The breathtaking Victoria Falls & Royal Chundu Lodge

What a way to start the New Year! My daughter Tara and I had the great good fortune to be invited to Royal Chundu Lodge 30km upstream of the Zambezi on the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls. Owned by Tina Aponte, Royal Chundu is the only Relais & Chateaux lodge in Zambia (www.royalchundu.com) and is totally Zambian managed. I can truthfully say it is one of the most beautiful lodges I have ever stayed in. The chalets cling to the riverbank where kingfishers dart among the reeds, hippos chortle, crocodiles lurk and herds of elepahnts come down to play and bathe.

 

River Lodge has 10 gorgeous riverfront suites, while for the utmost exclusivity and privacy choose just one of four ultimate villas on Island Lodge. Royal Chundu has exclusive rights to 15km of Zambezi river fronatage so you won't see another soul other than your fellow guests and the quite wonderful local staff. Spend your time just lazing at the pool, enjoying a decadent riverbank picnic complete with antique linen, Persian rugs, hammocks and cooked-on-the-spot pizzas, go canoeing, spoil yourself with a floating spa treatment, watch wildlife or tick off rare birds from your boat, and be prepared for spectacular sunsets.

And when you visit the Falls, (Royal Chundu provides superb local guides) be sure to walk the Zambian side AND the Zimbabwean side. And throw caution to the winds and take that awesome helicopter flight over the gorge. It's worth every penny.

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