Zambia is one of the most underestimated tourist destinations—especially for those seeking endless action and activity. Named after the Zambezi River, the vivacious country is brimming with adventure. From white water rafting to gorge swinging off Victoria Falls—one of the seven natural wonders of the world—you won’t be short of things to do. Zambia is also renowned for pioneering safari walking, a more audacious approach to game viewing. And with some of the most luxurious safari lodges in Africa, you’d be remiss not to join in on the wild experience.
But let’s face it, there are only so many walking safaris, game drives, gorge swings and white water rafts you can do before urgently booking off a day to reprieve at a spa. At this point, while enthused with rare sightings and epic adventures, your back muscles and legs are bound to feel pretty tense. And you’ll probably take whatever you can get when it comes to a massage—be it good or bad. To prevent such a desperate approach to relaxation, we recommend booking a spa day ahead of time. And to avoid the imminent last minute scramble, we’ve carefully curated a list of the best spas in Zambia.
Even the biggest adventurers need a respite every once in a while. How else would you prepare for your next big one? That’s our excuse anyway—perhaps you’re mature enough not to need one.
The 11 best spas in Zambia
- Royal Bush Spa
- Latitude 15 Degrees Spa
- Sisters of Africa Spa
- Mukwa River Lodge Spa
- Royal Livingstone Spa
- Aha Spa
- The Spa at Toka Leya Camp
- Reign Spa
- Jiva Spa
- Uzuri Spa
- Kozo Spa
Royal Bush Spa
Racking up the accolades, Royal Bush Spa is prized as the most luxurious safari spa and we couldn’t agree more. Found in the Royal Zambezi Lodge—one of our best luxury hotels in Zambia—the spa draws its inspiration from its surreal natural surroundings.
The Royal Bush Spa’s interior does little to detract from the panoramic views and many treatments are performed in the great outdoors. Here, you’ll close your eyes to the transformational touch of a highly trained therapist as hyena whoops and bird whistles invite you into their world. And whilst the beauty of the spa lies in its raw ruggedness, the treatments are refined to hit all the right spots. Take your time to browse through the extensive menu. But if choosing one is impossible, we recommend the Traditional Zambian Ukuchina. As one of the oldest massage techniques in Africa, it’s an experience you won’t get anywhere else.
Best for: Making you feel like royalty.
Address: Lower Zambezi River Zambia Lower, Zambia Opening days and hours: Mon-Fri: 8am-5pm Price range: $$ Website:www.royalzambezilodge.com/the-royal-bush-spa/
Latitude 15° Spa
The Latitude 15° Spa is one of the best reasons not to merely pass through Lusaka. Located in one of our best luxury hotels, the tranquil environment lends itself to the ultimate spa day. And once you’ve had your fill of Zambia’s bustling capital city, there’s nothing you’ll feel like more. The only problem is that it books up fast, so you’ll need to secure your spot as soon as possible.
Latitude 15° Spa is a melting pot of cultures. Drawing inspiration from Bali, India, Malawi and Sweden, it takes the best from each country and makes it its own. The interior however stays true to its African roots with local artworks and elegant pops of color. The products used are also locally sourced and infused with the organic Zambian spirit, giving your skin the ability to cope with the soaring temperatures. If you’re like us, you’ll want to spend the whole day soaking up the spa’s therapeutic benefits, but if you only have time for one treatment, the Swedish Massage is an all round winner.
Best for: Recoordinating your holiday.
Address: 10101, Lusaka, Zambia Opening days and hours: Tues-Sat: 7am-9pm Sun: 8am-9pm Mon: closed Price range: $$ Website: 15.thelatitudehotels.com/wellness-and-beauty
Sisters of Africa Spa
The Sisters of Africa Spa is all about infusing modern techniques with an African spirit and Mother Nature’s magical touch. All treatments are performed on your private deck, overlooking the grand Zambezi River. And as you shut your eyes to the healing touch of expert therapists, the sounds of the wilderness transport you to another world.
The Sisters of Africa Spa is located in one of our top boutique lodges—the Royal Chundu Island Lodge. And it is usually a highlight for all guests. All of the skin products used are 100% natural. They are manufactured in the small town of Mazabuka so their use empowers the local community. Treatments range from aromatherapies to traditional massages to African scrubs and everything in between. To get the full experience, we recommend the Dyango (Queen) Experience. It includes a Wungu scrub, relaxing massage and skin sensory facial massage—fit for a queen.
Best for: Your local spa’s African sister.
Address: Plot 9003, Nakatindi Road, Katambora, Zambia Opening days and hours: Mon-Sun: 8am-5pm Price range: $$ Website: www.royalchundu.com/en/activities/at-royal-chundu/spa/
Mukwa River Lodge Spa
As one of our best boutique hotels in Zambia, we adore everything about Mukwa River Lodge. But their spa has got to be a standout. After spending your days exploring Victoria Falls and Livingstone Town, a tranquil massage is just what you need to reset for the next set of activities.
All of the therapists at Mukwa River Lodge Spa seem to have the midas touch. And they have the inexplicable capability to ground you to the present moment. Performed beneath the African sun, besides the Zambezi River, their unique treatments combine cutting-edge techniques with a strong influence of the indigenous native culture. Plus all the products are made from locally sourced ingredients, so you won’t have experienced anything like them before.
Best for: Recharging by the river.
Address: Farm 1492 Nakatindi Road Livingstone, 00000, Zambia Opening days and hours: Mon-Sun: 9am-4pm Price range: $$ Website:theresidenceportfolio.co.za/wellness-mukwa
Royal Livingstone Spa
Discover a holistic approach to wellness at the Royal Livingstone Spa. Located in the tranquil Mosi-oa-Tunya Park, the luxury resort is all about harnessing the healing effects of nature in a myriad of different ways. And after spending a day relaxing on the deck, making use of the gym facilities, dining on the healthy cuisine and getting lost in mesmerizing massages, you’re bound to feel like a different person.
The Royal Livingstone Spa uses Terres D’Afrique products—a luxury skincare range, all of which are sustainably sourced and respect the local communities. They’re committed to combining nature and science to create products that are rich in antioxidants and provide
natural solutions to inflammation. To reap all of these transforming properties, we recommend the full Royal Livingstone Spa Experience. The package includes toe to head massages, so nothing gets left out.
Best for: A holistic approach to wellbeing.
Address: Mosi-oa-Tunya Road, Livingstone, Zambia Opening days and hours: Mon-Sun: 8:30am-7pm Price range: $$$ Website: www.anantara.com/en/royal-livingstone/spa
Aha Spa
Aha—that’s the sound of your realizing just how beneficial a spa day can really be. Committed to spoiling their guests, The Aha Spa at David Livingstone goes above and beyond to destress your mind and restore your soul.
The Aha Spa is an oasis in the middle of Livingstone Town. The minimalist interior and natural hues speak to the importance of slowing down. While aromatic candles create a tranquil environment. The Aha menu is complete with the classics, including a Swedish Massage, Hot Stone Massage and every beauty treatment. But it also includes more traditionally Zambian treatments such as the Kusungnuka massage—melting organic shea butter onto your back. While the Ukunchina massage is a popular post-natal or recovery treatment. For a bit of everything, The David Livingstone Experience even includes hydrotherapy. We’ll have that, thanks.
Best for: Spoiling your senses.
Address: Riverside Dr, Off Sichango Rd, Livingstone, Zambia Opening days and hours: Mon-Sun: 8am-7pm Price range: $$ Website: www.aha.co.za/david-livingstone/
The Spa at Toka Leya Camp
Rated as our best place to stay in Zambia, every moment at Toka Leya Camp is effortlessly relaxing. However a deep tissue massage in the discrete tented spa is the cherry on top of a remarkable stay. And whilst surrounded by pampering and luxury, you may not find it necessary to add in a spa treatment, there’s no better way to pass the time between game drives and Zambezi cruises than having your temples caressed and your back rubbed by some of the top therapists in the country.
The Spa at Toka Leya Camp only uses sustainably sourced and biodegradable products, staying true to the camp’s eco chic mantra. The decor is understated with an air of elegant sophistication. It allows the serene surroundings to work their magic as a contemporary deck overlooks the glistening Zambezi. All of Toka Leya’s treatments come highly recommended, but the African scrubs are a standout for us.
Best for: Stepping up the luxe factor.
Address: Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Livingstone, Zambia Opening days and hours: Mon-Sun: 8am-5pm Price range: $$$ Website: wilderness-safaris.com/our-camps/camps/toka-leya-camp
Reign Spa
Reigning supreme in affordable luxury, Reign Spa is reasonable enough to become a part of your daily routine in Lilayi. And whilst the price may seem too good to be true, we can assure you that they maintain impeccably high standards for all their treatments. The friendly therapists are highly trained and passionate about providing the best service possible.
Reign Spa is focused on total relaxation through clean white interiors and tranquil aromas. You may need a few minutes to browse through the extensive menu as the versatile spa offers every treatment imaginable. They offer beauty treatments such as spray tans, manicures, tinting and waxes. They also offer all the classic massages such as deep tissue, hot stone and Swedish as well as superfood and collagen facials. Our tip: leave enough time for more than one. There’s no reason not to.
Best for: Reigning supreme in all things luxury.
Address: Lilayi, Zambia Opening days and hours: Tues-Sat: 8am-5pm Mon-Tues: closed Price range: $ Website: reignspa.co/
Jiva Spa
Translated to the vital energy of life, Jiva Spa lives up to its spiritual moniker. Found in the Taj Pamodzi in Lusaka, the tranquil therapy rooms create a space to reprieve from the bustling streets outside the luxury hotel’s doors.
Jiva Spa is deeply rooted in India’s ancient approach to wellness. And all of their signature treatments are designed to bring healing and wisdom. The Jivanya Invigorate is one of the spa’s most popular treatments. It is an energizing treatment, performed to relieve muscular tension and improve blood circulation. This includes an exfoliating herbal scrub, exotic spices, a stimulating wrap and a revitalizing massage. All of their other signature massages are equally enticing—each with a distinctive purpose. As you can see, the therapies go beyond an hour or two of relaxation and extend into a lifestyle of wellbeing and self-care.
Best for: Revitalizing your energy for life.
Address: Church Rd, Lusaka 35450, Zambia Opening days and hours: Mon-Sun: 8am-8pm Price range: $ Website: www.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj/taj-pamodzi-lusaka/jiva-spa/
Uzuri Spa
Located within the Radisson Blu in Lusaka, Uzuri Spa exceeds the luxury hotel’s five-star status. With a decked-out relaxation area at the pool, you can opt to have your treatment on one of the outdoor lounges or inside the peaceful therapy rooms.
Uzuri Spa only uses the highest quality skincare products—all of which are carefully appointed to cleanse and purify. And with an extensive menu, the cutting-edge spa runs the gamut in treatment options. The deep tissue massage and aromatherapy massage are particularly good. While the Ukunchina traditional massage brings a Zambian touch to your respite. Plus, the Radisson is home to state-of-the-art gym facilities. So if you prefer to workout before indulging in tranquilizing treatments, you won’t be disappointed by what’s on offer.
Best for: Reaching for the stars—and grabbing them.
Address: 19029 Great East Road, Radisson Blue Hotel, Lusaka, Zambia Opening days and hours: Mon-Sun: 9am-8pm Price range: $$ Website: bizbwana.com/orgs/uzuri-spa
Kozo Spa
If you find yourself with a couple of hours to spare in Lusaka, a trip to Kozo Spa is a wise way to spend them. Born out of a passion for health, beauty and self-care, you get a lot more than what you pay for. And all the treatments are performed by enthusiastic, highly trained therapists.
Kozo Spa has an extensive treatment menu. They offer all the popular massages such as the Swedish, Deep Tissue and Aromatherapy. While their signature massage is the Kozology Massage. This features heat compresses and focuses on areas where stress has built up. By the end of it, you’re left tension-free and deeply relaxed. Kozo Spa also specializes in African hair treatments such as braiding, as well as other beauty treatments like manicures and waxing. We couldn’t think of a better start to the holiday.
Best for: Settling into holiday mode.
Address: H8FX+9CQ, Twin Palms Rd, Lusaka, Zambia Opening days and hours: Mon-Fri: 9am-6pm Sat-Sun: 9:30am-6:30pm Price range: $ Website: salon.kozo.co.zm/
Frequently asked questions about the best spas in Zambia
Zambia is quickly emerging as a prime travel destination for untouched natural beauty. The landlocked country is home to the Zambezi River and one of the seven natural wonders of the world—Victoria Falls. With a plethora of activities from gorge swinging to white water rafting, the landlocked country is a mecca for adventure-enthusiasts. It also boasts some of the world’s best safaris and luxury resorts, making a worthwhile visit for couples and families alike.
Zambia is known for its adventurous spirit. As the country that pioneered the walking safari, the landlocked country is brimming with some of the best game lodges and safari camps worldwide. It is also known for the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls—one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
There is plenty to do in Zambia. And if you’re planning a trip, you’ll want to pack in as much as possible. The most popular attractions are the walking safaris, prolific game viewing and luxury safari resorts. While Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River come with their own set of activities.
Whilst most tourists visit Zambia for the luxury safari resorts and riverside lodges, it’s always a good idea to get to know the local culture by spending a day in town. Livingstone Town is only a stone’s throw away from Victoria Falls. It is also home to the country’s oldest museum and is an excellent way to understand the country’s heritage. Lusaka—Zambia’s capital—is also worth visiting as it is esteemed as one of Africa’s most promising developing cities.
