I read the awesome reviews on Tripadvisor and was lucky enough to find a vacancy. Even though I only stayed for one night I can attest to the great location (downtown Livingstone 15 minute walk away) wonderful hospitality from owner Richard and staff, great breakfast and free airport transfer. For my trip it was the perfect cultural transition as I traveled from Zambia back to the USA.

Just when will people learn how important personal service really is? From the moment I booked the reservation, I felt at home. Richard took care of things. I was coming to Chanters from a remote location with little access to either a phone or the internet, but everything worked perfectly. The greeting was warm and welcoming; the poolside room was great; the food worked for me (including the English breakfast each day); and the environment was relaxing. I could not have asked for more. Was it the Royal Livingstone? No. But is it a great value in an incredibly comfortable setting? Indeed!

We found Chanters Lodge in internet when I was looking for accommodation near Victoria Falls. As the prices were much cheaper and it was highly recommended we decided to book our accommodation at Chanters Lodge directly via e mail. After that we exchanged a lot of mails and got good advice on the activities and sights around Victoria Falls. Richard even booked a sunset boattrip for us. When we arrived on Dec 20 we were picked up at the airport by Richard personally. The room was quite big (a family room had 4 beds) but it was very basic. But we had everything that we needed even mosquito nets that appeared to be handy. There was even a small swimming pool in a nice garden where you could relax after a long day of sightseeing. The food was also marvellous at the restaurant. The best thing about the lodge was the hospitality of the personell and Richard who made us feel that we have been friends for a long time. We recommend this place to everyone who cares for personal touch, but if you look for luxury this is not the place for you.

We stayed in Chanter’s Lodge for 3 nights as part of our honeymoon in December 2008. Chanters is an ideal spot to base yourself for Vic Falls, day trips into Botswana, Namibia etc. Richard (Chanter) gave us excellent advice on how to best use our limited time in Zambia and organised our trips for us (a special mention to Chris who brought us to the Botswana trip, the flying fox over the gorge etc) - the lift to and from the Airport kindly offered by Richard was really appreciated. Some may spend $300 a night staying in the Royal Livingstone but we would recommend you save your money to enjoy what you are there for – Vic Falls, cruise on the Zambezi River, Safari in Chobe NP in Botswana, and a bit more exposure to the local people. You are not going to get luxury in Chanters but the rooms are clean, with air conditioning. A great breakfast is included in your room rate and we couldn’t fault the evening meals and wine – outdoors if you can stick the African flies!! (we ate indoors). We would definitely recommend Chanters to experience the real thing. Leave the luxury to the main cities. Thank you Richard and team!