Nestled within the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, just upstream from the majestic Victoria Falls on the banks of the Zambezi River, lies Toka Leya Lodge. This luxurious safari camp is a stylish sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of the falls, offering an excellent range of safari and adventure activities. Named in tribute to the indigenous inhabitants that once lived here, Toka Leya provides the perfect, classy oasis away from the bigger hotels, in a prime, secluded spot on the banks of the River Zambezi.
Accommodation and Amenities
Toka Leya’s twelve spacious, luxury safari-style tents (including three family tents) have been designed to limit human interference on the surrounding natural environment. All tents are linked by wooden walkways. The rooms, which are raised on stilts so as not to affect the undergrowth, are all stunning, offering great privacy and wonderful views of the river. Modern and stylish, the tented rooms are air conditioned and furnished with natural-style décor and crisp white linen. Wicker armchairs, comfortable sun loungers and Persian style rugs create a unique atmosphere in each. Each room is beautifully appointed with a sitting area, tea and coffee station, twin washbasins, indoor and outdoor showers, private veranda with river views, and a comfy four-poster bed complete with mosquito netting.
Situated under the shade of a canopy of trees, the canvas covered open plan dining, bar and lounge areas, open on all sides, are complemented by an inviting infinity pool. The main areas and viewing deck with infinity pool also have river views, and you can watch the resident crocs, hippos, and elephants from camp as they go about their business. Modern earthy tones in the lounge area are set off by African artefacts and teak floors. To the side of the dark wood dining room is the camp’s popular pizza over.
Dining Experience
The food is superb and includes both local Zambian favorites (often including the barbeque), and various classic international dishes, all cooked from local fresh produce. There’s a pizza oven too, which gives rise to some delightful evenings around the campfire on the little sandy beach next to camp. Private dining and in-room food service are available on request. The menu is inspired by seasonal organic produce and traditional Zambian cuisine. Sample a tasting basket over lunch, or enjoy a delightful high tea served on the banks of the Zambezi. Don’t miss our legendary wood-fired pizza after sundowners toasting a glorious sunset over the river.
Africa Bird Wildlife Adventure Zambezi River Pangolin Botswana Photography& Video #Africa #wildlife
Activities and Excursions
Toka Leya Camp offers a diverse range of activities to suit every traveler's interests. Here are some highlights:
Read also: Discover Sentrim Elementaita Lodge
- Game Drives: Explore Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park where one can expect sightings of general game species such as elephant, buffalo, giraffe and white rhino.
- Rhino Tracking: Under the guidance of experienced rangers is a must-do activity (additional park fees apply), bringing safari goers into close range with these majestic animals.
- Walking Safaris: Adults over the age of 13 years have the opportunity to explore Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park on foot when walking guides are available.
- Fishing: Enthusiastic fishermen can take advantage of the opportunity to fish for bream and Tiger fish during the warmer season.
- Cultural Visits: Visits to nearby villages and schools can be arranged for guests wanting to experience the local life and culture of this part of Zambia.
- River Cruises: Early morning river expeditions at Toka Leya Camp showcase pods of grunting hippo and sun-loving crocodiles basking on the riverbank.
- Victoria Falls Tours: This natural wonder does not disappoint - the sound, the spray! The best is to traverse through the spray on a path that descends from the main road.
- Horseback safaris: These can be booked by Toka Leya through nearby Chundukwa River Lodge, where the camp has stables. Both shorts rides and full-day excursions are available, and a wide range of experience levels is accepted.
- Adventure Activities: Canoe safari, white water rafting, bungee jumping, gorge swinging, jet-boating, quad-biking, microlights… the list goes on.
There’s an impressive assortment of activity options in and around Victoria Falls - possibly the most diverse selection anywhere in Africa! And whatever you decide to do, you can rest assured that Wilderness will be using the best providers available. Most activities can be booked and paid for locally, some are included with your room rate, some need to be booked and paid for before travel…
Wildlife and Conservation
Being located in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park also means you can enjoy game drives, looking out for rhino, which have been reintroduced here. Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is well populated with game, but it lacks the predator numbers that might make it a destination in its own right. You can expect to see buffalo, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, and impala, as well as white rhino, which have been successfully reintroduced here. Another highlight is the diversity and wealth of birdlife, such as the half-collared kingfisher, the African skimmer, Schalow’s turaco, and the African finfoot.
With the initiation of a "tree-planting project" and pioneering energy-saving systems and recycling initiatives, this formerly degraded site has been rehabilitated to become a lush riverine woodland once more. Lodge management and guests who visit Toka Leya, continue to plant trees, even donating to renew other sites in Zambia. Wilderness run some of the best properties in Africa, so supreme service and food come as standard here, and their tiny eco-footprint allows them to acquire the best locations for their properties!
Location and Accessibility
Toka Leya is located just 10 kilometers upstream from Victoria Falls, in a delightfully private spot on a wide bend of the Zambezi river, just outside the Zambian town of Livingstone. The views from camp are magnificent, with jackalberry and knobthorn trees providing shade from the heat of the day, and its superb position gives you the feeling of having a section of river all to yourself. Not to mention that the camp has been expertly positioned for amazing sunsets!
The international airport at Livingstone is the main hub for safari in the region, with regular direct connections to Johannesburg, Kruger and other key locations. From the Livingstone Airport it is a drive of around 45 minutes to the lodge.
Read also: Explore Shaba National Reserve
Additional Information
Important Note: This property is unfenced and located in a wildlife area, so large and potentially dangerous animals do pass through. If you opt to stay here, always be alert when walking around the camp and request for a member of staff to escort you if you have any concerns.
Staying at Toka Leya is often combined with visits to other Wilderness camps such as Xigera Camp, Duma Tau or Little Mombo in Botswana.
Awards and Recognition
The hard work of our teams on the ground at Toka Leya and the communities we work alongside have been recognised through several awards. And we couldn’t be prouder. With a perfect 5 star rating from 248 reviews, guests consistently praise Toka Leya's exceptional wildlife viewing, dedicated guides, and luxurious accommodations.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambezi River, near Victoria Falls |
| Accommodation | 12 luxury safari-style tents (including 3 family tents) |
| Activities | Game drives, rhino tracking, river cruises, cultural visits, fishing, Victoria Falls tours, horseback safaris, adventure activities |
| Dining | Local Zambian and international cuisine, pizza oven |
| Wildlife | Elephants, hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, white rhino, diverse birdlife |
Read also: Lion Hill Lodge Experience
Popular articles:
tags: #Zambia
