Chundu Island

The six River View Suites are all spacious, with a light and airy atmosphere. The suites overlook the mighty Zambezi River, with panoramic views of the surrounding grasslands, marshes and riverine trees. Guests can choose between one double or two twin beds, and each room is designed with elegant and homely furnishings that add a touch of colour. Guests are provided with a double vanity, mini bar, overhead fans, mosquito nets, electronic safe, hairdryer, adaptors and power points, insect repellent and toiletries. Each suite features an en-suite bathroom with an additional outdoor shower and a private deck.

Chundu Island has two Family River View Suites. Both of these rooms are much like the standard river view suites, but with an additional bedroom that features two three-quarter beds, suitable for two children under the age of 18. A third rollaway bed can also be provided. The Family River Suites have one bathroom with twin basins, a bathtub and an outdoor shower. The private deck features a comfortable seating area where families can gather and spend some quality time together while admiring the river views. There is also a small table, ideal for enjoying a refreshing cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate.

Guests at Chundu Island can look forward to three delicious meals each day, which can be enjoyed either indoors or outside. Start your day with a selection of treats from the breakfast buffet, or order a hot meal from the kitchen. A buffet-style lunch is available from midday onwards and picnics can also be taken with guests on morning and afternoon activities. Afternoon tea is served in the lounge, with sweet treats available at 4 pm. Dinner is flexible on timings and can be enjoyed either in the dining room or on the outdoor dining deck.

Drift along the waters of the Zambezi River with a beverage in your hand, and watch the silhouettes of elephants wander across the horizon as the sun dips behind the rolling hills, casting a burnt orange glow across the floodplains and sky. Enjoy watching the landscape transform before the glimmering stars begin to emerge, and Zimbabwe’s nocturnal creatures begin to stir.

Explore Chundu Island from the waters and enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Zambezi River. With spacious seating on the boat’s deck, guests can admire the amazing views of Zambezi National Park, as well as the tranquil waters of the river. See the many plants and trees that fill the riverbanks and look out for passing wildlife as creatures gather for a drink at the river’s edge and elephants wade out into the water.

Enjoy a safari from a completely new perspective by taking a canoe along the Zambezi River, where amazing game viewing awaits you. Watch elephants and hippos as they wade through the waters to escape the hot sunshine, and observe eland and antelope as they gather at the riverbanks for a drink. Canoe safaris allow guests to enjoy a leisurely exploration of Zambezi and appreciate the stunning landscape while drifting along the soothing waters.

Explore the bush on foot on a walking safari, and experience the smaller details that make safaris more immersive. Your experienced guide will be able to teach you how to recognise tracks and follow clues left in the wilderness that will lead to incredible game viewing opportunities. Discover astonishing insects and the lesser-acknowledged smaller creatures that thrive amongst Zambezi’s lush vegetation. Explore at your own pace, without the noise of an engine to startle the wildlife, and take advantage of incredible photographic opportunities. Game walks are only available for guests aged 16 years and over, and groups must be no bigger than 6 people to avoid startling the wildlife.

Enjoy a peaceful afternoon by the river and fish for a range of amazing species including Tilapia, Vundu Catfish and Bream. All fishing is on a catch-and-release policy. Admire the stunning riverside views as you reel in beautiful fish, and try your luck against the infamously difficult-to-catch African Tiger Fish.

Venture out on an exciting game drive and explore Zambezi National Park from the comfort of a specialised safari vehicle. The Chundu Island’s knowledgeable guides will be able to teach you interesting facts about the incredible animals of Zimbabwe, as well as showing you the best spots for viewing game. Look out for elephants, zebras, waterbuck, buffalo, lions, impala and hippos, as you traverse the sweeping grassland and floodplains and roam the African wilderness.

Take a day trip to one of the seven natural wonders of the world and enjoy the breathtaking scenery that Victoria Falls has to offer. Guests can stand in the footsteps of David Livingstone, the first European explorer to discover the falls, and watch the cascading water as it gushes over basaltic rocks. Visit the rainforest that lies beneath the largest waterfall in the world, and view the incredible species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians and insects that thrive in the humid conditions. Guests can also walk along the viewing bridge and enjoy incredible views of the face of the waterfall as froth and foam churn below and rainbow hues linger in the air.

Seolo Africa collaborated with Andlane Beauty World by encouraging the community project to add environmentally friendly soaps and products to their range. This helped the company to recover from major income losses and has also resulted in the use of more eco-friendly products, generating a positive impact on the local ecosystems.

‘Together with the management of Jock Safari Lodge taught them to make soaps, with Rhino Walking Safaris providing equipment, ingredients and basic bookkeeping training. This quickly increased their turnover and put them in a position to service their bank loans and provide Rhino Post Safari Lodge and other lodges with their lovely handmade Rooibos Tea and Honey glycerine soaps.’

Seolo Africa collects stationery, books, toiletries, and second-hand clothing, which are then distributed at the Croquet Lawn Orphanage in Bushbuck Ridge. Seolo Africa also provides linen, cutlery and crockery to be reused at the orphanage.

Seolo Africa has largely supported the K3 Sewing Project by maintaining sewing machines and having them repaired, funding sewing courses and courses in overlocking and professional finishing of garments, and purchasing patterns, scissors, materials, measuring tape, fabric, cotton, buttons and an industrial sewing machine. K3 is part of the eMasoyi Community Development Foundation, run by Florence Mbokazi, and aims to empower women and help them earn a sustainable income.

‘Based in the area outside Numbi Gate, this project was started in response to the AIDS pandemic. Initially, the project provided home care, and later after-school care to victims of HIV/Aids and the numerous children who have been orphaned or made vulnerable because of HIV/Aids within their families. The Khayalethu’3 (K3) skills Development Centre was established to reduce the level of poverty and contribute to economic empowerment while developing vocational skills amongst the youth. These include Marimba lessons, beadwork, carpentry, computer lessons and sewing.’

Seolo Africa supports the local community around Kruger National Park by paying local people to transport their staff to and from work. Seolo Africa also aided a local man in setting up his own taxi business by gifting him a vehicle which has enabled him to create a sustainable business that assists the community.

Seolo Africa supports the Skukuza Primary School and Skukuza Creche by providing a grant so that the school fees can remain low and more children are able to attend the school and receive a crucial education.

‘We are striving to make it easier for local community members to be able to go to work and educate their children. We believe that it is vital for the local communities to feel the tangible benefits of the lodges and conservation in their areas, not only for themselves but so that they too will assist in preserving these sensitive areas for generations to come.’

Seolo Africa works to keep their impact on the environment to a minimum by reducing waste and keeping carbon emissions low. They use solar power when possible, and switch off any generators overnight to reduce emissions. They also conserve water by monitoring the amount of water that they pump from boreholes or rivers each day, keeping their consumption below 350 litres per guest. Seolo Africa camps filter and test any greywater before releasing it into the environment to prevent contamination or pollution. They also recycle, sorting glass, metal and paper waste so that it can be repurposed.

Seolo Africa takes care to ensure that their camps have a minimal impact on local wildlife, and animals are not harassed by guides or guests during drives and walks. Game drives take routes that travel across existing roads so that the wildlife is not startled by the appearance of a sudden off-road vehicle, and dens and nests are not at risk of being destroyed.

Seolo Africa also supports a number of initiatives that prevent rhino poaching within South Africa. Seolo Africa raises money that goes towards anti-poaching training, ranger equipment, and raising awareness of poaching and the awful impacts that it has. Seolo Africa also gives support to the Honorary Rangers.