Sundowner Zambezi Lodge is set on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River at Deka, Zimbabwe. The lodge is uniquely situated at the center of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Park, 140 kilometers from the famous Victoria Falls and 150 kilometers from Hwange National Park. Access is either by self-drive to the lodge (18̊ 04’34”S 26̊ 41’58.35” E) or charter flights in to either Deka airstrip (18° 5’33.84″S 26°42’38.79″E) or Hwange Airstrip (18°21’47.08″S 26°30’59.81″E). Sundowner staff will organize road transfers from these airstrips, as well as for international flights into Victoria Falls or Livingston airports if prearranged.
The lodge’s central entertainment area has a gorgeous panoramic view of the Zambezi River over the lovely manicured green lawns and Ilala palms (home to resident palm thrush). The building has a high thatch roof with ceiling fans, ensuring it stays nice and cool. The wood theme is carried through to the open plan bar and lounge area, with a teak bar and wicker lounge chairs. Meals include early morning snack, brunch, 4 course dinner and are prepared in a home-style Zimbabwe fashion. A cook is provided with guests who select the self-catering option.
There are ladies and gents toilets with additional showers located just off this area for guests convenience, outdoor shower to cool off and the swimming pool is just behind the building.
There are three types of accommodation available, comprising of:
- 1 x Family Cottage
- 2 x Natural Rock & Thatch Lodges
- 3 x Natural rock & Thatch Twin rooms
Family Cottage
- Equipped with 2 single beds (double mattress can be arranged on request);
- Open plan cozy sitting area with wicker tables and chairs (space for two additional beds);
- Ceiling fan and mosquito nets;
- En-suite bathroom with shower and bath (hot and cold running water);
- Dressing table;
- Plug points;
- Ice cold drinking water; and
- Accessible via stairs or wheel chair accessible via ramp
- Open air veranda with stunning river views.
Natural Rock & Thatch Lodges
- Equipped with 2 single beds (double mattress can be arranged on request);
- Cozy sitting area (space for two additional beds);
- Ceiling fan and mosquito nets;
- En-suite bathroom with shower (hot and cold running water);
- Dressing table;
- Plug points;
- Ice cold drinking water; and
- Open air veranda with stunning river views.
These lodges have exquisite views over the Zambezi River.
Natural rock & Thatch Twin rooms
- Equipped with two single beds per room;
- En-suite bathroom with shower (hot and cold running water);
- Overhead fans and mosquito nets; and
- Ice cold drinking water.
Chessa room looks out over the Zambezi River. The raised balconies on the Nkupe and Vundu rooms have a calming view over an indigenous wooded gully with resident Hueglin’s Robin.
Sundowner Zambezi Lodge is linked to the national grid, with a full solar system in place too, so that appliances like hair dryers and electric shavers may be used, so long as there isn’t a power cut. If the power does go out, there is a back-up generator able to supply the lodge. The hot water is heated by a wood burning Rhodesian Boiler in the chalets and a solar system in the Boma area. For guests travelling with valuables, there is a safe in the main office. Cell phone signal is good when using an Econet line. Sundowner has a router and provides limited free Wi-Fi for groups, with individuals able to purchase data from reception to use the router Wi-Fi.
There are various activities on offer at Sundowner, comprising of:
Community Development Tour
Duration approx 2 hours. Guests will visit and interact with the following:
- The chieftain/head man and residents of a local village.
- Pupils and teachers at a local school.
- Staff at the local bush clinic.
- Chief Hwange (when he is resident at his homestead).
- Local entrepreneurs who are making a difference.
Birding and Nature Walks
There are four different river and bush terrains within a 10 kilometer radius of the lodge which offer birding enthusiasts the opportunity of spotting 250 different varieties of bird species. Lifers include: Palm thrush, Racquet Tailed Roller, Yellow Spotted Nicator, Goliath Heron, Pels Fishing Owl, Olive Bee-eater and Mottled Spinetail colony breeding on a man- made structure (very uncommon). On early morning walks guests may spot Mopane squirrels, Bushbuck, Duiker, Kudu, Hippo’s and Crocodiles.
Mapeta Island Camping Experience
Experience a night sleeping on Mapeta Island, under the Zimbabwean sky. The site overlooks the thundering Black Rock rapids.
Sport Fishing (Fly-fishing specialists)
Guests can either fish from boats or from the shore (boating is recommended).
5 x River Boats: (2-3 Clients per boat).
Guides/Drivers are provided for each boat. Life Jackets are provided and are essential
Basic fishing tackle is available for hire although it is recommended that guests bring their own equipment with them (detailed info sheet available).
The following are highlight species that can be caught on normal & fly tackle:
- Tiger fish: up to 10 kg’s
- Nkupe: up to 5 kg’s (Record 6kgs)
- Vundu: up to 50 kg’s
- Zambezi Yellow fish
The great thing about Sundowner Zambezi lodge is that fishermen have access to the middle Zambezi rapid waters, with the Deka area being famous for Tiger fishing on the “Tiger Mile” and it also holds the world record for Nkupe and Chessa. There are over 100 varieties of fish recorded here. And for those who are not as keen on fishing, Sundowner still provides an ideal location in which to relax and enjoy the sounds of the river and the fish eagles calling, while enjoying the scenery and delicious meals made by the cook. What more could you want?
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