Chundu Island

Our adventures at Chundu began immediately, and the fun lasted right up until the end. Our guide, Gerald, was waiting for us at the entrance to the Zambezi National Park, ready for the 45 minute drive to Chundu’s small ferry landing, and what eventuated during that trip made us like him immediately. We had the best giraffe sighting of our whole safari during that drive, and also saw zebras (we saw a baby zebra there a few days later), and other smaller game. It had been raining heavily earlier that day, and much of the dirt road had turned to mud. Gerald tackled it like a pro, and if he was freaking out on the inside, it didn’t show. He handled the situation with humour, even when our 4WD got stuck in knee-deep mud. The ride turned into one great romp that we enjoyed immensely. We stayed at Chundu over Christmas, and the team there did everything they could to make it a memorable one. There were lots of special festive touches (the food was delicious and plentiful, and our son rated the Christmas night bbq as his favourite meal while on Safari). The entire staff worked well as a team - everyone was likeable, friendly and eager to please. We felt welcome and at ease during our whole stay. The atmosphere was chilled and relaxed. The rooms were comfortable and well appointed. Possibly a little on the rustic side compared to most of our safari accommodation, but that’s not a negative. It was quite exciting to find fresh hippo tracks beside our room one morning after hearing them splash around in the water overnight, just outside our cabin. The WiFi didn’t reach the rooms (our teenagers weren’t too happy about this), but the WiFi in the common area was good, and the layout of couches etc in that space comfortable, with a nice outlook. Given it was quite rainy during our stay, we were lucky when it came to activities. We fished a couple of times - they weren’t biting, but for us that wasn’t the point of the exercise. We were just pinching ourselves that we were in the middle of the Zambezi River, enjoying a sundowner and good company while watching a spectacular sunset. (If fishing is important to you, consider bringing your own gear). We also canoed the Zambezi River, being dropped off upriver from Chundu with a professional canoe guide, as well as Gerald. This was a little confronting (you’re canoeing in hippo and crocodile territory, and it’s physically hard work), but we were so glad we did it. Gerald also took us on a morning bush walk around the island, which was interesting. He knew his stuff! And he took us on a game drive later that day, which turned into another adventure, and one of our most memorable, fun sundowners while on safari. (The 4WD broke down on the way to the picnic spot, and while waiting for back-up to arrive we improvised, with Gerald serving us G&Ts from the back of the 4WD in the middle of nowhere, which generated plenty of jokes about us becoming a lion’s sundowner. We knew we were in safe hands, and had a lot of f

Staff and manager/host , food, service—excellent 10+; laundry service available each day. Internet available at the main lodge area. Cabin/tent/room excellent (no heat and no ac-most important to bring warm clothes for night/sleep and morning game drives). Not allowed to walk at dark without escort. Very private island-needs boat each time to access. Outdoor shower is private; indoor toilet private; great view water/river. All water is potable. Outside common Plunge swimming pool Game drives each day/twice; Fishing, canoeing, sunset cruise, and Nature walk on island available. Guide took us to Victoria Falls included in package. Inside a national park protected and managed by government. Game drives excellent; lots of game; the guide, Johannes- is excellent and knowledgeable. The game vehicle is in great shape and comfortable but there are a lot of bumpy roads/trail. This is shoulder season-beginning of winter and dry season-good time to go.

Wonderful place, we arrived in Victoria Falls and was met by Phyllis who drove us to Zambezi national park. Driver was arranged by the lodge. We were met by Johannas who our guide for the stay was. We climbed into the safari rover and took off through the park which is how you get to the Island. drive was around 50 minutes. Not 10 minutes in we found Giraffes and Impalas. We saw much more along the way. We reached the launch point were one of the Islands boats met us and took us across to the lodge/camp. Was beautiful place had nice common area with internet access, bar and lounge area where they held afternoon tea every day. There was a nice pool to cold for us to get in as was winter there, but I know it would be lovely to use at certain times of the year. on the way to the room was the outdoor dining area. You can sit and have your meals with just your party, or you can join others if you want to. Our server Cletus was superb. We had choices and plated dinner and lunch. Breakfast was a wonderful buffet with eggs or something to order. Chef did an amazing job. Brian the bartender was always there to meet you needs. Cabin was fabulous. All the cabins have private views. Bed was huge, oversized king with seating, closet area tub and indoor toilet was in its own room with door for privacy. lovely outdoor private shower. The service to the room was fantastic always made when we returned from our morning drive and always set up for bed at night. There were some small island bucks that live on the island and of course we heard the hippos all night was wonderful. We had a sunset cruise with Captain Conrad and Johannas on the river and around the island. They also offer fishing, canoeing, walking on the Island in the wilderness area and trips to Victoria falls. The place was well managed by Dudley. Everyone was so gracious and professional. The drives were amazing. We saw many Elephants, Cape Buffalo, Impala, Kudu, Baboons, Zebras, Giraffes, Hippos, we even saw a African Wild Cat. Trip was truly amazing we will go back and I would highly recommend this to anyone the river was so relaxing and beautiful. the pictures on the site of the resort are great representation of the place so I did not add those. A big thank you to the whole staff ask for Johannes to guide you he was the best!!!

BREATHTAKING Wooowwww what an amazing special special place - Chundu Island really teaches one to just relax and breath and appreciate life with its spectacular views. Staff were so friendly and made your day with their beautiful smiles and laughter. The accommodation is gorgeous but the nights were too short in the very very comfy beds. Was such fun canoeing and doing chilled cruises on the Zambezi - spectacular - thank you all for a memorable time our hearts are so happy

This was a near perfect stay. We were made to feel like we were the only guests. Service was 100%, location is a dream and the villa was beautiful, clean and slick. Activities great also. One of those places where you can't hear yourself breathing - we were so relaxed

Fabulous lodge in a great location. Each canvas lodge is very large with huge king bed, very comfortable and beautifully decorated. Although we got a cold spell the hot water bottles and thick duvet made for a wonderful night's sleep even with the window open (we wanted to hear nature's sounds). In morning we saw a large crocodile swim past. We obviously didn't use the pool due to cold weather but it's in a beautiful setting. Food was very good and staff all friendly. Johannes our guide took us on daily game drives and we saw plenty of game. He also took our grandchildren fishing and all of us to Victoria falls. Dudley the manager was very friendly and helpful in every way. Highly recommended

An exceptional experience. Hippo outside tent, crocodile following our sunset boat trip, incredible sightings, hundreds of animals elephant, lion, giraffe even saw a 5m python eating an impala. My guide Gerald was knowledgeable, professional and friendly - fantastic.

Everything about the island is fantastic from the food, canvas tents and the stuff services. Gerald our guide was a great host who showed us around the island and also the game drive. The team and I created a legendary Madagascar special cocktail which is one of the best beverages which will remain unknown if you don’t visit the island. Special thanks everyone who made our stay very special. Maybe a little suggestion of Wifi availability in the tents being optional.

Rain hampered every activity. Also the guides knowledge of fishing is poor due to lack of the correct equipment, If you happy to catch bream and smaller fish its fine. No activities for the children as per the website and we had to ask a few times before they could do pizza making. Accomodation/staff and food were good.