A game drive through the Zambezi National Park took me down to the river’s edge, where a short boat transfer carried us across the Zambezi.  From that moment, the pace just shifted, especially after experiencing the Victoria Falls vibe and buzz.

Chundu Island Lodge is all about the Zambezi River experience, rather than high-intensity game viewing in the park. The bush and landscape are beautiful, but you shouldn’t arrive expecting a long predator list.

That said, I had one of those unusual sightings that sticks with you – a Brown Snake Eagle taking down a large snake, with a Tawny Eagle hanging around very close by, clearly waiting for an opportunity.

We had a memorable bush tea break overlooking a herd of buffalo.  One of those simply, perfect moments you don’t plan for.

The staff are genuinely sincere and take real pride in looking after you.

And the food is excellent – properly good, not just “bush good”.

The suites are large, very comfortable, and all face the river – waking up there is something special.

If you are a very fussy, extensively travelled safari enthusiast looking for a faultless, high-adrenaline, ‘tick’ luxury camp ‘box’… then Chundu probably isn’t for you.

But if you’re after somewhere that genuinely welcomes you, spoils you, and gives you a special sense of a river camp – then this is exactly it!  

I would absolutely recommend Chundu for a quiet, relaxed stay. A magical place worth experiencing.