Set on a private stretch of the Zambezi River in Zambia, Royal Chundu indulges both the seeker of respite and thrill.
As the only lodge along the Zambezi that does not share its waterways with other Zambian operators, the hotel's team hold
a tranquility not even the call of Zambia, the iconic cry of the African Fish Eagle, can disturb.
Yet, some 30 kilometres upstream from the Victoria Falls, adventure abounds.
The hotel's team are proud to hold the title of Zambia's Leading Safari Lodge for several years running, as voted in the World Travel Awards.
A title that speaks to the excellence the hotel's team aspires to in the gastronomy, accommodation, hospitality and experiences.
Just upstream from the Victoria Falls, beside the Zambezi,
sit the two lodges, River Lodge and Island Lodge.
River Lodge’s 10 villas stretch out on the banks of a 15 kilometre stretch of waterway, a slice of the Zambezi that is exclusive to Royal Chundu and protected by two sets of rapids.
Island Lodge’s four villas lie four kilometres upstream from the main lodge, on the remote Katombora Island.
Enjoy a traditional Zambian evening dining outside in Chief’s Boma, the lodge barbeque area.
Dinner includes many local delicacies, while Zambian
drumming and Makishi dancers, the masked dancers of Zambia, provides the entertainment.
Delight in the privacy of your own suite with in-room dining.
Weather permitting, experience lunch or dinner on a private boat cruise or on a picnic, complete with a silver set table and Persian rug on the riverbank.
There are fully serviced bar facilities on the mainland and on the island for you to take your favourite tipple at.
The family have a long history of picnics on the banks of the Zambezi.
In homage to them, the hotel's team invites the guests to join in on this Royal Chundu tradition, with the same bells and whistles of yesteryear – Persian carpets, hammocks, Pimms upon arrival, picnic tables and tapas lunches or breakfasts.
Whatever your family traditions may be, perhaps it’s time to create new ones.
Relax on the Persian rug, while listening to the rapids coursing past you; romance your loved one in a hammock for two; or roam about the riverbank under the trees after your meal and soak up the magical surroundings.
Part of the love affair the hotel's team have with travel is the discovery of the unknown.
The hotel's team hunger after that first taste, touch and glimpse.
Like witnessing the Victoria Falls for the first time, or savouring a dish so intriguing in its novelty that dining takes on a life of its own.
The hotel's team aspire to serves dishes that you won’t find anywhere else, dishes with a distinctly Zambian flavour – from the poached seasonal cumquats and watermelon feta salad, to berry-smoked quail.
Savour the region through dishes created by the chefs, who not only use ingredients from the land around us, but who hail from the region themselves.
All of the fresh supplies come from a 3 km radius of the lodge to minimise the carbon footprint, provide income for the local community and farmers and ensure freshness and taste.
The hotel's team purchase fresh fish, namely bream, from local fishermen, and have the own free range chickens and eggs; all water is recycled and purified on the premises and the hotel's team recycle all biodegradable waste via the wormery, which feeds the vegetable garden.
Dining at Royal Chundu is an integral part of your experience.
Meandering teak walkways lead to the main lodge, where pan-African and international cuisine is prepared by the Executive Chef, including a six-course traditional tasting menu, where
every dish is paired with one of South Africa’s celebrated wines.
Both the lodges have indoor dining areas and viewing decks for outdoor meals beside the Zambezi.
Africa is best experienced with a calm state of mind, no matter which side of its duality you find yourself – the wild and rugged or the remote and peaceful.
The hotel's team welcomes you to discover this peace with the healing hands of the local massage therapists, through natural and holistic treatments.
The hotel's team have chosen the therapies based on the
knowledge of the pressures and demands placed on body.
In keeping with the holistic approach and the commitment to organic health, the treatments are specifically designed with attention to natural plant technology.
The therapists as part of the commitment to empowering previously unskilled women using their natural abilities combined with opportunity.
Enjoy treatments in the privacy of your own suite, indoors or out, on your deck overlooking the inspiring Zambezi River.
Sail over or down the Zambezi gorge on a high wire, whether horizontally on the flying fox (zip-lining), at an angle on the foefie slide, or swinging across the gorge.
On a cruise down the Zambezi the guides will impart knowledge of the nature surrounding Royal Chundu with you, pointing out the range of birdlife waiting to be sought out
Challenge the limits of the mind and test the edge of fear as you soar like an African Fish Eagle with the Falls behind you, the great Zambezi River below, and the Batoka Gorge directly ahead.
Explore the lifeblood of the Victoria Falls by canoe, going boldly into the waters of the Upper Zambezi, where hippo and crocodile roam.
This full day tour into the Chobe National Park in neighbouring Botswana offers exciting game viewing on game drives and boat cruises down the immense Chobe River.
With accommodation for up to 28 guests and an equipped conference room for up to 12 delegates, Royal Chundu is the ideal destination for intimate conferences, exco retreats, rewarding strategy sessions.
On the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls, next to Livingstone Island, you’ll find Africa’s most dangerous infinity pool.
The unstressed waters vary from virgin island eddies and shallow rapids to deep flowing channels which boast the powerful Tiger Fish, Bream and the prized Upper Zambezi Yellow Fish.
The second is Zimbabwe’s Elephant Hills Golf Course. Designed by the great Gary Player, the course provides more than enough of a challenge with 18 holes – and the odd warthog or waterbuck to compete with.
What better way to see the magical winding Zambezi River and the crashing of the Victoria Falls than from above in a helicopter?
There are a variety of trip options available ranging from half day novice rides to full and multi day adventures for experienced riders that range far into splendid Teak forests.
Step off the boat onto the wild islet downstream from River Lodge and discover this wild happiness for yourself.
Discover the island from which Dr David Livingstone first witnessed the Victoria Falls – Livingstone Island, situated towards the roar and rising cloud of mist suspended above a cliff over which the Zambezi River plunges.
Opt for a 15 minute flight and soar over the islands on the Zambian side of the Falls, or for the 30 minute tour over not only the Falls.
Wildlife, sunsets, portraits and food... whatever your subject, you'll find it here.
Board the Royal Livingstone Express for a 15 kilometre journey from Livingstone in Zambia, through the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, along one of the most historic railway lines in Africa.
Watch crocodiles slip off the banks under water as you approach and listen to the snorting hippos with a glass of your favourite tipple in hand.
The Lunar Rainbow is a rare event that occurs at full moon as a result of the light reflected from the moon’s surface. You can experience this phenomena for three days during full moon.
From Royal Chundu guests can take part in the run – whether spectating on the sidelines or attempting this unique fishing style for themselves.
Join for a voyage on the Victoria Falls Bridge, a voyage that harks back a hundred years to when Cecil John Rhodes laid down his plans for a Cape to Cairo Railway.
With their majestic Zambezi River backdrop, Royal Chundu’s intimate lodges are magnificent locations for a romantic marriage ceremony, with or without guests.
Your experienced guide will assist you through the rapids, helping to manoeuvre your boat down the fourth largest river in Africa.
You’ll be collected by 4X4, for a scenic drive to the base station at the top of the gorge for a spectacular gondola ride down into the gorge.
Children of all ages are welcome at Royal Chundu and specifically catered for in the unique Children’s Club with a scheduled daily programme.
Both the River Lodge and Island Lodge suites can sleep two adults sharing with two children.
Please note that at Island Lodge children are only allowed when the lodge is hired on an exclusive-use basis.
Upon arrival, your guide will discuss activity options with you, considering family size, children’s ages and weather.
Each of your young ones will receive a special River Safari Adventure Pack.
A welcoming treasure hunt will help familiarise them with the staff and surroundings, allowing you peace of mind throughout your stay.
Parents are welcome to join their children in the activities or to relax while the Chundu River Guides or Child Minders take over the supervising.
ROYAL CHUNDU
Plot 9003Nakatindi RoadKatamboraZambia