(Posted 26th March 2024)
Following a brief hibernation during the Zambian off-season, Zambezi Grande is delighted to announce its reopening on 29 March for the much-anticipated 2024 dry season. Located on the banks of the majestic Zambezi River and a stone’s throw away from the Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambezi Grande is an intimate, family-owned game lodge with 10 rooms and suites. Taking advantage of its enviable setting, guests enjoy sensational river views throughout, including the infinity pool and picturesque terrace. The award-winning accommodations offer the perfect complement to Zambezi Grande’s experiences, which include adventure-filled days on game drives, walking safaris, river safaris, and fishing excursions, which leave guests with a newfound sense of wonder far beyond their travels.
Perfectly positioned between a prime sector of the Zambezi riverfront and a key national park in Zambia – home to pristine wildlife, including wild dogs, elephants, leopards, lion, hippos, buffalo, zebra and kudu, alongside astonishingly diverse landscape – visitors of Zambezi Grande are welcomed by an endless array of adventures and experiences that captivate the soul of this lesser-known region. Days can be spent on river safaris by boat along the Zambezi River, exploring the country’s unspoiled nature with almost 400 different bird species surrounding, sighting new baby lion cubs, walking safaris with up-close experiences of Zambia’s flora and fauna, classic game drives to sight many of the Big Five and sport angling excursions to unearth the wonders beneath the waters of the great Zambezi River, including Tiger Fish and Vundu.
Those dreaming of immersing themselves in Zambia’s scenery in style can also unwind on the pool deck by the photo-worthy infinity swimming pool that looks out onto the river, enjoying a sundowner river cruise, private island dinners under the stars, or watching the wildlife pass by from the lodge’s terrace. By night, guests embrace the impressive galaxy of stars above in the African skies, accented by a soundtrack of crickets and calls of the wild, making for a truly unforgettable experience where luxury meets nature.
Previously a Cape Dutch-style homestead on the river banks, Zambezi Grande was meticulously designed as the pinnacle of understated luxury in the Lower Zambezi, celebrating a bygone safari era. Totally reimagined by Michele Throssell Interiors, the lodge sits amidst breathtaking natural surroundings with interiors that reflect the warm tones of its verdant setting and pay homage to the heritage of the location. Zambezi Grande sleeps just 20 guests with two room categories: Luxury Rooms and Superior Suites, each complete with unobstructed views of the Zambian wilderness in total privacy.
Guests can opt for one of the five free-standing Superior Suites with unique riverfront locations, expansive verandas, outdoor showers that seamlessly merge with the scenery or one of the Luxury Rooms perched within the Zambian wilderness. These rooms boast private verandas, open-plan rooms with plenty of room to relax, and inviting interiors—the perfect retreat following a day of adventures in the wild.
Much of Zambezi Grande’s furniture has been custom-designed and produced by local artisans, with pillows and other soft furnishings throughout the hotel guest rooms and common areas stitched especially for the lodge. Instilling a sense of home-away-from-home, the rooms and suites at Zambezi Grande all feature a handmade drinks cabinet curated explicitly for each guest and stocked with a variety of South Africa’s finest wines, local Zambian gin, and homemade fresh juices – ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in Zambia’s nature without compromising on comfort.
With conservation at its core, Zambezi Grande plays a pivotal role in protecting the local community and preserving the natural beauty of the Lower Zambezi Valley. 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. Moreover, guests looking to contribute to Zambezi Grande’s endeavours can engage in the lodge’s Chengetai Tree Project. Chengetai, meaning “to keep” or “to preserve” in the local Gova language, epitomises the project’s ethos. Encouraging guests to purchase and plant trees, the initiative sees these trees find a home in either the Muguramano or Chijata villages. Essential tools and utensils are distributed to locals to facilitate this effort. By slowing deforestation and desertification, the Chengetai Tree Project enables environmental regeneration while instilling an appreciation for nature among young community members, who receive comprehensive training to ensure the trees’ well-being.
The culinary programme at Zambezi Grande also takes a sustainable approach to its menus. Using only the finest local produce and seasonal flavours, 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 talented chefs, guests can expect an exciting array of African dishes from breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea to dinner prepared to the highest culinary standards.
Rates at Zambezi Grande start from $580 (currently approx. £458 / €535) per person per night on a full board basis, inclusive of two safari activities per day, use of camp angling equipment; Wi-Fi, SES Medical Evacuation Insurance, Royal Zambezi Airstrip passenger access fees, Royal Zambezi Airstrip transfers, meet & greet service upon arrival at Lusaka International Airport and at Royal Zambezi Airstrip.
Zambezi Grande is accessible via daily flights from Lusaka International Airport (approx. 30 minutes in a light aircraft). Upon arrival at the Royal Zambezi Airstrip, guests will be met by a Zambezi Grande Private Game experience guide and transferred by road to the lodge (approx. 15 minutes).
