Undiscovered Zambia

Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma is set on the edge of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. Here the highly trained safari guides take guests on game drives in custom-built 4 x 4 safari vehicles to experience the land as it was when Livingstone first made his way across the ridge and beheld the smoke that thunders. The park has elephant, impala, giraffe, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, zebra in large numbers and an exciting array of birds, including some Southern African specials like Peters Finfoot. Guests may also be lucky enough to see a rare sighting of the wild dog that on occasion pass through the park.

Just a short drive away from the world famous Victoria Falls, the lodge offers guests a walking tour of The Falls. First described to Europe by explorer David Livingstone and known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, or "the Smoke that Thunders", the falls make a constant roar and are accompanied by a cloud of brilliant spray where the mile wide Upper Zambezi falls 300 feet into the Lower Zambezi. Rainbows constantly form and collapse in the tropical sunlight over the waterfall. The river is bordered by ebony groves and mopane forest. Well-known for its bird life, with many fish eating raptors attracted to the rich pickings in the river. Excluded in the rate is the Heritage Fee which is payable by guests directly at the lodge when doing a Tour of the Falls.

There can be few more thrilling ways to experience and understand African wildlife, the bush and ecosystem as a whole than by being on foot on a walking safari. Offering a completely different perspective to the conventional view one gets from the confines of a safari vehicle. Our two highly trained professional walking guides, Luckson and Elijah, have a combined walking safari experience of more than 20 years. Their reverence and respect for the wild is highly contagious, making this a truly unforgettable and memorable experience as they share their in-depth bush knowledge of the local flora and fauna. Guests will also be accompanied by an armed National Parks ranger. Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma's walking safaris will last about two hours and are conducted at a leisurely pace. Morning walks will depart at 6:30 am and will include a break with tea, coffee and snacks. The afternoon walk will commence at 4pm and finish at a special sundowner spot where guests will be served drinks and canapés while enjoying the magnificent sunset.

A Zambezi River cruise is a great way to spend a few hours before drifting back to the lodge, a warm shower and delicious dinner. Sanctuary's boats are specially designed and the guide will take the boat through a series of grade 2 rapids before finding a spot to beach for a break and a sunset cocktail. The combination of Zambezi spray on your face and delicious drink on the tongue makes for a memorable sunset cruise. Sipping on a cocktail while watching the sunset over the majestic Zambezi River is truly a once in a lifetime experience.

Nakatindi village is located six kilometres from Livingstone and five kilometres from Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma. Through Sanctuary Retreats Philanthropy, we sponsor various projects aimed at improving education, conservation, health and enterprise in the village. Guests staying at Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma have the opportunity to visit these projects and meet the people supported by them. In particular, guests can visit Nakatindi Community School which is resposible for the education of 442 pupils or Chipego bike shop, where guests can hire bicycles to use to tour the village.

Credit: Photo Credit: A&K Sanctuary

The fishing season generally opens on 1st March each year. It closes annually from the 1st December until March. (This is the local Fisheries' regulations and it is enforced by the Zambian Wildlife Authority.) All fishing is on a strict "Catch and Release" policy as we are in the national park. So far the biggest fish caught was around 4.5kg.

Sussi and Chuma's 3 boats are used for fishing as well as other activities. Guests specifically wanting to do fishing should ideally request and pay for a private boat for fishing. That said we will be happy to accommodate fishermen as best as we can. Please note, on a full camp, all boats are used for the evening sunset cruise.

Credit: Photo Credit: A&K Sanctuary

The Flight of Angels offers an amazing experience - the opportunity to fly over the Falls in a helicopter for unrivalled views. While we cannot guarantee that you will see any game the following species can often be seen from the air: elephant, buffalo, rhino, hippo, crocodile and giraffe. Guests can choose from a 15 or 30 minute flight, minimum 2/maximum 6 participants, starting from the helipad at Maramba Aerodome.

The rapids on the Zambezi are officially defined as "Grade 5" by the British Canoe Union. You will be met in the reception area of the lodge from where you transfer to the Zambezi Waterfront, check-in, sign an indemnity and be given a briefing before departing on a half day white water rafting experience. The white water rafting finishes at rapid #10 where the truck will be waiting with cold drinks and beers for the journey back to Zambezi Waterfront at 12.30 / 1.00pm in time for lunch. Lunch consists of a variety of savoury filled bread rolls, fruits and fruit juice. After lunch, you will be transferred back to the lodge. Water is provided throughout the day. Minimum 4 participants and no children under 15 years are allowed to participate on the rafting activity. Guests have the option of also choosing from a full day, low water or full day high water white river rafting.

Credit: Photo Credit: A&K Sanctuary

A Livingstone Island visit begins with a thrilling ride through the channels of the Zambezi in twin-engine boats. During the guided exploration of the island you will learn about its long history, from ancient times, when it was a sacrificial site, to the present day, as a protected World Heritage Site. Those who are feeling brave can even take a heart-stopping peek over the island's edge. After the tour, relax and enjoy refreshments under the shade of our canopied dining area with a view of the Falls that is quite unique. Those keen on a swimming experience unlike any other can even brave the waters of this mighty river in the island's very own bathing pool, which forms each year amongst the rocks along the edge of the Falls. The activity lasts about one and a half hours with about one hour fifteen minutes on the island. Five trips are offered daily with a maximum of 12 people per trip.

Credit: Photo Credit: A&K Sanctuary

Explore the Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwean side. Transfer time from the lodge to the entrance of the Falls in Zimbabwe is approximately ½ hour depending on border formalities. From here, the guide will escort guests around the Falls sharing some facts and history along the way. Sanctuary Retreats will supply raincoats during high water months when guests are likely to get wet from the spray of the Falls. The walk is approximately 1½ hours in duration (3km), through the rainforest, stopping at the various viewing points. Guests are advised to wear appropriate clothing and shoes for the walk, as well as suitable waterproof protection for camera equipment. Guests will also have the opportunity to do some curio shopping in the adjacent open-air markets.

The LifeStraw Filte

Sanctuary Retreats is dedicated to building long-lasting relationships with the rural communities in which we operate. Our Safe Water for Schools Programme has introduced LifeStraw filters to communities in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia, benefiting almost 57,000 individuals. The LifeStraw Filter is a high-volume water purifier designed to deliver safe drinking water.
More information on  all our offerings can be found on https://www.sanctuaryretreats.com/philanthropy-projects

All safari activities are led by qualified guides who will educate and enlighten you in the secrets of the park. Game drives are conducted in open Land Rovers. We also offer game drives by spotlight after the sun goes down (returning to camp by 19:30). Drives by spotlight provide guests with the unique opportunity to see nocturnal animals and animal activity.

Walking Safaris are a very different option. They bring you in touch with the wilderness and tend to focus more on the minutiae of the park and the eco-system. It is a truly unforgettable experience striding out in country where you are on the same footing as a lion or elephant.

All walking safaris are led by expert and qualified walking guides and are accompanied by an armed scout.

Venture out in the early morning or the late afternoon to witness the glory of the bush. Enjoy a private sundowner watching elephants crossing the mighty Zambezi, or your coffee in the morning in the absolute splendour of the Winterthorn forest after an exciting morning tracking lion.

The wildlife on the river is everchanging, surprising and always exciting. Whether watching a pod of hippos jostle in the afternoon light, or a family of elephant bathing in the mud at the bank, the calm of the Zambezi will flood the soul with the magic of the bush.

With the gentle lap of water against the canoe, the measured peace of slowly drifting down the Zambezi River in serene wonder, canoeing gives you the opportunity to see the wildlife along the riverbank at your own pace, guided by an experienced paddler.

Encounter the bush at it's best - on foot with our experienced guides, watch as they explain the art of tracking animals from their spoor and listen as they unravel the symbiosis of species that make up the rich tapestry of life in the bush.

With an almost unparalleled species diversity of birds in the Lower Zambezi valley, there is always something to excite both experienced birders and novices alike.

Whether a keen angler or complete beginner, catching a Tiger Fish is one for the bucket list. With a selection of rods, reels, and all necessary tackle, our coxswains will guide you through the cast, play, landing, and of course the trophy shot before releasing back into the water.