Swellegant Stays

Royal Chundu Island Lodge

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Royal Chundu Island Lodge
Katambora, Zambia

In Zambia there is just one property remarkable enough to be part of Relais & Chateaux. You will find it in the middle of the great Zambezi River amidst the Katombora rapids, a short distance upstream from Victoria Falls. Royal Chundu has a private island, on which sit just four luxurious villas, lounges and a dining room, and a striking infinity pool. The island lodge is remote and exclusive, accessible only by boat.

The stunningly designed villas are open-sided, so whether you are lying in your four poster bed, relaxing in an easy chair beside the open fire, or soaking in the sumptuous bathtub on your private deck, you can always see and hear the roar of the river.

Decor in the villas mixes dark polished wood, natural hues fabrics, hand-knitted silk carpets, and now and then a splash of cobalt blue color. Chandeliers hang from the ceilings, and in the evening an attendant will light glass lanterns, too.

You could easily while away a day beneath the muslin nets draped over the king size bed, but by doing you’d miss out on the natural wonders which await outside.

However glorious the lodge’s architecture, furnishings, and facilities, though, they pale into insignificance when compared with the natural treasures surrounding Royal Chundu.

Canoeing along the Zambezi in a dugout canoe, you’ll see hippos and crocodiles, plus dozens of species of birds. Waterbuck wander down to the riverbank to drink and are seemingly undisturbed by the presence of a canoe or boat.

Guests at Royal Chundu Island Lodge can also take to the skies with a flight over UNESCO listed Victoria Falls. It is, without doubt, one of the most spectacular views in the world, dozens of rainbows dancing amongst the water spray. The deafening roar as the water hits the rocks below gives the waterfall its native name: Mosi-oa-Tunya means “the smoke that thunders”.