If you are looking for the ultimate luxury experience while traveling to Zambia, there is only one place you should go to: Royal Chundu. Voted as the 4th Best Resort in Africa and 9th Best Resort in the World in the Condé Nast Traveler’s 2018 Readers’ Choice Awards, Royal Chundu sits on the banks of the Zambezi River which hugs the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. Zambia's first and only Relais & Châteaux property, Royal Chundu encompasses two lodges, River Lodge and Island Lodge, both with views of the Zambezi.
The Royal Chundu commands a private stretch of the Zambezi River, located less than 20 miles upstream from the thunderous Victoria Falls, but expect pin-drop tranquility save the occasional cry of a native African Fish Eagle or frothy bubble of nearby rapids. This luxurious property is substantially divided in 2 areas: the River Lodge and the Island lodge. I had the immense pleasure to experience both, and I think those are 2 different experiences.
Our tranquil hideaway celebrates romance and family, tranquility in a secluded setting, unique adventures and community empowerment. Further downstream is the roaring, thundering, smoking Victoria Falls, only 30km away. An authentic Zambian experience that uplifts both traveller & community.
The River Lodge
The River Lodge is the main area, where all the guests arrive upon check in, with a stunning outdoor dining area (as well as indoor one with the TV), a big swimming pool next to the Zambezi and 10 beautiful suites that overlook the river as well. 10 exclusive River Lodge suites, set among the trees are nests of seclusion and peace.
The Island Lodge
The Island Lodge is located 10 minutes away by boat from the River Lodge and it is surely an even more private place to stay! The villas at the Katombora Island are way bigger and the private balcony of each room is just all another level! Choose your hub: River Lodge, with its 10 Zambezi-facing suites suspended on stilts with an open deck, or rooms on Katombora Island’s Island Lodge flanked with baobabs and 2,000-year-old Jackalberry trees.
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I think this one is perfect for honeymoons and romantic couple holidays, the other lodge is suitable also for families and kids! As soon as I arrived, I loved the elegance of the colonial style of the villa at The Island!
When I got to my room at The Island, my jaw literally dropped. After an entire day outdoor, I got back to the room and I found the bath ready and the lights around it… Magical! So incredibly magical! In fact, I had the best sleep and the best dreams in that comfortable bed! And I loved the fact that in the room you have no TV (well, you really don’t need one at all!! The day after I requested the breakfast in the room, because I could not get enough of that view!
Don’t get me wrong: both places are absolutely amazing beyond any imagination.
Activities at Royal Chundu
In order to let all guests experiencing the Zambian vibes, Royal Chundu offers a wide range of activities. Royal Chundu offers to its guest a sunrise and a sunset cruise. I did them both and I’d like to highly recommend to experience them as many times as you can! And most importantly, watching animals into the wild has been so beautiful!
Of course you can go to the Victoria Falls: it takes 1 hour and they will provide you a private car with a guide to visit the falls - I will post a specific article about that experience, with tips as well! Going to the Victoria Falls has been one of the most intense experiences of my life! Hence, I will write soon an entire post about my experience! You can ask the staff to organize for you the trip to the falls, with a guide from the lodge. This was surely my favorite activity!
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Canoeing on the Zambezi River has been so much fun! Really a must do! After canoeing for a while, we reached the spot for the picnic - and what a luxury! Fabulous spot and… such delicious food!
Near by the lodge, there is a local village that the guests can visit. I felt so lucky to meet them and learning more about the Zambian traditions! Thanks Edith to welcome! Royal Chundu is highly involved in helping the community. Myself, Edith and the kids!
Four-day yoga retreats on the riverbank, nature walks, and helicopter flights over Victoria Falls are just some of the activities on offer.
Amenities
- Bar
- Family
- Free Wifi
- Pool
- Rural
- Spa
The entire staff was so welcoming and helpful, cheerful and kind!
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tags: #Zambia
