Following a brief closure during the Zambian off-season, Zambezi Grande Lodge reopened for the 2024 dry season. Located on the banks of the Zambezi River, close to Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambezi Grande is an intimate, family-owned game lodge with 10 rooms and suites.

Taking advantage of the lodge’s location, guests enjoy stunning river views, including the infinity pool and the terrace. Zambezi Grande experiences include adventure-filled days on game drives, walking safaris, river safaris and fishing excursions. Perfectly positioned between a prime section of the Zambezi riverfront and Lower Zambezi National Park, the area is home to lots of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, lion, hippos, buffalo, zebra and kudu.

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Days can be spent on river safaris by boat along the Zambezi River, exploring the country’s nature with about 400 different bird species or with classic Zambian game drives to see many of the Big Five. There’s also sport angling excursions along the Zambezi River for tiger fish and Vundu, a species of large, airbreathing catfish.

When not out in the terrain, guests can unwind on the pool deck by the photo-worthy infinity swimming pool that looks out onto the river and during a private island dinner under the stars or watching wildlife pass by from the lodge’s terrace. At night, there is an impressive galaxy of stars in the African skies, along with sounds of crickets and calls of the wild, making for an unforgettable experience where luxury meets nature.

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Previously a Cape Dutch-style homestead on the river banks, Zambezi Grande Lodge was totally reimagined by Michele Throssell Interiors, sleeping just 20 guests with two room categories: luxury rooms and superior suites, each complete with unobstructed views of the Zambian wilderness.

Guests can choose one of the five free-standing superior suites with unique riverfront locations, large verandas and outdoor showers that merge with the scenery, or one of the luxury rooms built within the Zambian wilderness. All rooms offer private verandas and open-plan rooms with plenty of space for relaxation.

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Much of Zambezi Grande’s furniture has been custom-designed and produced by local artisans, with pillows and other soft furnishings throughout hotel guestrooms and common areas. Rooms and suites at Zambezi Grande all feature a handmade drinks cabinet curated for each guest and stocked with a variety of South Africa’s best wines, local Zambian gin and homemade fresh juices.

Through the employment and empowerment of Zambians, the lodge establishes a sustainable revenue stream for households in the region. Completed by outreach programs and conservation initiatives, Zambezi Grande actively educates and inspires the local youth, ensuring the safeguarding of the wilderness heritage of the Lower Zambezi for future generations. Guests wishing to contribute to Zambezi Grande’s sustainability projects can engage in the lodge’s Chengetai Tree Project. Chengetai, meaning “to keep” or “to preserve” in the local Gova language, is the project’s objective. Essential tools and utensils are distributed to locals to facilitate this effort. By slowing deforestation and desertification, Chengetai Tree Project enables environmental regeneration while instilling an appreciation for nature among young community members, who receive comprehensive training to ensure trees’ well-being.

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The culinary program at Zambezi Grande also takes a sustainable approach to its menus. Using the finest local produce and seasonal flavors, Zambezi Grande is committed to supporting local farming communities and presenting guests with a menu showcasing Zambia’s gifts. With much of the food provided at the lodge being made in house from scratch by the property’s chefs, guests can enjoy an array of African dishes, from breakfast to lunch, afternoon tea to dinner, all prepared to the highest culinary standards.

Zambezi Grande is accessible via daily flights from Lusaka International Airport (approximately 30 minutes in a light aircraft). Upon arrival at Royal Zambezi Airstrip, guests will be met by a Zambezi Grande Private Game experience guide and transferred by road to the lodge (about a 15-minute ride).