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Royal Zambezi Lodge is located in the Chiawa Conservancy, a wildlife management area just three kilometres west of Zambia's Lower Zambezi National Park. Its location on the banks of the river make for front-row access to the action, with elephant, hippo and crocs in the water and monkeys in the trees. In the park you're likely to encounter a host of other wildlife too. There's a huge array of activities on offer to make sure you get the most out of your visit, but it's a great place to do nothing at all (or DNA, as the Royals call it).
From $760 person/night
The variety of activities is, quite simply, staggering and you'll never be at a loss for something thrilling to do.
Royal Zambezi is one of the few lodges in the region that is open year-round, making it possible to explore this beautiful area in the green summer months. Summer or winter, there's plenty to see and do.
Animals often wander on to the lodge grounds, so staff are at hand to escort you to your tent or wait until the coast is clear. So keep an eye out.
Arriving by boat, you'll make your way from the jetty to a wooden deck with scattered umbrellas and a fire pit to one side. In the thatched main building is an open-plan lounge/dining room with a fireplace on either side. Several other comfy seating areas are scattered throughout the space. On the eastern side of the lodge is a bar, shaded by an enormous sausage tree, and a riverside pool. Nearby is Zambia's first bush spa, should you need pampering.
Eight classic, four deluxe and three presidential suites make up a total of 15 canopied, tented rooms. Each spacious suite is tucked into the woodland on the river's edge, and has a private veranda to take it all in. The decor is simple but elegant, and extremely comfortable. The deluxe and presidential suites all have plunge pools, outside showers and free-standing copper bathtubs, while all the rooms have en-suite bathrooms and a seating area. One family unit is also available.
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You're spoilt for choice here. Early morning and late afternoon/evening drives present the best opportunity to see and photograph big game in the park. Keen on fishing? Many freshwater species are available. Take an afternoon cruise, spotting hippo, elephants and crocs as you go. Tackle the Zambezi in a canoe, explore the wilderness on bush walks, hike in the mountains that form the backdrop to the park, or visit the Chiawa Cultural Village.
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The Lower Zambezi National Park lies in a large river valley with fertile soils providing the basis for a thriving ecosystem. Elephant and buffalo congregate along the river to graze along with impala, zebra and more, enjoying the nutritious vegetation of the region. Lion, leopard and the spotted hyena follow the herds, hunting as they move.