Luxury Meets Wilderness: Viceroy Hotels Unveils New Safari Lodges in Zambia and Botswana

Published on December 8, 2025

Viceroy Hotels has made its highly anticipated debut into Africa’s luxury tourism market with the launch of three new safari lodges in Zambia and Botswana. This expansion signals a new era for the brand, known for its immersive and transformative travel experiences, as it partners with African Bush Camps to offer a blend of comfort, adventure, and sustainability. The 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 set to provide visitors with unparalleled access to some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes, diverse wildlife, and authentic cultural experiences.

Viceroy’s new lodges are located in some of Southern Africa’s most prized wildlife regions, providing guests with a perfect combination of luxury accommodations and unique wildlife encounters. With an emphasis on eco-conscious design, cultural immersion, and exceptional service, these properties are set to appeal to discerning travelers seeking transformative safari experiences that combine adventure with comfort.

Thorntree River Lodge: A Gateway to Victoria Falls and Wildlife

Located on the banks of the Zambezi River in Zambia’s Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Thorntree River Lodge offers guests stunning views of the river and is just minutes away from Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The lodge provides a perfect balance between thrilling safari experiences and relaxing luxury. Guests can participate in guided rhino tracking expeditions, enjoy sunrise and sunset river cruises, or explore the falls with expert guides.

The lodge features elegant suites equipped with private plunge pools, offering an intimate experience with breathtaking views of the river. For guests looking for complete relaxation, the lodge includes a spa, swimming pool, riverside lounge, and library to unwind after a day of adventure. The lodge’s commitment to sustainability ensures that guests can enjoy luxury without compromising environmental preservation, making it an ideal destination for eco-conscious travelers.

Lolebezi: Immersing Visitors in Zambia’s Wild Beauty

Further to the east, Lolebezi offers an exclusive experience in the heart of Lower Zambezi National Park. Nestled in five hectares of protected riverfront, Lolebezi combines natural beauty with luxury, catering to both intimate escapes and family adventures. Visitors can embark on walking safaris, canoeing expeditions, or boat cruises, with opportunities for close encounters with elephants, leopards, and a variety of bird species. Seasonal birding is a major attraction, making Lolebezi a year-round destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

Guests can unwind at the lodge’s swimming pool, spa, or yoga deck after a day of exploration, and for a truly exclusive experience, the villa is available for private use. Lolebezi also offers an open-air cinema, providing a unique way to end a day in nature with a film under the stars. The lodge’s dedication to combining luxury with sustainability makes it a standout in the region for eco-tourism and high-end wildlife experiences.

Atzaró Okavango Camp: Eco-Conscious Luxury in the Heart of the Delta

In Botswana, Atzaró Okavango Camp brings Viceroy’s luxury vision to one of Africa’s most ecologically significant regions. Situated in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Okavango Delta, the camp offers guests a front-row seat to the wonders of this unique ecosystem. Known for its diverse wildlife and pristine wilderness, the Okavango Delta provides opportunities for walking safaris, mokoro canoe trips, and game drives at any time of the day. The camp’s design emphasizes eco-conscious luxury, with private suites that feature plunge pools and panoramic views of the Delta’s waterways.

The camp’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its use of local materials and energy-efficient technologies, making it one of the most environmentally friendly luxury safari experiences in Botswana. Guests are invited to unwind in a serene, nature-focused environment with a wellness spa, yoga deck, and elevated viewing platforms that offer spectacular views of the surrounding wildlife and landscapes. Atzaró Okavango Camp provides the ultimate safari experience, combining adventure with comfort in one of Africa’s most pristine regions.

Sustainable Tourism and Economic Impact in Africa

Viceroy’s expansion into Zambia and Botswana is a significant development in Africa’s luxury tourism sector. These new safari lodges not only offer world-class experiences for tourists but also contribute to local economies by generating jobs, supporting local businesses, and promoting sustainable tourism practices. As tourism in Africa continues to grow, the introduction of eco-conscious lodges like those in Zambia and Botswana ensures that the region’s natural resources and cultures are preserved for future generations.

The influx of international travelers to these new Viceroy properties is expected to drive growth in regional tourism. By connecting travelers to Africa’s most celebrated wildlife areas while providing luxury accommodations, Viceroy Hotels is positioning itself as a leading force in the African luxury tourism market. This expansion provides an opportunity for the local community to benefit from increased tourism while maintaining a focus on conservation and sustainability.

Looking Ahead: Growth and Innovation in African Tourism

Viceroy Hotels’ expansion into Africa marks a pivotal moment for the continent’s tourism sector. With an increasing number of international tourists seeking high-end, immersive experiences in nature, Africa’s tourism landscape is evolving to meet these demands. The introduction of new luxury safari lodges in Zambia and Botswana shows that the future of tourism in Africa lies in offering both authenticity and luxury, with an emphasis on sustainability.

The growth of Africa’s luxury tourism market is set to continue, with more global brands entering the region to meet the increasing demand for unique, high-quality experiences. Viceroy Hotels’ new safari lodges represent the future of African tourism—where luxury, sustainability, and cultural immersion come together to create unforgettable experiences for travelers from around the world.

Conclusion

Viceroy Hotels’ introduction of three luxury safari lodges in Zambia and Botswana is a landmark moment for Africa’s tourism sector. By offering eco-conscious luxury experiences in some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations, Viceroy is helping to drive both regional tourism and sustainable travel. As the demand for high-end, immersive travel experiences grows, the new lodges will play a key role in shaping the future of African tourism, offering travelers a gateway to some of the continent’s most breathtaking natural landscapes and cultural treasures.