Victoria Falls, one of the world’s most majestic natural wonders, is shared between two nations: Zambia and Zimbabwe. The Zambezi River feeds this thundering spectacle and creates a unique experience in both countries. However, in recent years, Zambia has seen its tourism sector rise, much like the warm sunrise that greets this land most mornings, while Zimbabwe, battered and bruised by political and economic turmoil, has seen the glowing spotlight dim on some of its former glory, but hopefully to return once again. The metaphor reflects the broader narratives of these two nations, with Zambia embracing a new dawn in sustainable tourism.
Though Victoria Falls is split between these two countries, the experiences on either side are notably different. Zimbabwe offers the most extensive and continuous views of the Falls, with around 80% of the waterfall visible from its side, framed by the well-preserved Victoria Falls National Park. By contrast, Zambia provides a more intimate encounter, especially during the rainy season when the Zambezi is at its fullest. Visitors on the Zambian side can venture onto Livingstone Island and experience the adrenaline-inducing Devil’s Pool, where the water cascades around you, offering by far the most thrilling experience of the Falls, and only possible for a few months of the year when the river is low.
Zambian lodges, for the most part, are based out of the city which makes them significantly more exclusive and intimate – whereas many of the well-known luxury travel brands in Victoria Falls are based within the city, a much busier experience.
As Andrew Bennett, a safari veteran with 30 years of experience across Southern Africa, puts it: “Victoria Falls has the town immediately close by, and Livingstone is a few kilometres further away, but Zambia has Livingstone Island. Zimbabwe has been bruised by decades of currency collapse, political upheaval, and bad press from land claims. Zambia, to some degree, seized the gap by capitalising on its natural resources.”
This rising trend is evident in the way Zambia has nurtured its tourism industry post-COVID, with a focus on sustainability and community empowerment, making it a standout destination for conscious travellers.
Zambia’s post-Covid tourism revitalisation
Zambia’s economy, largely dependent on copper, agriculture, and tourism, has been through its fair share of challenges. While copper mining has long sustained the country’s elite, and agriculture has struggled under the pressure of drought, tourism has emerged as a beacon of hope. Zambians, known for their kindness and warmth, hold tourism in high regard. Visitors often remark on the grace with which Zambians host them—hospitality that feels genuine and grounded in a deep appreciation for the role of tourism in uplifting the country.
Following the devastating disruption caused by the pandemic, in the form of job losses and families needing to feed children, Zambia’s tourism sector has energetically bounced back with vigour. Fortunately, tourism is increasingly attracting a new wave of travellers seeking sustainability and low-impact tourism. The global shift towards conscious travel, where visitors want their presence to leave a positive footprint, is well suited to quiet, conscious and graceful Zambians, so eager to please.
Green Safaris: Consciously leading the charge
One of the key pioneers in Zambia’s tourism is Green Safaris, a brand that exemplifies the shift towards sustainable and community-focused travel. The company operates the luxurious Tongabezi Lodge, perched on the banks of the Zambezi River, away from the constant drone of helicopters circling Victoria Falls. While the property enjoys proximity to adventure activities like Devil’s Pool – in fact, they exclusively have the concession to run the trips to Livingstone Island – it offers a serene, quieter experience where guests can connect with nature and the local culture.
More than just a safari operator, Green Safaris has embedded itself in the community. Their Mukuni Organic Farm, which employs 19 locals, not only supplies fresh produce to the lodge but also supports the surrounding community, providing jobs, skills, and a sense of purpose. In addition, the lodge’s own organic garden and eco-friendly infrastructure, which includes solar energy and sustainable water management systems, make it a standout leader in sustainable luxury.
Green Safaris’ commitment to education is equally impressive. The Tujatane School, originally founded by Ben and Vanessa Parker and later adopted by Green Safaris, continues to flourish under their watchful eye, now supporting nearly 300 students up to Grade 9. Many of the learners come from families of the Lodge’s staff or the nearby village of Simonga which is seen as one of the most respected educational institutions in Southern Zambia. The school represents the perfect fusion of tourism and social development, providing both education and stability for future generations. Many operators are running their own conservation initiatives – if not, they donate, shaping a promising sustainable tourism market.
Why choose Zambia?
In a region dominated by iconic destinations like Botswana’s Okavango Delta and South Africa’s Kruger National Park, Zambia still possesses that naive halo of seeming as yet undiscovered — a chance to experience Africa’s wild beauty without the crowds. The country’s vast landscapes, from the wildlife-rich South Luangwa National Park to the expanse of the Zambezi, offer an unfiltered and authentic safari experience. The focus here is on low-density tourism—fewer tourists, more space, and a genuine connection to the land. In Busanga, for example, it is so remote some say there are more lions than people.
The pioneers of change
With other properties across Kafue National Park, Busanga Plains, South Luangwa National Park, Lower Zambezi National Park and Malawi’s Likoma Island, Green Safaris have recognised the potential that sits at the intersection of building Zambian tourism and its people and attracting luxury and eco-travellers. Tourism never stops evolving, but ironically, it was refreshing to see luxury express itself so freely, by allowing nature and hospitality to do the talking, as opposed to the technology and one-upmanship that vie for our attention these days. Tongabezi Lodge strikes the balance of hosting that ‘unforgettable Africa’ experience you dream of, and sending you home ‘awake’ to what’s possible when you intentionally put people and planet before profit.