Tsowa Safari Island is a brand new safari property owned by African Hospitality group Isibindi Africa Lodges. This new lodge is located on an island in the Zambezi National Park, a location within close proximity to neighbouring Botswana and Zambia and to the border with Namibia. The lodge is an intimate eco-friendly tented camp that is surrounded by the unspoiled beauty of the Zambezi environs in a wildlife-rich concession.
“Tsowa” means ‘new beginnings, which is what you will find on this pristine island in the middle of the mighty Zambezi River. A surreal place, set apart from the hectic world, the whispers of this majestic river are broken only by occasional calls of the African fish eagle. In a camp fringed by a beautiful forest, a soft path leads to a cluster of century-old baobabs. This is our safari island Tsowa, sensitively situated within the Zambezi National Park.
The lodge comprises a stylish lounge and dining area for 12 guests. The bar tent is adjacent to this main living area. The vast outside deck makes the most of its riverfront setting and is also in the cool forest. It has an open-air dining area flowing onto a sunken fire pit that overlooks the river. The main lodge is linked to the pool which is in a sunny spot, from which you may enjoy your favourite cold drink while watching the river glide by.
There are 3 distinct seasons in Zimbabwe. The dry season Apr-Oct is the best time for game viewing. The wet season is Nov – Mar when the river is at its highest and the Victoria Falls are most spectacular and migrant birds are prolific. Sep-Oct is a superb fishing season.
This luxury modern-day explorer’s camp offers 8 luxury tents with en-suite indoor and outdoor showers. Each tent is carefully positioned in the shade of the forest to ensure guest privacy and maximize the river views.
Tsowa Safari Island forms part of the Zambezi National Park which is a 56 000 hectare game reserve, home to 4 of Africa’s Big 5. The Zambezi National Park stretches in a green corridor from Victoria Falls approximately 50 km upstream. It is a renowned birding hot spot, with 400 different species, including riverine, grassland and bushveld birds. Our unique Tsowa Island is 1.5 km long and 400m wide and is dissected by a small river where a pair of Pel’s fishing owls reside.
River Cruise
The river cruise is offered in the late afternoon to enjoy the spectacular sunsets along the Zambezi River. Guests can enjoy drinks and snacks with our guides on our comfortable river cruiser while keeping an eye out for game coming down to drink at the banks of the river. There is nothing like sipping a sundowner while watching elephants come to drink on the river bank!
Game Drives
Early morning game drives are offered through this scenically beautiful national park. They last approximately 3 to 4 hours and include a refreshment stop at one of our favourite viewpoints. The Zambezi National Park is home to large herds of elephants, buffalo, lions, hyenas, giraffes and numerous antelope species.
There are 3 distinct seasons in Zimbabwe.
The dry season Apr-Oct which is the best time for game viewing. The wet season Nov - Mar when the river is at its highest and the Victoria Falls are most spectacular and migrant birds are prolific. Sep-Oct is a superb fishing season.
The camp can only be accessed by pre-booked transfers. Guests are transferred in closed air-conditioned vehicles to our private entrance to the Zambezi National Park, where they will be met by a guide and transferred in an open 4x4 vehicle to the river's edge. From here it is a quick boat trip across to the island.