Chundu Island

Some places impress you. Few quietly, deeply rewire something inside you. Chundu Island belongs to the second kind. We had the feeling of being completely removed from everything, yet somehow more connected than ever. Our guide Tutu took us on game drives in Zambezi National Park (we saw elephants, lions, hippos, giraffes, zebras etc), a tranquil canoe trip, an island walk, and unforgettable sunset cruises. But the real magic is how connected we felt, not just to the landscape, but to the people. The guides are deeply passionate, the service is intuitive and warm, and the meals are surprisingly exceptional (creative, fresh, beautifully prepared) given how remote the island is. Chundu Island is intimate. They have just a handful of tented villas, so the staff has the luxury to treat you not as a guest, but as someone they’re genuinely happy to have met. The staff went above and beyond to personalise our stay, to cater to our food preferences and to make sure we felt truly at home. The lodge’s design is a perfect marriage of island serenity and African texture. The tented villa was spacious, beautifully designed, with the most comfortable bed and an incredible view on the river. Our highlights were the outdoor shower and the big deck with comfortable seating. Chundu runs entirely on solar power and is deeply conscious of its surroundings, yet never made us feel like we were sacrificing comfort. That balance between luxury and respect for nature is rare, and here it’s seamless. You don’t just observe nature here. You become part of its rhythm. If you’re just ticking off the Falls, this probably isn’t for you. But if you want to feel the Zambezi, to actually be in it, surrounded by nature and good people and space to breathe, then we can’t recommend Chundu enough. Stay at least three or four nights if you can (we stayed for six nights and we are so glad we did). Anything less feels like leaving mid-story. Chundu Island isn’t for everyone. It’s for those who want to feel the place they’re in—not rush through it on a checklist. It’s for those who want the Victoria Falls nearby, but not in the middle of a tourist hive. It’s for those who appreciate that real luxury isn’t just about fine details, but also about space, stillness and feeling truly present in nature.

True African experience on the Zambezi River. World class food and wine. Very clean and comfortable tented rooms with breath taking views.