Royal Chundu

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 jackalberry trees. Offering luxury villa accommodation and accessed 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 to 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.