Chundukwa River Lodge – Tranquility on the Upper Zambezi River

A peaceful haven surrounded by wildlife

Find restful peace and solitude amidst water, reeds and birdsong. Located 37km up-river from Victoria Falls and the bustle of Livingstone, Chundukwa River Lodge feels more like a safari experience.   An oasis of peace,  it’s the perfect place to begin an African wildlife adventure or dust-off post safari.

Game viewing and attractions

Elephants and hippos frequent the dams adjacent to the chalets. Birders may be rewarded with sightings of African Finfoot,  Schalow’s Turaco and twinspot – there are over 450 recorded bird species. On the Chundukwa sunset river cruise, sightings of hippo and crocodile are common. White rhino can be seen at adjacent Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.  Big 5 Game drives at Chobe Game Reserve in Botswana are within an hours reach and offer combined water and vehicle safaris – predators are numerous and cat sightings common.

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls lies 35 minutes away by vehicle. Helicopter tours, white water rafting, jet boat rides and bungy-jumping are highlights of the many adrenaline infused activities.  Livingstone Island picnics or a dip in the Devil’s Armchair are top attractions when the river is low (August to December).

Accommodation

Five open-fronted stilted chalets with uninterrupted river views, mosquito nets and fans. Three of the chalets are fully en-suite the remaining two are connected to a private annex bathroom via a short wooden walkway – rustic bush style. Honeymooners will appreciate the private sun/dining deck attached to the Honeyguide Chalet.

Ideal for families with young kids the 3-bedroomed Chundu cottage features two bathrooms, a dining deck, plunge pool and great river views. Cottage rates include your own unobtrusive chef and butler.

• 40mins drive from Livingstone international, 1km through bush on dirt road
• Lusaka fly in with proflight 20-30 seater plane – 1.5 hrs $360 return
• Bus from Lusaka 6-7 hours $20 see genuine Zambian life
• 37km upstream of Victoria Falls on the Zambian side
• 10km from Mosy-O-Tunya Park
• 50km to Chobe Game Reserve – 1hr drive (boat crossing)

 

Guest areas

Relax by the cool waters of the Zambezi with a good book. Sit round the boma and listen to hippos grunt with silence broken only by the trickle of water and surrounding wildlife. Meals are served in the main lodge or at adjoining tables by the riverside.The honeymoon suite has it’s own deck – perfect to de-stress and let go of modern life’s pressures. Families will enjoy the privacy and comfort of the cottage – but guests are always welcome at the main lodge for company – or to plan activities by tapping into John and Lizanne’s deep knowledge of the area.

See rates and factsheet

• Birders
• Wildlife lovers
• Honeymooners
• Couples
• Families (staying in the cottage) age limit of 10 yrs for main chalets
• Those seeking an authentic Zambia experience
• Holistic retreat lovers

The complete and utter silence punctuated only by bird calls and the tickle of water by the banks of the Zambezi. Chundukwa is the perfect location. Far enough from the hustle of Livingstone but within an hours drive of all the activities. Game viewing on (and sometimes in) the property and white rhino at Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park. Big 5 at Chobe in neighbouring Botswana just an hour away. Great value in Zambia, comfortable with great family style service from John Lizanne and the team.

Chundukwa’s comfortable simplicity is the perfect complement to many of the South Luangwa’s traditional bushcamp experiences. Or mix both upper and lower Zambezi. Best matched with one of the smaller camps, such as Muchenje Safari Lodge, in nearby Chobe. Road or flight routes take you into Botswana for the Okavango Delta. Our top recommendation: – forget trying to add “The Beach”, you can go on a beach holiday some other time. Be here in Africa and enjoy the pool with a view, the soothing symphony of the bush and G&T’s at sunset.

Two of Chundukwa’s team members come from Muke village. Orla and Peter have already provided clean water infrastructure to the village and are contributing to an affordable preschool education project for 2-6 years olds. Partnership projects are initiated by the village itself – Muke is well worth a visit and it hasn’t been spoilt by tourism.

Orla and Peter are investing heavily into Chundukwa and it’s a true authentic Zambian experience. From spying rare birds to seeing elephants moving through the corridor next to the chalets – you’ll feel like you’re staying in a game lodge. It’s rustic simplicity, location, vast range of activities and friendly team make it a stand out destination.