Sanctuary Sussi and Chuma is a luxurious lodge nestled on a bend of the Zambezi River. It is within the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, and just 12 kilometers upstream from the iconic Victoria Falls. On the Zambian side. The lodge is named in honor of Dr. David Livingstone’s loyal companions Sussi and Chuma. Situated in one of the most picturesque and serene parts of the Zambezi. And surrounded by enchanting Jackalberry trees and majestic Phoenix palms. This idyllic setting provides guests with glorious views. And an exclusive and an unparalleled safari experience.
The main lodge area offers a variety of amenities and communal spaces for guests to enjoy. Including a cozy lounge, dining area, bar and a striking swimming pool. These spots are ideal for guests to unwind and socialize with fellow travelers. There is also a on-site Spa.
Sanctuary Sussi and Chuma comprises of 12 x heavenly tree houses. Scattered amidst majestic ebony trees and connected by wooden walkways. Each tree house is strategically positioned along the riverbank, offering a captivating view of the Zambezi’s lively waters. Elegantly designed and air conditioned to ensure maximum comfort. Each suite comes with a private viewing deck, stylish interiors and contemporary amenities. Each is 60 m2 including bedroom, bathroom and deck.
Tree House Room
Families at Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma
The lodge welcomes all children 6 years and older.
Children’s activities include tailor made child-friendly game drives, traditional clay / Plaster of Paris toy molding, sundowner storytelling, and a visit to Nakatindi School. Meals and meal times for children are flexible.
Children aged 15 years and younger are required to share with their parents. The camp is able to accommodate two triple rooms per night.
Babysitting is available on request (not a registered babysitter)
Children aged 6 years stay free of charge. Children aged 7 – 15 inclusive pay 50% of the adult sharing rate when sharing with 2 adults.
Activities at Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma
The Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is one of Zambia’s smallest parks. But provides loads of game viewing including an array of birds. The park has a relaxed atmosphere due to the lack of predators. Guests may also be lucky enough to see a rare sighting of the wild dogs. Key wildlife include: elephant, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, impala, crocodile, hippo, baboon, and vervet monkey.
The following activities are included in your stay:
Game Drives
The expert led game drives are in custom built 4×4 vehicles. The game drives reveal the park’s pristine landscape and abundant wildlife. Expect to come across a wealth of species. Including elephant, impala, giraffe, buffalo, hippo, crocodile and zebra. As well as a diverse variety of birds. Among the avian treasures are gems such as the elusive Peters Finfoot, a Southern African favorite.
Game drive
Victoria Falls Tour – Zambia Side
Sanctuary Sussi and Chuma offers guests the opportunity to embark on a mesmerizing walking tour of this natural wonder. As the mile wide Upper Zambezi cascades 300 feet into the Lower Zambezi. Witness the ever changing dance of rainbows forming and dissolving. Under the warm tropical sun above the waterfall. And lose yourself in a landscape adorned with ebony groves and mopane forests. The latter is a sanctuary for a myriad of bird species. Including fish eating raptors drawn to the bountiful offerings in the river. Please note that this activity is complimentary, however there is a Heritage Fee. This is payable directly by guests at the lodge when participating in the Victoria Falls tour.
Walking Safaris
A walking safari is a unique and exhilarating experience that provides an entirely different perspective on the bush. Sanctuary Sussi and Chuma’s highly trained walking guides’ infectious passion for the wild ensures an unforgettable journey. As they share their comprehensive knowledge of local flora and fauna. Accompanied by an armed National Parks ranger, guests embark on leisurely paced walking safaris lasting approximately 2 hours. Morning walks depart at 6:30 am, featuring a break complete with tea, coffee, and snacks. The afternoon walk commences at 4 pm, culminating in a spectacular sundowner spot. At this spot, guests enjoy drinks and canapés, with a magnificent sunset as their backdrop. Please note that the minimum age for participation is 15 years.
Sundowner Cruise
A sundowner cruise along the majestic Zambezi River offers an enchanting way to spend a few hours. Before returning to the lodge for a warm shower and a delicious dinner. Sanctuary’s specially designed boats are guided by skilled professionals who navigate through a series of grade 2 rapids. Before finding the perfect spot to beach for a break and a refreshing sunset cocktail. Invigorating sensations of the Zambezi spray misting your face. Paired with the delightful taste of a finely crafted drink, creates an unforgettable sunset cruise experience.
Sunset cruise
Local School and Village Tour
Nakatindi village is just 6 kilometers from Livingstone and 5 kilometers from Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma. Village scouts and guides will show guests around the village. This village comprises around 6,000 people who live in simple mud and brick houses. To the edge of the village sits the Nakatindi Community School. Where at least 50% of the learners are orphaned or considered vulnerable. Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma and their guests have donated and assisted the school by building additional classrooms and refurbishing existing classrooms. That’s not all. They have built a kitchen and expanded the school’s vegetable garden. To generate an income and supplement the children’s diets. The most recent investment is a state-of-the-art Learning Centre with a Computer Lab, Library, and Conservation Education Corner.
School kids
Fishing
Each year, the fishing season generally commences on the 1st of March. And concludes on the 1st of December. The largest fish caught to date weighed approximately 4.5 kg, demonstrating the thrilling angling opportunities available. During the open season, fishing in the national park adheres to a strict “Catch and Release” policy. This is to ensure environmental sustainability.
Fishing can either be from the river bank in front of the lodge. However, it is preferable to go out on the river in a boat. As it is a safety risk to fish off the river bank because of the crocodiles. Sussi and Chuma’s boats are used for fishing as well as other activities. Guests specifically wanting to do fishing should ideally request and pay for a private boat for fishing. That said they will be happy to accommodate fishermen as best as they can. It is important to note that during peak occupancy, all boats are reserved for the popular sunset cruise.
Additional Cost Activities
A wide array of exciting additional activities are on offer. The proximity to Livingstone / Victoria Falls allows guests to explore this natural wonder. You can explore either by helicopter or guided tour, ensuring a truly unforgettable Zambian experience. See our Victoria Falls day tours for more information.
Pampering Spa Treatments
At Sanctuary Sussi and Chuma, guests can indulge in a variety of spa treatments such as massages, facials, and manicures. All while taking in the breathtaking views of the Zambezi River. Perched on stilts along the riverbank, the spa offers an unparalleled experience. With facilities including a shower, a changing room, and both indoor and outdoor treatment areas.
Philanthropy at Sanctuary Sussi and Chuma ↓
Nakatindi Village is home to several other projects sponsored by Sanctuary Retreats Philanthropy. These initiatives aim to enhance education, conservation, health, and enterprise within the village community. Guests have the unique opportunity to visit these projects and interact with the people who benefit from them. By witnessing these projects first hand guests will gain a deeper understanding of the community’s way of life. And the transformative power of philanthropy in action.
Some of the initiatives include:
Chipego Bike Shop
Sanctuary Retreats has teamed up with Working Bikes which offers rental bicycles for a leisurely tour around the village. A charity that aims to empower people in developing countries. By providing bicycles and establishing small bike sales and repair businesses. Some of the many benefits of this social enterprise include creating employment opportunities and empowering women. Plus providing affordable mobility to a community.
Chipego Bike Shop in Nakatindi was their first women’s social enterprise project. The five women who are employed at the shop chose the name Chipego, which means ‘gift’. The passion of the mechanics is infectious, they love having guests visit to learn more. The income from the shop goes towards supporting five pupils through school each year. They have also contributed to the construction of the maternity ward. Plus donated 30 bikes to secondary school pupils and a further 18 to community healthcare volunteers.
Bike shop
Sishemo Bead Studio
A fantastic initiative staffed by a group of women who have been trained in the art of making glass beads. Using traditional African techniques. The glass is recycled from discarded bottles from Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma. The artisans painstakingly fire and shape each bead by hand. Creating unique shapes, colors, and designs. They then make beautiful necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and other bead products. In an area where employment opportunities are extremely limited, particularly for women, this project is much needed.
Conservation
To inspire students, regular events are held with the guides to teach them about safeguarding wildlife and natural resources. They hope that this will encourage the growth of tomorrow’s conservationists and ambassadors for wildlife preservation.
Health
With help from generous guest donations, Sanctuary Retreats Philanthropy constructed a much needed medical clinic for the Nakatindi community. The clinic serves around 50+ people every day and takes an active role in preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS.
Maternity Ward
A 275 m2 maternity ward at Nakatindi is Sanctuary Retreats Philanthropy’s largest investment to date. The facility provides increased capacity for antenatal and postnatal care. Something that only 19% of Zambian mothers experience. This makes labor and delivery safer for both mothers and infants. And helps reduce the risk of HIV transmission from mother to child. Thanks to the generosity of Sanctuary Retreats’ guests.
Safe Water For Schools Zambia
Sanctuary Retreats believes creating access to clean drinking water is vital for quality of life. Not only can it save communities from infectious disease, malnutrition, and health complications. But improved water supply and sanitation can also boost economic growth and help to reduce poverty.
Dining at Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma
Experience the ultimate culinary adventure in the bush. The team is always working hard to put a modern twist on classic dishes. So expect to find a combination of local spices and sauces for an explosion of flavors on your tongue. Guests can enjoy full English and continental breakfasts. While a snack menu remains available throughout the day. Dinner is from the à la carte menu and features a range of sensational dishes. With local ingredients used wherever possible.
Cuisine
When to visit Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma
February to May is known as the green season as the landscape is lush due to the rains. Victoria Falls has a massive volume of water flowing. The spray and mist can be intense creating a unique experience. Wildlife is active in this period.
September to December is low water season where the water levels at the Falls are lower. The reduced spray allows for better visibility making it easier to see the intricate rock formations of the falls. Wildlife is present and the dry landscape can help in spotting animals.
June to August and January is a balance between high and low water seasons. The Falls is still impressive but the spray is less than during the high water months.
From November to April, rainfall is common, especially from December to February. Temperatures are warm with daytime highs of 25°C / 77°F to 30°C / 86°F. May to October is drier and cooler. Daytime temperatures range from 20°C / 68°F to 28°C / 83°F. And nights can be cooler with temperatures dropping to around 10°C / 50°F to 15°C / 59°F
How to get to Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma
Scheduled and charter flights into Livingstone are available. The lodge is a 25 minute road transfer from Livingstone Airport. We can also book road transfers from Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) and from Kasane in Botswana (1 hour 30 minutes).
Flying times:
Lusaka (LUN) to Livingstone (LVI) – 1 hour
Mfuwe (MFU) to Livingstone (LVI), via Lusaka (LUN) – 2 hours
Please note:
There is no supplement for single occupancy of a maximum of 3 x tents in the low season. Further single occupancy bookings in the low season are subject to a 50% single supplement. All other single occupancy bookings are charged at a 50% supplement.
Rates Include:
Return transfers from Livingstone Airport.
All meals, and non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages (Including premium brands)
All game viewing activities
Canoeing
Sundowner cruise on the Zambezi
Tour of the Victoria Falls
Walking safaris
Local village tour
Fishing
Laundry services, emergency medical evacuation, and Park fees.
Rates Exclude:
International and internal flights, landing fees,
Victoria Falls Heritage Fees
Road transfers to and from other camps and lodges.
Travel insurance, boutique purchases, gratuities, and all other items of a personal nature.
Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma Accommodation Special Offers
The longer you stay, the less you pay in 2025 (as indicated in the rates table above)
Stay 4-6 nights & save up to 25%
Stay 7+ nights & save up to 30%
Book at least 2 nights and one partner gets a 50% discount on accommodation. For a honeymoon safari like no other!
Plus guests celebrating their honeymoon will receive special surprises during their stay. All attempts are made to keep honeymooners separate from other guests.
This special offer can be combined with the above long stay discount for even greater savings.
Valid for travel within 6 months of marriage certificate
Valid from 1st January 2025 and 31st December 2025
Stay 5 Pay 4 in Southern Africa
Stay 5 nights across Sanctuary safari lodges and camps in Southern Africa and receive your 5th night free.
Valid for travel from 1st January – 31st May 2025 and 1st October – 21st December 2025
Valid for all camps and lodges in: Botswana:
Sanctuary Baines’ Camp, Sanctuary Chief’s Camp, Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero, and Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp; Namibia:
Okahirongo Elephant Lodge Zambia:
Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma
This offer can be combined with the long stay discount for even greater savings but with no other offers.
The fifth night is free if the itinerary is five nights or more.
Single Supplement Offer
The single supplement for all Sanctuary camps and lodges across East and Southern Africa is wavered.
Valid for travel from 1st January – 31st May 2025, and 1st October – 21st December 2025
Offer can be combined with long stay discount for even greater savings.
This is in addition to the low season single supplement that is wavered.
Family / Group Travel Offer
Experience a family group safari like no other at Sanctuary camps and lodges across Africa.
For groups of eight full paying guests, one guest travels free
For groups of 12 full paying guests, two guests travel free with two private vehicles
Valid in 2025 for travel from 3rd January – 30th April; 1st October – 21st December
Groups must have 6 or more adults. Children aged 6+ count towards the minimum number of people.
It cannot be combined with any other offers (except the long stay discount).
Tongabezi Lodge and Tangala House are 12kms upstream of Victoria Falls, romantic and luxury accommodation for honeymooners and families or for an extra special occasion
The River Club is a boutique, owner run luxury lodge on the Zambezi River; just outside Livingstone and the mighty Victoria Falls. Kosher kitchens are available too.
Sanctuary Sussi and Chuma (Livingstone)
Sanctuary Sussi and Chuma Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park Livingstone 00000 Zambia
