Resplendent river retreat
A serene safari escape, the beautiful Mukwa River Lodge shares its tales of the Zambian wilderness, upon the banks of the Zambezi River, where the holiday flow is as intoxicating as the river.
Oh how we love a bush adventure. A gripping week or two of gallivanting the lesser-beaten tracks of Africa. Especially when the tracks aren’t retraceable. Just meandering ripples of memories floating down the Zambezi River. At least that’s what happens here, at Mukwa River Lodge. Twenty minutes upstream from the thundering, almighty Victoria Falls. Discreetly settled on the banks beneath the palm, the mopane and the teak trees. This lodge in Zambia offers a different kind of safari – one that’s shaped by water, stillness, and a deep sense of place. Where, the rhythm is slower, more attuned to the quiet movements of the river, and the surrounding wilderness.
Rather than game drives, guests are invited into an experience defined by its proximity to the river. Watching it shift and flow with the romance of the Southern African light that smothers the Livingstone landscape. Witnessing the Goliath herons, the fish eagles and the kingfishers dart through the reeds. Observing the majesty of the natural world in all of its raw and rugged beauty.
Mukwa River Lodge has a conscious relationship with its wild environment. The owners haling from architectural and culinary backgrounds, there are two cooking spaces – a kosher kitchen in addition to the main kitchen – and the living, dining and reclining spaces of the lodge are intimate, elegant, and grounded in its environment. It reflects a commitment not only to sustainability, but to the local community, too. Working closely with local partners and ensuring its presence is both respectful and regenerative.
A large heated lap pool, long spacious decks, a bar and wine cellar with plenty of open fireplaces. A gym, spa and treatment room. Blooming vegetable and herb gardens with chicken coops for the farm-life ambience. A beautiful boma from which to watch the stars, and listen to the nightjars. In each of the suites there’s a private deck with its own little plunge pool. All of the mandatory features that bring the safari seduction to its signature status. Magnificent views, sheer luxury accommodation essentials, deep bathtubs and vibrant, refined furnishings.
Luxury flows like the river
All of the activities are tailored to your holiday wish lists, with an element of surprise in every detail. This is not your standard safari. Some mornings will involve a hearty breakfast on the river, with the chef in tow. A secret set-up on the banks of a secluded spot (hippos and crocs not invited).
High tea on the banana boat as you watch the elephant wade through the water. Beautiful boma dinners or gathered around the long tables at the lodge. The team like to “Mukwafy” your experience of Zambia. Adding the “Mukwa Magic” to every element of your stay. Something that will solidify your love for the African wilderness, and be at the core of your yearning to return as often as possible.
What we love!
- Spending time on the long deck, watching the river’s life unfold. Enjoying the refreshing waters of the swimming pool, mimicking the hippo bob up and down.
- The luxury experienced at the lodge is authentically stitched together with the essence of nature, paired up with colour and vibrancy.
- Experiencing a full day exploring the river and the lodge surroundings. Early mornings or afternoons on the banana boat, bird and wildlife watching. Followed by relaxing treatments in the spa.
- The incredible food prepared in the main kitchen, as well as the kosher kitchen, for every meal – tailored to your needs, in keeping with the global-local philosophy. Enjoying dishes that are world-class yet inspired by the local cuisine.
What you need to know…
- Mukwa River Lodge is located 18 kilometres by road from Livingstone International Airport, or 53 kilometres (60 minutes) by road transfer from Victoria Falls Airport on the Zimbabwe side. Both Airports receive multiple international and domestic flights daily, connecting visitors from around the globe. The lodge is a 15-minute drive from Livingstone Town, and a mere 10 minutes onwards to the majestic Victoria Falls.
- Guests can rely on Mukwa River Lodge for assistance with a wide range of activities and any necessary transfers that they may require. From white-water rafting, kayaking, bungee jumping (all of the adrenaline stuff) to game drives and helicopter flights.
- Your stay is fully-catered to, from their magnificent herb and vegetable garden, and other fresh ingredients sourced by local suppliers – with an emphasis on your stay being an authentic foodie destination. Any surplus produce from the veggie garden goes to the community village.
- Children of all ages are welcome!
- The property is accessible by air with a helicopter landing pad on site.
- If Mukwa River Lodge is not available on your dates, browse our full collection of exclusive-use holiday houses and lodges in Zambia.
Written by Colleen Ogilvie