An invitation to experience life above the Batoka Gorge: Bupenyu Lodge welcomes guests from 1 March 2026

Newmark Hotels & Reserves’ ultra-luxury retreat in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, invites guests to experience curated moments and nature-inspired, intentional luxury above the Zambezi River.

Newmark Hotels & Reserves is pleased to announce that Bupenyu Lodge, its highly anticipated ultra-luxury property above Zimbabwe’s Batoka Gorge, will welcome its first guests from 1 March 2026. Reservations are now open for those seeking to reconnect with nature’s quiet magnificence in one of Africa’s most awe-inspiring landscapes.

Set just 28 kilometres from Victoria Falls, above Rapid No. 22 of the Zambezi River, the lodge honours its setting through seamless integration with the landscape and community, offering a rare blend of refined luxury, immersive nature and authentic African adventure. Its name, Bupenyu – meaning “the state of being alive” in Nambya and embodies a celebration of life’s vibrancy within one of the continent’s most dramatic natural backdrops.

The architectural vision by Stellenbosch-based Experience Architects pays tribute to the gorge’s heritage through cantilevered forms and tensile cables, subtly inspired by the engineering legacy of the historic railway bridge below and the timeless stillness of its geology. Stone-clad passageways and basalt-lined walls heighten the sense of anticipation on arrival, ultimately revealing breathtaking views over the Zambezi River some 160 metres below. Interiors by Hinterland Studio weave local artistry and natural materials into a calm, grounded elegance, echoing the lodge’s belief that true luxury is experienced through authenticity, intention and a profound sense of place.

Eleven cliffside suites, each 52 m², and an exclusive two-bedroom villa, measuring 134 m², blend harmoniously with the rugged terrain, connected by pathways that wind through indigenous miombo woodland. Each suite features a private plunge pool, generous indoor-outdoor living spaces and natural textures that root the experience firmly in place. “Nothing looks out of place,” says Bupenyu Lodge’s General Manager, Raz-Wilson Dube. “We are part of this landscape – our guests are invited to become part of it, too.”

Shared spaces flow naturally across the site, anchored by three distinct dining experiences: a dramatic boma inspired by the nesting grounds of the rare Taita falcon, an open-plan restaurant designed for relaxed, all-day dining, and intimate romantic settings - either within the secluded cliffside bird hide or on the privacy of your own deck beneath the stars. Additional guest spaces include tranquil spa treatment pods, a striking infinity pool, a curated wine cellar, a fully equipped gym, and an on-site helipad ensuring seamless arrivals and departures.

Local, seasonal ingredients will underpin a curated culinary journey overseen by Newmark’s Group Culinary Director, Chris Erasmus, supported by Group Sommelier, Marlvin Gwese. Dishes and rituals will honour the surrounding landscape and culture, with traditions shared in meaningful, memorable ways.

“Every detail here is designed to honour our surroundings and create a sense of belonging,” Dube explains, adding that his goal is to build a team rooted in local culture, with a focus on recruitment from the local villages. 

Beyond the lodge, curated journeys will invite guests to explore helicopter flights over Victoria Falls, rhino conservation excursions, horseback safaris, day trips to Chobe and Hwange National Parks, Zambezi River cruises, adrenaline-filled swims at Devil’s Pool and opportunities to connect with local communities at Chinotimba Township.

Sustainability and community connection form the foundation of Bupenyu’s vision, with solar energy systems, water-wise gardens and community partnerships embedded from the outset. Michael Liffmann, Newmark’s Director of Pre-Openings and Portfolio Development, notes: “Bupenyu is designed to deliver authentic experiences that honour Zimbabwe and its people. We see this lodge as the culmination of our philosophy: creating transformative journeys rooted in place, elevated through design, hospitality and sustainability.”

Newmark Hotels & Reserves continues to expand its African footprint with Bupenyu, marking its sixth country of operation, with further openings planned in the Lowveld and Namibia in 2026. Newmark’s Founder and CEO, Neil Markovitz adds: “Bupenyu Lodge represents a celebration of Africa – its natural grandeur, its people, its wildlife and its spirit of exploration. We are honoured to extend this invitation to our guests.”

Bookings for stays from 1 March 2026 are now open. To enquire, please get in touch with reservations@newmarkhotels.com.