A rustic, simple bush hideaway right on the river.
Chundukwa is situated on the grassy banks of the Zambezi River just 25km upstream from Victoria Falls. The lodge is one of the few low-key, rustic accommodation options available in the Livingstone area, where luxury lodges and large hotels are more common.
This is more of a bushcamp with a slightly spartan look about it; the basics are provided but there are few frills. Simple reed and thatch cabins are suspended over the bank on stilts and are all completely open along the front side so that you have an uninterrupted view of the Zambezi. It is a very relaxed place where you can feel at home without the constant attention often explicit in more up-market lodges.
The camp also has a family house which is ideal for younger children. Self-contained with its own staff, pool and kitchen, you feel rather as if this is your home away from home (but without the chores). Elephants do regularly visit the lodge but staff are on the lookout and will help keep you and the eles a safe distance from each other.
Chundukwa is one of the furthest from the falls and it takes around 30mins to drive there. Boat cruises, village visits and horse rides can be arranged in the local area but for trips to the falls, helicopter flights, rafting and other non-inclusive activities you’ll need to make the short trip, so make sure you allow enough time without making your stay too manic. One day can easily be spent enjoying the camp and the river so 3 nights is probably ideal.
Chundukwa is a good spot for those that like the simple things, are not fussed about having all the luxuries, and value just being in the bush. Bear in mind that the rooms of the main lodge are open and that the bathrooms in most are external and connected by a little walkway. The house is a good, affordable choice for families. It may not be the right place if you want easy and convenient access to all the adrenalin options or are looking for a luxury experience.
4 double/twin reed rooms on stilts and 1 family house
A rustic, simple bush hideaway right on the river.
Livingstone is the little town from which visitors to Zambia can visit the Victoria Falls, relax on the Zambezi or indulge in the multitude of crazy adrenalin activities available. Unlike Victoria Falls town in Zimbabwea which is within easy walking distance of the Falls, Livingstone is about 6km from the Falls itself and you need to get in a car to get there. Whether the Falls is best viewed from Zambia or Zimbabwe is a rather subjective issue and depends on who you talk to and the time of year. From Zambia, you look along the gorge and the area of the Falls immediately in front of the Zambian view points can dry up at certain times of the year. Both countries suffer when the river is in spate as you see an awful lot of spray and not much of the falls themselves...you also get a free shower. Read more?
Zambia has made a name for itself in the last ten years, as a high quality wildlife destination and one that is particularly good for walking safaris. Intimate (and often rustic) bushcamps, excellent local guides, beautiful riverine scenery and varied game and birdlife are the trademarks of a safari in Zambia. Jump straight to our favourite Zambia experiences. Read more?
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Catherine's long experience of, and enthusiasm for Africa, makes her a mine of travel information. Add to the mix her vivacious character and inscrutable attention to detail and there are few people you'd rather have plan your holiday.
At Natural High, we've had long experience putting together trips in Africa that really work. Whether it's intimate bushcamps in out of the way places, or a private lodge in one of Africa's top-billing wildlife areas, light mobile camping or remote island escapes, we know there is a lot to choose from. We're absolutely confident that we can recommend the right places for you.