Extraordinary Africa>Zambia>Lower Zambezi>Royal Zambezi Lodge
Royal Zambezi is a luxury safari lodge in the wildlife area adjacent to the Lower Zambezi National Park.
What’s Royal Zambezi really like?
It has 15 stylish and comfortable suites. There are 8 canvas and thatch Deluxe Suites with lovely private verandahs, plunge pools (bliss on a blazing October afternoon) and ensuite bathrooms. To be honest, these are pretty substantial and luxurious as Zambian lodges go, but there are also 7 Presidential Suites, which are huge and have gorgeous copper baths, romantic outdoor showers and plenty of outdoor space. Two of the Deluxe Suites are family suites (two suites with a shared outdoor lounge) and the Presidential suites can accommodate several extra beds for anyone travelling with younger children.
Heading over to the main part of the lodge, you’ll find a solid thatched building with a lovely deck looking out over the river. There’s a small pool on the deck and a pontoon going out to where the boats are docked. The bar is built around an old sausage tree and there is a firepit for evening drinks. Royal Zambezi also has a bush spa- a real treat in this part of Africa.
What can I do at Royal Zambezi?
Game drives are conducted in open vehicles both in the wildlife management area surrounding the lodge and deeper into the national park, a 10 minute drive away. Night drives are also an option for seeing nocturnal animals such as leopard. If you get lucky enough to see an aardvark, don’t tell us, we’ll die of jealousy. Walking safaris are a great way to get out of the vehicle and experience the bush up close, and if you visit during the cooler months of May-August you can even try hiking on the escarpment.
Canoe safaris here are just fabulous, pottering along in two-man canoes and exploring the quieter channels away from the main river. It’s incredibly tranquil- just the odd spluttering hippo popping up, and animals coming to drink quietly from the water. Just as a note for guests travelling with children- canoeing and walking safaris are limited to children over 12.
There’s also great fishing. September-November is peak time for tiger fish, but there are plenty of bream and catfish throughout the year. All fishing is catch and release and while tackle is supplied, if you are a really serious fisherman or woman you may wish to bring your own. Lastly, boat safaris are not only fabulous for birding, but they are a very civilised end to the day with a cold drink!
Giving back at Royal Zambezi:
The lodge does a huge amount to support local community and conservation initiatives- they have installed water pumps in the villages for clean drinking water, and you will see locally made products for sale in the camp shop, providing an income for local ladies. Royal Zambezi are keen supporters of near-neighbours Conservation Lower Zambezi, an excellent non-profit protecting the local wildlife and running excellent conservation and community engagement programmes.
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