Named after David Livingstone’s faithful friends, Sussi and Chuma Lodge is a boutique property on a quiet bend of the Zambezi River. Sitting amid Pheonix palms and jackalberry trees, enjoy luxury tree-houses and a remote setting away from the crowds yet close to all the action of the national park and Victoria Falls.
Awarded: Bronze
Location
The lodge sits just 15 minutes from Livingstone in a riverine forest within Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. On the banks of the Zambezi River, the lodge is just 12km upstream from the roaring Victoria Falls, named by Livingstone as ‘The Smoke that Thunders’. This adventure capital is teeming with activity and the park itself is rich in wildlife.
Rooms
Perched on stilts in huge ebony trees are 12 tree houses overlooking the Zambezi River. Connected by raised walkways, each room is spacious with high ceilings and exposed beams for an airy feel. Handcrafted rugs cover wooden floors, large king or twin beds are draped in mosquito netting and dark wood furnishings are highlighted by burnt orange, gold, blue and grey tones. Folding doors open out to private decks. The en suite bathrooms boast some luxury touches such as dressing gowns, soft bath mats, Africology products and even gym bags and yoga mats.
For couples or a family travelling together, two private Chuma Houses further along the river have two bedrooms each, two en suites, a lounge and a dining area. As well as a spacious wooden deck and plunge pool, the houses come equipped with a chef, house staff, a vehicle and a private guide so all needs are met.
Communal Areas
At the front of the raised lodge, sits the bright open-sided reception and shop. From wooden walkways, the space leads to the large lounges, the dining area and the Livingstone Bar. Guests can dine inside or outside on the deck with large hurricane lanterns lighting the space. Upstairs is the Explorer Lounge, a space to relax with a drink or browse the maps and books on offer. Down by the river, a small hut houses the Africology Spa where an infinity pool and shaded loungers also await.
Activities
Take game drives with highly trained guides through the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, canoe on the Zambezi River or take a tour of the world famous Victoria Falls. Sussi and Chuma is also the only lodge in the area to offer walking safaris with two experienced local guides, Luckson and Elijah, who will share their knowledge of the bush. A sunset cruise on the Zambezi River is a superb way to spend an evening or for cultural immersion, visit the Nakatindi Village just 5km from the lodge.
Fully inclusive
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
This is the wettest time of the year, with rain falling most days of the month, although rarely prolonged in nature. Temperatures are a very pleasant, averaging 31°C/89°F midday, while the nights average 20°C/68°F.
The Zambezi River's water levels begin to increase, improving the Victoria Falls spectacle. White water rafting is good at this time of year particularly in the first half of the month.
Like the rest of Zambia, Livingstone has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate.
Generally, the falls are at their most spectacular from February through to July, whilst November marks the falls at their lowest. Even at lowest water levels the Falls are still a sight to behold, the lower water levels also make for ideal white water rafting as well as allow access to the famous Devil’s Pool.
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
This is the wettest time of the year, with rain falling most days of the month, although rarely prolonged in nature. Temperatures are a very pleasant, averaging 31°C/89°F midday, while the nights average 20°C/68°F.
The Zambezi River's water levels begin to increase, improving the Victoria Falls spectacle. White water rafting is good at this time of year particularly in the first half of the month.
Like the rest of Zambia, Livingstone has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate.
Generally, the falls are at their most spectacular from February through to July, whilst November marks the falls at their lowest. Even at lowest water levels the Falls are still a sight to behold, the lower water levels also make for ideal white water rafting as well as allow access to the famous Devil’s Pool.
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
This is the wettest time of the year, with rain falling most days of the month, although rarely prolonged in nature. Temperatures are a very pleasant, averaging 31°C/89°F midday, while the nights average 20°C/68°F.
The Zambezi River's water levels begin to increase, improving the Victoria Falls spectacle. White water rafting is good at this time of year particularly in the first half of the month.
Like the rest of Zambia, Livingstone has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate.
Generally, the falls are at their most spectacular from February through to July, whilst November marks the falls at their lowest. Even at lowest water levels the Falls are still a sight to behold, the lower water levels also make for ideal white water rafting as well as allow access to the famous Devil’s Pool.
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
Temperatures are pleasant, and the rains are beginning to ease. The water level of the Zambezi should be at its peak, showcasing Victoria Falls in all her glory.
Like the rest of Zambia, Livingstone has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate.
Generally, the falls are at their most spectacular from February through to July, whilst November marks the falls at their lowest. Even at lowest water levels the Falls are still a sight to behold, the lower water levels also make for ideal white water rafting as well as allow access to the famous Devil’s Pool.
DRY SEASON
May is the beginning of the dry season, although the landscape will still be many shades of green following the rains. Midday temperatures are average around 28°C/82°F, the mornings can however be surprisingly cool at around 10°C/49°F, so be sure to pack a warm fleece.
Water levels remain high over the Falls.
Like the rest of Zambia, Livingstone has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate.
Generally, the falls are at their most spectacular from February through to July, whilst November marks the falls at their lowest. Even at lowest water levels the Falls are still a sight to behold, the lower water levels also make for ideal white water rafting as well as allow access to the famous Devil’s Pool.
DRY SEASON
Midday temperatures are average around 28°C/82°F, the mornings can, however, be surprisingly cool at around 11°C/52°F, so be sure to pack a warm fleece.
Water levels remain high over the Falls
Like the rest of Zambia, Livingstone has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate.
Generally, the falls are at their most spectacular from February through to July, whilst November marks the falls at their lowest. Even at lowest water levels the Falls are still a sight to behold, the lower water levels also make for ideal white water rafting as well as allow access to the famous Devil’s Pool.
DRY SEASON
Midday temperatures are average around 28°C/82°F, the mornings can, however, be surprisingly cool at around 11°C/52°F, so be sure to pack a warm fleece.
Water levels remain high over the Falls.
Like the rest of Zambia, Livingstone has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate.
Generally, the falls are at their most spectacular from February through to July, whilst November marks the falls at their lowest. Even at lowest water levels the Falls are still a sight to behold, the lower water levels also make for ideal white water rafting as well as allow access to the famous Devil’s Pool.
DRY SEASON
Clear skies still dominate. Midday and night temperatures are a little warmer during these months, averaging 33°C/91°F and 18°C/64°F respectfully.
Water levels begin to drop, making locations such as Devil’s pool more accessible.
Like the rest of Zambia, Livingstone has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate.
Generally, the falls are at their most spectacular from February through to July, whilst November marks the falls at their lowest. Even at lowest water levels the Falls are still a sight to behold, the lower water levels also make for ideal white water rafting as well as allow access to the famous Devil’s Pool.
DRY SEASON
Clear skies still dominate. Midday and night temperatures are a little warmer during these months, averaging 33°C/91°F and 18°C/64°F respectfully.
Water levels begin to drop, making locations such as Devil’s pool more accessible.
Like the rest of Zambia, Livingstone has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate.
Generally, the falls are at their most spectacular from February through to July, whilst November marks the falls at their lowest. Even at lowest water levels the Falls are still a sight to behold, the lower water levels also make for ideal white water rafting as well as allow access to the famous Devil’s Pool.
DRY SEASON
Temperatures continue to rise before the start of the rains, with midday temperatures over 40°C/104°F not uncommon.
Water levels begin to drop, making locations such as Devil’s pool more accessible. Zambezi River rafting is at its best, with exciting rapids and drop-offs
Like the rest of Zambia, Livingstone has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate.
Generally, the falls are at their most spectacular from February through to July, whilst November marks the falls at their lowest. Even at lowest water levels the Falls are still a sight to behold, the lower water levels also make for ideal white water rafting as well as allow access to the famous Devil’s Pool.
WET SEASON
The first rains arrive, usually in the form of sharp afternoon showers. The temperatures still remain very hot, while the humidity adds a level of discomfort.
Water levels begin to drop, making locations such as Devil’s pool more accessible. Zambezi River rafting is at its best, with exciting rapids and drop-offs.
Like the rest of Zambia, Livingstone has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate.
Generally, the falls are at their most spectacular from February through to July, whilst November marks the falls at their lowest. Even at lowest water levels the Falls are still a sight to behold, the lower water levels also make for ideal white water rafting as well as allow access to the famous Devil’s Pool.
WET SEASON
Wettest time of the year, with rain falling most days of the month, although rarely prolonged in nature. Temperatures are a very pleasant, averaging 31°C/89°F midday, while the nights average 20°C/68°F.
Water levels begin to drop, making locations such as Devil’s pool more accessible. Zambezi River rafting is at its best, with exciting rapids and drop-offs.
Like the rest of Zambia, Livingstone has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate.
Generally, the falls are at their most spectacular from February through to July, whilst November marks the falls at their lowest. Even at lowest water levels the Falls are still a sight to behold, the lower water levels also make for ideal white water rafting as well as allow access to the famous Devil’s Pool.
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What People Say
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
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Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
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Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
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Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
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Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
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We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
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Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
