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 [confirm final naming].
- 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
Panoramic Lake-View Decks
Luxury En-Suite Bathrooms
Private Plunge Pools
Elevated Viewing Decks
Wellness & Fitness
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. 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.
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.
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.
Thabo Mhlanga
Senior 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.
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.
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.