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Royal Chundu Luxury Zambezi Lodges

Livingstone (Victoria Falls) • Zambezi River • OVER THE TOP

avg. $1,699 / night

Includes $89 / night in cash back

Cash back is redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out

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5% cash back on all completed stays (redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out)

Credit card points

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Hotel loyalty points

Points accrual and status eligibility with major hotel loyalty programs: Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, World of Hyatt, and others

Free breakfast

Breakfast-included rate options available

Room upgrades

Complimentary room upgrades (subject to property availability)

Extend your stay

Early check-in and late check-out (subject to property availability)

Part of Relais & Châteaux

Location

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At a glance

Eighteen suites cantilevered above the upper Zambezi, twelve kilometres upstream from Victoria Falls, with locally curated interiors.

Best for: Architecture enthusiasts and collectors seeking river immersion

Highlights:

  • Timber suites cantilevered directly above the Zambezi River
  • Just 18 rooms across two thatched lodges on a private island
  • Interiors layered with locally sourced art and vernacular textiles
Riverside-intimatearchitectural

PB hotel design editorial

Straddling a private island on the upper Zambezi, roughly twelve kilometres upstream from Victoria Falls, Royal Chundu was built directly over the river — thatched pavilions and timber-decked suites cantilevered above fast-moving water in a way that makes the boundary between lodge and wilderness genuinely porous. The aerial view reveals the structural audacity of the approach: two main thatched structures anchored to river-lapped outcrops, connected by elevated walkways threading through riverine forest, the whole composition absorbing into the canopy rather than asserting itself against it. Accommodating just eighteen rooms across its Island and River lodges, the property keeps its footprint deliberately intimate. The interiors balance vernacular construction with a collector's sensibility. Dark hardwood floors run beneath high thatched ceilings carried on heavy timber frames, while four-poster beds hung with white mosquito netting anchor rooms that open fully to private decks suspended above the current. The palette shifts between lodges — indigo ikat cushions and medallion rugs in one, Ankara-print textiles and woven grass pendants in another — but both share the same layered warmth of carved wood stools, wrought-iron furniture, and locally sourced art. The bar counter, faced in hammered tin with bead-chandelier drops hanging from exposed rafters overhead, is backed by a large vivid painting whose flame-like forms in orange and red establish the one moment where colour fully breaks loose from the earth tones that otherwise govern the lodge's atmosphere.

Travel notes

1hr drive from Victoria Falls

About

Royal Chundu Zambezi River Lodge is the kind of place where nature is untouched and you are humbled by the magic that surrounds you. The lodge has two locations – the mainland and the exclusive private island in the center of the Zambezi River. Royal Chundu is a place of picturesque beauty that merges seamlessly with nature and is tucked away in the midst of unique plant species from giant ferns to ancient trees, some as old as 1,500 years.

Amenities

Pool

Free Parking

Restaurant

Internet

Kids Activities

Suites

Free Internet

Bar/Lounge

Airport transportation

Free Wifi

Royal Chundu Luxury Zambezi Lodges Reviews

441 reviews

"excellent service and amenities. top shlf in every respect."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Jul 13, 2026

"We stayed in an Island Lodge suite, and it was absolutely gorgeous. The huge balcony looked straight out over the river, and the amenities never seemed to end — even down to the special baths they prepared for us in the evenings. It was the kind of place where you exhale for the first time in weeks. The staff were the heart of it all. They made sure we wanted for nothing, and Emily, the manager, personally saw to every detail of our stay. They took us on a river canoe trip and set up a private lunch for us on a beautiful stretch of beach along the river. One evening they arranged a dinner just for us, outside and lit with lanterns — magical. We treated ourselves to massages and facials, and even managed one relaxed lunch in when we needed to catch up on a bit of work. Every day felt like a little slice of heaven. They also arranged a wonderful tour of Victoria Falls with a guide named Anthony, who made the whole excursion memorable. If you’re looking for somewhere to unwind in true luxury after adventuring through Zambia, I can’t recommend Royal Chundu highly enough. Four days of paradise, spectacular in every sense."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Jul 08, 2026

"The lodge is conveniently located. I had a transfer from Victoria Falls Airport to the Zimbabwe - Zambia border and it was seamless; the transfer was great. The lodge was quiet and tranquil when I was there, perfect for rest and relaxation. I stayed at both River and Island Lodge, and it was amazing to experience both, the rooms were neat, clean and spacious. I loved Island Lodge. The staff were great and attentive; there was always someone around to assist. The offering of sunset cruises, canoeing, village visits and nature walks were superb."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Dec 15, 2025

"This resort was absolutely the best!!! We had a fabulous time and can't wait to go back! Upon arrival we were greeted with a welcome drink and a chair massage that was heavenly. The staff was amazing. Shouts out to Aggie, Hessah, David, Ernest, Emma, Miso, and Wise. I also want to include the guys who took us out daily on the sunset cruise but I don't remember their names. The food is great here. Everyone went out of the way to make sure that we had everything that we needed, and that we had a great experience. I highly recommend this place!!!"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Jan 20, 2025

"The most sensational 4 nights of my life. The staff, food, atmosphere, decor and service exceeded my expectations. The bedrooms were fit for royalty. The chef was a master and every little detail was done with the utmost care and thought. The bubble bath was out of this world too."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Jan 12, 2025

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