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About Tigerbay

The return of a Kariba classic

Our Story

There was a time when Tiger Bay was known by anglers, adventurers and Kariba loyalists as a place for good fishing, good stories and long days on the water. It was simple, wild and full of character. The old deck, rooms and dining spaces carried the charm of a place built around the lake, the catch and the people who returned to it year after year. Today, Tiger Bay returns with that same soul, now shaped into a more refined lodge experience. The water is still the centrepiece. The sunsets still stop conversations. The wilderness still feels close enough to touch. What has changed is the level of comfort around it. Private chalets. Thoughtful spaces. Guided experiences. Warm service. Food, wellness, fishing, river safaris and adventure brought together in one setting. Tiger Bay is not just reopening. It is beginning a new chapter.

The Construction Journey

A careful return to place

The new Tiger Bay has been developed with restraint and respect for the land. Wherever possible, the construction followed the original footprint of the old camp, reducing unnecessary disturbance and avoiding further damage to the surrounding trees and natural setting.

The lodge also reflects local craftsmanship and locally sourced materials, allowing the finished experience to feel rooted in Kariba rather than imported onto it.

Our Setting

Where the wild meets the water

Tiger Bay’s location gives it its power. The lodge sits where river, lake and wilderness come together, creating a setting that feels both open and intimate. This is Kariba at its best: water stretching into the distance, wildlife moving along the shoreline, birds cutting across the sky, and evenings that turn the whole landscape gold. It is a place made for travellers who want more than a room. They want a feeling.

Tiger Bay at a Glance

  • 8 accommodation units: 7 standard chalets and 1 honeymoon chalet.
  • Main guest area with restaurant, kitchen, dining room and bar.
  • Gym, wellness and spa facilities, with the spa opening soon.
  • Access to Lake Kariba, the Ume River and
  •  Matusadona experiences.
  • Game drives, river safaris, fishing, safari walks, bird watching and cultural visits.
  • Conferencing and hosted group experiences.

Our Philosophy

Understated luxury, rooted in place

At Tiger Bay, luxury is not about excess. It is about care. The care in how the lodge is designed. The care in how experiences are hosted. The care in preserving quiet moments instead of over-programming every hour. Our philosophy is built around three pillars: hospitality, curated luxury and eco-conscious stewardship.

  • Hospitality: our people, our guides, our hosts, our chefs and the warmth guests feel from arrival to departure.
  • Curated luxury: private spaces, considered amenities, thoughtful service and experiences shaped around the guest.
  • Eco-conscious stewardship: conservation, community building, zero-plastic principles and responsible use of the landscape.

We want guests to feel looked after, but never crowded. Connected to nature, but never uncomfortable. Free to explore, rest, celebrate or simply be still.

Amenities

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Panoramic Lake-View Decks

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Luxury En-Suite Bathrooms

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Private Plunge Pools

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Elevated Viewing Decks

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Wellness & Fitness

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Central Bars & Lounges

Our People

The experience is carried by people

Rooms matter, but people make the memory. Tiger Bay’s team brings the warmth, knowledge and welcome that turn a lodge stay into a proper Kariba experience.

Raphael Nyirenda

Camp Solutions Manager

With 12 years of dedicated experience within the Zimbabwean hospitality industry, I bring a wealth of operational expertise to the team at Tiger Bay Resort.

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Madison Siakalangu

Head Guide

My name is Madison Siakalangu, and I have spent over 30 years guiding and hosting guests throughout the Kariba and Hwange National Park regions.

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Sydney Simbai Chadokwenda

Head Host

With extensive experience in high-end safari lodge operations and guest services, I am a dedicated hospitality professional committed to crafting unforgettable guest experiences.

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Thabo Mhlanga

Head Chef

As a highly skilled, certified Michelin-standard chef with international training in Turkey, I bring a refined, global culinary perspective to the heart of the Zambezi Valley.

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Anusa Majomba

Housekeeping

I have spent the last 26 years of my life working in the safari industry, and I can honestly say that hospitality is not just my career it is who I am.

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Why Tiger Bay

A boutique Kariba lodge experience

Set along the Ume River, with access to Lake Kariba

Photographic game-viewing access within Matusadona.

Water-led experiences including fishing and river safaris.

Ideal for couples, families, groups, fishing travellers and trade partners.

Built around responsible tourism, local craftsmanship and long-term stewardship.

Part of the wider story of Kariba, including Lake Kariba’s global cultural memory and the growing return of Big Five appeal in Matusadona.

Explore Experiences

Raphael Nyirenda

Camp Solutions Manager

With 12 years of dedicated experience within the Zimbabwean hospitality industry, I bring a wealth of operational expertise to the team at Tiger Bay Resort. My career has been shaped by roles at some of the country’s most renowned hotels and premier safari camps, where I have honed a deep understanding of what is required to manage complex, high-standards environments. As the Camp Solutions Manager, my focus is on delivering operational excellence through strategic planning, staff development, and the meticulous maintenance of our facilities. I am passionate about driving efficiency in our systems while ensuring that our guests receive the seamless, high-quality service they expect in a luxury setting. My approach combines a rigorous attention to detail with a commitment to fostering professional growth within my team, ensuring that every operational challenge is met with a robust, innovative solution. I am dedicated to upholding the highest standards of service and contributing to the continued success and reputation of Tiger Bay Resort as a leading destination in the Zambezi Valley. “Excellence in hospitality is found at the intersection of meticulous planning and heartfelt service; I am committed to delivering both to ensure every guest experience is unparalleled.”

Madison Siakalangu

Head Guide

My name is Madison Siakalangu, and I have spent over 30 years guiding and hosting guests throughout the Kariba and Hwange National Park regions. Throughout my career with organizations like Zimbabwe Sun Hotels Limited, Zimbabwe Leaf Tobacco Hospitality, African Bush Camps, and Matusadona African Parks, I have learned that the secret to great hospitality is anticipation—noticing what a guest needs before they even ask.

​My job is simple: to ensure every guest feels safe, informed, and genuinely cared for. After three decades in the bush, I have learned to read the body language of my guests; I know when someone wants nonstop wildlife facts and when they simply want quiet time to watch the horizon. By giving clear briefings and sharing real stories, I help build the trust that makes a safari truly special.

​To me, ‘family-oriented service’ means every guest becomes part of my safari family for the day. Whether I am hosting grandparents or toddlers, I make sure no one is left behind. I love slowing down for the kids to see the ‘tiny things’ or helping our elders get in and out of the vehicle comfortably. The best moments are when a family laughs together while spotting an elephant or a fish eagle—that is when I know I have done my job.

​Having been born and bred in a Tonga village in the rural area, I still stop every time I see the sunset over Lake Kariba as the Matusadona Mountains turn purple. It reminds me exactly why I became a guide. My motto is that every guest leaves with a story worth telling, and my goal is to keep guiding with the same passion I had on my very first drive 30 years ago.”

Sydney Simbai Chadokwenda

Head Host

With extensive experience in high-end safari lodge operations and guest services, I am a dedicated hospitality professional committed to crafting unforgettable guest experiences. My career is defined by a passion for excellence, meticulous attention to detail, and a deep understanding of what is required to deliver seamless service in unique, remote environments.

​Having navigated complex operational landscapes from infrastructure management and staff training to the logistical precision required for executive familiarisation trips and large-scale conferences I pride myself on my ability to blend efficiency with the warm, personalised hospitality that creates lasting impressions. At Tiger Bay Resort, I lead our team in cultivating a family-oriented atmosphere where every guest feels both valued and truly connected to the stunning natural surroundings.

​Whether I am overseeing day-to-day camp maintenance, developing educational expedition programmes, or ensuring that our silver service standards remain impeccable, my goal remains the same: to exceed expectations and set new benchmarks for excellence in the Zimbabwean hospitality sector.

​“True hospitality is not just about the service provided; it is about the genuine care and memorable stories we create for every guest who walks through our doors.”

Thabo Mhlanga

Head Chef

As a highly skilled, certified Michelin-standard chef with international training in Turkey, I bring a refined, global culinary perspective to the heart of the Zambezi Valley. While I am a newcomer to the safari industry, I approach my craft with the energy, innovation, and ambition that are defining the next generation of culinary excellence.

 

​My current focus at Tiger Bay Resort is the creation of a unique, contemporary Afro-blend menu. By bridging sophisticated fine-dining techniques with the profound, authentic flavours of the baTonga people, I am crafting signature dishes that honour local traditions while offering a modern, elevated dining experience. My goal is to harmonise the rich heritage of the region with a world-class culinary aesthetic, ensuring that every meal we serve is as memorable as the landscape that surrounds us.

​I am passionate about pushing boundaries in the kitchen, experimenting with indigenous ingredients, and setting new benchmarks for what safari dining can achieve. I look forward to delighting our guests with creative dishes that tell a story of cultural fusion and culinary passion.

 

​“True innovation lies in respecting the roots of our heritage while daring to reimagine them through a modern, global lens.”

Anusa Majomba

Housekeeping

​“I have spent the last 26 years of my life working in the safari industry, and I can honestly say that hospitality is not just my career it is who I am. Growing up, I learned that being welcoming is at the very core of my culture. Today, I view the opportunity to serve our guests not just as a job, but as an ‘addiction to share’ that joy and comfort with everyone who visits us.

​At Tiger Bay, my goal is to make sure every guest feels that deep, authentic care the moment they step into their room. I am incredibly proud to be part of this team. Twalumba kwiantomwe muchibaya cha Tiger Bay (We are grateful to be together here at Tiger Bay), and I am committed to making sure we work together to give you the best experience possible. Ndalumba—thank you for letting us serve you.”

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