Customize one of our recommended trips or design your own from scratch
Occupying a prime location along the Zambezi River, Lolebezi combines all the swankiness of a luxury lodge with a down-to-earth closeness with nature. The latest addition to the African Bush Camps family, Lolebezi promises the same level of expertise and detail to every safari, whether it's walking along the river's edge in the hopes of spying a leopard or canoeing past herds of elephant - and the five hectares of protected wilderness is just the place to do so. During the build, leaving a small footprint was a big priority too: trees were incorporated into the design, the dining area was built from reclaimed railway sleepers and, when open, all lights will be solar-powered. That's what we like to hear!
From $720 person/night
Lolebezi's special touches, from open-air cinemas in the Winter Thorn Forest to private picnics in a river pod and armchair safaris from the treetop viewing deck.
There's plenty for the kids! They'll be thrilled by nature walks round camp, arts and crafts, and cooking lessons with the chef.
Some lodges close between December and March, but Lolebezi's design allows it to remain open. Although there are no game drives or walking safaris, boating is available all year round.
Practically floating on the Zambezi itself, Lolebezi enjoys one-kilometre of exclusive river frontage. The main lodge features thatched roofs, rustic wooden detailing and swathes of glass through which to enjoy the view. Inside, there is an all-day cafe and pizzeria, while the bar is suspended over a tranquil river inlet. The infinity pool blends seamlessly into the river - its on-the-water loungers are the best seat in the house - and the spa offers top-notch treatments to work out the day's kinks.
An intimate and exclusive lodge, there are just four suites and two family villas. Geometric and industrial in style, each room sits on stilts over the shallows and expansive windows mean the view is ever-present. The beds are large and ornate with a circle of hanging beaded decor overhead and river-green textiles. French doors open onto a private deck with a plunge pool and thatched sala inches from the water. The family villas feature two bedrooms, a sitting and dining area, and sunken veranda.
The Lower Zambezi National Park is heralded to have some of the best wildlife sightings in the world, especially along its pulsing river. Head out on foot to spot leopards dozing on high branches, elephants splashing in the water and epic birdlife flitting between the leaves or soaring overhead. Alternatively, hop in an open-sided game vehicle to cover more ground, or canoe down the river to see the Zambezi on an entirely different level. Catch-and-release fishing is also available.
Lolebezi Safari Lodge is owned by African Bush Camps who has been dedicated to improving the lives of communities near their camps in Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. Focused on education, empowerment, and conservation, they tackle challenges like unemployment, food scarcity, and wildlife poaching. With a commitment to sustainability, they cover operating costs, ensuring that every guest's stay directly supports their impactful projects, fostering a partnership to preserve Africa's natural heritage.
A contribution of $85 per guest, which is included in the nightly rate, goes towards the above goals.
Show all wildlife
The Lower Zambezi National Park lies in a large river valley with fertile soils providing the basis for a thriving ecosystem. Elephant and buffalo congregate along the river to graze along with impala, zebra and more, enjoying the nutritious vegetation of the region. Lion, leopard and the spotted hyena follow the herds, hunting as they move.