Life Above the Batoka Gorge: Bupenyu Lodge
An Invitation to Experience Life Above the Batoka Gorge: Bupenyu Lodge Opens 1 March 2026
Newmark Hotels & Reserves announces the opening of Bupenyu Lodge, its highly anticipated ultra‑luxury retreat above Zimbabwe’s Batoka Gorge, welcoming 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.
Just 28 kilometres from Victoria Falls, perched above Rapid No. 22 of the Zambezi River, Bupenyu Lodge honours its setting through seamless integration with the landscape and community. Its name, Bupenyu—meaning “the state of being alive” in Nambya—embodies a celebration of life’s vibrancy within one of the continent’s most dramatic natural backdrops.
Architecture & Design The architectural vision by Experience Architects pays tribute to the gorge’s heritage through cantilevered forms and tensile cables, inspired by the engineering legacy of the historic railway bridge below. Stone‑clad passageways and basalt‑lined walls heighten anticipation, 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.
Accommodation & Experiences Eleven cliffside suites (52 m² each) and an exclusive two‑bedroom villa (134 m²) blend harmoniously with the rugged terrain. 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 General Manager Razwilson Dube. “We are part of this landscape—our guests are invited to become part of it, too.”
Shared spaces include three distinct dining experiences: a dramatic boma inspired by the nesting grounds of the rare Taita falcon, an open‑plan restaurant for relaxed all‑day dining, and intimate romantic settings within a secluded cliffside bird hide or on private decks beneath the stars. Guests can also enjoy tranquil spa pods, a striking infinity pool, a curated wine cellar, and seamless arrivals via the on‑site helipad.
Culinary Journey Local, seasonal ingredients underpin a curated culinary journey overseen by Chris Erasmus, Newmark’s Group Culinary Director, with wine pairings by Group Sommelier Marlvin Gwese. Dishes and rituals honour the surrounding landscape and culture, shared in meaningful, memorable ways.
Beyond the Lodge Curated journeys include 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 cultural connections at Chinotimba Township.
Sustainability & Community Solar energy systems, water‑wise gardens, and community partnerships form the foundation of Bupenyu’s vision. “Every detail here is designed to honour our surroundings and create a sense of belonging,” Dube explains, noting a commitment to local recruitment. Michael Liffmann, Director of Pre‑Openings and Portfolio Development, adds: “Bupenyu is designed to deliver authentic experiences that honour Zimbabwe and its people.”
Expansion & Vision Bupenyu marks Newmark’s sixth country of operation, with further openings planned in the Lowveld and Namibia in 2026. Founder and CEO Neil Markovitz concludes: “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, contact reservations@newmarkhotels.com.
