Tsowa Safari Island

Tsowa Safari Island sits on an island in the Zambezi River inside Zambezi National Park, forty kilometres upstream from Victoria Falls. To reach it, you transfer by open four-wheel-drive vehicle from a private park entrance to the river bank, then cross by boat to the island — roughly one hour in total from Victoria Falls.

The camp holds eight tents, sixteen beds in all, arranged along the island's edge beneath riverine forest. Two tent types are available: River View Safari Tents have a small covered verandah at the water's edge with views across to the national park; River Deck Safari Tents have a private deck built out over the river. Both have indoor and outdoor showers.

The island itself is worth a guided walk. The older centre holds century-old baobab trees, ground lilies that flower early in the year, and a small river running through the interior where a pair of Pel's fishing owls nest in a mangosteen tree. The surrounding national park carries large herds of elephant and buffalo, as well as lion, hyena, giraffe, and numerous antelope species. Game drives run in the early mornings, three to four hours with a refreshment stop; guided game walks leave from the mainland at first light. Canoeing in two-person inflatables is available year-round, with lunch on the bank en route. Late afternoons bring a river cruise for sundowners and game coming down to drink.

Children under twelve are not accepted; canoeing and guided game walks require guests to be at least sixteen.