A slow journey toward our sustainable dream.
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 ethos - Slow, Homegrown, Handcrafted - guides everything we do.
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. Guests are provided with complimentary in-house metal water bottles, along with access to a convenient refill station for easy hydration throughout their stay.
Organic Produce: Whenever possible, we use organic ingredients—both in our food and guest consumables—ensuring a healthy, nutritious and 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.
Minimal Impact Design
The lodge exudes a feel of peaceful synchronicity - colour, design, community and nature - all fused together.
The lodge was built by Doug, Gail and our team of local artisans. Our Riverside 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.
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 a harmony between nature, culture, and craftsmanship. From the locally-sourced wicker furniture and hand-woven basketware to the vibrant Zambian chitenge fabric, every detail reflects the essence of the region and the artistry of our people.
Water Conservation + Preservation of Natural Habitats
Chundukwa Lodge is nestled in a biodiverse region between the Zambezi River and natural ponds, providing sanctuary for local flora and fauna, including rare species such as the Cape clawless otters. By preserving these vital habitats, we strike a careful balance between development and nature conservation. Our commitment extends to our own tree planting project.
Our soak-away natural drainage and filtration system ensures that the water here remains clean and pure, as evidenced by the thriving fish, birdlife, and even otters that call this ecosystem home. A small crocodile has made his residence in our dams, and each night, hippos visit to graze on the grass and reeds.
In keeping with our commitment to preserving this delicate balance, we kindly ask our guests to be mindful of the environment and choose our organic, eco-friendly shampoos, creams, and soaps during their stay.
Our veggie patch is lovingly nourished by compost from our farmyard and home-brewed effective microbes. It 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 and small-business growers where possible!
Homegrown + Locally-Sourced
Renewable Energy Use
Livingstone receives electricity through the Victoria Falls hydroelectric plant - which is a sustainable option - but due to power shortages caused by a recent drought, Chundukwa has implemented solar energy to keep the lights on. However, choosing solar requires the use of batteries – which are not completely recyclable – creating a serious problem with disposal worldwide. We are proud of the fact that we are making footsteps toward renewable energy – we look forward to the day we can fully achieve this!
Waste Management
The lodge adheres to the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle, focusing on minimizing single-use plastics – from guest consumables to kitchen storage. We manage our waste responsibly through our soak-away drainage system, recycling and composting.
We opt to support small business, local artists and creators.
Many of our drivers are local entrepreneurs and we encourage our guests to visit Livingstone-based artisans, such as Agness and Lawrence Yombwe at WayiWayi Art Gallery, the Sishemo Bead Studio and more. Learn more here!
From Livingstone, with love!
Wildlife-Friendly Practices + Low-Impact Activities
Whether you're looking for a day packed with activities or simply want to unwind, the choice is yours! We offer a variety of low-impact experiences designed to let you explore at your own pace. The lodge promotes ethical wildlife interactions through activities like horse-riding, birdwatching, hiking, and low-impact river safaris. These activities allow guests to experience the region's wildlife responsibly. Do as much or as little as you like — it's all about creating the experience that suits you best!
In-House Experiences at Chundukwa
Fair Employment Practices
With a small, dedicated staff, Chundukwa emphasizes skill-building in hospitality, conservation, and other areas. Employees are trained in composting, gardening, maintenance, guiding, and more, with many staff members having grown within the lodge over the years, fostering long-term community development.
Support for Local Communities
Chundukwa plays a vital role in uplifting nearby communities by sourcing materials and labor locally, while creating employment opportunities at the lodge and also, our siter operation Zambian Horseback Safaris in the Simalaha Community and Wildlife Conservancy. The camp’s common areas showcase traditional Lozi mud-style construction, skillfully crafted by the talented women of Simalaha. We place a strong emphasis on female empowerment, supporting and celebrating the contributions of local women in building and preserving our unique cultural heritage.
