Shahida Yousuf says that while growing up in Zambia, every holiday was a safari. “We stayed at so many different lodges and camps. It was such a wonderful time and I just loved being out in the bush.”
Yousuf is at her home in Dubai Hills, but her mind — and her heart — are clearly in Africa. Or, more specifically, in Lolebezi, the new luxury lodge Yousuf and her husband recently opened on the banks of the Zambezi River in southern Zambia. While their successful business makes Dubai a convenient place to call home, this is a family with their roots in African soil.
It was the memory of those childhood holidays that sparked the family’s dream of owning their own safari lodge, and of finding a corner of Zambia where they could celebrate their African heritage while contributing to the economic upliftment of the country.
In 2019, the couple began searching for the perfect site. They wanted a place that would showcase Zambia’s remarkable natural beauty, and where they could build a lodge that would deliver the levels of luxury and service they had discovered in Dubai.
“The South Luangwa National Park is already well established, and we wanted to tap into an untouched wilderness; an area that didn’t already have any other notable lodges,” explains Yousuf.
The Lower Zambezi National Park fit the bill perfectly. Situated only an hour’s flight from the international airport at Lusaka, the park is renowned for its concentration of large game. There are only a handful of other lodges within the park boundary, ensuring a true wilderness experience, with the Zambezi offering an array of water-based safari adventures. Little wonder Time magazine recently included the Lower Zambezi National Park in its list of the World’s Greatest Places of 2022.
So when a five-hectare private concession with a kilometre of private river frontage became available, Yousuf flew out to take a look. “The moment we set foot on this site, there was just no looking back. It was perfect,” she recalls. “The area was untouched, there had never been anything in this area before. It was wild.”
Set on a promontory where the Zambezi splits into a quiet waterway dubbed the Discovery Channel, “it’s one of those game-changing sites in southern Africa”, says architect Jack Alexander from Fox Browne Creative, the highly respected South African studio brought in to develop, design and construct the lodge.
Lolebezi rests within a forest of winter thorn acacia, and the inspiration for the lodge’s design aesthetic came, literally, from the ground up. “On that first visit I picked up a seed pod and was just fascinated by the details and curves of it,” says Yousuf. “I loved the contours. I loved the shape. I realised, this is our story. I wanted this winter thorn pod to tell the story of Lolebezi.”
Today, that inspiration is the golden thread tying the lodge together, with the curled pods informing its circular architectural forms. This is most evident in the striking “circle of light”, a raised circular walkway framing the arrival at Lolebezi, transporting guests into the boughs of a winter thorn to soak up dramatic views of both the Zambezi and the forest.
From this central point, the lodge is spread out along the riverbanks, with gravel pathways linking spacious communal areas to the spa, fitness centre and eight expansive suites. Here, airy bedrooms and bathrooms open out on to spacious private terraces, complete with plunge pools and shaded salas overlooking the Zambezi.
Indoors, beautiful hand-printed bed throws reference the acacias, while organic textures are complemented by detailing celebrating Zambia’s heritage and culture. In the bathroom, copper shimmers above the striking bathroom vanities, in a nod to one of the country’s key exports, while the hand-stitched mosquito net encircling the bed is ringed with imfibinga beads, wooden discs and copper plates.
Throughout the lodge, there’s a celebration of local craftsmanship. Above the main lounge, a swirl of woven grass spanning four metres across comes from the artisans at local project Tribal Textiles, while a striking curtain of curled reeds framing the seating area was hand-stitched by local women.
It’s a space that is rooted in Africa but designed with an eye for global aesthetics. Unlike so many safari lodges, tired wilderness cliches have no place at Lolebezi.
“The result is a fresh take on luxury canvas and glass design, effortlessly combining sophistication and sustainability,” says Chris Browne, co-owner of Fox Browne Creative. The lodge fosters “a dramatic, authentic connection with the mighty Zambezi River and the African landscape”, he says.
Guests at Lolebezi will spend many happy hours making that connection. Activities here include game drives to seek out lions, leopards and elephants, and thrilling bush walks where you may stumble upon a pack of endangered wild dogs. Lolebezi is operated by the experienced team from African Bush Camps, meaning its highly skilled safari guides are some of the best in the business.
Yet, it was the water that truly enchanted me during my stay at Lolebezi. A flotilla of boats and skilled local river guides are on hand for everything from relaxed sunset cruises to exhilarating canoe safaris. Be sure to spend some time casting a line — battling the Zambezi’s razor-toothed tiger fish is a thrill you’ll not soon forget.
For while Lolebezi enchants with its luxurious suites and on-point service, it’s the wilderness of the Lower Zambezi that is the real star here. And who knows? Perhaps, like Yousuf, you’ll leave a little piece of your heart in Africa too.
Shubh Mangal Saavdhan
Directed by: RS Prasanna
Starring: Ayushmann Khurrana, Bhumi Pednekar
Six pitfalls to avoid when trading company stocks
Following fashion
Investing is cyclical, buying last year's winners often means holding this year's losers.
Losing your balance
You end up with too much exposure to an individual company or sector that has taken your fancy.
Being over active
If you chop and change your portfolio too often, dealing charges will eat up your gains.
Running your losers
Investors hate admitting mistakes and hold onto bad stocks hoping they will come good.
Selling in a panic
If you sell up when the market drops, you have locked yourself out of the recovery.
Timing the market
Even the best investor in the world cannot consistently call market movements.
Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Lamsa
Founder: Badr Ward
Launched: 2014
Employees: 60
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: EdTech
Funding to date: $15 million
Name: Brendalle Belaza
From: Crossing Rubber, Philippines
Arrived in the UAE: 2007
Favourite place in Abu Dhabi: NYUAD campus
Favourite photography style: Street photography
Favourite book: Harry Potter
The Pope's itinerary
Sunday, February 3, 2019 - Rome to Abu Dhabi
1pm: departure by plane from Rome / Fiumicino to Abu Dhabi
10pm: arrival at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
Monday, February 4
12pm: welcome ceremony at the main entrance of the Presidential Palace
12.20pm: visit Abu Dhabi Crown Prince at Presidential Palace
5pm: private meeting with Muslim Council of Elders at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
6.10pm: Inter-religious in the Founder's Memorial
Tuesday, February 5 - Abu Dhabi to Rome
9.15am: private visit to undisclosed cathedral
10.30am: public mass at Zayed Sports City – with a homily by Pope Francis
12.40pm: farewell at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
1pm: departure by plane to Rome
5pm: arrival at the Rome / Ciampino International Airport
Who has lived at The Bishops Avenue?
- George Sainsbury of the supermarket dynasty, sugar magnate William Park Lyle and actress Dame Gracie Fields were residents in the 1930s when the street was only known as ‘Millionaires’ Row’.
- Then came the international super rich, including the last king of Greece, Constantine II, the Sultan of Brunei and Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal who was at one point ranked the third richest person in the world.
- Turkish tycoon Halis Torprak sold his mansion for £50m in 2008 after spending just two days there. The House of Saud sold 10 properties on the road in 2013 for almost £80m.
- Other residents have included Iraqi businessman Nemir Kirdar, singer Ariana Grande, holiday camp impresario Sir Billy Butlin, businessman Asil Nadir, Paul McCartney’s former wife Heather Mills.
Hunting park to luxury living
- Land was originally the Bishop of London's hunting park, hence the name
- The road was laid out in the mid 19th Century, meandering through woodland and farmland
- Its earliest houses at the turn of the 20th Century were substantial detached properties with extensive grounds
Countries recognising Palestine
France, UK, Canada, Australia, Portugal, Belgium, Malta, Luxembourg, San Marino and Andorra
Jebel Ali results
2pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 50,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
Winner: AF Al Moreeb, Antonio Fresu (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer)
2.30pm: Maiden (TB) Dh 60,000 (D) 1,400m
Winner: Shamikh, Ryan Curatolo, Nicholas Bachalard
3pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 64,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: One Vision, Connor Beasley, Ali Rashid Al Raihe
3.30pm: Conditions (TB) Dh 100,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Gabr, Sam Hitchcott, Doug Watson
4pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 96,000 (D) 1,800m
Winner: Just A Penny, Sam Hitchcock, Doug Watson
4.30pm: Maiden (TB) Dh 60,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Torno Subito, Sam Hitchcock, Doug Watson
5pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 76,000 (D) 1,950m
Winner: Untold Secret, Jose Santiago, Salem bin Ghadayer
COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
%3Cp%3EName%3A%20DarDoc%3Cbr%3EBased%3A%20Abu%20Dhabi%3Cbr%3EFounders%3A%20Samer%20Masri%2C%20Keswin%20Suresh%3Cbr%3ESector%3A%20HealthTech%3Cbr%3ETotal%20funding%3A%20%24800%2C000%3Cbr%3EInvestors%3A%20Flat6Labs%2C%20angel%20investors%20%2B%20Incubated%20by%20Hub71%2C%20Abu%20Dhabi's%20Department%20of%20Health%3Cbr%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%2010%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
THE SPECS
Engine: Four-cylinder 2.5-litre
Transmission: Seven-speed auto
Power: 165hp
Torque: 241Nm
Price: Dh99,900 to Dh134,000
On sale: now
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo 4-cyl
Transmission: eight-speed auto
Power: 190bhp
Torque: 300Nm
Price: Dh169,900
On sale: now
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Profile
Co-founders of the company: Vilhelm Hedberg and Ravi Bhusari
Launch year: In 2016 ekar launched and signed an agreement with Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi. In January 2017 ekar launched in Dubai in a partnership with the RTA.
Number of employees: Over 50
Financing stage: Series B currently being finalised
Investors: Series A - Audacia Capital
Sector of operation: Transport
Wicked: For Good
Director: Jon M Chu
Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater
Rating: 4/5
World Cup final
Who: France v Croatia
When: Sunday, July 15, 7pm (UAE)
TV: Game will be shown live on BeIN Sports for viewers in the Mena region
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
THE SPECS
Engine: 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbo
Transmission: seven-speed dual clutch automatic
Power: 169bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Price: Dh54,500
On sale: now
Moon Music
Artist: Coldplay
Label: Parlophone/Atlantic
Number of tracks: 10
Rating: 3/5
Race results:
1. Thani Al Qemzi (UAE) Team Abu Dhabi: 46.44 min
2. Peter Morin (FRA) CTIC F1 Shenzhen China Team: 0.91sec
3. Sami Selio (FIN) Mad-Croc Baba Racing Team: 31.43sec
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Martin Sabbagh profile
Job: CEO JCDecaux Middle East
In the role: Since January 2015
Lives: In the UAE
Background: M&A, investment banking
Studied: Corporate finance
Destroyer
Director: Karyn Kusama
Cast: Nicole Kidman, Toby Kebbell, Sebastian Stan
Rating: 3/5
UAE release: January 31
The bio
Favourite vegetable: Broccoli
Favourite food: Seafood
Favourite thing to cook: Duck l'orange
Favourite book: Give and Take by Adam Grant, one of his professors at University of Pennsylvania
Favourite place to travel: Home in Kuwait.
Favourite place in the UAE: Al Qudra lakes
MATCH INFO
Norwich 0
Watford 2 (Deulofeu 2', Gray 52')
Red card: Christian Kabasele (WatforD)
