Royal Chundu on the Zambezi River offers guests an authentic and luxurious Zambian experience
The lodge is positioned on a 15km stretch of the Zambezi River, and guests are afforded a uniquely private and exclusive experience, which includes the option of an outside shower or bath. Despite its secluded location, the lodge is well-positioned, and guests can participate in a number of activities, including a helicopter ride over the Victoria Falls.
But the heart of this establishment lies in its community engagement. Royal Chundu exists in harmony with the surrounding villages — Mushekwa, the neighbouring agricultural village, and Muluka, the local fishing village. “We employ only people from the villages we share our home on the banks of the Zambezi with,” Aponte says.
Royal Chundu also runs a small women’s project promoting the production of curios and Christmas decorations made from traditional beads and local fabrics. The Royal Chundu Foundation School is another community-empowerment venture: it educates three grades of primary school children.
“I don’t believe that you can have a luxurious African product that does not benefit everyone as much as possible,” Aponte says. “We have a uniquely cohesive arrangement where we all benefit from the good that the lodge enjoys. We believe strongly (that) abundance only comes from a collective.” royalchundu.com