Chundukwa River Lodge

The open-sided thatched main area, with its wide views of the Zambezi, has a lounge, dining and pool area, the last beautifully set into the bank with a wall of river rock. The decor is both modern and traditionally African, creating an atmosphere of unpretentious, rustic stylishness. Meals are often served just outside the lounge on the ample patio area surrounding the pool, or by candlelight on the riverfront. As a friend said, "You'd be crazy not to stay here".

Hidden among the riverbank trees are five thatched chalets, their interiors creating the sense of an elaborate hide perched on stilts. Extremely spacious with one open-sided wall overlooking the river, each chalet has a large, net-draped four-poster bed and a lovely seating area. The en-suite bathrooms have showers and/or a shower and bath. For families, Chundu Cottage is a stand-alone unit that sleeps up to seven people, with its own lounge and pool and, if desired, dedicated staff.

Though this isn't a wildlife reserve, you're likely to catch a few decent sightings on the property. Hippo and croc are frequent riverbank visitors, and during the dry months (May to November), elephants visit to bathe and drink. If it's fishing season, enjoy some angling. Visit nearby Livingstone (in Zambia) or Victoria Falls (in Zimbabwe) for action-packed adventures such as microlight and helicopter flights, bungee jumping, river rafting and a dip in Devil's Pool (on the edge of the falls).