If you are hoping to tick one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World from your bucket list, you no longer have to choose between style and sustainability when booking your holiday. With Green Safaris, your once-in-a-lifetime trip to Victoria Falls can be both sumptuous and ethical.

Sindabezi Island Camp by Green Safaris is an award-winning eco-lodge founded in 1992, just upstream of Victoria Falls in Zambia. Here, you can start your day with your toes in the sand as you dig into perfectly poached eggs while sipping on your second cappuccino and end the day under the stars as your private valet brings you that last glass of red wine. In between, head out from Sindabezi to explore Victoria Falls by land (on a guided walk), by air (it is possible to book a helicopter or microlight flight over Victoria Falls itself) or even from within the waterfall itself (at certain times of year travellers can swim on the very edge, in the Devil’s Pool). Other activities from the island include sunset cruises to island picnics, game drives in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, to lounging by the plunge pool on Sindabezi while you read a book.

Sindabezi has only five open-sided chalets, making it possible to book the whole camp exclusively. What could be better, after all, than a private island with absolutely none of the environmental guilt? The island runs entirely on solar power and has a state-of-the-art grey-water system that recycles your long showers right back into the Zambezi River.

Most of the fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs on your plate will come from a Green Safaris garden or farm. There is one found at Sindabezi’s sister lodge, Tongabezi, just upstream, and also a Mukuni Community Farm, which the Green Safaris Conservation Foundation initiated close to Victoria Falls. The chefs and gardeners have worked together to create meals that are as marvellous for the planet as they are for your palate. 

Each expansive, thatched room on Sindabezi Island comes complete with its unique view of the Zambezi River. Would you like the sunrise or the sunset chalet? Or perhaps you would prefer Chalet 3, which overlooks a popular hippopotamus hangout? Be sure to take advantage of the opportunity for an outdoor shower or bath; with only the birds for company, this is nature therapy for the soul.

You decide the rhythm of your own holiday on Sindabezi Island, where you can experience the tranquillity of a Zambian safari and the adventure of a Natural Wonder without leaving more than footprints behind when you leave. 

Where?

Operated by Green Safaris in a location like no other, Sindabezi is an idyllic, eco-friendly camp on the Zambezi River. Enjoy incredible views of the Zambezi River floodplains and unwind amidst the peacefulness of this small, private island that’s only 12 kilometres upstream from Victoria Falls.

Getting there is easy; fly into Livingstone Airport in Zambia and arrange a Green Safaris pick-up from there.  

What to Experience

• Explore Victoria Falls; venture into the Devil’s Pool if you’re brave enough.
• Dine in style on a sampan on the Zambezi River.
• Take a dip in Sindabezi’s plunge pool.
• Hang out at the Sindabezi Sand Bar or head to one of the nearby islands for a picnic. 
• Go fishing or grab some binoculars and go birdwatching.
• Engage with the local community through village tours and visits to the Mukuni Community Farm. 
• All activities at Sindabezi’s sister lodge, Tongabezi, are open to guests at Sindabezi.
• If you’re interested in travelling beyond Livingstone (South Luangwa, Kafue National Park and Lake Malawi), Green Safaris offers you a range of unmatched experiences.

Reservations and enquiries

Contact [email protected] or go to greensafaris.com 

Images courtesy of Green Safaris and Spirited Pursuit