See the Mighty Zambezi River With Royal Chundu

I recently stayed at Royal Chundu Luxury Zambezi Lodges on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, just downstream from the magnificent Victoria Falls. The lodges are situated between Victoria Falls and the Chobe National Park on the mighty Zambezi River in Zambia.

About Royal Chundu

There is a choice of two lodges – the River Lodge and Island Lodge. The 10 riverfront suites at River Lodge feature double showers, an infinity pool, 15 kilometres of private river, a boma, library, business centre, satellite TV, Wi-Fi & cellphone signal, and more. Island Lodge consists of four private and exclusive villas, each with an open-air bath, glass-walled double showers, infinity pool, boma, two lounges, dining area, private dining decks, Wi-Fi & cellphone signal and much more, providing you with all you will need for a comfortable and well-pampered stay.

 Ryan’s Highlights of Royal Chundu

1. It was the best service I have ever experienced. The staff were incredible and there was always someone around to assist, but subtly so.
2. Everything is really long and high here, as if the place was made for giants, which it sort of was. The owners – the O’Mahoney family – are tall folk and were fed up going to lodges and being too tall for the beds and doorways, etc. So when they established Royal Chundu they made sure the beds were king size and extra long, and that the shower heads were high up and the doorways tall. The showers are great and big enough to enjoy with a partner…
3. The sunset cruises were great and completely private with no one around. The boats had circular beds on the front which were like cuddle stations with a hood over it for extra privacy. It’s just you, your partner, the driver of the boat and your own barman (you can invite them for a cuddle too if you like). Unlike other lodges in the area there was no one else on the river so you feel utterly alone in nature.
4. There are lots of activities on offer but the river rafting was my favourite. The rapids are tame but exciting as hippos wade past you in the river. This was followed by a gourmet river bank lunch with several courses, again enjoyed in the middle of nowhere. On the raft you can spot mokoro riders going past and cows grazing on the banks.
5. The food here is excellent – the mighty fine fillet stands out the most. The dishes echo the heritage of the region and the hospitality of the Zambian people. The boat cruise lunch was great but you can also enjoy meals on an island picnic lunch or sundown picnic, at the bush bar with its viewing platform or in the Chief’s boma with an authentic African BBQ and traditional song and dance.
6. The community tour was very enlightening as you get to see how people in the area live. It really brings you down to earth. You see children and chickens running around, and how the villagers live in such wild and rural conditions with elephants ambling past. There are no predators here which makes you feel safe.
7. Royal Chundu is self-sustainable. They grow their own vegetables and fruit, have a pig farm and cattle. The only thing they order in is their wine so it cuts the cost and carbon emissions of flying and importing vastly and supports the local communities.

Activities

There are numerous activities at the lodge to enjoy. You can choose between (or pick them all) a tour of the great Victoria Falls, a sunset and sunrise cruise, fishing, canoeing, bird watching, a village tour and bush walk. There are several more that the lodge managers can help you organise, from helicopter rides to white water rafting. There’s also a floating spa on the Zambezi River, where you can enjoy the benefit of a majestic treatment setting as well as treatments that will provide you with the utmost in R&R.

Final Word

Keen to visit Royal Chundu and see the mighty Victoria Falls on the Zambian side? Contact us and we’ll help you book a trip of a lifetime to suit your needs and wants. Africa. Tailor-Made.

Read more about Vic Falls and watch the video here and find out more about Zambia here.