Where is Chundu Island?

Well firstly size certainly counts when it comes to waterfalls, but it’s not that easy to measure. Waterfalls are measured either by height, by width or by the volume of water that spills over per minute – or all 3, and these change according to season, making it difficult to judge which is ‘biggest’. Whichever way you look at it, Victoria Falls, which is up to 100m high in places, and 1.7km wide during the wet season and has anything from 20 000 to 70 000 cubic meters of water hurtling from its height at any time. This makes it one of the world’s top ten waterfalls. Not all of which are accessible.

Zimbabwe’s climate is hot in summer with temperatures reaching into the mid ’30s (Centigrade) and dropping as low as 14º C; and cool to cold in winter (Maximum 27º C / Minimum 3º C). Zimbabwe is not subjected to weather extremes in terms of gale-force winds, cyclones or snow; but does have spectacular sunsets and afternoon thunderstorms in the summer months.

The Zambezi National Park owes its status and existence to Victoria Falls, one of the world’s largest waterfalls when it is in full flow, with a width of 1.7km. The area became internationally recognised after David Livingstone was led there by the Makalolo tribes in 1855. In 1937, the Victoria Falls and surrounding area were declared a ‘special area’ and later proclaimed as a National Park in 1952. The original 56 000 hectare park was called the Victoria Falls National Park.

In 1978, an area of the Victoria Falls National Park split from the rest for very prosaic reasons – to allow the Town of Victoria Falls access to the Zambezi River; hence the re-naming of this section: the Zambezi National Park. The combination of the Zambezi National Park, Victoria Falls National Park and of course the falls themselves comprise a UNESCO world heritage site.

Recognised because of its proximity to the Victoria Falls – one of the seven wonders of the world – the Zambezi National Park has become a sought after destination in its own right. With 4 of the ‘Big 5’ as well as rarely seen wild dogs, and a wide variety of game including sable antelope, kudu and eland it is a natural attraction. Adding to its appeal is the scenic beauty of this park. The road to Kazangula spilts the area into riverine vegetation and the Chambonda Vlei, comprised largely of mopani woodland, and huge riverine trees. Some of the most magnificent views of the Zambezi River, the 4th largest river in Africa – flowing through 6 countries, are found in this park. The river is also the lifeblood of the park, providing sustenance to its wildlife.

The different landscapes in the park make it an arborist and bird lover’s paradise, and of course, for the fishermen, the Zambezi River holds both charm and challenge. We are privileged to be allowed to live, work and play in this unique environment, and do so with the utmost respect. We look forward to sharing this honour with you as you discover its delights for yourself.

The park, managed by the Zimbabwean Wildlife Authority (ZWA) is divided into a riverine area – where the river forms the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe and Vlei lands – wholly on the Zimbabwean side. Chundu Island is situated in the river and forms a part of the Zambezi National Park. It is one of only four private concessions in the national park providing much-needed income to the conservation efforts of the ZWA.

Most of the vegetation within the park consists of Zambezi and Mopane woodlands with a small section of Zambezian Baikiaea woodlands in the south.

And of course a real regional speciality is the Schalow’s Turaco which is endemic to the Zambezi National Park and Caprivi. This spectacular bird is reminiscent of the Livingstone’s Lourie, only with a bright blue tail instead of green and a longer crest. As their habitats do not overlap there is little chance of confusing the two.

Chundu Island with its magnificent riverine trees is home to a family of Bushbuck, a troop of monkeys and diverse bird-life, including the rare Schalow’s Turaco.