The Camp

Location: Livingstone, 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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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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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.

Each region has varying concentrations and species of wildlife, and the below chart helps to illustrate major wildlife sightings often experienced in the area. 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 weather and wildlife movements.

Climate

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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