Viceroy Hotels Unveils Three Luxury Safari Lodges, Elevating Zambia and Botswana’s High-End Tourism
The African hospitality landscape is witnessing a significant transformation as Viceroy Hotels makes its much-anticipated debut on the continent, introducing three new luxury safari lodges across Zambia and Botswana. This bold expansion marks a pivotal moment for the brand, renowned for its immersive and transformative travel experiences, and signals a new era of opportunity for Africa’s premium tourism sector.
Viceroy’s entry into Africa is anchored by a partnership with African Bush Camps, a leading luxury safari operator, ensuring that each property delivers not only on exclusivity and comfort but also on authentic, nature-driven experiences. The three lodges—Thorntree River Lodge in Zambia’s Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Lolebezi in Lower Zambezi National Park, and Atzaró Okavango Camp in Botswana’s Okavango Delta—are designed to blend seamlessly with their unique environments, offering guests a rare combination of adventure, culture, and refined hospitality.
At the heart of this expansion is a commitment to immersive travel that connects visitors to Africa’s landscapes, wildlife, and communities in ways that are both meaningful and memorable. Each lodge is a gateway to the continent’s most celebrated natural wonders, curated for discerning travelers seeking more than just a place to stay. Instead, guests are invited to engage deeply with their surroundings, whether through guided wildlife encounters, cultural excursions, or moments of tranquil luxury .
Thorntree River Lodge, perched on the banks of the Zambezi River and just minutes from the iconic Victoria Falls, offers a front-row seat to one of Africa’s most dramatic landscapes. Here, guests can embark on rhino tracking expeditions on foot, enjoy sunrise and sunset river cruises, or explore the falls with expert guides. The lodge’s design emphasizes understated elegance, with luxury suites featuring private plunge pools, indoor and outdoor bathrooms, and sweeping riverfront views. Amenities such as a spa, swimming pool, riverside lounge, and library ensure that every adventure is balanced by moments of relaxation and sophistication.
Further east, Lolebezi in the Lower Zambezi National Park immerses travelers in five hectares of protected riverfront, where the wild beauty of Zambia unfolds at every turn. The lodge is tailored for both intimate escapes and family adventures, with air-conditioned suites, private plunge pools, and an exclusive-use villa. Activities range from walking safaris and canoeing expeditions to boat cruises and seasonal birding, offering close encounters with elephants, leopards, and a dazzling array of birdlife. On-site, guests can unwind at the swimming pool, spa, yoga deck, or open-air cinema, all designed to foster a sense of serenity amid the excitement of the wild.
In Botswana, Atzaró Okavango Camp stands as a beacon of eco-conscious luxury in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Okavango Delta. This region, celebrated for its biodiversity and pristine landscapes, provides the perfect backdrop for Viceroy’s signature blend of style and substance. Guests can experience the delta’s wonders through walking safaris, traditional mokoro canoe trips, and game drives that span morning, afternoon, and night. The camp’s suites, each with private plunge pools and panoramic views, are complemented by a wellness spa, yoga deck, elevated viewing platform, and a central lounge that encourages connection and reflection. The result is a sanctuary where comfort and adventure coexist in perfect harmony.
Viceroy’s African lodges are more than just accommodations—they are curated experiences that reflect the brand’s philosophy of experiential hospitality. Every detail, from contemporary vernacular architecture to locally inspired cuisine and personalized service, is designed to immerse guests in the essence of their destination. This approach not only elevates the guest experience but also sets a new standard for luxury tourism in Africa, where authenticity and sustainability are increasingly valued by global travelers.
For Africa’s tourism professionals, Viceroy’s expansion represents a strategic opportunity to tap into the rising demand for high-end, nature-focused travel. The lodges are poised to attract a new wave of international visitors seeking exclusive wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, and eco-friendly luxury. This influx is expected to drive growth across the region’s hospitality value chain, from local suppliers and guides to transport and infrastructure development .
Arash Azarbarzin, CEO of Viceroy Hotels & Residences, emphasizes that this move is not just about expanding the brand’s footprint but about redefining what it means to experience Africa. “Each African lodge is a gateway that connects you to the essence of the destination, its people, landscape, and culture. We’re inviting travelers to discover Africa in a way that truly moves them, where every moment offers depth, beauty, and a true sense of wonder,” he notes.
As the continent’s tourism sector continues to evolve, the arrival of Viceroy’s lodges signals a shift toward more transformative, sustainable, and guest-centric experiences. For those in the African travel industry, this is a call to reimagine product offerings, forge new partnerships, and embrace the changing expectations of the global luxury traveler. The future of African tourism is being shaped by brands that prioritize connection, conservation, and creativity—qualities that Viceroy’s new lodges embody at every turn.
