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We recently spent a weekend at Royal Zambezi Lodge on the Zambezi River and were blown away by our incredible stay.
A Warm Welcome with a Surprise Elephant Sighting
Getting to Royal Zambezi Lodge, you have a couple of options: flying in (which we highly recommend, as Royal have their own airstrip just 15 minutes from the lodge) or taking the scenic road trip from Lusaka, like we did.
On our drive, we had a wonderful surprise near the Royal Zambezi Airstrip—a breeding herd of elephants! We paused to watch them for a while before continuing our journey to the lodge. This elephant encounter set the perfect tone for our stay.
When we arrived, we received a warm welcome from the camp's staff, which made us feel right at home. It was the start of what turned out to be an incredible experience at Royal Zambezi Lodge.
The Royal Suites - A Luxurious Sanctuary
The Royal Suites feature fifteen spacious canopied tents nestled among evergreen trees, each strategically placed to offer the best views of the Zambezi River while maintaining total privacy.
These tents are beautifully designed with a modern, understated elegance. You'll find natural colours, luxurious textures, and cozy armchairs that create a tranquil getaway.
Our suite was a dream and the private deck and pool were our sanctuary after days packed with adventure and activities.
Each morning, we woke up to the breathtaking view of the Zambezi River, with elephants and hippos making occasional appearances right from our deck. One of our favourite moments was unwinding in our plunge pool or enjoying a sundowner as the sun set over the magnificent Zambezi River. It was the perfect blend of comfort and serenity, surrounded by nature's beauty.
A Thrilling Game Drive in the Lower Zambezi National Park
That evening, we set off for an exciting game drive in Lower Zambezi National Park. As we ventured into the heart of the park, you could feel the anticipation in the air. Our guide skilfully navigated the rugged terrain, and soon we were treated to sightings of big herds of elephants and buffalo, waterbuck, impala, giraffe and even a pair of mating lions lounging on the sandy ground.
After all that excitement, it was time for a break. Our guide set up a fantastic pit stop with G&Ts and some delicious snacks. We enjoyed a few drinks, listened to some of our guide's thrilling stories, and soaked in the beautiful surroundings. Feeling refreshed, we set off again, this time on the lookout for the elusive leopard.
The highlight of the drive was definitely spotting a leopard stealthily prowling through the bush. Seeing such a magnificent predator up close was absolutely thrilling, so thrilling that we completely forgot to take a picture! As the drive came to an end, we were treated to a breathtaking sunset over the Zambezi River, with the sky painted in gorgeous shades of orange and pink. It was the perfect end to an unforgettable day.
Tiger Fishing followed by a Sunset Cruise on the Mighty Zambezi River
Our next day on the Zambezi River started with an exhilarating session of tiger fishing. It was pure thrill to battle these powerful fish against the backdrop of such a stunning setting. As we cast our lines, we also enjoyed spotting elephants splashing about on the rivers edge and hippos lazily soaking in the shallows nearby.
After reeling in a few impressive catches and releasing them, thanks to our expert guide, Lucky, we took a break for a leisurely lunch right on the boat. The delicious food, combined with the peaceful surroundings, made for a perfect midday pause.
Later in the afternoon, we switched gears to a relaxing sunset cruise. Drifting along the mighty Zambezi, we took out our binoculars and spotted elephants, buffalo and impala on the river banks. An amazing end to another exciting day at Royal Zambezi.
Sunday Breakfast on the Deck
We wrapped up our stay with a leisurely Sunday morning, enjoying freshly brewed coffee and chocolate chip cookies in bed. Here's a little insider's tip: the night before, you can request coffee and fresh biscuits to be delivered straight to your room in the morning by any of the friendly Royal Zambezi staff.
Afterwards, we made our way to the deck for a delightful breakfast spread. You can pick from a variety of cooked dishes on the menu or help yourself to fresh fruit, yogurt, and pastries. With satisfied stomachs and grateful hearts, it was time to bid farewell to the amazing staff at Royal Zambezi Lodge and head back to Lusaka.
And That's a Wrap
Thank you so much to the exceptional team at Royal Zambezi Lodge for providing us with an unforgettable experience! We are excited to share this incredible destination with our L&L travellers in the near future.
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