Experience
Ngonye Falls Excursion
at Mutemwa Lodge
What to expect
Visiting the Falls
Whether from your private riverside deck, amongst the trees of Mutemwa or exploring the surrounding area – enjoy the world class Zambezi birdlife like no where else.
Set within a remote stretch of the Upper Zambezi, Mutemwa Lodge offers exceptional birding in a pristine wilderness where riverine forest, floodplains, miombo woodland, lagoons, and papyrus-lined channels meet. This rich mosaic of habitats supports an extraordinary diversity of birdlife throughout the year, making the lodge a rewarding destination for both dedicated birders and photographers. Guests regularly encounter African fish eagles, Schalow’s turacos, African Finfoot, African skimmers, Rock pratincoles, bee-eaters, kingfishers, herons, storks, and a remarkable variety of raptors and migratory species. The sought-after Pel’s fishing owl, Arnot’s chat, Racket-tailed roller, and Narina Trogon are always spectacular sittings. Seasonal floodplains and ancient riverine trees create ideal conditions for both waterbirds and woodland specialists, while the changing levels of the Zambezi continually attract new movement and activity across the landscape. For avid bird enthusiasts, Mutemwa offers not simply a checklist destination, but an immersive experience in one of Southern Africa’s last truly wild river systems.
History
The First Victoria
Ngonye Falls is one of the oldest recorded landmarks along the Upper Zambezi and holds an important place in the history of exploration in Barotseland. In 1851, Scottish explorer David Livingstone became the first recorded European to visit the falls during his travels through Lozi territory. So impressed by its beauty and power, Livingstone originally named these falls “Victoria Falls” in honour of Queen Victoria. A few years later, in 1855, he discovered the much larger waterfall further downstream — now known worldwide as Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Long before European explorers arrived, however, the Ngonye falls and surrounding river systems were deeply connected to the Lozi people, whose history, culture, and way of life have been shaped by the Zambezi River for generations.
Fishing Safaris
Ngonye Falls Fishing Safari
Mutemwa Lodge offers a rare level of exclusivity, where birding takes place in complete seclusion and every experience is shaped around our guests. Visitors can select from focused birding safaris such as the Barotse Birding Safari, designed for those pursuing targeted sightings and immersive exploration, or opt for an extended stay at Mutemwa where birding is fully customized into a flexible safari experience. Whether by boat along quiet channels, on foot through riverine forest, or through slow, deliberate time spent in key habitats, each outing is tailored to seasonal movements, personal interests, and photographic opportunities.
