Travelers seeking rest and relaxation can find a new wellness experience along Zimbabwe’s Zambezi River, where Tsowa Safari Island has opened Tsowa River Spa, a tranquil retreat surrounded by trees, wildlife and the sounds of nature.
Located upstream of Victoria Falls, the private island lodge has added the spa to its intimate safari experience, offering guests an opportunity to unwind between wildlife excursions and other outdoor activities. During treatments, visitors can listen to the river flowing below, birds singing in the trees and the occasional call of a nearby hippo.
The opening comes as wellness-focused travel continues to gain attention. According to Hilton’s 2026 Trends Report, 56% of travelers identified rest and recharging as their primary reason for taking a leisure trip this year. The growing interest in restorative escapes reflects a shift toward vacations that prioritize relaxation and personal well-being rather than packed itineraries.
With just nine tents and a maximum capacity of 18 guests, Tsowa Safari Island is designed to offer privacy and a slower pace. Guests arrive by boat after a game drive through Zambezi National Park, creating a sense of separation from the demands of everyday life.
The accommodations are positioned approximately 20 meters apart among riverside trees, allowing visitors to enjoy their surroundings with a degree of seclusion. The camp also operates on solar power without generators, leaving the natural sounds of the river and wildlife largely undisturbed.
Guests can create their own schedules, choosing from activities such as canoeing along quiet waterways, walking in search of birds including Pel’s fishing owl and the African finfoot, and taking sunset cruises. Those interested in additional excursions can also visit Victoria Falls or Botswana’s Chobe National Park. Others may prefer to spend the day enjoying a spa treatment and relaxing on their private deck overlooking the river.
The spa experience begins with a foot-cleansing ritual that uses cool stones during hot weather and warm stones when temperatures drop. Treatments incorporate products from two South African skincare brands.
Healing Earth, which uses minerals and botanicals, supplies products for body, hand and foot treatments. Facials feature Esse, a certified organic, vegan skincare brand focused on the skin’s microbiome.
Paige Gehren, co-founder of Tsowa Safari Island, describes the spa as “a place of energy and healing.”
The new facility offers an additional way for visitors to experience the island beyond its safari activities, combining wellness treatments with the restorative qualities of a natural setting.
For travelers hoping to disconnect from daily pressures, Tsowa River Spa presents an opportunity to slow down in a secluded destination where the river, wildlife and surrounding landscape help set the pace.
For reservations and additional information, visit Isibindi.co.za or contact res@isibindi.co.za.