Our trip to the Royal Zambezi was by far the most fantastic experience of our lives. To start with, our room (the Royal suite) was impeccable: beautifully clean, tastefully decorated, and superb attention to detail including a cold water flask by the bed, luxurious toiletries, turn down service and even our own reusable bottle to take home as a souvenir. We felt that everything was thought of and our needs or desires were catered for at every level - thank you so much to Sam the lovely staff member who did such a fantastic job at this! He surprised us with preparing a luxurious, romantic bubble bath for myself and my partner in our outdoor bathtub on our final night, which was the cherry on top of this perfect holiday. Our activities were outstanding, and this is all thanks to our wonderful guides Mainza, Forbs and Joe. We absolutely loved our ‘Ferrari Safari’ with Mainza who would ensure we quickly got to certain spots to catch a glimpse of some exciting animals. On our first afternoon, we watched the largest pack of wild dogs in Africa for hours. On our second day, we saw 4 lion, and our third day we saw two leopards. Other animals included many elephants, hippo, Buffalo, kudu, crocodiles, impala, a genet and a civet. Mainza and Forbs were hugely informed and knowledgeable about the wildlife which ensured that we learned a lot and felt very safe, what a life changing experience!! We also went canoeing with Joe, who made me feel very secure and safe as I had felt a bit nervous beforehand. We had a beautiful, tranquil experience on the river and I will never forget that activity. We spent a morning fishing with Forbs who helped us catch 4 large tiger fish - thank you Forbs for the most awesome fishing trip! He was excellent at directing us and also teaching us about the river. The food and beverage service at Royal was second-to-none. Each meal was unique and delicious, beautifully presented and served with smiles and professionalism. I was hugely grateful that the staff catered to my food intolerances and made an effort to accommodate for me at all times. On our final evening at dinner, some staff members performed some beautiful singing and dance for us. This felt authentic as the guys were all happy and smiling, showing how much they love their job and their Zambian culture, which was a definite highlight for me on this trip. Final thanks to Natalie, Mwaka and Richard for their superb hosting and running such a flawless operation. We could not fault a single part of our entire trip and we will be returning as often as we can manage. This was a dream come true for us. All our love from Scotland - Beth and Hamish xx.…
We do not really know were to start as this place is so very special!!! Starting with a very helpful and caring booking support, the flight to the lodge and then the lodge itself were just perfect. We could not have ask for more. Our room was spacious, very clean and tidy. The view to the river is just spectacular and as far as we could see all rooms have direct view of the river and the banks in front. And this is were the real excitement starts. We were so lucky and could see Elephants, Hippos, Buffalos, Crocs and lots of birds right out of our own pool which every room has. Of course you can also go to the little bigger infinity pool with the bar to enjoy the wildlife or use the rowing machine placed there for a little activity. The food was really good and plenty and little snacks were available in the afternoon. We got a little special as the lodge treaded us with a river cruise lunch were we were having food on a boat in front of an elephant and crocs. Additionally to that you have two activities per day included were you can choose between various options of Safari (Boat, Car, Walking, ...) as well as Spa treatments or fishing for the famous Tigerfish. The Guide are exceptional and take every bit of care possible. Our guides Leo and Kelvin were super knowledgable and egger to show us as much as they could. Of course there is always a little luck involved with wildlife but damn this was awesome. Our first game drive and we could see 4 of the big 5 (only the Rhino was missing because it is not at home in Lower Zambezi). Still for the next rides out the guides did not stop or slow down with there support to give us the best possible experience!!! I do not know what else to say, this place is absolutely special and even though expensive worth every penny spend. Absolutely loved that place. It is great for families, couples or whatever, i think everyone with some love for wildlife will immediately fall in love with this lodge.…
Royal Zambezi Lodge is truly spectacular. Facilities are excellent and the staff go to all lengths to please. A fabulous holiday. They catered to each and everyone’s specific needs/ wants. Will def be going back. From 2yrs- 80 yrs old, !
An amazing life time experience… the lodge is a real wild but soul refreshing experience. If one loves real game in their natural habitant , a place where comfort is not compromised … an experience of nature that reinvigorates … this is place
We had the most special experience which exceeded all expectations. We were fully immersed in nature which made itself known in all colours, shapes and sizes. The birdlife needs a special mention as there was so much to see and hear. The staff were super attentive and often customized their services specifically for us. We went on the game drives both inside and outside the National Park, Fished (twice because once was not enough) and actually caught some tiger fish due to the great tutelage of our guide Jimmy. Canoeing was amazing and cruising and just drifting on the Zambezi was a great way to spot animals in their natural habit on both sides of the river. I don't even want to mention the food as I had to roll myself home. I would love to name some of the staff but think that all staff were great and really went out of their way to accommodate our every request. We have only one suggestion - Older visitors my find navigating the steps difficult and would suggest that ramps be considered to allow easier access. There were some billing discrepancies as it seems to be quite manual but quite honestly we were to happy to care.…
Heavy rain had made road access dodgy, so we were ferried from Chirundu by Captain Shadreck of the Lodge staff, a thrilling ride in itself. The subsequent three days and nights were the ideal combination of comfort and charm nestling in an unspoilt wilderness. Nocturnal visitors are not unknown, and I certainly heard a hyena whooping it up close by one night! (Mingling, however, is discouraged.) Without exception, the staff were lovely and unstintingly helpful (special shout-out to Simon!). Fishing and game-viewing excursions are available, but you could spend almost as profitable a day just sitting and looking at the Zambezi, from sunrise to sunset and beyond. The food is excellent, by the way. There must be something to criticise! Bees drawn to the breakfast marmalade? Oh, I know -- hang on to your morning muffin or a marauding monkey will make off with it.…
What an GREAT time at Royal!!! Not only are the food excellent, bit the staff from customer service to rangers just INCREDIBLE!!! Gogo was AMAZING with our stay with family! It has been out 5th time to Royal, and every time the staff just excel.
In April I arranged for myself, husband and son (20 months old) to stay at Royal for my brithday. Throughout the booking process Natalie and Vanessa were great. Answered all my questions about catering to a small child as well as a vegetarian, sleeping and activiy options as a family. Safe to say I had nothing to worry about. We booked a standard room however when we arrived we were led to a suite! The team had upgraded us for our special weekend. Sam - our 'suite butler' was fantastic. Always available and even stayed near our room in the evening when our son was sleeping so my husband and I could enjoy dinner together in the main area of the lodge. I also requested to have dinner near our room on the first night for a number of reasons which wasn't even questioned by the lodge. The staff set up a lovely table for us with lanterns and delivered our food piping hot straight from the kitchen. We did a boat cruise and a game drive as a family which was enjoyable - although we didnt see much in terms of wildlife it was just great to be able to enjoy these activities without being concerned that your child is distracting the other guests.. Both these activites fell during our son's dinner time but that wasn't a problem - dinner was made before hand (the options shared with me for approval) and then packed ready for him to enjoy on the excursions. Overall it was an unforgettable time. No stress and we managed to relax as a couple whilst the staff entertained our son for a few hours too! It is very child friendly and we will definately be back!…
Everything about Royal Zambezi Lodge is top notch. Being our first visit, we were welcomed very well by the very friendly staff. Our stay was very pleasant and this was down to the wonderful ambiance which allowed us to relax and take in the safari vibe. Everything about this place makes it worth while and it leaves you feeling like it really is value for money.
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