Lower Zambezi, Zambia
Royal Zambezi Lodge
A more relaxed luxury lodge between jungle and river
Upstream from the roaring Victoria Falls, the Royal Zambezi Lodge sits embedded within the dense treeline, an elegant yet homely lodge that’s almost inextricable from the flourishing ecosystem surrounding it.
In fact the lodge faces the widest section of the river with lush forest on either side, giving it an exclusive relationship with the landscape yet constantly ensures that you are kept in the height of luxury. Think fine dining on the riverfront, sunset river cruises and big game drives inland and you’re only half way there.
The highlight of the lodge, the raised wooden veranda, leads directly to the pier with uninterrupted views across the water. Spend your downtime in the evening at the riverside bar sipping cocktails and sharing stories with other explorers, recline on the decking and simply enjoy the view or head inside to a roaring fire when the night is cooler.
The lodge itself is constructed with space in mind, and follows an open plan pattern to complement the expansive river on its doorstep. There are both entry-level and deluxe suites available, both of which are decorated with an authentic safari-tent aesthetic, although with the luxury experience in firmly in mind. The deluxe suites take this to the next level and further improve upon the modern explorer chic with their large indoor lounging area, outdoor copper roll-top bath and private plunge pool.
Highlights
Game drives
Wildlife and bird watching
Canoeing
Fishing
Fifteen Luxury tents
Infinity pool
Dinner served at private tables
Spa and outdoor jacuzzi
Lounge area and bar
Trip Inspiration
Plan your trip to Zambia
Whatever you want from your adventure in Zambia, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Places to combine Royal Zambezi Lodge with
Mozambique
Azura Marlin Beach is located on the shores of Benguerra Island in Mozambique. The resort’s ten beautifully designed villas blend local craftsmanship with contemporary elegance, creating a seamless harmony between nature and comfort. Choose from beach villas and beach villa grandes or indulge in the exclusivity of villa vista, a spacious private sanctuary featuring two separate suites, a large pool and an expansive entertainment area, ideal for families or friends travelling together. Each villa is curated for both seclusion and connection, with open-air living spaces. The soft ocean breeze drifts through private terraces, while personal plunge pools offer a secluded oasis to bask in the sun.
Thoughtfully designed public areas maximise sweeping views over the Indian Ocean, providing tranquil spaces to relax, dine and take in the beauty of the island. Mornings begin with freshly prepared breakfasts overlooking the water, followed by leisurely afternoons spent poolside, where the sun-drenched deck invites deep relaxation. Evenings unfold with elegant candlelit dinners beneath the starry night, the soft glow of lanterns illuminating the beachfront setting. For a taste of Mozambican tradition, the lively weekly beach bbq is a guest favourite, offering an immersive experience of grilled seafood, local specialties and storytelling under the open sky.
Two Mile Reef, one of the region’s most pristine snorkelling and diving sites, reveals an underwater world of breathtaking colour and movement, where manta rays sweep gracefully through the depths and rare marine species make their home among the corals. PADI 5-Star certified scuba diving excursions, led by expert instructors, offer a deeper glimpse into this extraordinary ecosystem, while deep-sea fishing expeditions provide the thrilling opportunity to seek out the legendary black marlin that the Bazaruto Archipelago is renowned for.
The resort’s open-air treehouse spa provides a haven of rejuvenation, where skilled therapists use traditional African oils and balms to melt away tension.
Rwanda
Wilderness Magashi Peninsula is the sister property of Wilderness Magashi Camp, an exclusive retreat in the heart of Akagera National Park in Rwanda that offers an immersive safari experience. Set within a private concession on the shores of Lake Rwanyakazinga, with the Mutumba Mountains rising in the distance, this eight-bed camp is designed for those seeking unparalleled privacy and connection to nature. Here, the vast landscapes of open plains, acacia woodlands, shimmering lakes and rolling grasslands form the backdrop to extraordinary wildlife encounters. Akagera is a conservation success story, home to one of Africa’s most diverse ecosystems. Over 500 bird species fill the air with their calls, while elephants wade in the lake and hippos bask along its banks.
The camp comprises a stunning four-bed villa and two twin suites, each elevated to maximise the panoramic views over the lake. Private plunge pools invite moments of quiet reflection and the villa’s multi-purpose room is adaptable as a gym, office or family space. Personalised in-villa dining and a dedicated private guide transform each stay into a deeply personal journey, allowing you to explore the wilderness at your own pace. Embark on a morning game drive, glide silently through the waterways on a boating safari or set out on a guided nature walk.
Rooted in sustainability and inspired by Rwanda’s rich culinary heritage, the menu features fresh, local ingredients. Start the day with a signature ‘rolex’ breakfast wrap, a beloved Rwandan street food specialty, and end it with a Kugisha dinner, a communal feast accompanied by traditional storytelling and song.
As with all Wilderness camps, conservation and community engagement are at the heart of Magashi Peninsula. In partnership with the Akagera Management Company, Wilderness supports vital initiatives such as predator monitoring, invasive plant management and educational programs designed to inspire the next generation of conservationists. Magashi Peninsula builds upon this legacy, ensuring that both wildlife and local communities thrive side by side.
