Sanctuary Sussi and Chuma
The gorgeous site of Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma is located on a dramatic bend of the Zambezi River in the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, just 12km upstream from the legendary Victoria Falls. Named after a pair of explorers who aided David Livingstone on his travels, this location is one of the most beautiful parts of the Zambezi, amidst Jackalberry trees and Phoenix palms, that provide unrivalled views and serenity. Guests can stay in one of the twelve Sussi tree-houses, connected by wooden walkways, or in a private Chuma house, with two bedrooms making it ideal for families.
Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma, Livingstone, Zambia
Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma is found on the banks of the Zambezi river, which acts as one of the most natural country borders in the world. Just a few miles upstream, the Victoria Falls crash down every second and you will have the chance to see this wonder of the world for yourself during your stay. The climate here is mild all year around, though do be sure to check if you’re arriving during the wet or dry season as this can affect not only the weather but also the wildlife that you will see.
- 24-hour Security
- Bar
- Internet Access (Complimentary)
- Laundry Service (Complimentary)
- Mobile Connectivity
- Pool
- Private Vehicle Available
- Restaurant
- Spa
Twelve luxury tree houses have been built into the canopy of majestic ebony trees that line the river bank. The air-conditioned rooms all have their own private viewing deck that each hold spectacular views over the clear waters of the Zambezi. If the fancy takes you, you can enjoy a private dinner on your deck, listening to the sounds of the bush as they provide enchanting background music.
Room Specifications:
- Air conditioning
- Ensuite facilities with bath tub
- Private viewing deck
- Mini-bar
- Mosquito nets
- Overhead fans
- Hairdryer
The two private Chuma Houses are perfect for families with young children. Each house has two en suite bedrooms, a spacious lounge and private plunge pools, as well as all the amenities found in the tree houses as well.
Breakfast, lunch, snacks during activities and dinners are all included in the price of your stay. Breakfast is served before the morning game activity, during which a selection of coffee, tea, scones and biscuits will be served out in the bush. Lunch can be enjoyed back at the lodge. Afternoon game drives come with classic sundowner cocktails and canapés at specially selected spots before you return to the lodge for pre-dinner drinks and dinner. Romantic private dinners on your room deck or by the pool can be arranged upon request.
With prior notice, the chefs are able to arrange halaal meals; however, please note that the kitchens aren’t strictly halaal and the chefs are not specially trained in halaal food preparation. Unfortunately, kosher meals are not available.
Meals typically consist of the following:
- Breakfast: Continental and full English Breakfast
- Lunch: Table d’Hote, 3 course meal with 2 choices, one being a vegetarian
- Dinner: Table d’Hote, 3 course meal with 2 to 3 choices, one being a vegetarian
Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma is situated on the edge of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, where the highly trained safari guides take guests on game drives in custom-built 4×4 safari vehicles to experience Africa as it was when Livingstone first made his way across the ridge and beheld the smoke that thunders.
The park is home to every African animal you can think of, including elephant, impala, giraffe, buffalo, hippo, crocodile and zebra in large numbers. In addition, there is an exciting variety of birds, including some Southern African specials like Peters Finfoot. Guests may also be lucky enough to see the rare wild dog that, on occasion, pass through the park.
There are few more thrilling ways to experience the African landscape and wildlife than by being on your own two feet. The walking safari offers guests a completely different perspective to the conventional view from the confines of a safari vehicle. The two highly trained professional walking guides have a combined walking safari experience of more than 20 years, and their reverence and respect for the wild is highly contagious, making this a truly memorable experience as they share their deep knowledge of the local flora and fauna.
Guests will also be accompanied by an armed National Parks ranger, for peace of mind regarding safety. Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma’s walking safaris typically last about two hours and are conducted at a leisurely pace. Morning walks begin at 6:30 am and include a break with tea, coffee and snacks. The afternoon walk starts at 4pm and finishes at a special sundowner spot where guests are served drinks and canapés while enjoying the stunning sunset.
Just a short drive away from the world famous Victoria Falls, the lodge offers guests a magnificent walking tour of the Falls. First described to Europe by famous explorer David Livingstone and known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya (“the Smoke that Thunders”), the Falls’ constant roar is accompanied by a cloud of endless spray where the mile wide Upper Zambezi rapidly descends 300 feet into the Lower Zambezi. Rainbows are a frequent presence and collapse into the tropical sunlight over the waterfall. The river itself is bordered by ebony groves and mopane forest.
Excluded in the rate is the Heritage Fee which is payable by guests directly at the lodge when doing a Tour of the Falls.
Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma offers guests the chance to enjoy a two hour canoeing excursion on the Zambezi River. The trip can either be done in the morning or afternoon, in order to avoid the worst of the sun’s heat. The activity starts from the lodge and can be combined with either a game drive or a boat cruise. Canoeing is offered all year but it is weather dependent. Dry bags will be provided for valuables. Minimum age is 15 years.
A Zambezi river cruise is an excellent way to spend a few hours before slowly meandering back to the lodge, where a warm shower and delicious dinner awaits. The boats are specially designed and the guide will expertly steer the boat through a series of grade 2 rapids before finding a spot to beach for a break and a sunset cocktail.
The combination of Zambezi spray on your face and delicious drink on the tongue makes for an amazing sunset cruise. Sipping on a cocktail while watching the sunset over the majestic Zambezi River is a truly once in a lifetime experience.
Nakatindi village is located about six kilometres away from Livingstone and five kilometres from Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma. Through Sanctuary Retreats Philanthropy, SS&C sponsor various projects aimed at improving education, conservation, health services and enterprise in the village.
Guests staying at Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma have the opportunity to visit these projects and meet the people they have supported. For example, guests can visit Nakatindi Community School, which gives education t0 over 400 pupils or Chipego bike shop, where guests can hire bicycles to use to tour the village.
The fishing season generally begins in March each year and closes in December. All fishing has a strict “catch and release” policy. Sussi and Chuma’s 3 boats can be used for fishing as well as other activities. Guests who would like to go fishing can request and pay for a private boat for fishing. Please note, with a full camp, all boats are used for the evening sunset cruise.
The Flight of Angels is truly unique experience, giving you the opportunity to fly over Victoria Falls in a helicopter to get stunning views. Guests can choose from a 15 or 30 minute flight, with a minimum of 2 amd a maximum of 6 participants, starting from the helipad at Maramba Aerodome. If you’re lucky, you may also be able to spot African game during your flight.
The rapids on the Zambezi are officially defined as “Grade 5” by the British Canoe Union. After meeting with your guide in the reception area of the lodge, you will transfer to the Zambezi Waterfront, check-in, sign an indemnity and be given a safety briefing before departing on a half day white water rafting experience.
A truck will be waiting for you at the end of your experience with cold drinks and beers for the journey back to Zambezi Waterfront, where you can have lunch. After lunch, you will be transferred back to the lodge. Drinking water is provided throughout the day. The activity requires a minimum of 4 participants and unfortunately no children under 15 years are allowed to participate. Guests have the option of choosing from a full day, low water or full day high water white river rafting.
A Livingstone Island visit begins with a thrilling ride through the channels of the Zambezi in twin-engine boats. The guided exploration of the island will help you learn about its long history, from its ancient times when it was a sacrificial site, to its present status as a protected World Heritage Site. Those who are feeling brave can even take a sneak peek over the island’s edge.
Those keen on a swimming experience unlike any other can brave the waters of this mighty river in the island’s very own bathing pool, which naturally forms each year amongst the rocks along the edge of the Falls. The activity lasts about 90 minutes, with about 75 minutes on the island. Five trips are offered daily with a maximum of 12 people per trip.
Guests staying at Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma have the opportunity indulge in a range of spa treatments, including massages, facials and manicures, while enjoying sensational views that look over the Zambezi River. The treatment room is constructed on stilts on the riverbank, providing guests with close views of the African wildlife as they are being pampered by a trained Africology spa therapist.
Facilities include a shower, changing room and indoor & outdoor treatment rooms. There is nowhere else in the world where could you enjoy an African Potato Body Experience ritual or an Africology rebalancing and refining facial while watching a pod of hippos gently float by.
Sanctuary Retreats partakes in a number of community-based projects that support the locals and help them to survive and thrive. This practice began in 1999 when Sanctuary opened their very first accommodation and they aim to create long-lasting bonds with the people, and aid them with long-term, sustainable projects.
After two years of research, development, fundraising, training and construction, Sishemo Bead Studio opened in Nakatindi. In 2018, the group of women underwent intensive training in how to make glass beads using traditional African techniques and now craft beautiful handmade jewelry which you can purchase during your visit.
Sanctuary Retreats teamed up with the charity Wheels of Change, who aim to empower people in developing countries by providing bicycles and establishing small bike sales and repair businesses. This programme combines business enterprise with social good and the many benefits include creating employment opportunities, empowering women, generating an income for a rural village and providing affordable mobility to a community.
Over the past few years, these extraordinary ladies have repaired and sold over 3,500 bikes, generated over $100,000 in income to pay for five resupply containers and managed to support five pupils through school each year, contribute to the maternity ward construction and donate 30 bikes to secondary school pupils and 18 to community healthcare volunteers.
Suffering from avoidable health problems continues to be a problem in developing countries. Millions of people are challenged every day by the burdens of infectious disease, malnutrition and health complications simply because they do not have access to clean drinking water, something often take for granted. Together with guests, Sanctuary’s Safe Water for Schools Programme has introduced LifeStraw filters to communities in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia which directly benefit nearly 57,000 individuals.
Children 6 years of older can stay, though some activities are not suitable for them. Babysitting is available on request.
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