Sustainability is at the heart of this luxury tented camp in Zimbabwe

The newly refurbished Zambezi Sands property is located along the Zambezi River.

The newly refurbished Zambezi Sands may offer luxury in the heart of Zimbabwe’s rich natural landscape, but this is a property that promises both style and substance – it’s set to boost ecotourism and support local communities as it gears up to welcome visitors. The resort is located just one hour from the magnificent Victoria Falls, nestled in the western end of Zambezi National Park.

Incidentally, Zambezi Sands is operated by Batoka Hospitality Group, the first black female-owned safari lodge group in Africa. On a mission to reinvent the way the world views African hospitality, Executive Director Vimbai Masiyiwa says, “We are empowering the African dream of success through ecotourism and hospitality. At Batoka, people come first: whether it is our staff, our guests or the community surrounding us. As much as we enrich the lives of our guests through a truly authentic African experience, we want to create self-sustaining villages and economic growth for the communities around us.”

The opening of the property will coincide with the launch of the Tesse Fund, which will be financed by ten percent of the revenue made from each guest stay. The purpose of the fund is for staff members within the Batoka Hospitality family to come up with projects that benefit their local community. The destination’s ten tented suites have been redesigned by renowned South African interior designer Yvonne O’Brien, who is known for creations that are quietly refined. Each of the suites has a private plunge pool and spectacular views of the Zambezi River. For GCC travellers in need of a little privacy, an opulent two-bedroom suite – complete with a private swimming pool, a lounge, a dining room and a deck – will be available.

The natural materials and tones that O’Brien and her team have brought to Zambezi Sands blend seamlessly into the Victoria Falls landscape, where breathtaking vistas greet guests from every suite. Bedrooms are styled as large African style tents offering exceptional views from the huge veranda to the soundtrack of the area’s captivating wildlife. The boardwalks that interlink each tent with the main dining area and bar offer protection from wandering hippos who often spend at least part of the night feeding in and around the camp. Meanwhile, the lodge’s bar, lounge and dining area sit above the river on a stilted structure decorated with stylish teak furniture, wooden flooring, pewter ornaments and leather seating. Outside, an expansive deck with dining tables and a sunken fire pit makes for the perfect pre-dinner drinks spot.

More than just a safari destination, Zambezi Sands offers guests an array of activities without even leaving the estate. In addition to the resort’s spa and fitness centre, guests can enjoy a wide range of activities that includes game drives along the river and inland, game walks with an experienced professional guide, and day or sunset river boat cruises. Sustainability and local employment are at the heart of this resort’s mission, enabling guests to experience true African culture and hospitality with as little harm to the environment as possible.

GO: Visit https://batokalodges.com/lodges/zambezi-sands for reservations and more information.