Wake up to a hippo symphony here!
Riverside Chalets
Stay with us at our lovely horse ranch! Lots of fresh air, space, nature, peace, only 25kms from Victoria Falls.
We have 5 river facing chalets on stilts, a labour of artisanal love.
Please Note: As part of our commitment to sustainable tourism, our Riverside Chalets do not have air-conditioning. These units are designed to blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings of the river and forest, offering an authentic eco-lodge experience.
All chalets feature an open-fronted layout, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of nature.
While doors and windows are covered with protective gauze, the units are not hermetically sealed.
Each room includes mosquito nets, gauze-covered openings, and private balconies with stunning views of the river and surrounding trees.
Please be aware that our location is nestled deep within nature, and it's not uncommon to encounter insects or hear hippos active at night. This is all part of the unique experience our guests love and embrace. We encourage you to come with a spirit of adventure and appreciation for the wild, tranquil beauty that makes our lodge so special.
The lodge exudes a feel of peaceful synchronicity - colour, design, community and nature - all fused together.
Our chalets are built on stilts over the Zambezi River, each with their own sense of luxury, romantic charm and privacy. All chalets have en-suite bathrooms and we can accommodate twin or king beds in each chalet. Two chalets favour as honeymoon suites and one (Jacana River Chalet) is large enough to fit two extra beds should you be wanting to stay together as a family. Children of 10 years and older are welcome in the river chalets. Younger children are welcome to stay in our family-friendly Chundu Cottage.
The chalets have little interference with the river bank – we haven’t cut away reeds or trees, thus allowing birds and wildlife such as hippos and otters to move freely between land and water.
Chundukwa River Lodge was built by Doug with his team of local artisans. All building materials and furniture are produced in Zambia. From locally burnt clay bricks, to sustainable local reeds, Kalahari sand, recycled wood and steel, our local artisans of weavers, thatchers, tinsmiths, tailors, welders and carpenters from the nearby villages work their magic. Our chalets are made from wood, with thatched roofing and walled with a Kalahari sand and cement mixture, in keeping with the traditional local method of walling.
The décor is an inspired measure of traditional printed fabrics and local wares.
Beautiful Bathrooms of Chundukwa
Some have baths in, some have baths out! Perhaps you will shower with a giant tree for company or look up to see the stars!
“It is a genuine eco-friendly lodge in the wilderness - encompassing a harmonious synergy between the natural world and the needy comforts of our human nature. It makes you feel at ‘home’ because the land has been ‘home’ for the last fifty years. Its simplicity and colourful beauty mirrored by nature in the décor, food, indigenous gardens and Zambian kindness inherent in everyone we met, makes this a wonderful and unique place to visit on the Zambezi River.”
Lodge Amenities & Guest Comforts
At Chundukwa, we aim to make your stay as comfortable, relaxing and environmentally conscious as possible. Here's what you can expect in your room:
Universal Charging Options - all rooms are equipped with 250V plug sockets, multi-country adapters, and USB ports for charging your phone, camera, or laptop. If your devices require specific converters, please bring them along.
Ceiling fans for gentle cooling
Electric blankets for chilly winter mornings (yes, Zambia can surprise you!)
Large walk-in mosquito nets for a peaceful sleep
Mosquito spray provided for extra comfort
Lock-up safe for your valuables
Locally Inspired Luxuries - handcrafted gowns and slippers made from vibrant local chitenge fabric by our talented local seamstress. Love them? They’re available for purchase so you can take a piece of Zambia home with you.
Eco-Friendly Toiletries - as we’re nestled between the river and a series of tranquil lagoons, we’re committed to protecting our natural surroundings. That’s why we provide high-quality, organic shampoo, conditioner, and moisturiser that are kind to both your skin and the environment. We kindly ask guests to use our eco-conscious products during their stay.
Water Flasks - stay hydrated throughout your adventures with reusable water flasks, provided for your convenience.
Our Child Policy
Riverside Chalets - Children 10+ Yrs
We have 1 x Family Riverside Chalet (Jacana) - up to 4 guests may be accommodated here. We are happy to welcome children of 10 years and over. Children 10-16 years pay 50% when sharing with two adults.
We have 4 x Riverside Chalets: up to 2 guests may be accommodated here. We are happy to welcome children of 10 years and over. Full Rates apply if a child shares with a single parent in these rooms. If children are accommodated in their own room, full rates apply.
Chundu Cottage is our family-friendly solution for families with young children. Here, we have room for the whole tribe, complete with a private pool and optional safety gate.