Opened in June, Lolebezi is located in Zambia’s remote Lower Zambezi National Park, an area rich in wildlife and natural beauty.

As I walked along the gravel-covered path to my suite at the new safari lodge Lolebezi, my experienced guide scanned the surrounding bushes and winter thorn trees for any signs of wildlife.

We almost made it to my room incident-free — until we saw a large male elephant casually munching on the vegetation near my front door. Consequently, instead of going the easy way (as in, entering through the front door), my guide helped me sneak around the corner and enter my suite via the back patio, leaving the pachyderm to enjoy his meal. My guide left, but my two-ton friend chose to stay with me for a while.

Following Nature’s Lead

Listening to the rhythm of the land meant early morning game drives to spot lions fresh off a kill; taking a detour when a mother elephant and her babies decided to block the road; and changing plans when we spotted wild dogs take down an impala.

Lolebezi’s location in Lower Zambezi National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers the unique opportunity to explore a remote region that’s teeming with wildlife but few other safari-goers. It’s truly wild, in every sense of the word, with no enclosures or fences stopping the animals from roaming freely.

Wildlife Spotting

Throughout our daily game drives, we encountered waterbucks, hyenas, warthogs, zebras, baboons, and more. Moreover, this region of Zambia is renowned for its high population of leopards, giving guests a greater chance of spotting them. Bird watchers will also appreciate the vibrant lilac-breasted roller and the bateleur eagle.

Standard game drive vehicles hold up to nine passengers; however, at Lolebezi, only six people are seated in each car (unless requested otherwise). Therefore, everyone gets close to the action with a window seat. Brave visitors can even embark on walking safaris, a practice that originated in Zambia.

And the action doesn’t stop on land. An essential part of letting nature lead comes from Lolebezi’s most unique asset: direct access to Africa’s fourth longest river. While most safari-goers across Africa lack water-based activities, they are an integral part of the Lolebezi experience.

Guests can start their day upstream on the Zambezi River, canoe toward the lodge, and stop for brunch on a sandbar, where staff will set up shaded tables for a full meal. Fishing enthusiasts can attempt to reel in the tiger fish, while more tranquil water adventures include sunset cruises for refreshments and snacks. No matter how guests get on the water, they will encounter hippos and crocodiles from a safe distance.

Honoring Zambia Through Design

The philosophy of “letting the land dictate” places importance on nature, which is reflected throughout the design of Lolebezi, with an emphasis on Zambian culture. The luxury lodge features a natural materials palette and design elements such as woven reed ceilings, hand-carved wooden doors, and fish scales motifs blending into the décor.

The attention to detail is impressive in the eight suites at Lolebezi, including two designed specifically for families. Suites are strategically divided into two sections, with bedrooms facing east for stunning sunrise views and bathrooms facing west. With floor-to-ceiling windows, guests can soak up unobstructed views from the suite to the private plunge pool, immersing themselves in nature.

The thoughtful design continues throughout the property with an outdoor yoga space, spa, and gym, all keeping guests connected to the natural beauty of Lower Zambezi. Lolebezi offers dining pavilions and lounge areas, including a fire pit for guests to gather at sunset, as an option to unwind after a day of adventure.

Serving Guests, Mother Nature, and the Community

Shahida Yousuf, owner of Lolebezi, stated, “We wanted to create a place that shows the essence of Zambia and offers world-class service.” With a maximum capacity of 16 guests, visitors are guaranteed a truly personalized experience with knowledgeable guides.

Moreover, more guides and visitors in Lower Zambezi National Park deter poaching, demonstrating the positive impact of tourism on conservation efforts. The Lolebezi staff work diligently to preserve the natural flora and fauna, creating a harmonious balance.

Lolebezi’s eco-friendly design prioritizes sustainability while giving back to the local community. For each night a guest spends at any ABC property, $10 is donated to the African Bush Camps Foundation, targeting education, conservation, and community empowerment.

Ultimately, this approach to honoring the land dictates the entire experience at Lolebezi, providing guests with lasting memories and a deep connection to nature.