Zambian tour operator The Ultra Portfolio is expanding into the luxury lodge market with the development of Lone Palm Lodge, a tented camp situated on the banks of the Zambezi River, approximately 16 kilometers upstream from Victoria Falls. The lodge is scheduled to open in mid-2026.
Lone Palm Lodge will comprise ten luxury tents, each with en-suite facilities. Seven of the tents will offer views of the Zambezi River, while the remaining three will face a dam located within the lodge property.
The tents are designed with air conditioning and include both indoor and outdoor showers. Children aged six years and older can be accommodated upon request.
The lodge’s main facilities will include two open-air sunken firepits, a swimming pool adjacent to the river, a breakfast deck, a restaurant, and multiple lounge and bar areas. Wellness offerings will be part of the guest experience, with options such as yoga sessions, sound therapy, and in-room spa treatments.
Guests will also have access to activities, including boat cruises and game drives in the surrounding area.
According to the Daily Southern & East African Tourism Update, energy sustainability is a focus for Lone Palm Lodge, which will be primarily powered by solar energy. Internet connectivity will be limited to the lodge’s main areas via a Starlink connection, reflecting a balance between remote location and guest connectivity needs.
For outdoor hospitality operators, the development highlights several trends within the high-end safari and glamping market. Solar power integration and limited connectivity can appeal to environmentally conscious travelers and those seeking a more immersive nature experience.
Additionally, the lodge’s focus on wellness programming reflects growing demand for holistic and activity-based guest experiences in luxury accommodations.
Operators considering similar expansions may note the integration of varied tent orientations, premium amenities, and structured leisure and wellness activities as strategies for differentiating properties in competitive safari markets.
Lone Palm Lodge is expected to begin welcoming guests in mid-2026, providing new accommodation options within the Victoria Falls region and contributing to the diversification of Zambia’s tourism offerings.
The development could also influence operational planning for existing and upcoming glamping and luxury lodge ventures in similar riverfront or remote settings.