Overview
Community owned luxury
Royal Chundu River Lodge can be found on the mighty Zambezi, just upstream from the magnificent Victoria Falls on a 15km stretch of private waterway.
There are ten riverfront suites scattered along the bank with views out across to Zimbabwe. Thatched and on stilts, each richly decorated with local crafts and large enough to accommodate a family of four.
An outdoor boma for dinners around the fire, a lounge and cocktail bar are the communal hub of the lodge where you can look forward to Relais & Châteaux dining.
Facts
At a glance
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Ten riverfront suites
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Swimming pool
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Relais & Châteaux dining
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Wine cellar and cocktail bar
Experiences
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Sunset cruises
Cruise on the river with snacks and drinks, watching the sun go down as you pass crocodiles, hippo pods and drinking elephants.
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Canoeing
Start with a leisurely paddle down the Zambezi to a handsome picnic spot on an island for a truly indulgent and creative meal on the banks of the river along with cocktails, homemade cordials and a gin bar.
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Fishing
Royal Chundu is renowned for its superb fly fishing with waters boasting the notoriously powerful tiger fish, numerous species of bream and the prized Upper Zambezi yellow fish.
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Village walk
This warm, authentic activity is highly recommended. Your guide from the village will introduce you to local traditions and customs, the market, and show you which plants and herbs are used in traditional medicine, how to make soap and other necessities.
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Katombora Island
Step off the boat onto Chundu’s wild islet downstream from lodge and discover this untamed microcosm of baobabs and ancient jackalberry trees.
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Livingstone and Victoria Falls
As well as tours to the thundering falls themselves, Livingstone is the jump off point for a number of exciting activities such as white water rafting, scenic helicopter flights, bungee jumping and more.
Community & Culture
Royal Chundu is a community-run lodge, one of very few of its kind in Africa, enacting a model that aims to help build a stronger, more equal Zambia.
99% of the team are Zambian, including managers managers. Most come from or live in one of the two villages right next door to the lodge – the agricultural Malambo village and the fishing-centric Muluka village. Providing training and practical experience at the lodge, Royal Chundu is able to give our team significant opportunities for growth.
All of our food is sourced from Zambia, mostly supplied by local fishermen and village gardens within 4kms – whether it’s their own lodge chicken coop and herb and vegetable garden, or the lettuce and mangoes brought in by staff from their home gardens, or Edith and the women of Malambo, with their impressive vegetable gardens. Royal Chundu supports the village gardeners through a seed project, donating seeds to anyone who wishes to grow crops for our kitchens, which are then purchased at market cost. Local fishermen are also supported, ensuring their traditional, sustainable techniques are preserved.Local businesses are also used whenever possible for all manner of services, from making uniforms to décor.
The lodge also runs the Royal Chundu Foundation School, funds women empowerment initiatives and assists with local entrepreneurship.
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
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Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
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Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
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Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
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Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.
