Intimate, elegant lodge on the Zambezi offering game drives, river cruises and easy access to Victoria Falls and rich wildlife.
Location
Sussi & Chuma Lodge sits on a dramatic bend of the Zambezi River within Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, about 12km upstream from Victoria Falls on the Zambian side. Named for David Livingstone’s loyal companions, it occupies a tranquil riverside setting amid ebony and jackalberry trees, yet is just a short drive from the thrills of the Falls and the adventure hub of Livingstone.
Rooms
Accommodation comprises twelve luxury tree-houses built into the canopy of mature trees lining the riverbank, each with en-suite bathroom, air conditioning and a private deck with sweeping views over the Zambezi. Interiors are comfortable and spacious, with bath and shower, mini-bar and thoughtful safari touches. There are also two private Chuma Houses, each with two bedrooms, lounge, dining area, outdoor deck and private plunge pool, plus dedicated chef, guide, vehicle and boat for exclusive use.
Facilities
The main lodge is elevated on two levels, with a relaxed bar and lounge overlooking the river, an open-air dining area, wine cellar, curio shop and a swimming pool that gently slopes towards the water. A fully-equipped spa offers massages and beauty treatments with views over the river, while Wi-Fi keeps you connected. Dining ranges from shaded riverside meals to intimate private dinners on your deck.
Activities
There’s plenty to fill your days here. The lodge includes game drives and guided walks in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park where elephant, buffalo, giraffe and sometimes white rhino roam, as well as sunset river cruises, canoeing and fishing (catch and release). A walking tour of Victoria Falls on the Zambian side is included (heritage fees may apply), and visits to nearby villages and schools supported by the lodge’s philanthropy project add cultural insight. For more adrenaline-fuelled experiences like helicopter flights, white-water rafting or bungee jumping, arrangements can be made in Livingstone.
Sustainability
Sussi & Chuma supports community and conservation initiatives, notably through the Nakatindi Community School and village projects, helping local education and enterprise. The off-grid setting, careful use of natural materials and guest participation in upliftment activities reflect a commitment to responsible tourism and benefit for both people and wildlife in the Livingstone area.
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When to visit Zambia
Find out the best time to visit Zambia with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is a good time to visit Victoria Falls, but the rest of the country is very humid and wet leading to many camps shutting during January.
February
February remains wet, so its a good month to visit the thundering Victoria Falls, however only a few camps stay open for boating and walking. The rains have created lush vegetation, during this time of year it is alive with the sound of migratory birds in their breeding plumage, an excellent time for birders to visit Zambia.
March
If you want to witness Vic Falls at its fullest, March is the month to visit, with huge volumes of spray often obscuring the view. The birding is still magnificent in March, and camps offer fantastic value for money as there are no crowds.
April
In April the weather starts to dry, however rain remains a prominent feature of April. In the Lower Zambezi National Park, lush vegetation is at its thickest making animals more difficult to spot. April is seen to be the best time of year to witness the rarely seen Wild Dog in South Luangwa National Park.
May
May is a mixed month, the onset of the dry season means rains are unlikely, however access to certain camps is tricky due to sodden grounds. Game viewing in South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi begin to improve as the vegetation things and waterholes begin to dry up, forcing wildlife together.
June
June is a great time to visit Zambia, the ground starts to dry out and camps are offering excellent deals and there are few visitors to share safari vehicles so you may have some areas to yourself.
July
July is high season, temperatures rise and all the camps are officially open. If you want to see game then South Luangwa is the best option, whereas the Lower Zambezi is perfect for river cruises and fishing.
Victoria falls is at its best, without being overly wet and clouded with spray.
August
August's hot and dry weather kicks off what Zambia is famous for, walking safaris. It is the prime time to combine game viewing with Victoria Falls.
September
Temperatures sore in September reaching high 20's making the long days particularly pleasant. This month sees Carmine Bee Eaters arrive, flocks of hundreds nest in river banks providing a thrilling spectacle of colour and sound.
October
October sees temperatures sore again, game viewing is best done in the early mornings to avoid the hot midday sun.
November
November brings the start of the rainy season, but the good news is the sporadic showers are not too disruptive and visitors get to see dramatic skies and stormy skies brewing. Temperatures are high and it can be humid, but the mixed weather brings great value stays. Plus many young animals are being born, making it a fantastic time to see the parks come to life.
December
The rainy season is in full force in December, grasslands begin to lengthen, foliage thickens and game viewing becomes a little trickier. The rivers rise and dependant on water levels travellers can visit 'devils pool' at Vic Falls, providing high excitement and a head for heights needed if you want to get close to the drop off.
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