Tucked away along the banks of the majestic Zambezi River, Chundukwa River Lodge in Zambia is a rare gem that captures the essence of exclusivity, while making you feel as though you’ve discovered your own private slice of sustainable paradise.

The story of Chundukwa began in the wilds of Zambia, where Doug and Gail, passionate conservationists, have spent over 40 years exploring, observing, and championing the protection of this land. The vision for Chundukwa came to life in 1992, and remains successful in its ethos of being guided by ‘slow, homegrown, and handcrafted’.

After having the pleasure of visiting myself (and not wanting to leave!) I can honestly say the experience is so personal and immersive that you feel as though you’ve stumbled upon the perfect “home away from home.” Chundukwa is a place where you can completely unwind, immersing yourself in the tranquillity of farm life and the untamed beauty of Zambia. Whether you choose to be adventurous or simply relax, Chundukwa’s charm lies in its ability to be both intimate and world-class, without ever losing sight of its roots in environmental responsibility, community engagement, and wildlife conservation.

To me, this was magic and it was all thanks to the incredible team at Bonamy Private Travel listening and understanding exactly what experience I wanted. So let me take you inside the magic

A Sanctuary of Exclusivity and Warmth

The exclusivity of Chundukwa River Lodge is immediately apparent as soon as you arrive. With only five river-facing chalets and one family-friendly cottage, the lodge delivers a boutique experience that is rare to find, even in the most luxurious safari destinations.

Each chalet offers stunning views of the Zambezi River, a constant reminder of the magnificent wilderness that surrounds you, yet it maintains an intimate, cosy feel that makes you feel like you’re returning to your second home.

What makes this exclusivity so special, though, is how it is balanced with warmth and personal attention. The lodge staff know each guest by name and tailors every detail of your stay to your preferences, yet the atmosphere is never overbearing. It’s not just the luxury of being in a secluded space, but the sense of belonging – of being part of a small, close-knit community where your comfort is paramount.

You’ll find that the chalets are designed to be both rustic and luxurious, with open-air designs that invite the outside world in while maintaining the comforts of modern living. I absolutely loved the feeling of waking up with the rising sun, to the sound of the birds singing in unison (and the smell of some delicious breakfast dishes). It brings a sense of calmness and belonging, from the comfort of your four-poster bed.

Every evening you are walked back from the dining area to your room by staff – not only as a lovely personal touch, but in reality for your safety. Because Chundukwa really is a lodge that blends into the natural world around and prioritises protecting the local flora and fauna (including rare species like cape clawless otters), wildlife moves freely, and yours and their safety is taken seriously. It’s a beautiful experience to be able to hear elephants, hippos and other wildlife close to your chalet as you each close your eyes for the evening.

Striving for Sustainability

One of Chundukwa’s defining characteristics is its deep commitment to sustainability, which has been woven into the fabric of its operations without compromising its luxury. In an era where eco-conscious travel is becoming more desirable, Chundukwa sets the standard for what it means to be both sustainable and exclusive.

The lodge is thoughtfully designed using locally sourced materials such as clay bricks, sustainable reeds, and recycled wood and steel. It integrates Lozi mud-style construction techniques, creating opportunities for local artisans, and reflecting the traditional Zambian style, creating harmony between nature, culture, and craftsmanship. The personal touches with the decor by Gail really sets the lodge apart from others as a truly unique oasis. From the cushions in the lounge area to the hippo-sculpted stone soap dishes (which I then had to go and buy for myself from the local market because they were so beautifully made) and natural soap made locally by the Pure Skills Zambia initiative, every corner of Chundukwa feels personal and intentional.

The lodge runs on solar power, harnessing Zambia’s abundant sunshine to ensure minimal environmental impact. Water conservation is also a key focus, with systems in place to recycle and reduce water use (such as rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling), maintaining harmony with the surrounding ecosystem.

Even the food you eat at Chundukwa is sustainably sourced (and may I add, absolutely delicious!), with much of it grown in the lodge’s organic garden or procured from nearby farms. This commitment to farm-to-table dining not only ensures that your meals are fresh and vibrant but also reduces the environmental impact of transporting goods. It’s another layer of authenticity, as each meal feels connected to the land and culture that surrounds you.

What’s remarkable is that these eco-friendly practices are seamlessly integrated into the experience, so you never feel like you’re sacrificing comfort for sustainability. In fact, the lodge’s commitment to the environment enhances the experience, adding to the sense that you are part of something larger, and more meaningful.

Authenticity in Every Detail

While Chundukwa River Lodge stands out for its exclusivity and sustainability, its authenticity is what truly makes it feel like a home away from home. From the moment I was met by the car and showed around the tranquil gardens, I felt a sense of place – a connection to Zambia’s culture, people, and natural beauty.

The staff, many of whom come from the nearby village, are incredibly warm and welcoming. They don’t just provide service – they share stories, teach you about the local wildlife, and offer insights into Zambian culture that make your stay rich with meaning.

Whether you’re enjoying a traditional meal under the stars with Henry (Head Chef) talking you through what inspired him to cook the dishes for that particular meal, chatting to Auggs about everything on offer at the lodge and surrounding area, or listening to the history and passion of Chundukwa from Gail and Doug, it’s incredible how quickly you get to know the small but mighty team, and they become your second family.

If I close my eyes now I can still picture the outdoor candlelit dinners, hypnotised by the backdrop of the Zambezi river, the laughter of new friendships and the sound of the wildlife enjoying their own evening delights. It’s an intimate connection that we often take for granted.

Immersive Experiences

This connection extends beyond the lodge itself. Chundukwa plays a vital role in uplifting nearby communities and guests can become a real part of this, not only by staying at Chundukwa, but by getting directly involved in ongoing projects that support education, healthcare, and upskilling.

I had the opportunity to visit the local school and community in a truly authentic way, offering meaningful interactions that really deepen the connection to the area. Chundukwa is dedicated to being a part of the community, building partnerships, sharing knowledge and practices to help everyone be a part of sustainable land management, and preserving the wilderness for future generations whilst improving local livelihoods.

For some added fun, you have everything at your fingertips, whether you want an adventurous day or a relaxed day – you can choose:

•Visit the mighty Victoria Falls, whether it be from the skies in a helicopter, from below as you whitewater raft, or viewing directly from one of many viewpoints – I tried the Devil’s pool myself, and what an exhilarating feeling it is peeking over the edge of one of the world’s natural wonders.

•Spend time in the saddle, enjoying different trails by horseback from the Lodge stables.

•Seek out the wildlife sightings: it doesn’t get much better than walking with Zambia’s white rhino, and you can do this alongside dedicated rangers, passionate about protecting these endangered giants.

•Sneak in some sensational sunsets on the daily river cruise direct from the Lodge only for Lodge guests, a pic

With all these activities led by passionate local guides who share their love and knowledge of the land, it really makes each adventure feel personal and enriching.

Overall thoughts?

As I write this my heart longs for the magic of Chundukwa – it’s not just about the setting, or the luxury of the lodge, or even the incredible activities at your fingertips. It’s the vision and honest commitment that has been so meticulously crafted to leave the lightest possible footprint on the planet. It’s an inspirational place: slow, homegrown, and handcrafted to the highest possible quality that everyone should experience, and Bonamy Private Travel, who get the biggest tick in my book for expertise and authenticity when it comes to booking the most memorable and exclusive adventures in Africa. Book here or email Reservations

Written by Emma Blunt for Luxuria Lifestyle International and Luxury Safari Magazine