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Royal Chundu Zambezi River Lodge

Our rating

8/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Upmarket, exclusive lodge
- Private and secluded riverside location
- Wide range of activities

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Overview

The Royal Chundu Zambezi River Lodge is a deluxe property on the banks of the Zambezi River in the Livingstone area of southern Zambia. Located 30km upstream from the iconic Victoria Falls and across river from Zimbabwe’s Matetsi Game Reserve, this secluded lodge enjoys exclusive access to a 15km stretch of private waterway. Part of the Relais and Chateaux portfolio, the lodge offers ten luxurious and tranquil riverside suites, a swimming pool, gourmet restaurant and wine cellar, plus a wide range of land and water based activities. At the higher end of the budget, Royal Chundu will appeal to travellers seeking an upmarket waterside retreat.

The lodge’s spacious main area is split-level and open-sided, with an airy thatched ceiling, and is decorated with an eclectic mix of African textiles and contemporary furnishings. Guest spaces include two relaxing lounges with an open fireplace, a formal dining room, a bar and wine cellar, TV room, library, and a gift shop. Outside is a lovely ‘boma’, and a fabulous swimming pool overlooking the river. The lodge has its own helipad for private transfers. Wi-Fi and mobile phone reception are available in all areas.

Cuisine is a mixture of pan-African and international dishes, served either in the dining room or outside in the atmospheric boma, frequently accompanied by Zambian drumming and dancers. Private dining can be accommodated, either in guest suites, or on an exclusive boat cruise or picnic. The lodge prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients, including fish from local suppliers, and produces its own free range chickens and eggs.

There’s a wide range of activities including sunset boat cruises, fishing, and canoeing trips along the Zambezi. Guests can enjoy guided walks followed by a riverside picnic, and cultural visits to local communities. Spa treatments are available on site. Excursions further afield include Victoria Falls and Livingstone Island, and day trips to Botswana’s Chobe National Park. Adrenalin seekers can partake in white water rafting, bungee jumping, and canoeing the exhilarating Katombora rapids, and a helicopter tour of Victoria Falls is an exhilarating must.

Accommodation comprises ten thatched, spacious riverfront suites with wonderful views of the Zambezi. Each suite comprises king or twin beds draped with mosquito nets, air conditioning, fans, and a mini bar, plus an ensuite bathroom with a twin shower, twin basins and WC. Outside is a lovely private veranda with panoramic river views.

Children of all ages are welcome. Each suite can accommodate up to two adults and two children, with reduced prices offered to under 12s. All young guests receive a safari adventure pack on arrival, and board games and puzzles, children’s books and DVDs are available at the lodge. A dedicated children’s club offers a daily activity programme including cookery activities, astronomy, catch and release fishing, and river cruises. Babysitting can be arranged at additional cost.

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What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 536 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • Trip was great and all the arrangements were excellent so thank you for all the help!

    Drivers and transfers were all good - on time and very good service on each trip.

    Accommodation was lovely - Douar Samra was amazing (weather could have been better but lovely regardless). Riad in Marrakesh was also great!

    All in all a great trip and we loved the variety of the mountains, Marrakesh and the coast.

    Thanks you once again!

    MissingHardeep S reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains on 15 April 2024

  • I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.

    Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.

    El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.

    Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.

    So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last

    MissingJuhae C reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek on 01 March 2024

  • Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”

    MissingLars B reviewing Best of South Africa for Families on 01 March 2024

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