For travelers seeking an African safari that goes beyond the traditional lodge experience, Tsowa Safari Island offers a remote starting point in the middle of the Zambezi River.
Located within Zimbabwe’s Zambezi National Park, the private island provides access to a wider Southern African adventure spanning Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana. The property features eight secluded safari tents and is designed for travelers who want to combine wildlife encounters with river exploration and visits to some of the region’s most celebrated destinations.
Getting to Tsowa is part of the experience. Guests arrive by 4×4 and private boat, leaving behind the crowds and conventional resort transfers before reaching the island. Once there, the Zambezi becomes central to the experience rather than simply serving as scenery.
Guides lead canoe expeditions through the river’s braided channels and minor rapids, offering an active way to experience the water before it moves toward the Batoka Gorge. The island also provides opportunities for guided walks and micro-safaris, where guests can explore its ancient baobabs and dense vegetation at a slower pace.
Birdwatchers have another reason to visit. Tsowa is home to the Pel’s Fishing Owl, while dawn cruises can offer opportunities to spot African Skimmers and Half-collared Kingfishers. More than 400 bird species have been recorded across the Zambezi River system, making the region an important destination for birding enthusiasts.
Wildlife experiences extend beyond the island. Guided game drives in Zambezi National Park can bring guests into an environment where lion, leopard and African wild dog have been spotted. The property can also serve as a base for excursions to Chobe National Park in Botswana, known for its large elephant population.
Victoria Falls is another major attraction within reach. Guests can incorporate a visit to the falls into their broader itinerary, including the famous Devil’s Pool experience at the edge of the falls when conditions permit. Microlight and helicopter flights over the Batoka Gorge provide another perspective on the dramatic Zambezi landscape.
Tsowa’s approach also places sustainability and community investment at the center of its operations. The island runs on solar power and maintains a zero-single-use-plastic policy. Local employment and community feeding initiatives are supported through guest stays and the Isibindi Foundation.
Operated by Isibindi Africa Lodges, Tsowa Safari Island combines an intimate private-island setting with access to some of Southern Africa’s most compelling wildlife and natural attractions. For travelers looking to build a multi-country safari around the Zambezi, the island offers a secluded base from which to explore.