lodge I could feel myself returning to a state of normalcy. A state where I am once more connected to myself, to nature, and a welcome relief of peace.

Every aspect of this lodge is an absolute dream, and I couldn’t recommend it more. A once in a lifetime experience I dare say. From the moment we landed at the (empty) Zambia airport, we were greeted with a warm smile and brought safely, straight to the lodge. We arrived at sunset to a glass lake, reflecting the pink and orange clouds in a perfect mirror image. The sight was so breathtaking, I was nearly moved to tears.

I could feel the love the entire staff had for this place, and for its guests, and we felt at home right away. Our casita sat right on the waters edge, with our own private deck and a claw foot bathtub that looked out at the view. One morning, I was reading outside, and a family of monkeys decided to use our deck as their playground. The curious monkeys noticed me, as I was less than 5 feet away from them, yet they didn’t seem to mind my presence, and continued to jump from the limbs of trees onto our patio chairs, the babies wresting one another. At one point there were over 15 monkeys right in front of me! They ‘monkeyed around’ for about 20 minutes before heading back up into the tree tops.

Our first full day was filled with adventure! We started the day with a game drive through the nearby national park. Our tour guide, Victor, was so knowledgeable of the park, and the animals and plants that thrived there. Over the course of this tranquil 3 hour drive we spotted zebra, giraffes, a wildebeest, a warthog family, countless impala, monkeys, baboons, storks and more! Being in the open air, surrounded by nature was the most nourishing experience I could have asked for. During the drive, you can’t help but be extremely present, and all the anxiety I’ve been carrying with me about travel and sickness completely melted away.

That evening, we headed out onto the Zambezi river for a sunset river cruise. We shared the speedboat with another young couple from Oklahoma and right away spotted a group of hippos, with just their ears and noses poking out of the water. You can actually see the Zimbabwe border from the lodge, and we boated right up to the country’s edge. Shortly after, we spotted elephants on the banks of the rivers, covering themselves in dirt and playing in the water. It is rare to see elephants this time of year, as it’s usually too wet and muddy for their liking, but we must have seen over 20 elephants of all sizes down the river’s edge. They are such gentle giants. Their presence was so sweet, I just felt so much love for these incredible creatures.

Sleeping was a dream, being lulled to bed with the soothing sounds of nature. The water, lapping at the deck. The birds and the insects singing their night songs. Just far away enough from everything and everyone to feel completely at peace.

There is everything you need and more at Tongabezi Lodge. We had our own point person, Lizzy, who could not have been any sweeter or more attentive. The chef was so accommodating to our requests, and even came out at our first night’s dinner to introduce himself. There’s a fully equipped gym, with a gorgeous view looking out onto a grassy field filled with a variety of African flora and fauna, as well as a pool, which I had all to myself! There’s a yoga pavilion that’s tucked into the tree tops, and a huge variety of activities to participate in.

Of course, it is incredibly important to be mindful of where you go in the world right now, especially with all of the global health concerns, but I want to assure you, from personal experience, that Tongabezi is an oasis of peace and wellness.

If you’re looking for a once in a lifetime experience, that will leave you feeling nourished, inspired, refreshed and cared for, than this is it.

If you want to book your stay at Tongabezi, visit their website to book!