Royal Zambezi Lodge: Our full report

Looking across to Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park, on the banks of the Zambezi River, Royal Zambezi Lodge ...

... is located in the Chiawa Game Management Area, a 40-minute drive from the national park entrance. Open year round, it offers activities within the park itself as well as in the surrounding GMA.

In contrast to the lodges inside the park which are more seasonal, Royal Zambezi Lodge is open year-round.

Its 15 suites are spaced out along the banks of the Zambezi, and vary in style, but all have canvas walls and thatched roofs, with crisp decor, white and cream linens, with splashes of colour through colourful cushion covers and throws. King sized or twin beds are central,

Eight deluxe suites are slightly smaller than the seven more luxurious presidential suites, which all have a larger room area, deck and outdoor bath or shower. All 15 have an individual plunge pool in front of or to the side of the room.

Each suite varies slightly, with decking either to the front or side of the suite, sliding doors (with an ingenious baboon-proof locking system) leading out, but all overlooking the flood plain on front. Resident buffalo, large breeding herds of elephants, warthogs and hippos were among the mammals in front of our chalet on our last visit, along with a variety of bird species. All suites have a small desk and seating area, and the presidential suites have a lounge area alongside, with comfortable sofas. Each has an ensuite bathroom, with toilet and twin sinks then again all varying somewhat in style, with a mix of indoor and outdoor showers and large bathtubs.

The expansive main area is a large open sided stone building, with polished stone floors and rugs throughout, leading onto a large, split-level wooden deck, with individual seating areas, and fire pits for cooler days plus overhead misting fans to keep this area cool in the October heat.
Stunning photography adorns the walls, one section has comfortable sofas, and there’s a well-stocked library area, plus a telescope for stargazing or wildlife viewing, day or night.
There are generally always team members on hand to assist, but if not, you’ll find a water station and tea and coffee station to help yourself to drinks throughout the day, plus a small shop. Yoga and art teacher in the camp, Karina, she offers art lessons, as well as a variety of yoga, lessons, private or group as you wish, at additional cost.

From the front centre of the lodge, a long wooden walkway leads across the floodplain to a deck and jetty at the riverbank, where boats are moored.
Activities at Royal Zambezi include guided 4WD day and night game drives, along with walking safaris and, as with all of the camps in this location, water-based activities on the Zambezi river. Canoeing is carried out in the Kalanga channel, while boat trips go along the main river either east into the national park, or further west down and around the large islands in front of Zimbabwe’s Mana Pool National Park.

Royal Zambezi is slightly different to other lodges in that they offer an additional sixth activity – DNA: do nothing at all! They actively promote taking time to have a break from the fast pace of safari mornings, and advocate yoga, wellness, or simply enjoying your pool and watching the myriad of animals in front of the lodge. We opted out of the game activity on our last morning, and enjoyed a relaxing yoga session overlooking the floodplain, with buffalo looking on!

Our view

The Royal Zambezi probably won’t suit safari purists: if you are looking for a lodge to focus on the wildlife and predators in the Lower Zambezi, we feel that you would be better off choosing a camp or lodge located within the park itself. It’s great for families though and, for those looking for an affordable option in a stunning location, with a variety of activities, Royal Zambezi Lodge is a brilliant option.

Amanda Bond

Country manager: Zambia

Geographics

Location: Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia
Ideal length of stay: We recommend a minimum of three nights at Royal Zambezi Lodge, although a longer stay allows you to take advantage of the numerous activities the lodge offers. A stay here also combines well with one of the camps located further east, within the Lower Zambezi National Park .
Directions: The camp is a 5-minute drive from Royal Airstrip, and flights from Lusaka take around 40 minutes.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board & Activities
Food quality: We have visited Royal Zambezi Lodge on a few occasions since 2016, but were pleased to be able to stay for the first time in October 2023, and were delighted with our experience, the food was very good. With prior notice, the kitchen is able to cater for a range of dietary requirements.

Breakfast is a continental option from 5:30 am, before your morning game drive, with muffins, Danish pastries and rusks, along with fresh fruit, yoghurts, meats and cheeses.
Hot breakfast is served from seven through till 10:30, so you can have this after the game drive, or wait until lunch. There’s a full cooked breakfast menu, with daily specials (poached eggs and avocado on toast was on offer during our stay), and a range of teas, coffees, smoothies and fresh juices.

Lunch is served from 11.00am, once you've had some time to freshen up after your morning activity. It varies, but is generally a sharing platter brought to each table to choose from. We were big fans of the beef flatbreads – freshly baked flatbreads piled high with thinly sliced cooked beef, olives, feta and roasted vegetables, alongside a choice of green salad, crunchy green beans, giant couscous salad and caprese salad. (There was a vegetarian flatbread on offer too), with a slice of Rooibos melktart to finish.

Afternoon tea, served at about 3.30pm before your afternoon activity, usually involves both a freshly baked cake or biscuits and a savoury option. We didn’t have then chance to stay on our last visit, leaving for the airstrip before tea was served, though were delighted when the driver produced a little takeaway bag with a brownie and fruit as snacks for the plane.

Dinner is a three-course meal, with the choices brought to you before the afternoon activity. On our last visit, we enjoyed hot arancini, with melting mozzarella and tomato sauce, and freshly baked bread rolls. Main course was a tender beef fillet with Yorkshire puddings and fresh vegetables. We couldn’t fit in more, but there was a choice of apple crumble, cheese or fruit salad to finish.
Dining style: Individual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Drinks included: Filtered drinking water, soft drinks, local beers and spirits, and a selection of red, white and sparkling wines are included.

Children

Attitude towards children: Royal Zambezi Lodge welcomes children of all ages.
Property’s age restrictions: None, but there is a minimum age of 12 to take part in canoeing, walking and hiking.
Special activities & services: Babysitting services can be provided, at additional cost, and must be booked in advance. Please note this is not a qualified childminding service and booking this is at the discretion of the parent or guardian.
Generally recommended for children: Though the lodge set up works well for families with younger children, with the inherent dangers of an unfenced camp in a wildlife area, we would recommend the Royal Zambezi for children over the age of 8 years. Do bear in mind that children younger than 12 will be limited as to the activities in which they can take part.
Notes: Royal Zambezi Lodge is unfenced, and dangerous wildlife often wanders through. The riverbank is open, and steep in parts, and the swimming pool is also not fenced. Children must be closely supervised by a parent or guardian at all times.

Communications

Power supply notes: There are international charging points in the suites. A separate plug socket allows for use of a provided hairdryer.
Communications: There is no direct phone line – although the camp does have satellite communications for emergencies. Cellphone reception is very intermittent and not always reliable. WiFi is available, but can be slow and is restricted to guest tents.
TV & radio: None.
Water supply: Other
Water supply notes: Water is pumped from the Zambezi River and is filtered. Showers and bathtubs are plumbed in, with hot and cold running water and there are flushing toilets. There are plans for a borehole to be drilled, to provide fresh water for the camp.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended: Yes
Medical care: The camp managers and guides are trained in first aid, and a full medical kit is kept on site. In case of a medical emergency, guests would be evacuated by air to Lusaka and then potentially to Johannesburg.
Dangerous animals: High Risk
Security measures: Guests are escorted to their tents after dark. A radio is provided in each tent to raise the alarm in case of emergency.
Fire safety: There are fire extinguishers at all of the suites and throughout camp, and staff are trained in their use.

Activities

4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Canoeing
Fishing
Guided walking safari
Night drive

Extras

Disabled access: On Request
Laundry facilities: A full laundry service is included, and a small mesh bag is also provided for ladies' underwear. Laundry is machine washed and air dried.
Money: There is a safe in each tent. Currency-exchange can be carried out at reception, ask the manager on duty.
Accepted payment on location: Any extras such as purchases from the shop or special fishing trips would need to be settled in cash, preferably in Zambian kwacha or US dollars. If paying in dollars, notes dated 2014 or later are preferred.