If you are looking for the ultimate luxury experience while traveling to Zambia, there is only one place you should go to: Royal Chundu. Located 1 hour away from the Victoria Falls, alongside the Zambezi River, this outstanding lodge offers the most beautiful and relaxing place to stay in the area.
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. 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. 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! I think this one is perfect for honeymoons and romantic couple holidays, the other lodge is suitable also for families and kids! The villas at the Katombora Island are way bigger and the private balcony of each room is just all another level! 🙂
THE ISLAND LODGE
When I got to my room at The Island, my jaw literally dropped. Not only about the fact that the interiors are beautiful and everything is magical, but having a big terrace with the bath and the Zambezi River in front of me, it felt like a dream!
As soon as I arrived, I loved the elegance of the colonial style of the villa at The Island! And being surrounded by nature even more!
The canopy bed and the travel-boxes at the end of it make the ambient so stylish!
To be honest with you, I cannot describe with proper words how spectacular having a bath in front of the Zambezi River, surrounded by trees and birds has been… or maybe you can… 🙂
Not only a dreamy outdoor bath, but also a “shower with a view!”:
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! I stayed inside the bath for over an hour, watching the sunset and admiring the stars when it got dark!
During the day, the atmosphere at the villa was fabulous – due to the impressive view out of the window- and at night it became so cozy and romantic!
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!! To much beauty to admire!)
The day after I requested the breakfast in the room, because I could not get enough of that view! It was the best decision indeed!
THE RIVER LODGE
As previously mentioned, the River Lodge is where the main area is. Don’t get me wrong: both places are absolutely amazing beyond any imagination. The Island Lodge is designed differently and, due to the position, you get even more the privacy and uniqueness feeling!
At the River Lodge there is a big pool, an outdoor dining area with the Zambezi River in front of you, the bar, an indoor dining area with a TV upstairs and of course 10 beautiful suites!
A delightful buffet is ready every morning for a wonderful breakfast near the river!
And dining next to the Zambezi was absolutely unforgettable:
DINING AT ROYAL CHUNDU
My food experience at Royal Chundu has been remarkable as well, especially the night when I tried the Zambian tasting menu at The Island.
Every single dish was a new discovery and so delicious!
ACTIVITIES AT ROYAL CHUNDU
In order to let all guests experiencing the Zambian vibes, Royal Chundu offers a wide range of activities. 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! 😉 If you decide to stay at the lodge, you have several options: click here to see the full list.
CANOEING + LUXURY PICNIC NEAR THE RIVER
This was surely my favorite activity! Canoeing on the Zambezi River has been so much fun! Really a must do! I had one guy from the staff who was paddling for me and 2 guys in front of us for safety – excellent service!!!
While canoeing, I really felt the power of nature and I realized how wide and majestic the Zambezi River is!
Moreover, I enjoyed so much observing the beauty of nature for the entire time while canoeing!
After canoeing for a while, we reached the spot for the picnic – and what a luxury! Fabulous spot and… such delicious food! WOW!!!
The picnic itself was perfect and the food… (The slide of pizza that is missing in the following picture was already in my stomach ahah!)
Shall I describe also the view while I was eating?
The entire staff was so welcoming and helpful, cheerful and kind! I loved it!
SUNRISE/SUNSET CRUISE
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! (click here to see the full list)
Every single day the sunset has been breathtaking…
And most importantly, watching animals into the wild has been so beautiful! Especially the elephants!
MEETING THE LOCALS
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. To know more about its charity activities click here!
I will never forget how overwhelming my visit to the village has been and the smiles of the kids!
Learning a bit more about the Zambian culture and traditions has been a big plus for me!
GOING TO THE VICTORIA FALLS
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! But surely I’d love to start sharing some pictures to show you the real power of nature!
You can ask the staff to organize for you the trip to the falls, with a guide from the lodge. Also, you can plan a helicopter ride even from Royal Chundu to the falls!
I honestly cannot wait to go back there!
What a wonderful experience! So thankful!
And you… are you lusting for the sublime?
Always,
Carlotta