Chundu Island

An intimate island getaway in the Zambezi National Park on the Zambezi River

Introduction

Chundu Island Camp is situated 22 km from the Victoria Falls within the Zambezi National Park in Zimbabwe. Access is through the national park in 4x4 safari vehicles and normally takes around one to one and a half hours, depending on how much game you see en-route and then a short boat trip of about 100m gets you onto the island itself.

The camp is open all year round although the different seasons will dramatically affect your experience. Please contact us for more details on this.

Chundu Island is positively one of the prettiest islands in this section of the upper Zambezi River being about 1km in length with a beautiful white soft sandy beach on the upstream end of the island. Large natal mahogany, acacia albida and water berries cover the island giving ample shade which is very welcomed in the summer months. Resident bushbuck and monkeys are often seen but occasionally other animals like Elephant will swim the channel to eat on the abundant food. It is a bird lover’s paradise with many endemic species highly sought after by "twitchers".

After a complete refurbishment of their rooms, Chundu Island has 8 East African style tents lined along the edge of the island each carefully positioned to afford privacy and maximise the views. The open-plan tented rooms built on platforms have comfortable twin or king beds, en-suite bathrooms with a tub, sink and toilet, as well as an outdoor shower. Each tent has large glass windows and sliding glass doors which allow a lot of natural light in, and the doors open up to a private wood deck with a day bed and seating, and a view of the Zambezi River.

In the main common complex of the camp are the lounge, bar and dining area. It opens up to a wide open deck with fantastic views of the Zambezi River and wildlife across the river. There is a fire pit in the middle of the deck to enjoy in the evening. On the deck around the corner from the lounge area is a swimming pool which enjoys shade from the huge trees around which the deck and main area are built. Meals and local beverages are fully inclusive. Their wine cellar has a good collection of South African wines.

The beach which is exposed in the low water months from July to February can also be used for dining purposes (special meals) and relaxation for guests. Sundowners and special occasions can be arranged upon request.

Activities included in the fully inclusive rate are bird watching (with local guide), game drives (guided, morning and evening on the mainland within the Zambezi National Park), guided safari walks, and Zambezi river cruises (morning and sunset).

Fishing trips, other Victoria Falls activities and Chobe day trips are not included in the price but can be arranged.

Our Opinion

Chundu's location is, without doubt, stunning offering seclusion, privacy and great views of the River and Zambezi national park. It is an ideal place to relax and unwind.

Although game is often seen in the Zambezi national park this I would not class as a classic safari destination, if what you want to see is hordes of non-stop animals then this is not the place for you. It is more of a place to relax, enjoy good birdlife, some game viewing and lovely cruises on the Zambezi river, the fishing here is also reasonably good.

Being quite close to Victoria Falls means that you can do days trips into town to do the activities on offer there but in reality, if you are staying in such a lovely place why would you leave it, therefore I see this as an add on destination to a couple of days in the Falls.

So it's perfect for anyone who has at least 4 days in the area, two days in town and then two days at Chundu. If you have the time I highly recommend spending a couple of days here.

Summary

• Secluded, peaceful, privately owned camp within Zambezi National Park
• Located 22km from the Victoria Falls – transfers included in the price
• 8 tented en-suite tents each with private deck
• Main complex has colourful bar, lounge, curio shop, dining room and terrace overlooking the Zambezi river and national park
• Fantastic birdlife and other resident game
• Bird watching, game drives, safari walks, and river cruises included in price
• Day trips to Chobe (Botswana), fishing trips and other Victoria Falls activities not included in price but can be arranged. Contact us for more details.

Accommodation at Chundu Island Lodge

• 6 river suites with twin or king configuration - en-suite. A rollaway bed may be added for one child under 16 if neither of the family rooms are available.
• 2 family suites, the second room has twin configuration - maximum 2 adults with 3 children

All rooms have:

• En-suite bathrooms with vanity sinks, toilet, bath tub and outdoor shower (family suite has one bathroom)
• Private decks with river views and day bed
• Indoor and outdoor overhead fans
• Walk-in dressing room
• Mosquito nets
• 220v electricity
• Solar geysers
• Minibar
• Tea/coffee station

Disadvantages

• No children under 6 unless on an exclusive basis

Dining

• Dining room and dining deck at the main tent are where most meals are served
• During the low water season, dinners can be set up on the beach
• Local beverages are also complimentary
• Bar and wine cellar in main lodge

Facilities and Services

• Lounge, dining room, wine cellar and bar
• Meals on the beach (seasonal)
• All meals and local beverages inclusive
• Laundry services
• Firepit
• Internet (exclusive) can be arranged
• Solar geysers
• Swimming pool
• Activities: Morning and evening game drives, canoeing, sundowner cruise, river cruise, bushwalks, fishing, visit to the falls (excludes park fees and a guide)

Fully Inclusive Rates Include

• Accommodation
• All meals
• Road and boat transfer from Victoria Falls town to the island
• Two scheduled camp activities per day
• Local beverages
• Park fees and conservation fees
• Laundry (basic wash, dry and fold)

Rates Exclude

• Flights
• Transfers from Airport or Victoria Falls town
• Items of a personal nature
• Shop purchases

Children

• No children aged under 6 allowed at the island camp, unless if the camp is booked exclusively
• The minimum age for game drives, river cruises and fishing is 6 years. The minimum age for walking safaris and canoeing is 16 years
• Chundu Island has a Children’s Club, which lists a unique program each day - activities include Treasure Island hunt, Sand Castle Building, Fun fishing from the jetty, Mini raft races, Pizza making and ‘Bush & Island Tales’
• Childminding is available for an additional cost
• Children are accommodated with parents in a family suite or a river suite with a rollaway bed for one child under 16.

How to Get to Chundu Island

Transfers are available from Livingstone (Zambia), Kasane (Botswana) and Victoria Falls Airports and towns (Zimbabwe) to the Zambezi National Park gate. Chundu Island will pick you up from there and take you to their jetty, 1 hour 10 minutes away. Then you take a short boat ride to the island and camp.

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