Built on a bend of the Zambezi River, this ‘tree-fort’ safari lodge is set within the Mosi-oa-Tunya Park upstream from the iconic Victoria Falls. Built into the canopy of giant ebony and jackal berry trees alongside sweeping phoenix palms, 12 cosy chalets on stilts overlooking the mighty river are connected by wooden walkways that boast inspiring vistas of the passing river that teems with hippo and bream.

Named after Dr David Livingstone’s knowledgeable local guides, Sussi & Chuma is a laid-back lodge where you can spend your days slowing down the pace with a visit to Mosi-oa-Tunya Park - which is home to white rhino - or a cruise or paddle down the river. If Victoria Falls is running high, put on a rain mac and surround yourself with the incredible mist and bright rainbow formed by the crashing cascade of water. You can also undertake guided nature walks with an armed ranger. Be sure to visit the local empowerment project where you can learn how the local women make jewellery from recycled glass and even rent a bike from a local to take a look at the village.

Each guest chalet is raised on a wooden deck within a group of mature trees along the riverbank, ensuring views of the Zambezi and the wildlife that depend on it – keep a lookout for inquisitive monkeys in the branches or small antelope coming down to drink at sunrise. Relax even further at the fully equipped spa, which has hydrotherapy facilities and makes use of certified African ingredients like soothing rooibos (red bush tea), marula, African potato and aloe ferox.

Highlights

• Dine overlooking the Zambezi and its resident hippo pods
• Fully equipped bush spa to relax in after a long safari
• Cosy chalets overlooking the river
• Enjoy sundowners on a sunset boat cruise
• Inspiring visits to local businesses empowered by the lodge

Activities

• DAY TOURS
• GAME DRIVES
• LOCAL VILLAGE VISITS
• RIVER CRUISES
• SUNSET CRUISES
• GUIDED WALKING SAFARIS
• CANOEING
• HELICOPTER FLIGHTS

Rooms

Treehouse

Tree-forts are built into the canopy of giant ebony trees lining the riverbank of the Zambezi. Decorated in earthy tones with comfortable furnishings, each room is en suite with a shower and bath. A private viewing deck provides superb views of the Zambezi’s white waters and is the ideal place to get up close to monkeys in the trees and hear hippos cavorting below. Chalets have air conditioning and beds are furnished with electric blankets to ward off the chill in winter.

Facilities

Split over two levels, the main lodge area comprises a bar, lounge and open-air dining area overlooking the gorgeous Zambezi River and its resident hippo pods. Two fire pits on either side of the viewing deck give a lovely ambience to this communal area where tales of the bush are often shared among guests.

The fully equipped little spa offers pampering massages as well as beauty treatments that include hydrotherapy and signature Africology amenities. Sunset boat cruises gliding down the Zambezi River are a spectacular way to discover wildlife from the water and make a toast to the wildest Africa.

Sussi & Chuma offers walking safaris and an established philanthropy project at Nakatindi Village echoes their commitment to Pack with a Purpose, which encourages visitors to include school and other supplies in their baggage to distribute to local children.

Dining

Meals are prepared by a team of chefs and enjoyed al fresco on the deck, in secluded pods, or inside the dining area away from monkeys. Combining local and international flavours, chefs serve up intriguing dishes such as crocodile curry and impala stew.