Royal Chundu – Zambezi River – Zambia

Royal Chundu’s lodges hug the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, just upstream from the Victoria Falls. With private access to 15km of waterway Royal Chundu offers peaceful seclusion to enjoy one of the most beautiful areas in Africa. There are two lodges, River Lodge set on the banks of the Zambezi and Island lodge on a small island surrounded by the great river. The quality of the lodges is reflected in the fact that Royal Chundu was the first and is the only Relais & Chateaux property in Zambia.

While staying at the lodge you are spoilt with a variety of riverine activities including daily sundowner cruises, visits to the great Victoria Falls or for the more adventurous try your hand at canoeing in the presence of hippos!

Our view – the perfect spot to unwind and relax in the lap of luxury while getting to experience the awesome spectacle of Victoria Falls. If you want to explore more of this incredible river, why not add a few nights at the magical Old Mondoro for a big game experience on the shores of the Zambezi in the Lower Zambezi National Park.

Private Riverside Hideaways

Each of the 10 rooms at River Lodge and the 4 rooms at Island Lodge are beautifully appointed offering decks jutting out onto the Zambezi River and complete privacy. The Island Lodge rooms also offer romantic deck bath tubs!

Royal Chundu Island Lodge Room

Activities

At Royal Chundu the activities focus mainly around the great Zambezi River. Included in the rate are sundowner and sunrise cruises, canoeing, fishing and visits to the Victoria Falls. These are complimented by cultural visits to local communities and specialist birding safaris.
For those wanting more adrenalin fuelled activities a range of optional excursions from white water rafting to microlight flights over the falls can be arranged.

Royal Chundu Sunset Cruise

A little extra…

Why not begin your stay in a very special way? Take the helicopter transfer from the airport (surcharge applicable) right to Royal Chunu’s very own helipad. En route you will enjoy a spectacular flight over the Victoria Falls, the world’s largest curtain of water, this is truly a once in a lifetime experience.

Royal Chundu Helicopter

Prices:

Contact us for the best rates for Royal Chundu River Lodge and Island Lodge

What’s included:

  • Accommodation in luxury room

  • All meals

  • Selection of hand picked local drinks both alcoholic and non-alcoholic

  • Selection of activities including river cruises, canoeing, fishing, cultural visits, birding safaris and visits to Victoria Falls.

  • Return transfers to and from Livingstone Airport

  • Statutory 10% service charge and statutory 16% VAT

  • Complimentary WiFi

What’s Excluded:

  • Travel to and from Royal Chundu / Livingstone Airport

  • Select premium beverages and champagnes

  • Items of personal expense – i.e. spa treatments, laundry, telephone calls etc

  • Optional helicopter transfers from Livingstone Airport

  • Optional activities available nearby

Wildlife highlights:

  • Hippos

  • Excellent birding

  • Chance of seeing elephants coming to drink

  • Nile Crocodiles

When to visit:

  • January – April: Summer months, hot weather with chances of thunderstorms. The scenery is lush and green and excellent for birding and views of Victoria Falls.

  • May – July: Start of the winter months, sunny skies and warm days but nights can be cool. A good time to visit the Victoria Falls.

  • August – October: Late dry season, temperatures warming up and becoming extremely hot by October. Water in the river is receding and more animals come to the banks to drink. Lower water flow over the Victoria Falls so less spectacular, but allows for visits to the Devil’s Pool.

  • November – December: Usually marks the arrival of summer rains with higher temperatures. The bush starts turning green, migratory birds return. November traditionally marks the lowest level of water flow over Victoria Falls.

  • Royal Chundu is in an area that experiences malaria – please consult your doctor regarding anti-malaria prophylactics.

Weather:

  • January – Average High 31ºC (88ºF) / Average Low 20ºC (68ºF) / Average days with rain 12

  • April – Average High 30ºC (86ºF) / Average Low 15ºC (59ºF) / Average days with rain 2

  • July – Average High 26ºC (79ºF) / Average Low 7ºC (45ºF) / Average days with rain 0

  • October – Average High 35ºC (95ºF) / Average Low 19ºC (64ºF) / Average days with rain 3