OVERVIEW
Nestled along the Zambezi River, just outside of Livingstone, Zambia, Chundukwa River Lodge is a thoughtfully designed space for you to align with nature and immerse yourself in a more meaningful travel experience.
We live on an idyllic horse ranch situated just 25kms from Victoria Falls - close enough for guests to explore all that our beautiful destination has to offer, yet far enough to offer a sanctuary for nature-lovers and those seeking a quiet place to unwind and reconnect - river watch, horse ride, practice yoga or just enjoy our magnificent birdlife and warm Zambian hospitality in the sunshine.
Setting & Ambiance
Secluded from the hustle and bustle of Livingstone, enriched with diverse Zambian wildlife and uninterrupted views of the Zambezi River from your bed - Chundukwa River Lodge is truly like nowhere else. Each room has been carefully designed to be in harmony with the natural beauty of the river - allowing free movement of hippo, elephant and the elusive otters that call Chundukwa home.
Accommodation Options
Stay at Chundukwa Lodge in one of five Riverside Chalets or at Chundu Cottage, the private standalone house on the Zambezi River on a Fully-Inclusive Basis. They will take care of all your meals, house drinks and Livingstone Airport transfers - and you may choose one in-house activity per day from a selected list that is included in your stay.
1. Riverside Rooms
Capacity:
2 people
Layout:
All chalets have en-suite bathrooms and we can accommodate twin or king beds in each chalet. Two chalets favour as honeymoon suites and one (Jacana River Chalet) is large enough to fit two extra beds should you be wanting to stay together as a family. Children of 10 years and older are welcome in the river chalets. Younger children are welcome to stay in our family-friendly Chundu Cottage.
We have 250v plug sockets with multi-country adapters and USB ports for charging phones, cameras and computers. Please bring your own converters if required
Large walk-in mosquito nets
Fans (note - due to the open-fronted nature of our accommodation we do not have air-conditioning)
Lock-up safe
Gowns
Electric blankets in the winter (yes it gets chilly in the early hours of the morning!)
Mosquito spray
Tissues
A cupboard with hanging space for clothes
Luggage racks
Water flasks
Good quality organic shampoo, conditioner and moisturiser. As the lodge is situated between two waterways (the river in front and series of lagoons behind) w prefer that you utilise our shampoos, creams and soaps that are organic and environmentally-friendly.
2. Chundu Cottage
Capacity:
Up to 6 people
Layout:
Retreat to the peace and tranquillity of this lovely house situated on a working horse ranch, with outstanding views of the mighty Zambezi River.
Guests will revel in the space - the large, open-plan living area gives way to an outdoor dining area, private swimming pool and outdoor seating, riverside. The cottage features two bedrooms downstairs and a loft bedroom upstairs, ideal for older children.
Cosy in winter, and with fans throughout to keep cool in summer.
Chundu Cottage Room Configuration
Master Bedroom, ensuite shower and double sink
Bedroom Two - Twin or King, shared bathroom facilities with the Loft Room
Bedroom Three is upstairs in the Loft - Twin or King, ideal for two older children. Access to the Loft is secured with a safety fence, should their be young children in your party.
Dining & Facilities
Restaurant:
Our restaurant and pool deck sparkles with the unmistakable vibrancy of the river. Savour exceptional cuisine in one of the wildest spots in town! We respect that our guests often want privacy - and so guests dine at their own table either under thatch or beneath the stars at night. Our dining experience has a strong emphasis on dishes that are delicious, fresh and healthy.
Bar:
There is a cosy bar area alongside the pool and restaurant.
Swimming Pool:
There is a small dip pool in the main public area with the cottage having its own private pool.
River Cruises
Enjoy a trip on the Zambezi river direct from the lodge, try your hand at fishing or just relax on a sunset cruise.
Wildlife Viewing:
With water behind and in front of the Lodge animal life can be seen at all times of the day.
Activities
Wildlife Activities:
Bush Walk with Guide.
Birding - Land & River for Advanced Birders with Pro Guide.
Birding - Land Experience for Budding Birders.
Special Activities:
Chundukwa Horse Trails - take a ride out around the farm or just get to know the resident horses.
Sunrise Cruise on the Zambezi.
Floating River Picnic.
Mountain Bike Trail with Guide.
Other Trip Options:
Visit & support Nakawa Village. Your visit contributes a direct donation to the community.
Catch your dinner! Kids fishing experience in our dam.
Community Involvement:
The Chundukwa Foundation
We believe in responsible land management, the ethical and kind treatment of working animals and conserving the wilderness and our wildlife for future generations.
Simply put - we support initiatives that are self-motivating and sustainable in Zambia. Initiatives we support;
1. Simalaha Community Trust
2. Nakawa Community Academy
3. Donkey Welfare
4. Hungry Hippo Fund
5. CSL Detection Dog Unit
6. ZAWS
Unique Aspects
This is an owner-run property. Doug and Gail live on the property and are always available for a chat! The property is a working horse ranch, home to stables of 40+ horses and a wonderful array of farmyard animals, as well as being a wildlife corridor (look out for elephant, hippo, crocodile and Cape Clawless Otters on-site!). This property has a large focus on nature and responsible tourism, from the organic vegetable gardens to guest shampoo.
Hospitality: The whole place is operated as sustainably and organically as possible with as many road miles as possible eliminated which is why you travel on their own boat for sunset cruises and all food is prepared on site using their own farm as much as possible for the recipes.
Chundukwa offers a quiet, peaceful haven away from the town of Livingstone and so if you are looking for a final, serene wind down before moving on or traveling back to the UK then this would be the ideal location. It is very popular with the international markets looking for a quality establishment in the mid range price bracket so early booking is recommended.