Royal Chundu means “the place of the chief” optimizing the very best that Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River can offer! Royal Chundu is situated just upstream from the magnificent Victoria Falls on a 15 km stretch of private waterway, which is protected by two sets of rapids. Royal Chundu is the only lodge along the Zambezi that does not share its waterways with other Zambian operators ensuring absolute peace and privacy for guests.
Royal Chundu is a haven of quiet solitude and untouched beauty and the first Relais & Châteaux property in Zambia and Victoria Falls area. Royal Chundu comprises of two luxurious lodges on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River.
The spacious suites blend colonial elegance and African charm, offering thatched accommodation in 14 beautiful villas which 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. Of these, 10 are on the banks of the Zambezi and 4 on Katombora Island.
River Lodge is arrival point of guests visiting the lodge and encapsulates the colours of the magical sunsets experienced in Zambia and the printed bright coloured fabrics worn by the traditional African dancers and local villagers called Chitenge, the baskets they carry on their head and use for storage can been seen in the use of cane furniture and the grass matting. Most striking are the various painted walls at River Lodge as well as the pool area making a fabulous statement and can be seen from across the river.
Island Lodge is the more private and exclusive of the two lodges at Royal Chundu. The lodge is surrounded by gentle river channels and dotted with Baobabs and two thousand year old Jackalberry trees. There are four magnificent villas each with a spectacular deck and a large open-air bath, perfect for an early evening soak after sunset cruise on the majestic Zambezi.
Wining and dining at Royal Chundu is an integral part of the experience. Meandering teak walkways lead to the main lodge, where traditional pan-African and international cuisine is freshly prepared by the executive chef. Choose to dine indoors in true ethnic elegance, or experience open-air dining in the Chief’s Boma offering a unique African experience under the stars where guests are treated to live entertainment from the masked Makishi dancers.
The chefs take great pride in preparing dishes that mirror the rich heritage of the region and the hospitality of the Zambian people. At Royal Chundu, all fresh supplies come from a 3km radius of the lodge to minimise their carbon footprint, provide income for the local community and farmers and deliver absolute freshness and taste to guests. A must is the Zambia Tasting menu – experience a true taste of Zambian ingredients created in a truly global way.
There is plenty to do in and around Royal Chundu. A very heartening experience is the Village Tour giving guests 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). The very knowledgeable guides are all from the village and are on hand to share their traditions and customs as well as on the plants and herbs used for traditional medicine and making cooking oil, soap and other necessities.
A highlight of the time at Royal Chundu is a 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 and then arriving at a private picnic on the banks of the Zambezi River with all the luxuries of the colonial era – fine china, silver, Persian rugs, hammocks, the perfect way to enjoy a lazy afternoon under the trees after a morning of canoeing.
As well as luxurious accommodation, world class service and sumptuous pan-African the lodge is able to organise a trip to visit the famous Victoria Falls or a spot of game viewing in the nearby Chobe National Park in Botswana.
Royal Chundu offers the prefect romantic escape or a fun-filled unique family holiday – An exceptional break from the ordinary.
For more information or to make a booking, call +27 87 700 8310 or +27 13 751 1038, email [email protected] or visit www.royalchundu.com.
