Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma is named after explorer David Livingstone’s two faithful companions who carried his body all way back to England from where he died in Zambia. The lodge itself is an exclusive haven in the heart of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, which in addition to the mighty roar of the Victoria Falls, also boasts a wide variety of game as well as countless opportunities for adventure – the perfect combination for a Zambian safari adventure.
The main lodge is built on two levels, perched in giant ebony trees overlooking the Zambezi. Guests can relax in the swimming pool or enjoy a drink in the elevated bar. In terms of accommodation there are twelve air-conditioned tree houses, connected by wooden walkways. Each tree house enjoys superb views over the river and is an open plan room with shower, bathtub, vanity area and private toilet. In addition, there are two private houses available, each with two bedrooms, their own dining areas and decks with plunge pools, and their own chefs and house staff.
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. It even has white rhino – the only place in Zambia where they can be seen. 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 the 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 and is well-known for its bird life, with many raptors attracted to the rich pickings in the river.
The Nakatindi Community is located 6 km from Livingstone Town Centre and approximately 5 kms East of Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma, Village tours are included in the cost of staying at Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma. This village filled, with children playing and people getting on with their regular day to day lives, comprises of around 3,000 people who live in simple mud and brick houses. Towards the edge of the village sits the Nakatindi Community school which is responsible for the education of its 442 pupils of which approximately 286 of the children are orphans.
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, guaranteed to get exciting, and a little wet before eventually finding a spot to beach for a break or a sunset cocktail! The combination of Zambezi spray on your face and delicious white wine on the tongue, makes for a memorable afternoon sunset cruise. Sipping on a cocktail while watching the sunset over the majestic Zambezi River is truly a once in a lifetime experience!
The big attraction of this area is of course the Victoria Falls and the best time to visit really depends on what you are looking for. The Zambezi and the falls are at their highest and most impressive around May-June but there is also a lot of spray and photographing or viewing the falls from close can be a very wet experience! The lowest flow is around October-December and the falls are less thunderous but by no means unimpressive! It is during this time of year that activities such as whitewater rafting or accessing the Devils Pool at the top of the falls are possible. The most popular time is between July and September when the weather is usually good and the river is gradually dropping. January to around April is the wettest and hottest time of year.
