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Chundukwa River Lodge

Our rating

8/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Serene riverside location
- Near to Victoria Falls
- Wide range of activities nearby
- Great value for money

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Overview

Chundukwa River Lodge is a comfortable and competitively priced owner-run property positioned in a serene, accessible location on the banks of the Zambezi River, in southern Zambia’s Livingstone area. The open-fronted accommodation commands stunning views across the river and provides a relaxing base from which to explore the nearby Victoria Falls, with hippos, elephants, crocodiles, and a plethora of stunning birdlife populating the riverbanks. Chundukwa offers excellent value for money, especially given its proximity to the Victoria Falls, and is open all year round.

Set within a classic stone and thatch building, the main area contains a lounge with coffee tables and cushioned seating. Restaurant-style dining is enjoyed beneath the stars on the large deck just outside, though meals can also be taken privately. A campfire and small rock plunge pool add to the cosy feel, and Wi-Fi is available throughout.

The accommodation comprises 5 thatch and stone chalets raised on stilts amidst the riverine forest. The units are open-sided, with protective roll-down canvas blinds for the rainy November to January season. The décor is simple and pleasant, with patterned rugs and beds draped in mosquito nets, and air conditioning and fans which help to alleviate the intense October to November heat. The semi open-air bathrooms are linked to the bedroom via a private deck, all with standard shower facilities, and one with a bath as well. Chundu House is a separate and spacious self-contained unit for private groups of up to six guests, with the option of a private chef and staff. Set apart from the other chalets, this sizeable cottage is equipped with a large veranda, deck, and private pool, one double ensuite bedroom, one double/twin room, an upstairs loft with space for two, and one small children’s bedroom.

Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, ‘the Smoke that Thunders’, the spectacular Victoria Falls lie 26km downstream. Beyond enjoying the phenomenal views (do come prepared for the spray!), activities include exploring the baboon-filled cloud forests, or taking afternoon tea at the Victoria Gardens Hotel. Wildlife activities include speciality bird walks and horse riding, with safari options ranging from motorboat and canoe trips, to 4x4 game drives or elephant safaris. Thrill seekers can enjoy white-water rafting, bungee jumping, gorge swinging, and quad biking, and there are gentle cultural visits for those seeking a slower pace. Most activities are paid for locally, and can be organised through the lodge.

With no minimum child age, and a wide variety of exciting activities available nearby, Chundukwa is a great option for families, though some activities may have age restrictions. Chundu House would best suit larger families, and the hotel is happy to fence the private pool when younger children are staying. For a more economical solution for smaller families, two single beds can be added to one of the chalets. Due to Chundukwa’s riverside location, parental supervision is essential at all times.

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What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 534 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • 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

  • We had the most amazing time. It exceeded all my hopes of what the trip would be. The guides, the hotels - everything was of such a wonderful quality. Thank you for organizing everything. I will absolutely recommend Tourdust and use you again.

    MissingClaudia L reviewing Luxury Desert Holiday on 11 January 2024

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