Tintswalo Siankaba
TINTSWALO Siankaba is set on two small islands in the mighty Zambezi River some 40kms upstream from the famous Victoria Falls.
Tintswalo Siankaba is lovely property offering a quiet base from which to explore the Livingstone and Victoria Falls area. The five minute boat journey to the Islands opens up a world of peace and tranquillity, punctuated with only bird song and running water. The accommodation is private, spacious and very comfortable, and the service and food is very good, but you should not expect a totally five star experience. Tintswalo Siankaba is better suited to guests wanting to combine a really good 4 star experience with friendly service, a stunning natural location, interesting activities and a little relaxation either before or after a safari.
Rooms
Fourteen guests are accommodated in seven luxurious tented rooms, each positioned with its own view of the river. The chalets are situated on the smaller of two islands and are linked by walkways and a suspension bridge to the larger island which houses the central areas. The chalets are split-level with the bedroom section being a couple of steps below the plumbed en suite bathroom, consisting of a shower, bath, double vanity and separate toilet. The chalets are cooled by a ceiling fan. Leading from the front of the bedroom section is a furnished verandah.
Central Areas
The central areas are on the larger island, accessed from the smaller accommodation islands by a suspension bridge, and are made up of the main dining area, lounge, bar and swimming pool. A variety of massages and treatments are available in-room. Wi-Fi access is in the central guest area only.
Facilities
Wi-Fi – Yes
Power for charging – Yes
Swimming pool – Yes
Habitat & Wildlife
Victoria Falls – one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World. David Livingstone was the first European to ‘discover’ the falls when he visited them in November 1855. He later wrote, “no one can imagine the beauty of the view from anything witnessed in England. Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.” He named them after his Queen, for the first and only time deviating from his practise of naming places and features after their local native names, in this instance “Mo ku sa tunya mosi” (nowadays shortened to mosi-au-tunya – ‘where there is always smoke rising’).
Spanning a width of some 1700 metres, the waters of the mighty Zambezi actually plunge down five distinct waterfalls, separated by islands which account for just over 300 metres of the total span. The average height is just less than 100 metres. During the peak flood season (April and May), the flow increases to some 33,750,000 cubic metres a minute. At this time, the spray makes viewing of the falls from the ground almost impossible and it is advisable to take an aerial view on what is commonly referred to as a ‘flight of angels’. By September, the waters of the Zambezi have dropped significantly to allow views of the individual falls. This remains until March when the river starts to rise again.
Activities
Guided activities included at Siankaba are mokoro and boat excursions around the islands, nature walks, cultural village visits and one excursion to the Victoria Falls, viewing the falls from either the Zambian or Zimbabwean side.
Some of the many optional activities which can be undertaken during your visit to the Victoria Falls include the following.
‘Flights of Angels’ – helicopter or microlight flights over the falls which last a duration of either 15 or 30 minutes. The 15 minute excursions concentrate solely on the Falls, doing a number of turns in both directions. The 20 minute excursion spends a little longer over the Falls and nearby area. The 30 minute excursions include more of a ‘game flight’, travelling upstream in the hope of viewing some of the larger mammal species and seeing more of the river course. The longer helicopter flights also include a flight down the spectacular Batoka Gorge below Victoria Falls. Should be pre-booked, especially if travelling in high season.
Lunch on Livingstone Island – a firm favourite and highly recommended when water levels allow – usually from mid-July through to January. Have lunch on the edge of the Falls as water plunges around you. When the river is low (normally from September to January but you must check), you might also wish to take your swimming costume for a swim in a natural rock pool on the edge of the falls!
Elephant interaction at the Elephant Café – morning or afternoon excursions. Interact with elephants for an hour in Mosi-au-Tunya National Park. Early pre-booking essential.
White water rafting – experience some of the finest white-water the world has to offer. Full and half day rafting excursions below the Falls run from around mid-late July to March (dependant on water levels). Half day a.m. involves a stiff climb out of the gorge. Minimum age 15, parent/guardian to sign indemnity for under 20.
Canoeing on the Upper Zambezi: Half day or Full day with qualified guide. Min age 12.
Fishing (catch and release) half and full day with professional fishing guide.
Mists of Time – for those interested in culture and history, then the exceptional ‘Mists of Time’ excursion (half day) is not to be missed.
Other Excursions include breakfast, lunch or sunset river cruises; horse-riding; game drives in Mosi-au-Tunya National Park; game walks in Mosi-au-Tunya National Park; half day and full day canoeing on the Zambezi; quad biking; bungee jumping; jet boating (30 minute extreme); gorge swings; flying fox; half or full day cultural and/or historical tours; village visits; tours of Livingstone town or the Railway museums; swimming under the falls; or possibly going across to the Zimbabwe side to view the falls (you will need to purchase day visas unless you buy a UNI Visa on arrival into Zambia). All excursions can be booked either through ourselves, or direct at the property at which you are staying (though please note comments about pre-booking certain activities).
Seasons
Tintswalo Siankaba is open all year, though it is the rainy season from November to March.
Tintswalo Siankaba welcomes children 12 years and older. Children between 12 and 15 years must share a room with an adult aged 16 years or older. For families with older children this lodge could be ideal, but it is not a natural choice for families with younger children.
Tintswalo Siankaba supports its local community by providing employment for staff members who come from the village and whose children are educated at the pre-school.
Since opening, Siankaba has partnered with the local primary school to offer support to the community through education. They have assisted with the building of teacher’s houses and classroom improvements and provide ongoing support for textbook and stationary supplies (Siankaba is part of Pack for a Purpose and any guests who feel they would like to contribute to educational materials and have space in their luggage are very welcome to bring items with them). Following the success of this partnership, the lodge joined forces with the British based charity The U Foundation to assist with the building of a nursery school for the local community.
