Step into a world where nature, luxury, and adventure meet. Bupenyu Lodge, Newmark Hotels & Reserves’ ultra-luxury retreat perched above Zimbabwe’s Batoka Gorge, opens its doors to guests from 1 March 2026. Reservations are now open for those ready to experience Africa’s dramatic landscapes in a way that feels personal, curated, and unforgettable.
Just 28 kilometres from Victoria Falls, the lodge hovers above Rapid No. 22 on the Zambezi River, offering jaw-dropping views and a rare chance to reconnect with the raw beauty of the continent. Its name, Bupenyu, means “the state of being alive” in Nambya, and every detail of the lodge celebrates life, energy, and the magic of the gorge below.
Designed by Experience Architects of Stellenbosch, the lodge’s cantilevered forms and tensile cables pay subtle homage to the historic railway bridge beneath, while stone-clad walkways and basalt-lined walls build anticipation before revealing the breathtaking river vista some 160 metres below. Interiors by Hinterland Studio balance calm elegance with natural textures and local artistry, creating spaces where luxury is rooted in authenticity and intention.
The lodge offers 11 cliffside suites of 52 m² and an exclusive two-bedroom villa of 134 m², each with a private plunge pool and indoor-outdoor living spaces that merge seamlessly with the miombo woodland surroundings. Shared areas include three distinct dining experiences, from a dramatic boma inspired by the nesting grounds of the rare Taita falcon, to a relaxed all-day restaurant, intimate cliffside bird hide dinners, and starlit private decks. Guests can also unwind at the infinity pool, spa treatment pods, curated wine cellar, or arrive in style via the lodge’s helipad.
The culinary journey reflects the landscape and culture, with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients brought to life by Chris Erasmus, Group Culinary Director, and paired with wines curated by Group Sommelier Marlvin Gwese. Every meal, ritual, and detail is designed to connect guests to place and community.
Beyond the lodge, curated adventures await: soar over Victoria Falls in a helicopter, spot rhinos on conservation safaris, ride horseback through wilderness, cruise the Zambezi, dare a swim at Devil’s Pool, or visit Chinotimba Township to meet the local community.
Sustainability and community connection are at the heart of Bupenyu, from solar energy and water-wise gardens to initiatives that employ and empower local talent. As Razwilson Dube, General Manager, explains, “We are part of this landscape, and our guests are invited to become part of it too.”
Bupenyu Lodge is more than a place to stay. It’s an invitation to step into a life above the gorge, to embrace adventure, serenity, and the extraordinary spirit of Africa.
Bookings for stays are now open. Enquiries: reservations@newmarkhotels.com