Toka Leya

distinctive Camp | Victoria Falls (Zambia side), Zambia

(4.75)
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Toka Leya Camp is hidden on the banks of the Zambezi River in the western sector of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, upstream from Victoria Falls. Surrounded by shady canopy trees and an ancient baobab, the camp enjoys a serene setting in view of the river and its islands. Wildlife is frequently in view, including noisy hippos, elephants and a wide array of birds.

Photo of Jordy Oleson

Our Expert Says

Set on the shores of the mighty Zambezi River, Toka Leya’s spacious air-conditioned tents and well-appointed camp lounge and dining areas provide a scenic and comfortable home base from which to enjoy the incredible range of activities available in this region of Zambia.

– Jordy Oleson


Photo: The Camp

The Camp

Location: Victoria Falls, Zambia
Number of Tents: 12

Toka Leya Camp consists of 12 en suite safari tents raised on wooden stilts and connected by wooden walkways to the main common area, minimizing the footprint on the land. Tent interiors utilize earthy hues that harmonize with the environs, and all have shaded wooden decks with expansive views over the Zambezi’s braided channels. Resident hippos often create a ruckus nearby, while elephants are frequently seen along on the banks and islands. Each tent has individual climate control to ensure a cool summer sanctuary, gauzy mosquito nets draped from poster beds, and spacious en suite bathrooms with double-basin vanity and large showers. The camp’s shared central area incorporates a lounge with plush sofas and reading lamps, a bar, and a canvas-sheltered dining area complete with traditional pizza oven. A swimming pool surrounded by a large wooden sun deck with lounge chairs overlooking the Zambezi invites a refreshing dip.

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Photo: Facilities & Amenities

Facilities & Amenities

  • En suite bathroom with shower and outdoor bath
  • Shampoo, soap, lotion and insect repellent
  • Hair dryer
  • Air conditioning
  • Room fan
  • Mini bar
  • Tea/coffee in room
  • 220v charging outlets in room
  • Wi-Fi available
  • In-room safe
  • Central swimming pool
  • Spa facilities (extra cost)
  • Gym facilities
  • Laundry included
  • Local drinks included (house alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks)
  • Credit cards accepted (Visa, MasterCard)

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Photo: Wildlife Viewing & Activities

Wildlife Viewing & Activities

The highlight of any visit to Livingstone is of course Victoria Falls, a World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World. A mile and a half wide and 350 feet high, the sheer volume of its spray earned it the name “Mosi oa Tunya” from the local people, or “Smoke That Thunders” – the same name that the surrounding national park now bears. Visitors can view the falls on guided tours, from rainforest trails on self-guided walks in the national park, or on a helicopter or micro-light flight. But the falls aren’t the only attraction around Livingstone. Fishing, canoeing excursions and sunset cruises show a tamer side of the Zambezi, while whitewater rafting provides thrills in the gorge below. Visitors may also ride horseback. Visits to local villages and museums in Livingstone can also be arranged. Some activities are at additional cost.

Wildlife can be viewed in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Livingstone, Zambia, and can sometimes be found surrounding the camps dotted along the Zambezi River. The below chart helps to illustrate major wildlife sightings often experienced here. Other typical sightings may include bushbuck, vervet monkeys, baboons, banded mongoose and a number of other mammals, birds and reptiles. Exact sightings will depend on seasonality and wildlife movements.

Country Park/Reserve
Buffalo
Eland
Elephant
Giraffe
Hippo
Lion
Sable Antelope
White Rhino
Zebra
Zambia Victoria Falls (Zambia side)

Usually viewed
Frequently viewed
Occasionally viewed
Sporadically viewed
Rarely to never viewed

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Climate

Month Max Min Rainfall
January 81° F 63° F 6.73 in
27° C 17° C 171 mm
February 81° F 63° F 5.51 in
27° C 17° C 140 mm
March 81° F 63° F 2.99 in
27° C 17° C 76 mm
April 79° F 59° F 0.79 in
26° C 15° C 20 mm
May 79° F 55° F 0.12 in
26° C 12° C 3 mm
June 75° F 52° F 0.0 in
23° C 11° C 0 mm
July 77° F 52° F 0.0 in
25° C 11° C 0 mm
August 79° F 54° F 0.0 in
26° C 12° C 0 mm
September 86° F 61° F 0.04 in
30° C 16° C 1 mm
October 90° F 64° F 0.79 in
32° C 17° C 20 mm
November 90° F 66° F 2.52 in
32° C 18° C 64 mm
December 82° F 63° F 6.42 in
27° C 17° C 163 mm

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Photo: Conservation

Conservation

Toka Leya Camp has a number of systems in place that aim to rehabilitate indigenous flora in the area. The systems include a greenhouse and nursery project to grow seedlings, an environmentally friendly wastewater treatment plant, and a worm farm. The fertilizer created by the worms is then placed in the greenhouse and nursery to start the cycle once more. With its sister safari camps in Zambia, Toka Leya has helped pioneered the use of innovative energy-saving systems, which are being used as a model to lower the environmental footprint across the entire portfolio of same-owner camps in all regions of Africa. Community involvement is vital in the greater Livingstone area, and one of Toka Leya's projects is cultural visits to a nearby village, where guests interact with villagers. Projects are focused particularly on assisting children in their schooing, and include those that help the inhabitants in general generate an income and therefore aid the entire community.

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Reviews for Toka Leya

(4.75)

Review Toka Leya
Month of travel: October
"It was an excellent place to stay, the staff was very nice and courteous. The ambiance of the camp was amazing. "
- L. Tandon
Month of travel: November
"I am so happy we choose to stay at Toka Leya during our time in Livingstone. The rooms were so comfortable and the views of the river are great. The kids still rave about the fact that they could get pizza from the wood fired oven here! "
- G. Pfannerstill
Month of travel: October
"I was looking for a great place to start our honeymoon safari with a bit of luxury. We like to stay active and Toka Leya had some great activities that were included, a sunset safari by small boat on the Zambezi, a trip to the National Park to see rhino, a tour of the falls and a village visit. They have a pizza oven making pizza to order and fine cuisine. I loved the rooms with the views looking out on to the river. The outdoor shower was fun, I could see Vervet monkeys playing in the nearby trees. The staff took great care of us and made us feel really special. We were glad we stayed here. "
- M. Aufderhar
Month of travel: November
"When we pulled up to this lodge, I looked at the driver in amazement. I flew in from Chicago and left in a snowstorm. I had found paradise in Zambia- my first time here. The boardwalks that criss-cross the property give you the chance to get a unique perspective of the landscape. I had the most amazing salad under the tree in the outdoor dining patio, I took a picture of it. The tents here are super spacious and ideal for packing and unpacking. The outdoor shower was privately tucked away. Views of the Zambezi River are available throughout the camp. They offer sundown cruises for wildlife viewing. When I got off the boat I was both so relaxed as well as so excited with all the animals we saw on the river's edge. Last comment-- where else can you have a pizza cooked in a real oven that tastes this good? "
- D. Wilkinson

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