(7 chalets, 12 self-contained cottages) PO Box 60889, Livingstone; tel/fax: 03 321772, Botswana cell; 267 71 646064; email: mail@royalchundu.com or mail@tree-tops.com; www.royalchundu.com or www.tree-tops.com. Alternatively book with their South African agents on tel/fax: +27 11 463 4661, cell: +27 83 967 1840
Zambezi Royal Chundu is the furthest lodge from Livingstone on the riverbank, and is about 11km off the main road. Owner-operated by the Morze family, long-term residents of the area, it is a comfortable lodge, where no effort will be spared to look after you. Most activities are included when you stay here (or you can book in for meals and accommodation only). You can visit the Falls and take a sightseeing tour around town, drive in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park or walk to one of the local villages. On the river you can take a guided mokoro or canoe trip, take an airboat (swamp-boat) excursion, picnic on an island or enjoy a full-moon cruise to spot crocodiles. Birdwatching is popular, with some 450 species found in the area. Even day trips to Chobe in Botswana are offered, as Royal Chundu is only 22km from the border. Most important, the lodge attracts keen anglers with its superb fishing, be it traditional bait casting or fly-fishing, and caters for both novices and professionals with tackle and boat hire, fully-guided fishing trips and even a fly-fishing clinic.

Light and airy thatched brick chalets, all set back from the river next to one another, open on to landscaped gardens overlooking the Zambezi. They are solidly and compactly built with four-poster beds under mosi netting and en-suite bathrooms. There are three twins, a double, two four-bedded, and one honeymoon unit with private balcony and spa bath. Each has gauze windows, electricity and fabrics with ethnic touches. Additional self-catering accommodation is in the new 'Cottage Club': two- or three- bedroomed cottages with fully equipped kitchens, sitting rooms, AC, bathrooms, etc.

From the spacious main building, with its comfy chairs and tables, there's a walkway on to a deck overlooking the river; to the other side lies the idyllic swimming pool, a large outdoor Jacuzzi and a thatched open-plan bar with recreational facilities.

The lodge is excellent value and is perfect for visitors who just want to fish, relax and do river-based activities, but it's a bit too far from the Falls for just a short stop.