Tsowa Safari Island

Magnificent place set on an island in the mighty Zambezi. Staff go out of their ways to make your stay comfortable. Plenty of activities during day to keep you busy or just relax around the pool and admire the view.

My partner and I took my mom on her first safari trip in July 2025 and were lucky enough to spend 2 nights with Tsowa Safari. Our only regret is that we couldn't spend several more days. I recommend a minimum of 3-4 nights to experience everything this special lodge has to offer. The location: It takes about 45 minutes to get to the island from Victoria Falls, which has the effect of making it feel like you're fully out in the bush as opposed to being in a lodge right outside of town. There is also less traffic in the park as opposed to lodges we have stayed in closer to town. The lodging: The tents are very well appointed with extremely comfortable bedding, and even wifi available in the tents, which is somewhat uncommon for lodges. The staff take great care to provide guests comfortable accommodations - even placing hot water bottles under the sheets during turn down service so the bed is warm when you get in! The main lodge space: Beautifully designed, blends seamlessly into the landscape of the island. Another guest told us they only had to cut down a single tree during the entire construction process. The food: I've stayed at a handful of lodges over my last two trips, and my partner has stayed at dozens over his lifetime. The food at Tsowa is *by far* the best. Every meal was deeply flavorful and perfectly cooked. The chef appears fairly young and is already cooking at an incredibly high level. I hope to eat his food again sooner than later. Most importantly, the staff: I really can't say enough good things about the whole staff at Tsowa. At some lodges the service can feel almost too formal and can make it hard to make real connections or get to know the staff. At Tsowa, the service is of the highest level - upscale without being uptight, striking the perfect balance to make you feel right at home. Anna, the manager, was warm and friendly. She took time each night to chat with us down by the fire pit and check in with us before each activity. She has a natural disposition towards hospitality that feels very authentic and approachable. She also helped us pack in as much as possible in our too-short stay. Our guide, Mtabisi, was knowledgeable, with a cheery disposition and genuine love for his profession. During safari you spend pretty much all day, every day with your guide -they can really make or break your safari experience. They have the difficult job of having to know the answers to all of your questions about any and everything you see, entertaining you, and keeping you safe for 12+ hours a day. We are so thankful we got to know Mtabisi and highly recommend him as your next guide. Overall, I can't recommend Tsowa enough to anyone visiting Vic Falls. It's a wonderful lodge with a truly special staff!

Very beautiful built into the forest next to Zambezi on an Island. Excellent Service. Rooms comfortable in solid tents include all what needed. Chilling , dining areas, pools. Food excellent

We spent two nights here as the beginning of our honeymoon. The place was beautiful and all the staff were amazing. Highly recommend this lodge!

This place is amazing. From the moment you're picked up you begin your journey through the Zambezi National Park, across incredible landscape and over the river to Tsowa Island. The journey to the island is an adventure in itself. Once you're there, the incredible staff take over. Hospitality and friendliness is top of mind, the food is top notch, the tents are amazing, and the activities keep you very busy during the day. We had 3 nights here and would recommend this to anyone looking for a different type of safari lodge. Whilst we didn't get to see any big cats, the birdlife, river setting and range of activities sets Tsowa apart. Thank you team for a great stay :)

What a fantastic lodge! Our arrival at the lodge was spectacular, with a boat ride from where the dirt track through Zambezi NP stopped at the water’s edge, to the island in the middle of the immense Zambezi river. All the accommodation tents and common dining/lounge areas overlook the majestic river, which provides a constant soundtrack of pulsing water throughout the lodge. The lodge buildings and furnishings have been designed to blend into the island environment with great elegance. Staying here was an incredibly relaxing experience, and you could choose to do nothing other than listen to the river and enjoy your surroundings or take part in game drives/sunset cruises/walks around the island/visits to Victoria Falls. And the food! Breakfast, lunch,dinner every meal was delicious and accompanied by excellent wines. The staff were all wonderful and the guides so knowledgeable, all managed by our gracious Gary. Thank you for a wonderful experience!

It was the best place to be at the end of our trip. A very peaceful place, integrated into nature to feel in perfect harmony. People are authentic and so caring toward guests. Gary, the manager, and his team offered us a wonderful stay. Thank you!

Probably the best hotel/lodge I have stayed in. The staff is amazing, very friendly, always trying their best to make your stay as good as possible. It was great talking to them and learn about their country, animals, their culture... The food is delicious (the chicken curry mango wrap was soooo good). Very good activities (game drives, walking safaris, sunset cruises, fishing,..). The manager or guide will ask you every evening which activities you want to do the next day. And last but not least, the lodge is beautiful, surrounded by nature. The tents are big enough and the outside shower was a big plus! (you also have a shower inside the tent). This place is expensive but worth it. I hope to come back one day.