Chundukwa River Lodge

Built on wooden columns over the calm waters of the Zambezi River, these chalets are unique and authentic, with thatch roofs which are exposed inside, creating dimension and character. A king or twin beds sit in the centre of the room, draped with mosquito netting and covered in crisp white bed linens. The space feels traditional and authentic, with wooden furniture, teak flooring, natural walls and traditionally patterned rugs.

The chalets are open fronted, which fills the space with bright natural light and a fresh river breeze. All chalets come with an ensuite bathroom, complete with a unique outdoor shower. Comfortable chairs and seating are arranged in the chalets to offer the best view over the breathtaking Zambezi River.

This cottage is perfect for families or a group of friends. It operates completely separately and privately from the main lodge so guests can have all their needs catered to. Exposed thatch ceilings add character and traditional African patterns and art features make the cottage feel authentic. The cottage has three bedrooms which can be arranged with king size or twin beds, all of which will be swathed in mosquito netting.

The main bedroom comes with its own private ensuite and there is a large bathroom with a separate toilet for the other guests to use. A cosy communal lounge and kitchen area are the perfect spaces to spend some time as a group, and a swimming pool is a great place for some family fun or a cooling evening dip. The cottage is located just back from the riverbank, and is surrounded by luscious trees and grassland, with dinners under the stars by the riverbank being able to be arranged. As this is a privately operated cottage children of all ages are welcomed.

The dining area at Chundukwa Riverside Lodge is open plan, covered by a thatch roof which protects guests from any bad weather, but still allows for breathtaking views over the Zambezi River and to the treelined riverbank the other side. All food is fresh and inspired by local African cuisines. Most of the food is sourced from local farms or Chundukwa’s own farm. Guests can dine here or can enjoy a romantic evening dining under the stars on the open-air deck which sits over the river Zambezi, with a crackling fire and softly lit by authentic lanterns and candles.

Glide down the breezy Zambezi River on a boat cruise. This activity is slower paced but no less exciting, as guests can relax and keep their eyes on the river banks for wondering animals or sit back and immerse yourself in the fresh air whilst the sun is setting and the golden tones reflect off the river waters.  Boat cruises are available at sunset and sunrise, but can be arranged to suit guests.

For a truly unique way to explore the surroundings, head on down to the stable yard, saddle up and explore one of the Zambezi Horse Trials. This activity places guests in the heart of the wild, and riding on a horse with the wind in your hair will make you feel euphoric. There is no better way to see animals such as elephants than being at eye level with them.

With your own private vehicle and guide provided by Chundukwa River Lodge guests can go on a day trip to explore the magnificent Victoria Falls and Livingstone, there is no tight schedule so guests can spend as much or as little time at the waterfall. Chundukwa River Lodge can also arrange various activities in and around Victoria Falls, including scenic flights over the falls which will allow guests to better understand the breathtaking size of the falls, and offers uninterrupted views.

Livingstone Island sits at the top of Victoria Falls, guests can enjoy breakfast or lunch at this island and then swim in the Devil’s Pool, which is right on the edge of the falls. Swimming in the rock pools below the falls can also be arranged, follow a guide and make your way to a hidden and unique area of the falls for an afternoon of adventure and a unique way to see the falls. The lodge can also arrange for guests to go on a bridge tour, to find out how the Victoria Falls Bridge was built, and to also gain unique access to the bridge, by walking on the catwalk below.

Guests can enjoy gliding serenely down the Zambezi River in a canoe, for either half a day or a full day. This is as relaxing as it is exciting, with no sounds but the sound of your oars paddling in the water, guests will feel at one with nature. Also available from Chundukwa River Lodge are white water rafting excursions. This adrenaline filled activity is exhilarating and is a slight physical challenge, navigating your way over white flowing rapids.

Various day trips to National Parks in and around Zambia can be arranged. Guests can spend the day exploring Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, which is Zambia’s smallest National Park, but is still home to an exciting array of animals, such as the endangered White Rhinos. Game drives or walking safaris are available to Mosi-oa-Tunya, and guests may even be able to track the White Rhinos, if a walking safari is chosen.

Travel over into Zimbabwe and spend the day exploring the Zambezi National Park, guests can be led through the park by Charles Brightman, who is a conservationists and safari guide. Herds of wild buffalo may be seen, or wondering elephants or lions, stopping for a munch on fresh vegetation. For another unique experience, then a day trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana can be arranged. If water levels allow, then guests can explore this park not just in a game vehicle but also on water, which will allow guests to view the park from various different angles.

Fishing can be arranged from Chundukwa River Lodge. Choose to go in the morning or afternoon, or spend the full day in the company of a guide who will collect you by boat then take you to one of the best fishing spots. You can also spend some time birdwatching from your chalet, the gardens, or a specialised birding trip with a knowledgable guide can be arranged. The birdlife here is rich, with over 180 species including the Livingstone Turaco and African Fin Foot.

For a truly unique experience, meet a rescued herd of elephants up close and personal at the Elephant Cafe. After meeting and spending some time with the elephants, hop on a speedboat which will take you to the cafe, where you can dine on delicious bush style meals overlooking the wide Zambezi River.

Journey on the Royal Livingstone Express Steam Train can be arranged for guests at Chundukwa River Lodge. Travel along the Mulobezi railway line and enjoy a unique and excellent dining experience.

For the adrenaline seeking guests, bungee jumping from the bridge between Zambia and Zimbabwe can be arranged. this is a unique and once-in-a-lifetime way to enjoy the Batoka Gorge and Zambezi River below. Also available is a biplane across the gorge, where guests can zoom across with the wind in their hair.

Guests can enjoy a private historical tour of Livingstone with their guide who will take them to the Livingstone Museum, the railway museum, or the art gallery – whichever you choose. For guests who want to immerse themselves in the local culture then a trip to the Maramba or Dambua markets can be arranged. In the same area there are craft markets, where you can purchase local handmade craft items. Guests can also visit the Muke village where most of the lodge staff live. This is a perfect way to gain a more rounded understanding of the local culture and traditions. Chundukwa River Lodge supports the local pre-school, which guests can also visit.

Near the dining area sits a sparkling swimming pool which overlooks the wide flowing Zambezi River. Guests can relax here in the evenings, or grab a refreshing dip mid-afternoon and still be able to keep and eye out for thirsty animals on the river bank or a lazy hippo or two. The lodge also has tranquil gardens, which have meandering waterways for guests to walk beside. These gardens exude peacefulness and are quiet except for the sound of chirping crickets, birdsong, and the breeze through the trees, making it the perfect place to wind-down and read a book, or practice some yoga.

Chundukwa River Lodge understand their impact on the environment and make proactive steps to make any negative impact as small as possible. Their chalets are built to blend in to the surroundings and are built out of materials which don’t damage the nature, such as wood, thatch, and cement which is made with Kalahari sand. No trees were cut down to place the chalets, so no natural habitats have been disturbed. The lodge and chalets were built by Doug, the owner, and teams of local artisans – who also worked to furnish and decorate the Lodge with Zambian materials and art. This is something that the lodge prides themselves on – the “peaceful synchronicity of colour/design/community and nature all fused together.”

Using food from their own farm not only adds authenticity to their dishes but it also reduces the lodges need to rely on foreign imports, thus reducing their carbon footprint. The lodges farm grows a variety of vegetables, herbs and fruit, such as strawberries, lettuce, rocket, tomatoes, marrows, basil, parsley and coriander, to name a few. What they don’t grow in their own farm they purchase from other local farms and suppliers, which not only reduces their importing needs but supports local businesses.

Most of the team which work at Chundukwa River Lodge are from the local Muke village. The team is small but dedicated and friendly, and many have been working at Chundukwa for many years. Working at the lodge isn’t just a one time job, with staff learning about “many aspects of hospitality.” Funds which were raised through the lodge also helped to build a community pre-school. This pre-school is now supported by Pack for a Purpose which is an organisation which lets guests know if any items are needed for the school. Guests can visit the Muke community, of which the proceeds will go directly to the village funds.

Chundukwa River Lodge has their own animal sanctuary. With a deep respect for wildlife the camp has no fences which allows for unimpeded animal movement. There is also a sanctuary at the lodge which helps to rehabilitate rescue animals and orphans. At any one time the sanctuary can include donkeys, goats, sheep, small horses, chickens and cats and dogs, which guests can visit and feed.

Chundukwa Riverside Lodge has various eco friendly initiatives in place to limit their impact on their surroundings. Their power source is from the national grid, which uses renewable energy created by “hydro-electric power drawn off Victoria Falls” reducing their reliance on fossil fuels. The lamps which are used around the lodge are solar powered, and energy saving L.E.D lightbulbs are used. The chemicals used in cleaning fluids are all eco-friendly and no pesticides are used on their farm. To reduce plastic waste guests are encouraged to bring and reuse their own water bottles and fill them up from water stations in the lodge.