Mukwa River Lodge has opened on the riverbanks of the mighty Zambezi in Zambia.
Situated 28-minutes from Livingstone Airport, and from there another 10km to Victoria Falls, the enchanting riverside retreat was built from scratch on an unspoiled stretch of land. The family-owned and managed lodge is the sister property to The Residence in Houghton (Johannesburg), and Camp Ndlovu in the Welgevonden Game Reserve in the Waterberg (Limpopo).
After five years of development, the newly launched finished product is exclusive and intimate, accommodating only 14 guests in six spacious, free-standing suites, including one 2-bedroom family suite. The lodge is seamlessly integrated into the lush, natural environment on the river. Constructed around steel structures with glass and natural materials and decorated with local art, crafts and custom-made furnishings, it is designed with comfort, sustainability and understated luxury in mind. All suites have private decks with double outdoor showers and a bath, pool loungers and dining areas, as well as plunge pools with spectacular river or island waterway views.

A celebration of Zambia at Mukwa River Lodge
Promising a culinary encounter to remember, Mukwa serves locally sourced and produced dishes, complemented by an excellent wine list. Chickens are kept on a dedicated site within the property to provide fresh eggs daily. The kitchen garden produces herbs, fruit and vegetables, and other fresh produce is sourced from local farms and the surrounding community. Mukwa River Lodge aims to preserve wildlife and local culture through community education initiatives and employment opportunities, wildlife conservation and sustainable practices.
Mukwa River Lodge was voted the Best Relaxation Retreat in Africa in the 2022 Haute Grandeur Global Hotel Awards. The lodge offers sweeping views across the river into the Zambezi National Park, providing game viewing opportunities from its sprawling decks when animals come down to drink at the river. Guests are encouraged to relax and embrace the luxury whilst immersing themselves into nature. The gym also boasts views of the surrounding greenery, whilst the spa offers restorative treatments influenced by the indigenous products and culture native to the area.
A host of exhilarating water-based activities and adventures await for those wanting to experience, explore and discover. These range from birding and sunset cruises, to tiger fishing, guided game walks, safari drives, white river rafting and helicopter flights over the Victoria Falls, the 7th Natural Wonder of the World, and shopping at the local markets.