This week in Safari Secrets, we’re excited to share an inspiring firsthand tale from one of our guests at Royal Zambezi Lodge. Their safari adventure captures the heart and soul of life in the wild and we can’t wait for you to experience it through their eyes.
Curious about what a day at Royal Zambezi Lodge feels like? Let us take you on a journey through a typical day here – from thrilling early morning game drives with up-close wildlife encounters to peaceful sunset river cruises with golden hues. Every moment is filled with adventure, beauty and the warm hospitality that makes a stay at Royal unforgettable.
Hear the story of our Royal guest below…
As soon as you fly into the Lower Zambezi, you’re treated to breathtaking scenery that hints at the adventure to come. The excitement in the air is palpable as the landscape unfolds beneath you, a patchwork of rivers, wildlife, and untouched wilderness.
Upon landing, a guide from Royal Zambezi Lodge greeted us with a warm smile, guiding us into the lodge’s signature vehicle where we were then shortly greeted by several elephants alongside the runway. The drive to the lodge itself was short—just ten minutes—but packed with anticipation. As we approached, we could already sense we were entering a special place.
We were welcomed by the friendliest staff, who immediately offered us a refreshing drink while they gave us an overview of all the incredible activities we could enjoy during our stay. Their warmth and hospitality made us feel right at home from the moment we arrived.
When we got to the lodge around 6 p.m., we decided to unwind at the bar, taking in the stunning views as we sipped our drinks. Soon after, we were shown to our royal suite —a luxurious haven that perfectly combined comfort with the untamed beauty of the African bush. We sat on our private terrace, utterly captivated, as a herd of elephants casually wandered down to the river for a sunset dip. Watching these majestic creatures play in the water and then lumber back up the bank was a moment we’ll never forget.
Dinner that evening was a culinary delight, showcasing the lodge’s exquisite cuisine with a beautifully presented three-course meal, each dish more delicious than the last, paired with a selection of fine wines that added the perfect touch to our evening. The atmosphere in the dining area was serene, yet full of life, as the sounds of nature created a symphony around us.
After a day full of travel and excitement, we decided to retire early to our room. Little did we know, the adventure wasn’t over. Just as we settled into bed, we heard an unusual crunching sound, something unlike anything we had ever experienced. Curious, we used our room’s light to peer outside, and there they were—12 hippos grazing quietly along the riverbank, just steps away from our room. It was a magical moment, witnessing these incredible creatures in their natural habitat, so close and so at ease.
Our first morning at Royal Zambezi Lodge started bright and early with a 5:30 a.m. wake-up call. We made our way to the main reception, where an inviting spread of tea, coffee, cakes, and other breakfast treats awaited us. Energised and ready for the day, we filled our water bottles and met our guide, Nasi, who led us to the vehicle for our first game drive in the stunning Lower Zambezi National Park.
The drive to the park takes about 20 minutes from the lodge, but the adventure begins long before you reach the entrance. As we made our way there, we were greeted by a variety of wildlife—baboons, impalas, and kudus, roaming freely. Nasi’s knowledge of the park and its inhabitants added depth to our experience, making every sighting even more special. As we drove further into the park we found a pair of mating lions who were escaping from the increasing heat of the day. We saw too many elephants to count, as well as impalas, baboons and kudu.
By 10 a.m., we returned to the lodge, where we took a moment to freshen up in our room. Lunchtime at 1 p.m. was an absolute treat—a feast of fresh salads, flavourful chicken rolls, and more. We sat back with a cold beer, soaking in the view of wildlife frequenting the waterhole, a tranquil moment that made us feel entirely in sync with nature.
That evening, we chose a river cruise instead of another game drive, and it turned out to be a highlight of our trip. Gliding along the Zambezi River, we marvelled at the abundance of birdlife and spotted some impressive crocodiles sunbathing on the banks. Pods of hippos surfaced periodically, their grunts echoing across the water. As the sun set in hues of orange and pink, we sipped our drinks, enjoying the sounds of nature around us.
Returning to camp for dinner, we thought the day’s excitement was over—until we encountered a family of elephants blocking our path to the room! Thrilled to be so close to these majestic creatures, I couldn’t resist grabbing another glass of wine from the bar and sitting outside, watching them as they moved gracefully through the camp. Once they had safely wandered further away, the evening guard guided us back to our room, and we ended the night in awe of the day’s encounters.
Day two at Royal Zambezi Lodge began with a sense of anticipation as we opted for a walking safari with Nasi. This was a completely different experience from the previous day’s drive, offering us a closer look at the smaller details of the bush. As we ventured on foot, accompanied by a park ranger, Nasi pointed out fascinating insect life, animal tracks, and even educated us on the importance of dung in the ecosystem. It was a unique way to connect with the landscape on a more intimate level.
In one of the craters, we spotted a distant mating pair of lions. Though they were far away, we called the vehicle to come pick us up so we could get a closer look. The sight was magnificent and reminded us how every moment on safari can bring new surprises.
Back at camp by 10:30 a.m., we took some time to relax and refresh. We enjoyed a pre-lunch beer while gazing at the riverbank, savouring the peace that comes with being surrounded by such raw natural beauty. The afternoon game drive brought even more excitement. As we headed toward the park, Nasi spotted a baboon signalling the presence of a predator. Sure enough, we soon found ourselves following a lioness on the hunt. What happened next was nothing short of astonishing.
We watched as the lioness stalked a group of warthogs, her movements slow and calculated. For 15 minutes, we held our breath as she crept closer, until finally, she charged. The sheer power and precision of the hunt were breathtaking, and while it was intense to witness, it was also a remarkable display of nature’s cycle of life.
Our luck didn’t end there. Just when we thought the day couldn’t get any better, we joined a small group of vehicles observing a female leopard with her two adolescent cubs. They had made a recent kill, an impala that was safely stored in the branches of a tree, and we watched in awe as they took turns to feed. As the sun began to set, we found a perfect spot by the river to enjoy sundowner drinks. Sipping on a gin and tonic, we watched the sky transform into brilliant shades of orange and purple, closing out an incredible day.
Reflecting on our time at Royal Zambezi Lodge, we felt immense gratitude for every moment spent in this extraordinary place. The lodge itself is a masterpiece of luxury in the wild, but what truly sets it apart is the staff. Every interaction, whether with the guides, waiters, or managers, was filled with warmth, smiles, and genuine hospitality. They made us feel like family, adding a personal touch to the entire experience.
Royal Zambezi Lodge is indeed where luxury meets the wild. It’s a place where every detail is thoughtfully curated, and every experience feels like a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. For anyone looking to immerse themselves in the magic of the African wilderness while enjoying world-class comfort, this lodge is simply a must-visit.
And there you have it- an unforgettable journey through our guest’s eyes in the Lower Zambezi! If this story has sparked your wanderlust, it’s time to stop dreaming and start planning. Whether it’s your first safari or one of many – Royal Zambezi Lodge promises an experience that will leave you with cherished memories forever.
Contact one of our friendly team today to start your Zambian adventure.
+260 97 0010124
+260 96 674 8249
IN HOUSE
AUSTRALIA
Africa Reps*
+61 (0) 410 22 55 80
[email protected]
http://africareps.com.au.
*contact ONLY for marketing information NOT reservations.
+260 97 0010124
+260 96 674 8249
IN HOUSE
Africa Reps*
+61 (0) 410 22 55 80
[email protected]
http://africareps.com.au.
*contact ONLY for marketing information NOT reservations.
