Zimbabwe’s Zambezi Sands River Lodge set to open in February

The resort is the the first black female-owned safari lodge in Africa

Batoka Hospitality, a holding company that’s set to open the first black female-owned Safari Lodge in Africa, has announced that Zambezi Sands River Lodge will start welcoming visitors in February 2023. The five-star luxury lodge is set in a national park, one hour from Victoria Falls.

The tented retreat, designed by South African interior designer Yvonne O’Brien with natural materials, has 10 luxury suites, each with a private plunge pool and views of the Zambezi River. There 's also a two-bedroom suite – with private lounge, dining room and swimming pool – primarily aimed at GCC visitors and families.

Broadwalks link the suites to the main dining area, bar and lounge, and offer protection from wandering hippos who often feed around the camp’s vicinity. A sunken fire pit takes pride of place on an expansive terrace that allows guests to dine alfresco.

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There's also a fitness centre and spa on-site, and activities offered include game drives, game walks and day or sunset river boat cruises.

Batoka plans to simultaneously launch the Tesse Fund. The fund, which will be financed by 10% of the revenue made from guest stays, supports local projects nominated by staff members.

Batoka Hospitality is a development group that focuses on luxury ecotourism, with an emphasis on giving back to the community. It currently owns and operates both Batoka Zambezi Sands River Lodge and Batoka Gorges, both situated in Zimbabwe.

For more information, visit batokalodges.com/lodges/zambezi-sands