Be in Nature
Nestled along the Zambezi River, just outside of Livingstone, Zambia, Chundukwa River Lodge is a thoughtfully designed space for you to align with nature and immerse yourself in a more meaningful travel experience.
The unspoiled nature of Zambia is our greatest asset!
Rich in scenery and wildlife, Zambia has become the heart of our great continent - offering something progressively rare - the chance to escape the holiday masses and savour an environment that has remained largely unchanged since the beginning of time.
At Chundukwa River Lodge we enjoy ‘the best of both worlds.’
We live on an idyllic horse ranch situated just 25kms from Victoria Falls - close enough for guests to explore all that our beautiful destination has to offer, yet far enough to offer a sanctuary for nature-lovers and those seeking a quiet place to unwind and reconnect - river watch, horse ride, practice yoga or just enjoy our magnificent birdlife and warm Zambian hospitality in the sunshine.
A place you may feel completely content.
We are dedicated to three activities: the hosting of guests; working hand-in-hand with our community to promote sustainable living practices; and the running of our stables at home and at our sister operation Zambian Horseback Safaris in the Simalaha Wildlife Conservancy.
As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability, we run by the sun! When the lights go out, our lodge is powered through solar energy.
Experience the outside, inside
We offer an oasis of quiet luxury. Stay in one of five stunning Riverside Chalets or your own private cottage and enjoy farm-life and the wilderness with us.
The Chundukwa Experience
WAKE UP WITH THE SUN
Wake up with the sun from your eco-luxe chalet and peer out over the magnificent Zambezi River, place of the wild. Whether you opt to stay in one of our Riverside Chalets or the family-friendly cottage, you’ll never miss a hippo call!
Surrounded by nature, sit back and watch the ever-changing landscape of the mighty Zambezi.
MAP YOUR OWN DAYS
Although Chundukwa River Lodge is the ideal place for simply doing nothing at all, our destination offers exciting possibilities for all adventurers, big and small. We have a wonderful selection of in-house experiences - and for those wanting to explore further afield, our team will assist with advice, reservations and logistics on your behalf. Some activities are seasonal, depending on the ebbs and flows of the Zambezi River.
Take a walk through our indigenous garden and find a little spot to gather and restore.
PRIVATE STABLES
Our stables are home to the resort's own gorgeous horses. Affable and accustomed to plenty of attention, they are available for trail rides or a friendly visit for an apple treat. We offer horse-riding options for all levels of riders here.
Our sister operation is Zambian Horseback Safaris located in the Simalaha Wildlife Conservancy of Western Zambia, where we offer a 3 night safari or longer for intermediate riders and above.
SUMMER SEASON 2024
Welcome to the DRY season! As we head into September and October, the temperatures rise, and by October, you’ll feel the sizzling sun at its peak. This is the prime time for wildlife viewing along the Zambezi River and on day trips to Chobe National Park, where animals gather around water sources. As November rolls in, the weather is unpredictable—it could remain hot and dry, or we might celebrate the arrival of the first rains!
From December to March, it’s our rainy season. The Zambezi River swells, the bushland transforms into a lush, green paradise, earning this time its nickname, “The Emerald Season.” By March, you’ll witness Victoria Falls in all its thunderous glory during the High Water Period. Come experience the awe-inspiring power of nature!
Book your stay today and discover this wild paradise, just 25 minutes from Victoria Falls!
A Sensory Sojourn
The Mighty Zambezi. Africa's fourth longest river originates as a tiny burbling spring in a secluded stretch of marshy wetland and lush forest; close to where the borders of Zambia, Angola and the Congo meet. A river that becomes large in size and overwhelming in power - sustaining life, offering knowledge, wonder and a sensory sojourn to all those that visit her waters. Chundukwa River Lodge is located alongside the Zambezi River just 25kms from Victoria Falls in Livingstone, Zambia.
What our Guests Say
Our Ethos
Slow. Homegrown. Handcrafted.
We engage with the land and our community with a slow and ethical approach. It’s our responsibility to share our Africa in a way that is non-intrusive to the community and the natural environment.
Sustainable Choices
We believe that sustainability is both an inner and outer journey.
At the heart of our mission is a relentless pursuit of balance—between our environment, our values, and our actions. It is not always possible to have ZERO environmental impact. We are committed to questioning, learning, and evolving. Above all, we strive to be as genuine as possible in everything we do, embracing transparency, responsibility, and care for our land, community and wildlife.
Our Commitment
We are dedicated to creating a harmonious balance between our lodge and the surrounding environment, respecting the delicate ecosystem while supporting the local community. Our core commitments include:
Ecosystem Protection: We honor and protect the invaluable ecosystem that surrounds us, preserving natural habitats and biodiversity.
Chemical-Free Practices: We use zero pesticides, herbicides, or harmful chemicals, ensuring that our land and produce remain pure and untainted.
Solar Power: When the sun sets, it keeps us running. Solar-powered energy is central to our operations, reducing our reliance on non-renewable resources.
Minimizing Plastic Waste: We are continuously working to reduce single-use plastics throughout the lodge, from guest amenities to kitchen storage.
Organic Produce: Whenever possible, we use organic ingredients—both in our food and guest consumables—ensuring a healthy, sustainable experience for our guests.
Support for Local Farmers & Entrepreneurs: We proudly source our products from local farmers and collaborate with local business owners, drivers, weavers, artists, and artisans. Nurturing these partnerships and empowering local initiatives is at the core of our mission. By supporting local talent and sustainable practices, we contribute to the growth and resilience of our community.
Animal Welfare: We are committed to the ethical and kind treatment of all animals, both within our lodge and in the wild.
Here are a few initiatives close to our heart;
REALLY GOOD FOOD
Lovingly nourished by compost from our farmyard, our veggie patch is home to a vibrant selection of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The healthy ecosystem, confirmed by the hum of bees and insects, ensures that our food is grown naturally, without harmful chemicals. When we can’t grow something ourselves, we source from local growers.
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
We believe that the future of wilderness conservation lies in sustainable land management. That’s why we work closely with local communities, sharing knowledge and practices that protect the environment while empowering the people who live here. By fostering responsible land-use strategies, we help preserve the wilderness for future generations while supporting local livelihoods.
THE CHUNDUKWA FOUNDATION
Through the Chundukwa Foundation, we are actively involved in wildlife conservation and community upliftment. Our foundation supports the rehabilitation of orphaned wildlife, trains locals in animal husbandry, and provides educational assistance to a local school.
Our Story
One land. Three generations. We’re a family farm and family is at the heart of our story in Africa. Your hosts are Doug & Gail, conservationists who have been exploring, observing, and championing wild places in Zambia for over 40 years.
Connect with Us
Follow us @chundukwalodge
Zambian Horseback Safaris
A stay at Zambian Horseback Safaris allows for pure riding freedom over ancient floodplains without holes - providing the space for long stretches of fast-paced riding on well-schooled horses, as well as the opportunity to explore ancient lands, trees, the Zambezi River and enjoy a privileged encounter with the Lozi people of the Simalaha.