Mukuni
Community Farm

Visit this farm that is run jointly by the Tongabezi team and Mukuni community to promote food sustainability by supporting residents to grow their own gardens.

Conservation
Lower Zambezi

Conservation Lower Zambezi (CLZ) is a non-governmental organisation that is dedicated to conservation. Their four major programmes all align with the core focuses at the Green Safaris Conservation Foundation: Wildlife Protection, Environmental Education, Community Empowerment, and Reintroduction and Research. Guests at Sausage Tree Camp are invited to experience the vital work that they are doing in one of the last remaining wildernesses in Africa.

Reforestation
Programme

Learn about how the Tongabezi team is championing healthy environments and small-scale farming in neighbouring communities by planting indigenous trees, including fruit-bearing species.

Private Guiding

Sausage Tree Camp offers some of the finest game-viewing in Africa, and there is no need to share your safari experiences with anyone else. Game viewing experiences range from on the water (by boat or canoe) to on land (by four-wheel drive game viewing vehicles or on foot). No matter how you choose to experience the magic of the Lower Zambezi, you can do so in total privacy with your own expert guide and vehicles.

Game Drives by Day

Game drives are the most successful way to see a variety of wildlife, as you can cover a larger area in a shorter period of time. Our vehicles also allow those unforgettable ‘up close and personal’ experiences, though you can be assured that our expert guides will ensure that ‘up close’ never becomes ‘too close’.

Game Drives by Night

The best time to spot nocturnal predators like the elusive leopard, delicate civet, or big-eared genet is at night. Prides of lions also tend to be more active, and you may even spot a porcupine or giant eagle owl as you explore the Lower Zambezi in the almost dark. After all, it is never completely dark in the wilderness as long as the sky is clear, and our guides also love to point out their favorite constellations.

Walking Safaris

The walking safari was originally pioneered in Zambia, so the Lower Zambezi is an ideal place to experience this immersive safari adventure. With a slower pace comes a higher likelihood of spotting smaller creatures, as well as the time to learn about the trees and plants of this area and to examine wildlife tracks and signs. Each walk is carried out in small groups in the early morning to avoid the heat, and you will always be led by a professional walking guide and National Parks Wildlife Officer, as it is not uncommon to spot lion on the bush walks.

Canoeing

The Lower Zambezi is renowned for spectacular canoeing experiences. It is unlike any other wildlife viewing experience to follow our highly qualified guide through the Zambezi channels and spot wildlife from below rather than above! We are one of a few privileged operators in the National Park and can therefore canoe guests down the most stunning section of the Zambezi - the ‘Chifingulu Channel’ - in total tranquility.

Canoe trips can range from one to seven hours, with a stop for a picnic lunch. No experience or particular strength is required as you will always canoe with the flow of the Zambezi.

Boat Safaris

Some might say that it is impossible to truly experience the Lower Zambezi unless you spend some time on a boat. After all, the huge hippopotamus pods and numerous lounging crocodiles are a definitive sight in this part of Zambia, as are the elephant crossings. River cruises are also one of the most relaxed ways to experience a safari in Zambia, with floating sundowners making the perfect end to a busy day.

Birding

There are approximately 500 species of birds in the Lower Zambezi National Park, from waders on the shores of the Zambezi River to wattle eyes in the Miombo woodland. So whether you enjoy waking up to the booming call of the impressive ground hornbill or watching the flittering of tiny redbilled firefinches, there is something at Sausage Tree Camp and the Lower Zambezi for the novice and experienced bird watcher alike.

Fishing

The Zambezi River hosts some of the most spectacular freshwater sport fishing in the world, with plentiful tigerfish and tilapia just to start. Sausage Tree Camp offers both spinning and fly fishing, both strictly catch and release in accordance with the principles of the National Park. Fishing is successful all year around, but September to December is definitely the best time.

*Please be aware: one fishing day is included and free, but thereafter a $40/day angling license needs to be purchased by the client in camp (cash or card).

Bush Meals

Why not extend your safari day and eat out in the bush? Bush picnics are a favourite experience with our guests and a great way to cover more distance on a game drive or canoeing day. Our team know the best spots to relax between wildlife sightings, and they will bring a delicious feast along for you to enjoy. For special occasions, we can even arrange a three-course dinner by moonlight on an island.

River Lunches

As far as destination dining goes… it doesn’t get more magical than having lunch with your feet in the mighty Zambezi River. Our sandbank lunch locations are handpicked by our team and move depending on the season and the height of the river.

The Lap Pool

The magic of the Lower Zambezi is that often you don’t even need to leave camp to have some of the most exciting wildlife-viewing in the world. Settle into our 25 metre lap pool, for relaxation or exercise, and you may still see pods of hippos, herds of elephants and buffalo, and even the odd lion coming down to drink from the Zambezi. This is also the ideal spot for sundowners.

Private Guiding

If you stay at Sausage Tree Camp or Potato Bush Camp, you are guaranteed private guiding experiences in the Lower Zambezi. With a range of activities available, from walking safaris to canoe trips, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to exclusive safari activities.

Game Drives by Day

Game drives are the most successful way to see a variety of wildlife, as you can cover a larger area in a shorter period of time. Our vehicles also allow those unforgettable ‘up close and personal’ experiences, though you can be assured that our expert guides will ensure that ‘up close’ never becomes ‘too close’.

Game Drives at Night

The best time to spot nocturnal predators like the elusive leopard, delicate civet, or big-eared genet is at night. Prides of lions also tend to be more active, and you may even spot a porcupine or giant eagle owl as you explore the Lower Zambezi in the almost dark.

Walking Safaris

The walking safari was originally pioneered in Zambia, so the Lower Zambezi is an ideal place to experience this immersive safari adventure. With a slower pace comes a higher likelihood of spotting smaller creatures, as well as the time to learn about the trees and plants of this area and to examine wildlife tracks and signs.

Canoeing

Canoeing is a definitive Lower Zambezi experience. More like a walking safari than anything else, this gentle float allows you to slow down and truly engage with the wild space around you. Canoeing down the most stunning section of the Zambezi - the “Chifungulu Channel” is only possible with a select few operators, which means complete privacy.

Boat Safaris

Some might say that it is impossible to truly experience the Lower Zambezi unless you spend time on a boat. After all, the hippopotamus pods and lounging crocodiles are a distinctive sight in this part of Zambia, as are the elephant crossings. River cruises are one of the most relaxed ways to experience a safari in Zambia, with floating sundowners making the perfect end to a busy day.

Birding

There are over 350 species of birds in the Lower Zambezi National Park, from waders on the shores of the Zambezi River to wattle eyes in the Miombo woodland. So whether you enjoy waking up to the booming call of the impressive ground hornbill or watching the fluttering of tiny redbilled firefinches, there is a birding thrill for the novice and experienced bird watcher alike.

Fishing*

The Zambezi River hosts some of the most spectacular freshwater sport fishing in the world, with plentiful tigerfish and tilapia just to start. At our camps, we offer both spinning and fly fishing, both strictly catch and release in accordance with the principles of the National Park. Fishing is successful all year around, but September to December is definitely the best time.

*Please be aware: one fishing day is included in your stay, but thereafter a $40/day angling license needs to be purchased by the client in camp (cash or card).

Bush Meals

Bush picnics are a favourite experience with our guests and a great way to cover more distance on a game drive or canoeing day. Our team know the best spots to relax between wildlife sightings, and they will bring a delicious feast along for you to enjoy. For special occasions, we can even arrange a three-course dinner by moonlight on an island.

River Lunches

As far as destination dining goes… it doesn’t get more magical than having lunch with your feet in the mighty Zambezi River. Our sandbank lunch locations are handpicked by our team and change depending on the season and the height of the river.

Gym

Livingstone Island Tour

A superb vantage point from which to witness Victoria Falls is from Livingstone Island. Tongabezi offers five trips a day to Livingstone Island. A twin-engine boat will take you on a thrilling journey through the fast-moving channels of the Zambezi River. Once on the island, you will be given a guided tour, learning about its history from ancient times when it served as a sacrificial site to the present day and its UNESCO World Heritage status. Tuck into some teatime treats, which are made and served to you on the island by the Tongabezi team.

Devil's & Angel's Pool

Devil’s Pool is famous for attracting thrill-seekers from around the world, offering daring swimmers the chance of a life-changing adventure that is completely safe. It is just a short swim from Livingstone Island and one of our guides will be with you at all times. It features as part of the Livingstone Island tour. Devil's Pool is usually open between mid-August and mid-January when the Zambezi water levels are low enough for swimmers to take the plunge.

Microlight Flights

This is a breath-taking experience that opens up a different perspective of the Victoria Falls, Batoka Gorge and Zambezi River. Whether you choose the 15-minute or 30-minute flight, you can expect spectacular views from this completely open air aircraft that is able to fly fairly low over 'The Smoke That Thunders'.

Helicopter Flights

The 'Flight of Angels' helicopter trip is the chance to see and appreciate the Zambian landscape in all its vast beauty. The helicopter has specially designed bubble-shaped windows that allow for panoramic viewing and great photographic opportunities from all seats. It is an incredible angle from which to view the Victoria Falls and the winding Zambezi River.

White Water Rafting

This one is for the daredevils! The incredible force of the Zambezi River crashing down Victoria Falls creates world-famous rapids in the gorge below. With names like ‘Mother’s Revenge’ and ‘Devil’s Toilet Bowl’, you will understand why we say these rapids are not for the faint-hearted. If you get a kick out of extreme water sports, then these raging rapids will get your adrenaline pumping.

Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park is home to Africa's greatest concentration of elephants and it is amazing to see these iconic animals drinking, swimming and playing in the river while out on a boat safari. It’s not just about elephants though, as hippo, buffalo, bushbuck and puku are regulars to the riverside as are various kingfisher species, saddle-billed stork and African darter. The park is on Botswana’s northern border with Zambia, which makes a day trip to see some amazing wildlife relatively easy.

Royal Livingstone Express

The Royal Livingstone Express is an exceptional nostalgic experience which combines the luxury and charm of five-star rail travel with the wild beauty of the Zambian bush. The train is an all-inclusive leisurely journey starting just before sunset and taking you through Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. You can do this activity with a happy heart knowing about their reforestation carbon-offset programme!

Rhino Walk

You are completely immersed in the bush during this walking safari in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, as your knowledgeable guide leads you to where the rhinos have been spotted that day. Once you have located the rhinos, you may be able to get quite close and it is difficult to not be humbled while in the presence of these tragically endangered animals. Along the way, your guide will talk about the surrounding ecosystem and animal spoor you come across.

Lunar Rainbow

For three days during the full moon when the Zambezi River is high, a Lunar Rainbow can be experienced over Victoria Falls. This is when the moon is bright enough to reflect in the spray from the waterfall and is a truly unforgettable sight. April to August tends to be the best time for Moonbows.