Tintswalo Siankaba is part of the Tintswalo Collection, a magnificent group of six family-owned and managed properties situated in six distinct Southern African destinations. The latest addition to the portfolio, Tintswalo Siankaba, offers a unique experience with opulent tented accommodation on two densely forested private islands in the heart of the mighty Zambezi River in Livingstone, Zambia.
Other Tintswalo properties in the collection include the award-winning Tintswalo Atlantic boutique lodge, perched on a pebbled beach at the foot of Table Mountain National Park, directly overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Situated on the southern side of the Cape Peninsula, Tintswalo Boulders is located on Boulders Beach with its world-famous colony of endangered African penguins. Sharing an unfenced boundary with Kruger National Park, Tintswalo Safari sits on the pristine Manyeleti Private Nature Reserve, home to some of South Africa’s best game viewing. Within this concession, Tintswalo Manor offers a luxurious, fully-catered villa for families or friends looking for a tailor-made stay. Nearby in the Welgevonden Game Reserve, and Tintswalo Waterberg is an ideal safari getaway for corporates, as well as friends or family travelling together.
Situated on two densely forested private islands in the middle of the majestic Zambezi River, Tintswalo Siankaba is a luxurious tented treehouse island camp. It is located 42 km from Livingstone (Harry Mwanga Nkumbula) airport, 50 km from Mosi-oa-Tunya Falls (Victoria Falls), and 57 km from the main entrance of Botswana’s Chobe National Park. This makes it an ideal base camp for anyone wishing to explore Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana on a single trip. Tintswalo Siankaba truly has a ‘soul’ because you will arrive as a guest and leave as part of the Tintswalo Siankaba family.
Driving to Tintswalo Siankaba and leaving Livingstone town behind, it felt like we were leaving civilisation behind because everything just gradually disappeared in the rearview mirror. 20 km into the drive, expect to see a few modest mud huts with thatch roofs, these are the homes of the local communities. After travelling for almost 30 kilometres, we finally arrived at the main entrance. However, the driver informed us that we still had to drive down a dirt road in order to get to the main entrance area of the island. Expect to drive for another 7 km on gravel road until you reach the small village of Siankaba. If it’s your first time going to Tintswalo Siankaba, you might think you are lost. I even asked our driver if we were at the right location.
On our arrival at the reception area, we were welcomed by the staff’s wide smiles and open arms! You know how it feels when you haven’t visited your parent’s home for a long time and you let them know you are on your way to visit them? And when you arrive, everyone is excitedly waiting for you at the gate to welcome you? That’s exactly how we felt when we arrived, and this was just the beginning because the main reception area is on one island and the lodge is on another. We got onto the boat to be transported to the main lodge, and the ride was spectacular and breathtaking. We had the impression that we were in an Anaconda movie scene.
Everyone was eager to greet us upon our arrival on the main island, and the reception was no different. The entire staff really made us feel like we had already met and were friends or part of the Tintswalo Siankaba family. Throughout the entirety of our stay, we did not feel like visitors—rather, we were treated as members of the Tintswalo Siankaba family. What really warmed our hearts was when we had dinner with the entire staff at the same dinner table on our last night on the island.
In a distinctly African manner, Tintswalo Siankaba evokes images of style and elegance. Subtle architecture blends with a backdrop of natural forest, creating an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity. The tented treehouse island camp comprises seven luxury treehouse river tents raised above the ground in the tree canopy on the edge of the Zambezi River and separated by the combination of a swing bridge and raised wooden walkway from the main restaurant area, keeping guests safe while protecting the fragile riverine environment below.
Each of the treehouse river tents features an en-suite Victorian bath and shower, double vanities, and a dressing table. Private balconies extend over the Zambezi River, inviting you to relax while viewing all that unfolds in the river and riverbanks of the neighbouring country of Zimbabwe. Tintswalo Siankaba is a place of spectacular natural beauty and a haven for an astonishing variety of plant and bird life. An expansive main lodge deck with lounge and dining areas overlooks the bush and a swimming pool with poolside loungers.
TINTSWALO SIANKABA HISTORY
In 1998, plans for the Islands of Siankaba were born, and after extremely diligent talks and input from the local community, the islands were secured for development. It was apparent at the outset that the success of the lodge was dependent on a ‘partnership’ with the local community and that the community was tremendously keen for employment and development within the Siankaba area.
After exhaustive market research into traveller’s needs and current market trends, architect’s plans were drawn up. It was established from the beginning of the project that environmental awareness would be a key factor for the lodge. It was decided that a ‘non-permanent’ feel to the camp would be important; therefore, a combination of wood and canvas was decided upon for all the lodge structures. In October 2000, work on the construction began, and the company took on many local people and trained them in different fields of the construction industry. The work proceeded well, considering the challenges of building on remote islands. The lodge doors opened for business on June 1st, 2002.
They are extremely proud of the fact that the lodge’s international reputation has grown while maintaining and expanding its promises to the local community. Out of respect to the man who had the vision to encourage lodge development, the lodge is named after the local headman of the area (Siankaba).
SIANKABA ACCOMMODATION – TREE HOUSE RIVER TENTS
Tintswalo Siankaba has seven beautifully and individually decorated luxury en-suite tree house river tents scattered along the banks of the Zambezi River. All the suites have private viewing decks, ceiling fans, safes, minibars, tea/coffee facilities, and prime views of the Zambezi River. They are all named after waterfalls around African countries such as Murchison Falls in Uganda (featured), Blue Nile Falls in Ethiopia, Epupa Falls on the border of Angola and Namibia, Chishimba Falls in Zambia, Lumangwe Falls in Zambia, Livingstone/Mosi-oa-Tunya Falls in Zambia, and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.
MURCHISON FALLS (FEATURED)
Murchison Falls, also known as Kabalega Falls, is a waterfall between Lake Kyoga and Lake Albert on the Victoria Nile in Uganda.
ROOM AMENITIES
- Hairdryers
- Private Safe
- Mosquito Nets
- Tea and coffee facilities
- Mini bar with soft and alcoholic beverages
STANDARD INCLUSIONS
- Wi-Fi access around the island
- Accommodation in a treehouse river tent
- Transfers to and from Livingstone Airport
- All meals and drinks (excluding premium brand spirits, wine, and champagne)
- One trip to either the Zambian or Zimbabwean side of the Falls and to the Curio Market
TINTSWALO SIANKABA EXPERIENCES
Although these experiences may vary by season, a plethora of activities are included in your rate. These include a guided tour of Victoria Falls, nature walks, a cultural tour, and fishing excursions to name a few. Situated a stone’s throw away from Africa’s adventure capital, a variety of other activities are available at an extra cost.
INCLUSIVE EXPERIENCES
The activities below are included in the International Rate but may be subject to seasonal variations:
- Makoro trips
- Curio market shop
- Zambezi River sunset cruise
- Visit the community nursery school
- Picnic lunch on a private island (*passports required)
- Cultural Tour of Siankaba village by foot or bamboo mountain bike
- A guided nature trail walk to learn more about Siankaba trees and their medicinal properties
- Guided Tour of Victoria Falls (Choice of Zambian side or Zimbabwe side* passport conditions apply)
TINTSWALO SIANKABA SPA
Siankaba Spa has been created to bring true tranquility to the body, mind, and soul. Treatments are done in their spa room or guest’s rooms/deck, offering a healing place to relax in the middle of the Zambezi River, surrounded by the natural music of the birds, water, and the light scent of the trees.
TINTSWALO SIANKABA DINING – LOCAL CUISINE
The choice of dining venues on the island are wonderfully varied and the team understands the importance of dining experiences. From an ‘al fresco’ breakfast on their panoramic terrace to an intimate dinner for two in their private forest dining area, your senses will never tire of the abundant natural setting.
Tintswalo Siankaba believes that the very heart of the lodge is their kitchen and its staff, who consistently produce unparalleled cuisine every day. Using locally sourced, fresh produce to create mouth-watering dishes is down to the commitment of our talented head chef. He predominantly sources his herbs and vegetables from a small community garden market that the lodge initiated some years ago in the local community. Whilst producing quality produce, this market garden brings much-needed revenue to the local area, and indeed, the community elders proudly show this to guests as part of our village walk.
EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCES
This is a list of activities that are available around the area at an extra cost and are subject to availability and seasonal variations:
- Golf
- Abseiling
- Canoeing
- Fly Fishing
- Quad biking
- Rhino Walks
- Gorge Swing
- Bungee Jumping
- Micro light Flights
- White Water Rafting
- Trips to Livingstone Island
- Elephant encounter safaris
- Trips to Livingstone Museum
- Helicopter flights over Victoria Falls
- Tours of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and Chobe National Park
TINTSWALO SIANKABA GIVING BACK
Since the lodge opened, Tintswalo Siankaba has been committed to the development of the local community through education. They believe that education is key to the successful long-term development of the area.
After the successful partnership between Mandia School and the lodge, the company directors were extremely keen to further their commitment to education, and so in 2008, the lodge joined forces with the British-based charity The U Foundation to assist with the building of a nursery school for the local community. Continue reading…
TINTSWALO SIANKABA TRAVEL ADVICE
If you’re travelling to Zambia, our up-to-date travel advice gives you practical tips on what to bring, how to dress, climate and other essentials for your trip. Click here to read more…
TINTSWALO TRAVELLERS CLUB
Click here to join the Tintswalo Travellers Club and enjoy luxury travel to any of our Tintswalo Collections in South Africa and Zambia, exclusive to South African residents. Here you will find everything you will need to know about the Tintswalo Travellers Club benefits and how it works.
CONTACT TINTSWALO SIANKABA
International Reservations Contact:
Telephone: +27 21 773 0900
E-mail: reservations@tintswalo.com
E-mail: accounts@siankaba.net
Website: www.siankaba.africa
Nakatindi Road 10101 Livingstone, Zambia (Google)
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