Walking Safaris and River Adventures: What It’s Like to Explore Tsowa Safari Island

There are some places that whisper to the soul, beckoning you to slow down, breathe deeply, and truly feel the wild. Tsowa Safari Island is one of them. Set on a private island in the Zambezi River, just 40km upstream from Victoria Falls, this luxury tented lodge offers an unforgettable blend of walking safaris and river adventures that reconnect you to the rhythms of nature.

Step Into the Wild: Guided Walking Safaris

Tsowa Safari Island is one of the few places where you can experience the thrill of a walking safari within the Zambezi National Park. Led by expert professional guides, our safaris are not about ticking off the Big Five from a distance. They’re about slowing down and tuning in.

You’ll walk through landscapes shaped by ancient elephant paths and the seasonal migrations of plains game. You might quietly observe a herd of buffalo grazing or track fresh lion prints in the soft earth. Your guide will share knowledge and an infectious sense of wonder about the ecosystem and its intricate details: medicinal plants, bird calls, dung beetles rolling their prize across the path.

This isn’t adrenaline tourism. It’s an immersive, sensory-rich experience that invites presence and respect. And for many guests, it’s the most profound way to experience Africa.

Island Walks: Peaceful Paths and Birdsong

Closer to camp, the island itself offers a network of peaceful walking trails that invite gentle exploration. These guided island walks are ideal for early mornings or golden-hour strolls. With binoculars in hand, you can spot kingfishers, bee-eaters, and even the elusive Pel’s fishing owl.

The terrain is varied – from riverine forest to open grassland – and there’s a quiet intimacy to these walks. They’re about reconnecting with yourself in nature. 

River Safaris: Drift, Watch, Wonder

Of course, the Zambezi River is the island’s lifeblood, and the best way to experience its magic is on a late-afternoon river cruise. Tsowa’s river cruise safaris are unhurried and rich in wildlife sightings.

As your boat drifts downstream, the banks come alive with animals. You might see elephants drinking, crocodiles sunning, or hippos bobbing between reed beds. Birdlife flourishes here, too: fish eagles call from the trees, and African skimmers skim the water’s surface.

But the true magic comes as the sun begins to dip. With a gin and tonic in hand, you’ll watch the sky ignite in gold and red, mirrored perfectly in the river below. It’s a moment of awe that no camera can quite capture.

More Than a Lodge: A Sanctuary in Nature

After your daily explorations, the luxury of camp life awaits. Tsowa Safari Lodge offers just eight spacious canvas-tented suites, each with indoor and outdoor showers, private decks, and views over the river. The camp blends natural materials with modern comfort, designed to feel rooted in place but wholly indulgent.

Meals are served al fresco, and evenings are lit by lanterns and starlight. There’s a sense of quiet elegance here, a feeling that everything has been thought through, yet nothing is overdone. It’s eco-luxury that breathes.

Plan Your Safari Escape

Whether you’re dreaming of walking safaris that stir something deep within or slow river safaris that feel like meditation on water, Tsowa Safari Island offers an extraordinary African experience.

Ready to explore Tsowa Safari Island? Book your stay here and let the adventure begin.