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Livingstone, Zambia
Life Along the Zambezi, Thoughtfully Curated
Days unfold between the river, Victoria Falls and nearby communities, with a diverse range of included experiences designed to showcase the natural and cultural richness of this corner of Zambia.
Located on a peaceful stretch of the Zambezi River near Livingstone, Mukwa River Lodge and Tanyati Villa enjoy a tranquil riverside setting just upstream from Victoria Falls. Surrounded by riverine woodland and overlooking the Zambezi, the property offers easy access to one of Southern Africa’s most iconic natural attractions while remaining immersed in the quieter rhythms of life on the river.
Accommodation comprises River Suites, Island Suites and private Cottages at Mukwa River Lodge, together with the exclusive-use Tanyati Villa. Spacious interiors, private decks, plunge pools and uninterrupted river views create an atmosphere that balances contemporary comfort with a genuine connection to the surrounding landscape.
Guests can tailor their stay through a wide range of included experiences, from guided visits to Victoria Falls and sunset river cruises to cultural encounters, village visits, seasonal tiger fishing and Zambian cooking experiences. Whether seeking adventure, relaxation or a combination of both, Mukwa River Lodge and Tanyati Villa provide an elegant base from which to experience Livingstone and the Zambezi.
Mukwa River Lodge and Tanyati Villa form part of The Residence Collection, a privately owned collection of distinctive properties known for their warm hospitality, generous spaces and highly personalised service. Alongside its riverside retreat in Livingstone, the collection also includes The Residence Hotel in Johannesburg, offering the same considered approach to hospitality in an entirely different setting.
Livingstone, Zambia
Mukwa River Lodge:
From US$ 500 – US$ 1,237 per person
Tanyati Villa:
From US$ 3,200 – US$ 5,344 per villa per night (first 1 – 4 guests)
FLY: Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI), Livingstone, Zambia, or Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA), Zimbabwe.
DRIVE: Approximately 20 minutes from Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI) and 45 minutes from Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA). Complimentary return airport transfers are included. Assistance with cross-border immigration formalities is provided for guests arriving via Zimbabwe.
All ages – Mukwa Cottage and Tanyati Villa
7+ years – Mukwa River and Island Suites
Life on the Zambezi, guided Victoria Falls experiences, river cruises, seasonal tiger fishing, cultural encounters & village visits.
From sunrise river activities to sunset cruises, the river shapes every part of the guest experience.
Victoria Falls, Livingstone, cultural encounters, river cruises and more are all included, making it easy to explore the destination.
River Suites, Island Suites, the private Cottages and exclusive-use Tanyati Villa cater to couples, families and private groups alike.
Experience a more authentic side of Livingstone through village visits, Zambian cooking, local foraging and life along the river.
Mukwa River Lodge offers seven suites in total, comprising five River Facing Suites and two Island Facing Suites. Positioned either directly on the banks of the Zambezi River or along quieter internal waterways and tributaries, the suites are designed to maximise privacy while maintaining a strong connection to the surrounding landscape.
Each suite features a private plunge pool, expansive wooden deck, extra-length king-size bed and air-conditioned interiors. Spacious en-suite bathrooms include a freestanding bath, indoor shower and double outdoor showers, while outdoor living areas provide the perfect setting from which to enjoy the changing rhythms of the river. Well suited to couples, the suites offer a peaceful retreat between the many activities included during a stay.
The Mukwa Cottages are available in two- and three-bedroom configurations, offering spacious private accommodation for families and small groups. Air-conditioned en-suite bedrooms are complemented by generous indoor and outdoor living spaces, extensive timber decks and private swimming pools, creating a relaxed retreat on the banks of the Zambezi.
Each cottage features a fireplace, dedicated dining room and butler's kitchen, allowing meals to be enjoyed in the privacy of the cottage while guests continue to benefit from the facilities, activities and personalised hospitality of Mukwa River Lodge.
Situated right on the banks of the Zambezi River, Tanyati Villa accommodates up to eight adults and two children across four en-suite suites. Each suite enjoys uninterrupted river views and features extra-length king-size beds, fireplaces and private outdoor showers, while the villa's generous shared spaces are designed for spending time together.
Exclusive-use facilities include a heated infinity pool overlooking the river, dedicated chef, butler service, guest liaison manager, cinema, wine cellar, library and riverside entertaining areas. Ideal for families, multi-generational travel or private groups, Tanyati Villa combines the privacy of a luxury home with the services and experiences of a fully staffed lodge.
Bookings can be made by contacting The Residence Collection reservations team. Seasonal availability may vary.
Email: info@residencecollection.co.za
Tel: +27 (0)11 853 2480
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am – 5pm. Based in Johannesburg.
Daily scheduled flights from Johannesburg and other regional hubs provide convenient access via Livingstone (LVI) or Victoria Falls (VFA).
Approximately 20 minutes from Livingstone Airport (LVI) and 45 minutes from Victoria Falls Airport (VFA). Complimentary return airport transfers are included, with the Mukwa team assisting guests with border and immigration formalities when arriving via Zimbabwe.
Amenities & Facilities
- Fully inclusive accommodation with meals, local beverages and a wide range of guided experiences.
- Riverfront accommodation on the banks of the Zambezi River.
- Choice of Mukwa River Lodge or the exclusive-use Tanyati Villa.
- Private plunge pools at all River and Island Suites, private pools at the Mukwa Cottages, and a heated infinity pool at Tanyati Villa.
- Spa and treatment room, gym, library and boutique.
- Indoor and outdoor dining areas, lounges, wine cellar, fire pit and boma.
- Organic vegetable garden, riverside entertaining spaces and extensive landscaped gardens.
- Dedicated chef, butler service and guest liaison manager at Tanyati Villa.
- Helicopter landing pad.
- Complimentary return airport transfers from Livingstone and Victoria Falls airports.
Activities & Experiences
- Guided Victoria Falls tour (Zambia side, including entrance fees)
- Sunrise and sunset Zambezi River experiences
- Breakfast, lunch and high tea river cruises
- Livingstone town tour, local markets and museums
- Village cultural visits
- Zambian cooking class and dining experience
- Guided tour of the Mukwa Organic Garden
- Seasonal tiger fishing (June–mid December)
- Seasonal local foraging walks
- Complimentary mountain bikes
- Spa treatments*
- Helicopter scenic flights and transfers*
- Zimbabwe-side Victoria Falls visit and entrance fees*
- Kasane transfers*
- Additional activities and private experiences*
* Additional charges apply. Premium and imported beverages, spa treatments, helicopter transfers and flights, Zimbabwe-side Victoria Falls entrance fees and visa costs, Kasane Airport transfers, activities not listed as included, and purchases of a personal nature are excluded from the fully inclusive rate.
Mukwa River Lodge and Tanyati Villa form part of The Residence Collection, a privately owned collection of boutique properties committed to creating meaningful, long-term impact within the communities connected to its destinations. In Livingstone, this commitment focuses on education, youth development, women’s empowerment and animal welfare through partnerships with local organisations working to strengthen lives and create lasting opportunities.
Initiatives supported by The Residence Collection include:
- Muneli Child Centre – A non-profit organisation that provides educational opportunities and support programmes for children with disabilities and children from underserved communities. The centre also runs literacy clubs and girls’ support programmes.
- Mukeya Development Centre – A community initiative that equips widowed women with practical income-generating skills, including garment-making and shoemaking, with the aim of supporting greater financial independence.
- Mukwa Football Team – Established in partnership with local communities, this football programme provides structured sporting opportunities for young people from nearby villages, encouraging teamwork, discipline and personal development.
- Zambezi Animal Welfare Services (ZAWS) – A non-profit organisation dedicated to animal welfare through rescue, rehabilitation, rehoming, veterinary outreach, sterilisation programmes and community education.
Through these partnerships, The Residence Collection helps strengthen local communities, improve access to education, support sustainable livelihoods and promote responsible tourism that delivers lasting social and environmental benefits.
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