Tintswalo has crossed borders for the first time with the opening of Tintswalo at Siankaba in Zambia. Situated on two densely forested islands in the mighty Zambezi River, the luxury tented camp is ideally placed 38 km from Victoria Falls and 48 km from the Chobe National Park, providing convenient access to some of the region’s top tourist attractions.

Lisa Goosen, the CEO of Tintswalo Lodges says: ‘Zambia is a country full of wonder, mirrored at Siankaba with a guest experience that centres around the local people who will truly engage, enlighten and delight you. Tintswalo at Siankaba brings a new adventure and another unique perspective to our portfolio, but it does have that one unique characteristic shared by each of the Tintswalo properties – it really has ‘soul.’

Tintswalo took over the management of the Siankaba camp earlier this year, and after a complete refurbishment re-opened as a luxury tented camp in November 2022 to accommodate 14 guests in seven suites raised above the ground in the tree canopy on the edge of the Zambezi River. All the tented suites have en-suite bathrooms, as well as private balconies that extend over the river, inviting guests to relax while viewing all that unfolds on the river and the riverbanks of neighbouring Zimbabwe.

Tintswalo at Siankaba evokes images of style and elegance in a truly African way. Subtle architecture blends with a backdrop of natural forest, creating an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. It is a place of spectacular natural beauty and a haven for an astonishing variety of plant and birdlife. The tented suites are linked by a winding, raised walkway, keeping guests safe while protecting the fragile riverine environment below. An expansive deck with lounge and dining areas overlooks the bush and a swimming pool with poolside loungers.

Included in the rate is a trip to Victoria Falls with an excursion to the local curio market. At the lodge, guests may also enjoy fishing and sunset cruises, as well as educational nature walks within the island forest to learn about the natural environment, including spectacular trees with medicinal properties. Other activities include a cultural tour and visit to the local communities, Mokoro boat trips, massage treatments, or exploring the bike trails around the lodge using locally produced bamboo frame bicycles. Optional excursions for the guests’ own account include guided game drives in safari vehicles within the Zambezi National Park on the Zimbabwean side of the river.

The lodge can be booked per room or on an exclusive-use basis with itineraries tailor-made for a memorable, personal safari experience for families or groups of friends travelling together. Tintswalo at Siankaba is also the perfect setting for a magical bush wedding when booked on an exclusive-use basis.

Rates are full inclusive of accommodation, all meals and house drinks, wifi, guided excursions mentioned above, as well as round-trip transfers from Livingstone Airport, which is served with non-stop flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town.

The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel, in partnership with Glamtrails, has introduced an inspiring new guest activity that starts with an immersive, guided walking experience and concludes with a Classic High Tea treat at the hotel. Guided by accredited mountain guide, author and Glamtrails’ owner, Tim Lundy, walkers will enjoy captivating scenery and stories of local history, and the fauna and flora of the region. They will experience Kirstenbosch’s famous scented garden, learn some of the history of the Garden at Colonel Bird’s bath, and view rare and endangered cycads while enjoying panoramic views along the way. The excursion ends on a sweet note with The Cellars-Hohenort pulling out all the stops with a decadent High Tea. 

Situated in leafy Constantia, the 5-star Cellars-Hohenort hotel is perfectly positioned with convenient access to the world-renowned botanical gardens. The Glamtrails excursion starts with a complimentary transfer from the hotel to Kirstenbosch from where Lundy will lead the way to the scented garden to share information about the wide range of fragrant plants used in everyday life.  

The walk continues to a natural spring that was turned into a freshwater pool by Colonel Christopher Bird, the British Deputy Colonial Secretary, in the early 1800s. Winding down a gentle slope, the next stop is the Dell, which contains some of the plant life that existed during the time of dinosaurs. Go back in time and walk through the ancient plant species Cyclades, admiring some life-size dinosaur models, before continuing to the Protea and Erica gardens. From here, the path climbs up around the gardens towards the dam for some spectacular views before heading to Kirstenbosch’s Rycroft Gate and out of the gardens. The walk crosses Rhodes Drive and continues through the Secret Forest on the way to The Cellars-Hohenort, taking a detour for guests to view the magnificent, manicured gardens of the hotel.  

The Glamtrails route covers 4km and should take around one hour and 30 minutes. Although it is not a strenuous walk, a basic fitness is required, along with comfortable walking shoes, a sun hat and sunscreen. 

Once back at the hotel, the legendary Liz McGrath Collection hospitality awaits with a refreshing welcome drink, followed by a decadent four-course High Tea, served against the backdrop of Table Mountain. Start with the savoury selection that includes Tea Sandwiches, followed by a second course of Caramelised Onion Tart, Smoked Salmon Mousse Cornets and Goats’ Cheesecake.  Buttery Scones are the next highlight, served with strawberry jam and Chantilly cream, before the grand finale of irresistibly decadent delicacies such as Walnut Carrot Cake, Key Lime Pie and Mini-Milk Tarts, to name but a few. The Classic High Tea also comes with a choice of eleven loose-leaf teas, as well as Lavazza coffee. Each tea blend is meticulously curated by Master Tea Blender, Mingwei Tsai, who has also created a unique Cellars-Hohenort Blend of Nigiro tea, incorporating the spicy fragrance and bronze/apricot colour of the Liz McGrath Rose.