Royal Chundu occupies a private stretch of the Zambezi River on the Zambian side, roughly 30 kilometres upstream from Victoria Falls, and makes a strong case for being one of the most thoughtfully positioned properties in the region. Protected by rapids both upstream and downstream, it sits in a pocket of the river that feels genuinely removed from the activity around the falls — quiet, unhurried and hemmed in by riverine bush on both banks.
The property runs as two distinct lodges. River Lodge sits on the riverbank with ten suites among the trees, while Island Lodge occupies the private Katombora Island in the middle of the Zambezi, accessible only by boat and home to just four villas. Both carry the Relais & Châteaux designation — the first property in Zambia to do so — which sets a clear expectation around service and quality that the lodge consistently meets. Activities lean naturally toward the water: canoeing, tiger fishing, sunset cruises and birding along the banks keep guests well occupied without ever straying far from the river that defines the entire experience.
