Family-owned and -run, Royal Chundu consists of two lodges - River Lodge and Island Lodge - and as the name suggests, both properties are fit for royalty. Set on a private stretch of riverbank on the Zambian side of the Zambezi River, Royal Chundu is just upstream from iconic Victoria Falls, making it the ideal base to explore this world wonder whether you are a honeymoon couple, a family with children, or someone who wants to indulge themselves with a majestic stay on the Zambezi.

At the heart of Royal Chundu lies River Lodge, offering ten grand and spacious suites. Overlooking both the Zambezi River and Zimbabwe's Matetsi Private Game Reserve on the opposite bank, River Lodge promises spectacular vistas and even a bit of armchair game viewing. Sit on your private deck to watch and listen as the magic of the Zambezi unfolds before you: hippos snort and jostle in the river while the cries of African fish eagles interrupt the rumbling background roar of Victoria Falls.

Island Lodge is positioned close by on the private island of Katambura, surrounded by tranquil river channels and shaded by baobab and jackal berry trees. Offering luxury villa accommodation and access via a short pontoon trip, Island Lodge is the more private and exclusive of the two. The romantic villas feature world-class amenities and a stylish interior design that echoes the natural world. Step through sliding doors and onto your private wooden deck to gaze out at the river. And when night falls, sink into your comfortable bed - draped in elegant netting - and let the soothing sounds of the Zambezi lull you to sleep.

Arrive for a warm welcome from the owner, refreshments, and a relaxing neck massage before you are taken to your suite. Once you have settled in, plan your days with your guides and lodge manager. The must-see activity is of course a visit to Victoria Falls - a mile of thundering water in full flow - but this is Africa's adventure capital with white-water rafting, elephant interaction, and canoe adventures also on offer.

You may choose to take a short mokoro (traditional canoe) trip to a local village or go on a guided walk and learn about the traditions, customs, and traditional medicine of the local communities.

There is plenty of wildlife, too: game drives are conducted in the reserves that hug both sides of the river, and with some 500 species of bird in the area, bird watchers are in for a treat. Head out for a half or full-day birding expedition, keeping an eye out for regional rarities.

Highlights

• Family-owned and -run, with exceptional attention to detail
• Only lodge with extensive private Zambezi River frontage
• Just 40 minutes from Victoria Falls
• Perfect for honeymooners, couples and families
• Entertaining Children’s Club and family suites
• Fantastic spa treatments
• Village walks, fishing, birding, and sunset cruises

Activities

• ANIMAL TRACKING EXPERIENCE
• BIRD WATCHING
• CANOEING
• FISHING
• GAME DRIVES
• LOCAL VILLAGE VISITS
• SUNSET CRUISES
• FLY FISHING
• GUIDED WALKS
• HELICOPTER FLIGHTS
• PICNICS
• STAR GAZING
• DAY TOURS
• ELEPHANT INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE
• GOLF
• HORSE RIDING
• MICRO-LIGHTING

A peaceful piece of heaven where one can just relax and enjoy nature. Island Lodge encapsulates the perfect hideaway.

Rooms

River Lodge Suite

River Lodge features 10 spectacular suites, each facing the Zambezi River and each with a double shower, air conditioning, a king-sized bed, and a large deck with excellent views. There are large dressing rooms and suites are equipped with hairdryers as well as tea and coffee-making facilities.

Private and exclusive, Island Lodge's four beautiful villas are situated on Katambura Island, surrounded by tranquil waters and riverside trees. Each villa has a deck with a large open-air bath, a glass-walled double shower, air conditioning, and a king-sized, extra-length bed. Other features include dressing rooms, dressing tables, and writing desks as well as hairdryers and tea and coffee-making facilities.

Facilities

Royal Chundu has a fantastic Children’s Club that welcomes children of all ages. Starting off with a fun treasure hunt to acquaint themselves with the dedicated staff, children can take part in activities ranging from stargazing and insect hunting to flower pressing and cooking lessons.

Once the children have settled in, you may want to head for the Royal Chundu Spa, floating serenely on the Zambezi where pampering relaxation is the ultimate goal. Enjoy a Swedish massage in the spa or in the privacy of your suite, rejuvenating treatments such as rooibos and lavender clay wrap, or a pressure point foot massage beside the gorgeous infinity pool.

Staff at Royal Chundu will be happy to arrange all your Victoria Falls activities whether it's a game drive or sunset cruise, though you may prefer just to order your favorite cocktail at one of the stylish bars and select a bottle of something excellent from the wine cellar for dinner.

Other facilities at Royal Chundu include an outdoor dining area (known as a boma), a library, a business center, a dining room, and complimentary WiFi access.

Dining

Dining at Royal Chundu is an experience worth waiting for. Arrive for dinner in smart-casual attire and feast on Pan-African dishes created by a team of chefs using fresh local ingredients and served in a variety of venues.

Choose between the ambient glow of the elegant dining room or the starlit, open-air Chief's Boma where you will be entertained by Makishi dancers beside a crackling log fire. And if you are after a little more privacy, a romantic dinner on a private boat or a sunset picnic for two can easily be arranged by Royal Chundu's ever-attentive staff.