Royal Zambezi Lodge and Bush Spa is a 5* privately owned lodge on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River. With its own 3.5 km of unspoiled river frontage and the scenic mountain backdrop of the valley escarpment. It is in the Chiawa Game Management Area (GMA), just outside the Lower Zambezi National Park (LZNP), Zambia. And directly opposite Zimbabwe’s famous Mana Pools World Heritage Site.
Royal Zambezi Lodge provides the perfect romantic setting for honeymoon couples. While its customized family suite works perfectly for family holidays. Royal, as it is commonly referred to, offers the ultimate in luxury and cuisine. While enjoying and participating closely in the sights and sounds of the African wilderness. There are no fences around the lodge and regular guests include elephants, hippos, buffalo, lions, leopards, and many types of birds!
The open plan reception area, dining room, and lounge have classic architectural lines and lofty thatched roofs. Two enormous fireplaces, comfortable sofas and armchairs, white linen tablecloths, and cheerful personalized service create a haven of easy luxury. The wide timber deck verandah is perfect for fine dining under the stars, or sitting around the campfire listening to the sounds of the African night. Or taking tea in the afternoon. Decks extend over the river shallows. A fascinating micro-ecology affording close study of bird and fish life. As well as elephant, hippo, and buffalo.
After a long day fishing or tracking wildlife, the mesmerizing infinity pool which overlooks the river is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Take a dip in the pool or chill out on the sun loungers with a long, cold drink. If you are feeling active and want to burn off some of the delicious culinary treats, there is a rowing machine for anyone to use.
The airy canopied canvas tents nestle under mature trees. Each is positioned for maximum enjoyment of the surrounding views and complete privacy.
Deluxe Suites
The 8 x Deluxe Suites offer the perfect combination of contemporary comfort and understated elegance. The airy canopied canvas and thatched tents nestle under mature trees. Natural tones, luxurious textures, and comfortable armchairs create a secluded retreat. Extra length sprung mattresses with pure cotton linen and fine down pillows ensure a perfect night’s rest. Each suite provides a private plunge pool in which to cool down while overlooking the mighty Zambezi River.
Room size = 62m², Deck = 20m², Outside living area = 24m²
Deluxe Suite interior
Two of the Deluxe Suites can be used as a dedicated family unit. The separate suites are enclosed and safe enough for children to enjoy their own suite with parents staying in the suite next door. However, let us know if you would prefer to have one parent sharing with a child in each suite. They can sleep 2 x adults and 3 x children under 12.
Deluxe Suite private plunge pool
Presidential/Honeymoon Suites
The 7 x Presidential and honeymoon suites epitomize the luxury safari experience. They have their own private sitting room, offering space & privacy whilst allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the wilderness that surrounds them. With private plunge pools, outside showers, copper baths, and private Salas, the suites provide ultimate luxury. They are ideal for families (an extra bed can easily be accommodated), honeymoon couples, special occasion holidays, or those who simply want to experience Zambia’s finest safari accommodation.
3 of the Presidential suites are suitable for families wanting to be under one roof. With the addition of extra beds and mosquito nets for the comfort of the entire family. These suites have been designed as a large open plan ‘home away from home’ and befitting of the wilderness surroundings.
Room Size = 156 m², Deck = 39 m², Outside Living area = 90 m²
Presidential Suite exterior – outside bath & private plunge poolPresidential Suite interior
Lower Zambezi National Park Family Safari
Children of all ages are welcome at Royal Zambezi Lodge. The team will tailor your holiday to ensure both you and your kids have a great time with Kids’ Corner.
If children are young and you would like them in with you, a comfortable family suite in one of the presidential suites will be best. If they are slightly older and you would like them in their own suites, there are two Deluxe suites with a shared family area in between them. And close to the main area. The small family lounge provides a perfect space for children to play. While you relax and put your feet up!
If young children need to go to bed early, there are security guards to guard the suites while you have a romantic dinner on the main deck. They will alert you if required. However, please note that nannies and childcare needs to be booked well in advance.
Children’s dietary requirements are no problem. If they need an early dinner in your suite. Or a packed lunch or dinner while enjoying activities, there will always have food when it’s needed!
Activities can also be tailored to cater for children. Whether it be stopping off on a boat trip to play boule on a sand bar. Fishing for bream and chessa rather than enormous tiger fish. Or tailoring a game drive to keep children entertained.
Family game drive stop
Royal Zambezi Lodge Spa
One of the only bush Spas in Zambia, Royal’s spa facilities include two air-conditioned treatment rooms, an outdoor treatment area, an aroma filled steam room, a Jacuzzi, and a refreshing plunge pool. The therapeutic sessions offer an ideal retreat for guests wanting to escape their busy lives and experience a way of living often neglected. While the sights and sounds of the wild lull you into a state of complete relaxation and peace, breathe in the fresh bush air to awaken your senses and revitalize your mind, body, and soul.
Royal Zambezi Lodge Activities ↓
The location for Royal Zambezi Lodge was chosen particularly for the wide variety of activities available. Including fishing, fly fishing, game viewing, sunset river cruises, professionally guided canoeing trips, open vehicle guided drives, night drives, and walking safaris. These are either in the Lower Zambezi National Park. Or the Chiawa Game Management Area.
Game Drive Safari
Game drives take place in an open vehicle, with sun shade roofs. You will find this elevated viewpoint helps considerably when searching far afield for wildlife. It also means you can move reasonably quickly to new sites. Especially if, for example, lions sighted in another location are reported over the onboard radio.
Lion with tortoise
Night drives can be extremely exciting when the nocturnal creatures come out to hunt and forage for food. Such as leopards, civets, porcupines, genets and aardvarks, to mention but a few.
Game viewing trips by vehicle usually involve a break at an appropriate point for drinks and snacks. Here you can disembark, stretch your legs and enjoy the ambience and sounds so often missed while traveling. This is a good time to chat to your guide and ask all the questions about the bush that have accumulated on the drive. It’s also an excellent time to let creatures come to you. Which can often happen if you remain relatively quiet, close to the vehicle and non-threatening.
Southern ground hornbill and Jackal
Birding Safari
The Lower Zambezi National Park is an IBA (Important Bird Area) and therefore of global conservation significance. Over 300 species of birds are found here.
Southern carmine bee-eater
The African fish eagle, Zambia’s national bird, is commonly seen and heard. For birding enthusiasts, you need to be here for those birding sensations. The African Pitta and Narina Trogon. The Narina Trogon is spotted during the early rainy season. The African Pitta also arrives for the summer rains (December and January). These phenomenal birds are extremely rare. But at Royal Zambezi Lodge they have seen them every year since 2016.
African PItta bird
Bush Walks
The best way to see the bush is to walk in it. This permits a close study of the various plants, animals, spoor, lairs, burrows, nests and other ground level features. All the sounds and scents are there, unsullied and there’s time to study everything properly without having to move on. For some, it’s the sounds that are the most interesting. And it’s exciting to track down that tiny Pearl Spotted Owlet just from its call. Is that a hippo or a lion calling? Is that hyena far away?
In most instances, the guides have been born and raised in the bush, and you will be astonished at their ability to spot the abnormal. Your guide will be accompanied by an armed scout. Clothing in natural colors is best. Mainly when stalking or avoiding that elusive antelope or even lion, buffalo or elephant. And of course comfortable shoes are essential. A few hours walking in the bush soon creates an appetite for that delicious brunch, lunch or a cold beer!
Angling
Fishing on the Lower Zambezi offers one of the most exceptional freshwater angling experiences in the world. The highlight being the presence of the world’s premier game fish, the Tiger. The variety in the Zambezi, Hydrocynus vittatus, can grow up to 10 -12 kg and is a superb fighter. The best time for Tiger Fish is during the hot months of September to November.
The experienced guides will take you to all the best fishing spots and guide you through the whole process. Whether you are a complete beginner or a professional angler we can guarantee that catching one of these mighty fish is an experience you will never forget!
There are plenty of bream and chessa to catch or use as bait. As well as many varieties of catfish. You will certainly have a fight on your hands if you hook a Vundu (Bagrus Catfish). Which can grow up to almost 100 lbs! Other species of interest are the Three Spot Bream, Red Breasted Bream, Nile Bream, Chessa, Nkupi, Bottlenose and the Cornish Jack. All fishing is on a ‘catch and release’ basis.
Guides, fuel and tackle are provided. However, we recommend that serious sport fishermen/woman bring their own gear. Medium-heavy action 20lb spinning or baitcasting rods/reels work best. Wire leader is essential. As are good quality sharp hooks attached to bright, shiny spinners and spoons.
Standard fishing is included. Fly fishing is free of charge for up to 2 people. Thereafter a supplement per person per day due to the use of an extra boat. (Max 2 pax per boat for fly fishing).
Tiger fishing
River Cruise
A river cruise will be a rewarding experience any time from early morning to evening. The choice is yours. Photographers may not want the sun in their eyes or backlit waters.
There is a rich variety of birdlife on its banks, reed beds, backwaters and sandy shores. Mainly when the Palearctic migrants are around. You will see the ubiquitous fish eagle or an osprey often taking larger fish from the river. And there are myriad kingfishers of all shapes, colors and sizes. With a vast variety of waders, storks and herons, it’s a twitcher’s paradise with a host of interesting distractions.
Grey-headed kingfisher
One is always on the lookout for crocodiles, and the boatman or guide will make sure you can get that close up of the big one before it enters the water. The hippos, of course, are always around, and your guide will know just how close you can safely go.
All the large mammals come to the river to drink and in the case of elephants to frolic in the water. They let you come close enough to get some amusing pictures of their antics. You will often see lion, buffalo, kudu, bushbuck, waterbuck and many other larger animals on the river bank.
Cruises are well stocked with refreshments of your choice. Enjoy a sundowner on a sandy island with elephant nearby.
For additional interest, a trip further upriver will allow you to see the riverside villagers. Happily fishing, bathing and washing their clothes in the river in the same way as they have for centuries.
Canoeing
A canoe trip is a highlight on safari in the Lower Zambezi National Park. You will first enjoy a boat trip down river to where the canoes await you. Each one carrying one or two passengers and a guide. Previous canoeing experience is not a per-requisite. While an ability to sit still helps considerably!
The trip usually involves about two or three hours paddling, being paddled or just drifting downstream. On an offshoot from the main Zambezi which has formed a relatively narrow channel around what is effectively a large island. Most of the channel is reasonably shallow affording a view from water level over the lower banks of pristine bush and grassy flood plains. With heavier bush as a close backdrop. The wildlife don’t seem to care about these floating objects and go about their business quite uninterrupted. The higher river banks provide burrow type nesting sites for bee-eaters and kingfishers in abundance.
Bee-eaters on the river banks
The canoeing experience involves peace and tranquillity punctuated by animal magic in all its forms. Lions have been seen stalking and killing an impala. Leopard have been spotted on a branch watching the world go by. Elephant cross the water to and from the island where the vegetation provides plentiful browsing. Cape buffalo graze on the floodplains on both banks.
An elephant on a canoe safari
At the end of the trip refreshments of your choice await you on the river bank at the confluence with the main river. Providing an unforgettable blend of action and serenity and an experience for which many return.
Our recommendation is for you to partake in this activity in the afternoon when the sun is behind you and the light assists photography.
Hiking
Please note: Due to the hot climate during summer months in the Lower Zambezi, this is a seasonal activity. Therefore is on offer from June to August each year.
The backdrop to Lower Zambezi National Park is an impressive mountainous escarpment with many peaks and a variety of walks and climbs. Some of which will put you to the test and others which will provide a mild cardiac stimulus. The choice is yours.
The warm weather makes for a trip which doesn’t involve heavy clothing, and the primary consideration is comfortable shoes and clothing.
The trip will first take you through the riverine bush. As you move higher the vegetation changes, then thins out, and the most fantastic panoramic view of the Zambezi valley emerges. You begin to imagine how the first explorers must have felt.
An armed scout accompanies you and your experienced guide will point out all sorts of interesting features. In addition to the wild animals and birds encountered. That said the prime aim of reaching the top or at least some way up is not forgotten.
As your party is always in radio contact with the Lodge, vehicles can be arranged to return with some mobile game viewing thrown in. It’s entirely up to you.
A scout fee for Chilapila Hiking Challenge is payable.
Terrific view over the Lower Zambezi National Park
Giving Back
Royal Zambezi Lodge believe in responsible tourism and supporting the environment around them through community and conservation. Giving high priority to the well being of the local communities and preserving the local ecosystem.
Conservation – Royal Zambezi Lodge are committed to guiding responsibly, conserving and caring for the local wildlife and natural resources. They are Platinum supporters of Conservation Lower Zambezi.
Community – they work with the local community in the Chiawa Game Management area of the Lower Zambezi to ensure a good standard of living. By providing economic and educational support and empowerment.
The lodge is 100% solar powered.
Royal Zambezi Lodge Wining and Dining
Royal Zambezi Lodge prides itself on serving the highest level of cuisine using locally sourced ingredients. They will happily tailor menus to various dietary requirements. They offer flexibility in meal times to ensure you can enjoy your holiday at your pace.
Dinner is at either a long banquet table or at private tables under the stars. Whilst breakfast and lunch may be in the lodge or as a picnic during a morning of activities. For a special occasion, Royal Zambezi Lodge is happy to offer a candlelit dinner with a difference. On an island in the Zambezi or in the African bush.
In the evenings, guests gather at the legendary Sausage Tree Bar. Unquestionably the best watering hole on the river. Built around an ancient tree, its timber deck extends right out over the swiftly flowing channel. The perfect spot for sipping an ice cold G & T while the sun sets in a fiery spectacle. Next to the bar is a long oval infinity pool set in a stunning natural timber deck. The perfect place for cooling off with a tall cocktail or sun tanning next to the river after a morning game drive.
How to get to Royal Zambezi Lodge
Royal Zambezi Lodge is only 30 minutes by plane from the capital city Lusaka. To make getting there even more accessible, a “seat in plane” charter is available to Royal Airstrip. This 1.7km tarred airstrip is only a 5-10 minute drive from the lodge. It is often the platform for your first wildlife sighting getting to camp. Whether it be a baboon, impala or elephant you are sure to receive a unique welcome to the Lower Zambezi.
Wildlife on the airstrip
Alternatively, flights land at Jeki Airstrip where you will transfer with game drive to the lodge. It is approximately a 1.5 hour transfer or 2-3 hour activity.
Access by road takes a minimum of 5 hours from Lusaka requiring a four wheel drive.
Tips and Best time to visit Royal Zambezi Lodge
The climate in the Lower Zambezi can vary greatly. It is generally cool and dry from April to August. Hot and dry from September to December. And wet and humid from January to March. Minimum temperatures are around 14ºC, with maximum temperatures up to 40ºC.
The lodge is covered by Medical Air Rescue Services. Boats and vehicles have medical aid kits and the lodge managers are paramedic qualified. It is strongly advised that clients take malaria prophylactics.
Royal Zambezi Lodge Accommodation Rates
2024 & 2025 Royal Zambezi Lodge Accommodation Rates
Secret Season – January – May & December
High – June – November
Per Person Sharing
Per Person Sharing
Deluxe Rooms
Adults
$675
$970
Teenagers (13-16 yrs)
$520
$747
Children (8-12 yrs)
$338
$485
Children (2-7 yrs)
$169
$243
Infants (under 2 yrs) – On Request
Free of charge
Presidential Suites
Adults
$819
$1,113
Teenagers (13-16 yrs)
$631
$857
Children (8-12 yrs)
$410
$557
Children (2-7 yrs)
$205
$279
Infants (under 2 yrs) – On Request
Free of charge
Family Unit
Per Unit
Per Unit
2x Adults & 2x Children
$2,208
$3,172
Rates Include: Accommodation All meals, soft drinks, house wines, local beers, non-premium drinks, filtered water, teas, coffees Two (2) activities per day* Private guiding/vehicle/boat (*Please check T&C’s) Complimentary 15 min. foot/hand massage at the Royal Bush Spa Laundry & WiFi Return Royal Airstrip transfers Green levy 16% VAT and tourism levy
*Activities are weather dependent and your activity of choice on the day cannot be guaranteed.
Rates Exclude: National Park entry fees per person per day. Covers park entry including entry for game drives, walking safaris, canoeing, and fishing as applicable. Champagne, premium wine & spirits, imported beers Fishing tackle hire Late check out fee to cover lunch & extra activity. Flights / transfers / charters to the Lower Zambezi including any taxes. Royal Bush Spa & shop. Lusaka meet + greet.
Royal Zambezi Lodge Accommodation Special Offers and Packages
The Lower Zambezi National Park is unique in the fact its location is on one of Africa’s most important water sources. The Zambezi River. This gives Royal Zambezi Lodge the added advantage of offering an array of both water and land based adventures. The ideal amount of nights we would recommend for you to immerse yourself in this exceptional wilderness frontier is four.
Stay 3 / Pay 2
Valid for all room types in March, April, May, June & November 2025. Cannot be combined with any other specials.
Stay 4 / Pay 3
Valid for all room types and all seasons in 2024 and 2025. Stay Pay free night valid for stays from 4 nights plus. Combine with Honeymoon Special.
Stay 5 / Pay 4
Valid for all room types and all seasons in 2024 and 2025. Stay Pay free night valid for stays from 5 nights plus. Combine with Honeymoon Package and Free Flight Offer.
Free Flights to Lower Zambezi National Park
Guests staying 5 nights or more can qualify for free flights on Lusaka – Royal Airstrip route. Combine with Stay 5 / Pay 4 Pay special. T&C’s apply. Excludes all applicable taxes and levies (valid for the high season in 2025). Please check with us for the discounted package rates.
Long Stay Secret Season
1.Stay 8 nights & get 2 nights FREE 2. Stay 10 nights & get 3 nights FREE + a FREE Spa Treatment. Both can be combined with honeymoon package. Valid in secret season (January – May and December).
Royal Zambezi Lodge Honeymoon Package
The special setting of Royal Zambezi Lodge provides the perfect ambience for a romantic getaway.
All newlyweds staying at Royal Zambezi Lodge will receive the following: Complimentary 15 minute foot massage per couple. A bottle of sparkling wine for dinner on the night of arrival. A 3 course romantic dinner for two on the private deck. A bubble bath on the first night with bush confetti and candles. A congratulations card from Management. A room upgrade on arrival if available.
If there are any personal treats that you would like to “surprise” your spouse with, please chat to us. We will happily discuss ideas with you and help you plan something extra special.
African Food Safari
To offer you a holistic safari experience, we believe in appealing to all your senses, and as such, a glorious African Food Safari awaits with this addition to your tailor made safari. Step into an experience that will not only tantalize your taste buds but showcases the sights, sounds and breath-taking scenery the Zambezi has to offer.
This add on option gives you the opportunity to include a private culinary chef to your luxury safari. Callie-Anne Gavazzi, known by food loving viewers worldwide for her safari cooking show “Callie-Anne cooks, into the wild,” offers an extra element of culinary sensation to your safari. Callie-Anne or one of her talented chefs will cook with you to create unforgettable memories and a love affair with food in Africa.
This African food safari explores methods of cooking over an open fire in the wild. And the traditional yet modern take on cooking outdoors gives you a real sense of what Africa has to offer with all its glorious produce.
Call them professional safari food guides if you may. These ladies ensure you immerse yourself in all thing’s food related. And show you how locally sourced ingredients can be delicious culinary delights. Right in front of you, in the middle of the bush. Interactive dining on the banks of the mighty Zambezi has never been more magnificent. You’ll enjoy interactive cooking experiences throughout your stay in unique locations. And can leave with your own personalized recipe book from your food safari.
Book your cooking safari now and let’s make African food dreams a reality. Valid for a minimum 4 night stay at Royal Zambezi Lodge. Please note: As personal tastes and dietary requirements differ, please discuss all requests, likes and dislikes further with our team.
Photographic Safari
What better way to encapsulate the beauty of this great wilderness frontier than to photograph your treasured moments here? Embark on a photographic safari in the Lower Zambezi. The only skill set required is a passion for taking photographs. Whether you are an amateur enthusiast or experienced photographer, we offer bespoke photographic safaris as an add on to your stay at Royal Zambezi Lodge. Whether you would like to increase your knowledge or simply use the opportunity to hone your skills, there is a package for everyone.
Learn about shutter speeds, light, creative effects and more to ensure you are capturing the best of your safari memories. The personalized photography courses are a balance of theory, practical, question & answer sessions, critiques AND free time.
Practical sessions include safari activities as per below: Safari Vehicles: Enjoy a game drive into the National Park or around the GMA looking for big game, blossoming flowers or diverse landscapes. The perfect opportunity to practice what you have been learning during your photographic course.
On the Water: Boat cruises provide a unique perspective to game viewing and offer a fantastic platform for landscapes and sunsets.
Use Your Feet: Walking safaris are an intimate way to view the bush, and the slower pace allows many opportunities for the smaller stuff – bugs, flowers and more.
Wellness in the Wild
With Royal Zambezi Lodge being open year round, they have the distinct advantage of being able to offer sanctuary for guests wanting a retreat with a focus on wellness. From Yoga & Pilates to digital detoxes and art safaris, the team are at hand to assist you with putting these special interest packages together. Let us know what your dream is, and we’ll make it happen!
