Overview

Royal Chundu is a sanctum of quiet solitude and untouched beauty and the first Relais & Châteaux property in Zambia. Our two luxurious lodges are situated on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, just upstream from the magnificent Victoria Falls on a 15km stretch of private waterway which is protected by two sets of rapids.

Royal Chundu was created in complete harmony with its natural surroundings and embraces the tradition and geography of the area while incorporating stylish and sophisticated accommodation, world class service and sumptuous pan-African cuisine.

The spacious suites and lounging areas blend colonial elegance and African charm, offering thatched accommodation in 14 beautiful villas. Of these, 10 are on the banks of the Zambezi and 4 on Katombora Island, 4 kilometres upstream from the main lodge. The villas are exquisitely decorated, reflecting a bygone era of comfort in the wild. The “Out of Africa” experience is completed by your own private deck facing the magnificent Zambezi River.

Sunset Cruises

Cruise down the beauty of the Zambezi as the sun sets in the African sky. Watch crocodiles slip off the banks under water as you approach and listen to the snorting hippos. In drier months, the skipper will anchor near “Ellie Corner”, where you can spot herds of elephants as they drink, play and bathe on the river’s edge nearby. Other game to be seen include baboon, impala, warthog and buffalo.

Authentic Tribal Village Walk

This village tour gives you a rare chance to interact with the villagers of the community as they go about their daily activities. The trip starts and ends with a short journey in a mokoro (traditional canoe). Your guide from the village is well versed on the traditions and customs as well as on the plants and herbs used for traditional medicine and making cooking oil, soap and other necessities. Feel free to talk to the guide about adding a donation to the village fund.

Birding Safaris

If you consider yourself an avid twitcher or just curious, try a birding safari at Royal Chundu. Choose from a morning (sunrise), afternoon (sunset), night time or full day birding safari, all tailored to individual requirements. The full day safari includes a guided vehicle. There are over 400 bird species in the area. The full day tour is catered specifically for birding specialists who want to look for specific birds. The shorter safaris last for approximately 2 hours.

Canoeing Trips

Inflatable Canoe: Go on an exciting canoe trip, starting at the launch point by Katombora rapids, then be paddled by guides, through the channels of the Zambezi’s islands, with great sights and abundant birdlife to soak in. Motorised Inflatable Canoe: Idle along the Upper Zambezi, using a combo of a 5hp motor to propel you and a paddle to provide the canoeing experience. Cost includes an experienced guide per canoe, refreshments and return transfers.

Fishing in the Zambezi

Fishing Trips

Royal Chundu is renowned among the professional angling fraternity for its superb fly fishing. It’s the choice of serious fisherman and offers an exciting introduction for the novice. Our unstressed waters vary from virgin island eddies and shallow rapids to deep flowing channels which boast the powerful Tiger Fish, Bream and the prized Upper Zambezi Yellow Fish. Cost includes boat hire, fuel and an experienced skipper/fishing guide. You can use your own fishing equipment, or the lodge’s which is available for hire.

Parrot Fish Run

One of the biggest celebrations in Africa, the Parrot Fish Run runs from June to August. It sees millions of fish swimming for miles down the Zambezi as they get caught in the main stream. Royal Chundu hosts the event, letting guests take part by either spectating or trying to catch the likes of prized African Tigerfish and Parrotfish. Local fishermen get involved too, using hand-woven reed and palm tree leave baskets to catch the fish.

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