Welcome to Toka leya Camp

Twelve spacious, en-suite safari-style suites (including three family tents), all with expansive decks, have dramatic views of the river and wildlife coming to drink there. With its soft, neutral tones, tucked into riverine forest and the river slowly flowing past, Toka Leya feels like a sanctuary. Hippos often come up to graze; bushbuck and other antelopes are regular visitors. Limiting the footprint on this pristine area, the camp has been built around the towering trees: wooden walkways snake between the units and the common area. Off this area are an infinity pool, a sundeck for mealtime treats, and a convivial fire pit for night-time gatherings. A small gym faces the river, as does a spa offering a variety of treatments. Dining is a highlight, running from silver service to the camp’s world-renowned pizza.

Highlights

Wildlife: Toka Leya overlooks the mighty Zambezi River where hippo, crocodile, and elephant are often seen, as well as an incredible diversity of birdlife. Additionally, it is centrally located in the Mosi-oa-Tunya Park which hosts species such as buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, and white rhino. The occasional predator may be seen as well. Several sought-after bird species are found, including African finfoot, half-collared kingfisher, African skimmer (seasonal), Schalow's turaco, and rock pratincole (seasonal).

Purpose: Thanks to our tree-planting project, pioneering energy-saving systems and recycling initiatives, this formerly degraded site has been rehabilitated to become a lush riverine woodland once more. We (guests included) continue to plant trees, even donating to renew other sites in Zambia. We  take pride in the community partnerships we have created here as well.

Unique Selling Points

• Perfect place to relax before or after a safari
• Best safari-style camp in the area on the banks of the Zambezi
• Easy access to Victoria Falls, adrenalin adventures and communities

Overlooking islands in the Zambezi, Toka Leya is situated in Zambia’s Mosi- oa-Tunya National Park, a short drive from Livingstone and Victoria Falls. The perfect place to start, or end, your African safari.

Accommodation: 

Toka Leya is ideal for the beginning or end of an African safari. Morning explorations of the river, the surrounding Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park or nearby Victoria Falls can be followed by a tranquil afternoon at our spa or practicing inspired yoga on the panoramic deck of the gym. The camp’s twelve spacious, en-suite safari-style tents (including three family rooms) with expansive decks serve up dramatic views and glimpses of wildlife. Limiting our footprint on this pristine area, elevated wooden walkways weave between the guest tents and the main area where the dining, bar and lounge areas are complemented by an infinity pool, a sundeck for sumptuous meals and a convivial fire pit for night-time gatherings.

Twelve spacious, en-suite safari-style suites (including three family tents), all with expansive decks, have dramatic views of the river and wildlife coming to drink there

Standard Tent(s)

(9 ROOMS)

There are nine twin bedded standard tents. The double beds can be moved together to create a double bed. There are two twin bedded guide/pilot tents which are much smaller than the standard tents.

Family Tent(s)

(3 ROOMS)

There are three family tents which can all accommodate four people.

Activties details

Toka Leya Camp - Victoria Falls Tour

A World Heritage Site, Victoria Falls straddles the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia and is the most expansive curtain of water in the world. View its roaring waters, spectacular spray and a small rainforest that clings to the Falls’ edge, with a variety of mammals and birds. (A tour on the Zambian side is included in your stay; the view from the Zimbabwean side is at extra cost.)

Toka Leya Camp - Interpretive game drives

Game drives into Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park offer sightings of general game species such as elephant, buffalo, giraffe and white rhino. There is also rich birdlife, including sought-after species such as half-collared kingfisher and Schalow’s turaco.

Toka Leya Camp - River cruises

Whether a relaxing sunset cruise or a game viewing cruise, there are scenic views and exciting wildlife to be enjoyed from the comfort of a spacious boat. There's always an abundance of hippo and crocodile, as well as a few other surprises along the way.

Toka Leya Camp - Cultural community visit

Cultural visits to one of the nearby villages are respectful and insightful ways of learning about and interacting with the people and culture of this part of Zambia. The visit includes seeing one of the schools, a homestead and the village store. Guest donations have assisted with projects that focus on schooling and income-generating activities, ensuring that the community benefits from tourism in the area.

Toka Leya Camp - Rhino Tracking*

Tracking rhino at Toka Leya is an exciting way of getting up close and personal with these Endangered animals. Zambian Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) scouts monitor the rhino 24 hours a day and therefore the animals’ whereabouts are always known. Travel to the location by vehicle and then track the rhino on foot, accompanied by the scout. *Please note that a nominal park fee is applicable.

Toka Leya Camp - Guided nature walks

Experiencing Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park on foot is a remarkable way to enjoy the small wonders of the Park and to view general game, such as zebra, impala and wildebeest, as well as a variety of bird species. Please note that this activity is subject to availability of a walking guide and that a nominal park fee is applicable. Minimum age of walkers is 13.

RATING

Classic Camp

TYPE

Safari Lodge

CHECK -IN   

14h00 -17h00 PM

Age restriction

The minimum age for check-in is 18

CHECK -OUT

07h00 - 10h00 AM

NO. ROOMS

12

CHILD POLICY

6 years and above are welcome

PET POLICY

Not allowed.

SERVICE AVAILABLE

Credit card(Visa & Master Card)

SPOKEN LANGUAGES

English

SPECIAL INTERESTS

Birding, Flora, Hiking, Nature, Relaxation, Wildlife

Relax, rejuvenate, or pump up your adrenalin – Toka Leya offers it all. Cruise along the legendary Zambezi River, not looking too far to find hippos, crocs, elephants and other wildlife, and a dazzling array of birds, with specials such as the African finfoot and seasonal migrants like the African skimmer. Embrace local culture with a tour to nearby Livingstone or to a village, school, or market. Gasp at the majesty of Victoria Falls, the largest curtain of water on Earth, a mere 15 minute drive from the lodge. Bungee jumping, white-water rafting, helicoptering and other thrills await you on the Zambezi. As do meditative yoga sessions on the riverbanks.

Diverse Zambia - Busanga and Zambezi

This seven-day safari offers you front row seats to some of the most spectacular wilderness and wildlife experiences in Zambia, if not the planet. Your journey begins in the wild and exceptionally remote Busanga Plains of Kafue’s National Park that provide some of the best lion viewing in Africa alongside other predators and a multitude of prey species. We continue our wildlife experience in a more relaxed format on the banks of mystical and evocative Zambezi River. Elephant, buffalo, crocodile, hippo and excellent birdlife can be seen from land and water while tracking rhino on foot is another thrilling adventure.

Day 1  SHUMBA CAMP

On arrival in Zambia you are met and assisted onto your flight to Shumba Camp. Set on the Busanga’s vast mosaic of grassy seasonal floodplains extending to the horizon, Shumba has been appropriately named after the lions that make the plains their home. The stylish camp is built on raised decks on a verdant tree island, allowing for breathtaking views. Its six luxury tented units offer spacious living with a cushion-strewn veranda for outdoor contemplations while the main area, shaded by spectacular fig trees, offers a convivial area for dining and fireside storytelling.

Day 2 & 3 SHUMBA CAMP

The Busanga Plains are located in the midst of various lion pride territories and is said to provide some of the best lion viewing in Africa. The area is also perfectly situated to see large numbers of plains game such as puku, red lechwe, Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, oribi, buffalo and wildebeest. Cheetah and wild dog may also be seen, while elephant and roan also roam the vicinity. For birding enthusiasts, the park boasts 491 species, including endemics such as Chaplin's barbet. The Busanga Plains’ diversity can be discovered on game drives and walking safaris as well as boating early in the season or hot air ballooning later on.

Day 4  TOKA LEYA CAMP

Transfer by light aircraft to Livingstone and then enjoy a short drive to Toka Leya in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park overlooking the Zambezi River. The camp’s expansive main area has gorgeous views of the majestic river and its wildlife, even from the rim-flow pool. Twelve tasteful safari-style tents (including three family tents) each have an indulgent outdoor bath and an expansive deck from which to enjoy the dramatic backdrop and rambling elephants and buffalo, grunting pods of hippo and basking crocodiles. Wooden walkways snake between the units and main area, limiting our footprint on this pristine area.

Day 5 & 6  TOKA LEYA CAMP

Toka Leya is the ideal combination of relaxation and adventure. Game drives and river cruises that yield excellent wildlife and bird viewing experiences can be followed by a therapeutic treatment at our spa; tours of Victoria Falls, a nearby rural village and Livingstone town add cultural and historical diversity. Fishing, rhino tracking with a scout and plenty of adrenaline-filled activities add excitement to the experience.

Day 7

Depending on flight departures times, a final activity and leisurely breakfast can be enjoyed before bidding farewell to your adventure and transferring to the airport.

Enguire Now

Children and beds

Child policies

Children older than 6 years are welcome.

Children aged 17 years and above are considered adults at this property.

Cot and extra bed policies

There is no capacity for cots at this property.

There is no capacity for extra beds at this property.

Front Office

Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in

Toka Leya Camp is approximately a 20 minute road transfer from Livingstone and approximately 1 hour 45 minutes road/boat transfer from Kasane in Botswana.

Getting there

The property is usually accessed via Livingstone Airport, which is well-connected, notably with Johannesburg. From there it is a private vehicle transfer of around 45 minutes.

It is also possible to connect by road down to Kasane, in order to continue by road into Namibia or by air into Botswana.

We usually include all the necessary connecting transport as part of your trip unless you specifically ask us not to.

Your journey to wellness

The journey to immersive, holistic wellness begins at Wilderness Toka Leya, on the serene banks of the Zambezi. Riverside treatments turn to invigorating exercise and nourishing meals at Wilderness DumaTau’s Osprey Retreat, where sun loungers and a pool encourage laidback immersion. At Wilderness Jao, accept the Okavango Delta’s invitation to relax. Nestled amongst the trees, Jao’s spa inspires total tranquility.