Royal Zambezi Lodge
Lower Zambezi, Zambia
How we rate
Explore Africa level, based on the typical lowest nightly rate per person sharing: Value under A$400, Mid-range A$400 to A$899, Luxury A$900 to A$1,799, Ultra-luxury A$1,800 or more.
Photo: Royal Zambezi Lodge · Source ↗
All inclusive (AI)
Accommodation, All meals and 11 more
15 rooms
Deluxe Suite, Presidential Suite, Deluxe Family Unit
All ages welcome
Family rooms available
By air
10 min from Royal Airstrip
Wi-Fi in rooms
Solar power
From about A$960
per person / night, sharing
Overview
About Royal Zambezi Lodge
Royal Zambezi Lodge is an award-winning safari lodge set on a 200-hectare private reserve with 3.5 kilometres of frontage along the Lower Zambezi River, within the Chiawa Game Management Area. The unfenced property sits against the Zambezi Valley Escarpment, directly opposite Zimbabwe's Mana Pools UNESCO World Heritage Site and minutes from Lower Zambezi National Park. Thatched luxury suites combine contemporary style with wilderness comfort, and the lodge is regularly visited by elephants, hippos, buffalo, lion, leopard, and an abundance of birdlife.
“We love the mix of river activities and game drives, with a private plunge pool to return to. It suits families, couples and solo travellers who want several ways to explore the Lower Zambezi.”
Best for
Known for
What you can expect to see
Elephants, hippos and buffalo visit the unfenced riverfront, while game drives and river outings explore the surrounding Lower Zambezi wilderness.
Your stay
What's included
Board: All inclusive (AI)
Included
- Accommodation
- All meals
- Soft drinks
- House wines
- Local beers
- Non-premium drinks
- Filtered water
- Two activities per day
- Laundry
- Return Royal Airstrip transfers
- Green levy
- Dining room
- Shady veranda
- Walking safaris
- Birdwatching
- Boat safaris
- Night drives
- Game drives
Not included
- Park fees
- Flights
Flights, bank charges and national park entry are extra. Park entry costs USD 85 per person per day for activities inside Lower Zambezi National Park; activities in the Chiawa Game Management Area do not incur that park fee.
Optional extras (at a cost)
Premium drinks, imported beers and spa treatments beyond the complimentary massage cost extra. Fishing tackle hire is USD 25 per person per day in 2026; Lusaka meet and greet is USD 20 per person.
Facilities
Comforts and facilities
At the property
- Swimming pool
- Spa
- Bar
In your room
- Wi-Fi in your room
- Tea and coffee
- En-suite bathroom
- Private plunge pool
- In-room WiFi
Rooms
Where you sleep
- Deluxe Suite8 at the property · sleeps 2 adults · All Deluxe Suites can accommodate a maximum of 2 adults sharing; some child rates available per rate sheet · Identified by numbers 3–10. Maximum 2 adults sharing per suite.
- Presidential Suite7 at the property · Can accommodate triples at a surcharge and subject to availability; can be used as a family unit for parents with younger children · Identified by names: Kansanshi, Frontier, Kigelia, Royal, Sipolilo, Wilderness, Trident.
- Deluxe Family Unit1 at the property · sleeps 2 adults · Rate based on 2 adults and 2 children between 0–16 yrs; 3rd child attracts a $150 per night surcharge. Each suite max 5 guests (2 adults or 3 children U12). · Consists of 2 Deluxe rooms (suites 6 & 7) next to each other with a shared outside lounge/play area. Room size 62m², deck 20m², outside living area 22m². Shared family lounge area, private plunge pool, veranda overlooking main pool and river.
Activities
Things to do
Included in your stay
Getting there
How you'll arrive
- Royal Airstrip
- 10 min transfer
- Royal Zambezi Lodge
- How you arrive
- By air · 10 min from Royal Airstrip
- Transfers
- Royal Airstrip is a 5-10-minute drive away, with return transfers included. Self-driving in the December-to-March rainy season requires a 4x4.
Good to know
Before you book
- Check-in
- From 14:00
- Check-out
- By 10:00
- Children
- All ages welcome. Family rooms available
- Single travellers
- No single supplement
- Accepted currencies
- USD, ZMW
- Dietary needs
- Special diets catered for
- Power
- Solar power
- Malaria
- Seasonal malaria risk. Ask your doctor about prevention.
- Minimum stay
- 3 nights
When to go
Best time to visit
- January: Good
- February: Good
- March: Good
- April: Good
- May: Dry season, best game viewing
- June: Dry season, best game viewing
- July: Dry season, best game viewing
- August: Dry season, best game viewing
- September: Dry season, best game viewing
- October: Dry season, best game viewing
- November: Good
- December: Good
- Dry season, best game viewing
- Good
How we judge each month
- Dry season, best game viewingAmong this property's strongest months for conditions, access and key experiences.
- GoodVery favourable conditions for this property and its key experiences.A generally good time to stay, with some normal seasonal compromises.
- Green seasonWorkable for specific priorities, with notable seasonal compromises.The property operates, but seasonal conditions bring substantial trade-offs.
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Helpful guides
Plan around this stay
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Details checked November 2026. Rates and availability are confirmed when you enquire.