Sindabezi Island is one of the accommodations Justinah vowed she would never return to South Africa without staying at least one night. The thought of lying inside an outdoor bathtub, the sounds of hippos, and watching the African sunset, while sipping a cold beverage, made her even more excited to visit this natural wonderland nestled between Zimbabwe and Zambia. I knew spending at least two nights at Sindabezi Island would make her happy, but I had no idea I would wind up developing a closer connection with this island and its people.
Sindabezi Island is a natural wonderland situated on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe offering tranquillity and seclusion due to it being 3 km away from the Tongabezi, one of the Green Safaris collections. You only share the river with a wide variety of resident wildlife, such as hippos, antelopes, warthogs, and baboons across the river. Fear not – they hardly come up to the island.
Our driver dropped us off at Tongabezi to meet with our guide who then took us to the Sindabezi Island jetty. We packed our bags, boarded the speedboat, and cruised along the mighty Zambezi River till we arrived at Sindabezi Island. While traveling to the island, we saw two crocodiles, baboons, and a group of resident hippos, giving us a glimpse of what to expect during our stay at Sindabezi Island.
Sindabezi Island is part of the Green Safaris collection, with stunning and distinctive properties around Zambia, Mosi-oa-Tunya Falls (Victoria Falls), Kafue National Park, Busanga Plains, South Luangwa National Park, and Lower Zambezi National Park including Likoma Island in Malawi. Green Safaris was established out of a deep connection with Africa’s unspoiled natural areas and the wildlife and communities that call these regions their home. This passion drives their commitment to conservation, empowerment, and sustainability in every aspect of Green Safaris. Each of their properties supports at least one conservation or environment initiative and one community project.
Sindabezi Island comprises five tented chalets with thatched roofs. Two chalets have been turned into private honeymoon suites with outdoor bathtubs and showers. Your only neighbours are the wildlife that shares the mighty Zambezi River with you. One of the honeymoon chalets was our home for two nights.
When we arrived, every member of the staff gave us a warm welcome. After completing the island introduction, Cheyiso, the amazing island manager, introduced us to Nyambe, our butler, who ensured we had everything we required during our stay.
The next morning, as per our request, Nyambe woke us up at 05:00 am and this was followed by coffee at 05:30 am before making our way to the Livingstone Island for our first main adventure activity, a guided tour to the Angel’s Pool to face our fears by hanging on the edge of the Mosi-oa-Tunya – a long-time dream of ours.
ACCOMMODATION
The five thatched, open-fronted chalets are designed to blend into the Zambezi wilderness, bringing elements of nature indoors so that you are fully immersed in island living whenever possible.
SINDABEZI ISLAND THE HONEYMOON CHALET
These are perfectly spaced to provide guests with total seclusion on the island, with an option for sunrise or sunset views and stunning vistas of the vast Zambezi River. These are perfect for couples or anyone who would like to have total seclusion from other guests. Our chalet was equipped with a comfortable King-size four-poster bed draped in netting to keep insects, especially mosquitoes out.
THE BATHROOM
The bathroom in our honeymoon chalet was almost al fresco affairs with a bathtub and shower in the open. But don’t worry, you won’t be seen by other guests or staff members. Only the wildlife will see you shower or take a bath. The toilet, however, has tent walls and a privacy curtain.
ROOM AMENITIES
Amenities in our tented chalet included a hammock, a private wooden patio facing the Zambezi River, Wi-Fi, a safe, USB ports, a fan, a hairdryer, complimentary shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, including gowns and sleepers.
OUTDOOR SPACE ON THE ISLAND
For a small island, Sindabezi Island has plenty of covered and uncovered outdoor seating areas. There are four main areas to relax in.
- The raised treetop decking area where you can sit and relax while enjoying the aerial view of the island and the mighty Zambezi River.
- Below the treetop decking area, there is a long dining table where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
- A lovely firepit where you can relax and enjoy the night with other guests or staff members.
- A floating platform where you can enjoy a private, romantic dinner with your loved one.
- A private wooden deck with lounges, table, and chairs. This is a perfect spot if you would like to spot some wildlife while eating or enjoying afternoon drinks.
- A swing chair by the river where you can enjoy a morning tea/coffee or afternoon drink while watching hippos play in the river.
- The chalets are fitted with hammocks to enjoy in the afternoon after a full day of thrilling activities.
INCLUSIVE EXPERIENCES AND ACTIVITIES
1. PRIVATE ISLAND PICNIC – Enjoy a picnic lunch set on a private sandy island away from the main island.
2. PRIVATE SAFARI (MOSI-OA-TUNYA NATIONAL PARK) – Encounter a variety of wildlife in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park from the comfort of an open vehicle. You only pay a $10 park fee per person.
3. LIVINGSTONE ISLAND – Celebrate one of Africa’s most famous natural icons, Victoria Falls, from within Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park on the Zambian side of the Falls. This includes Angel’s Pool or Devil’s Pool depending on the season. You pay a $25 admission fee per person, and this includes guides, a boat ride, and breakfast. Bring your own water shoes or rent them at the Livingstone Island for $2.
4. COMMUNITY TOUR – Visit Tongabezi Trust School, Simonga Village, Mukuni Community Farm, and Reforestation Programme.
5. FISHING – Set a rod up against your very own river and wait for a nibble – is there anything more relaxing than that?
6. PLUNGE POOL – Dip your sandy toes into our splash pool while taking in the beauty of neighbouring islands on the Zambezi River.
7. BOAT CRUISE – Explore the mighty Zambezi River by power boat at sunrise or sunset, complete with snacks and drinks.
8. PRIVATE FLOATING DINNER UNDER THE STARS (SAMPAN)
A romantic three-course meal served privately on a floating platform (Sampan) close to the island capped off our final evening. Our butler would periodically come to the platform to bring our next course. We watched the sunset while listening to the sounds of hippos, birds, and the river running beneath the platform.
9. SUNSET CRUISE
To be honest, the sunset over the Zambezi River is breathtaking and anybody visiting Zambia has to experience it. Anticipate seeing several bird species and wildlife such as hippos in the river and other animals on the riverbank.
WHO SHOULD VISIT SINDABEZI ISLAND
Sindabezi Island is best for couples, private travellers, families, friends, and solo travellers.
GREEN SAFARIS COMMUNITY INITIATIVES
Sindabezi Island and other properties within the Green Safaris collection are deeply embedded within the communities and environment and encourage the guests’ involvement in their education, health, farming, and sustainability projects.
EDUCATION
Giving children an opportunity to learn and develop holistically is a core part of the Green Safaris ethos. Their education initiatives cultivate curiosity and confidence within a supportive environment that makes learning accessible to children from under-resourced communities. And it is local teachers that help create bright futures for their students. Click here to get involved.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
The Green Safaris family reaches far beyond their properties. Their responsibility extends from their employees through to neighbouring communities, where they are actively involved in building sustainable livelihoods that enable people to thrive. Click here to get involved.
CONSERVATION
Africa’s wildlife deserves our protection, which is why Green Safaris dedicates energy, skills, and resources towards initiating and supporting conservation projects in the areas where Green Safaris operate. Click here to get involved.
CONTACT SINDABEZI ISLAND
Telephone: +260 969 864 898
E-mail: reservations@greensafaris.com
Website: www.greensafaris.com
DISCLAIMER
Some of our articles may contain affiliate links. We may receive compensation if you make a booking through the links on this blog website but it won’t cost you anything extra. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this article are honest, unbiased, and in no way influenced by the Green Safaris or Sindabezi brand, their management, or affiliates.
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