Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma, Livingstone

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 Zambia 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 the treatment room, 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.

Game Drives

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.

Tour of the Victoria Falls

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. Well-known for its bird life, with many fish eating raptors attracted to the rich pickings in the river. Excluded in the rate is the Heritage Fee which is paybale by guests directly at the lodge when doing a Tour of the Falls.

Simonga Village Tour

Simonga Village lies to the West of the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park on the outskirts of Livingstone Town, close the famed Victoria Falls in Zambia. Village tours are included in the cost of staying at Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma. This fishing 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. To the edge of the village sits the Simonga Basic School which is responsible for the education of its 465 students, with a teaching staff of 14.  Besides the basics of reading, writing and mathematics, other subjects such as art and music are also included in the curriculum.  Since the school also understands the importance of teaching the future generations the importance of farming and taking care of their families the school has a number of chickens, goats and a vegetable garden which is tended by the children.  This ensures they have the fundamental skills to be able to assist in feeding their families in the future where for the most part families in such communities still rely heavily on subsistence farming.

Sundowner Cruise

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!

2010
Main lodge: 1 May - 30 June, 16 October - 30 November	$490
Main lodge: 1 July - 15 October	$620
Main lodge: 1 January - 30 April, 1 - 31 December	$360
Chuma houses: 1 May - 30 June, 16 October - 30 November	$2040
Chuma houses: 1 July - 15 October	$2740
Chuma houses: 1 January - 30 April, 1 - 31 December	$1540

2011
Main Lodge: 1 April - 15 June, 16 October  - 30 November	$520
Main Lodge: 16 June - 15 October	$660
Main Lodge:  1 January - 31 March, 1 - 31 December	$385
Chuma houses: 1 April - 15 June, 16 October  - 30 November	$2165
Chuma houses: 16 June - 15 October	$2905
Chuma houses: 1 January - 31 March, 1  - 31 December	$1635

Chuma houses: per house per night, each house sleeps 4

Rates include:

• All meals and drinks (excluding premium brands)
• Park fees
• Laundry
• Emergency medical evacuation
  
• The following activities: Game drives, Simonga village visit, visit to Victoria Falls, Sundowner cruise
  

Rates exclude:

• Additional activities: Spa Treatments, Flight of Angels, White water rafting, Elephant back safaris, Livingstone Island visit
• Heritage Fee payable by guests directly to at the lodge when doing a Tour of the Falls
  

Scheduled and charter flights into Livingstone or Victoria Falls are available. Road transfers to Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma can also be arranged (at an additional cost) from Victoria Falls town, Victoria Falls airport, Livingstone airport (20 minutes) and from Kasane in Botswana (1 hour 30 minutes). Guests may self-drive to the lodge should they wish. The lodge is approximately 15 km from the border town of Livingstone in Zambia. Please note the luggage restriction is 15kg per person in a soft-sided bag.

Treatment room

Guests at Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma are able to indulge in a range of spa treatments while enjoying spectacular views over the Zambezi river. Treatments included products from the Africology line and guests are able to choose from a range of body therapies, body rituals and facial skin care treatments. Treatments may be booked at the camp reception with the camp manager.

• Treatment pricelist 2010
• Treatment pricelist 2011
  
  

TOUR OF THE FALLS (ZIMBABWE SIDE)

Explore the Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwean side. Transfer time from the lodge to the entrance of the Falls in Zimbabwe is approximately ½ hour depending on border formalities. From here, the guide will escort guests around the Falls sharing some facts and history along the way. Sanctuary Retreats will supply raincoats during high water months when guests are likely to get wet from the spray of the Falls. The walk is approximately 1½ hours in duration (3km), through the rainforest, stopping at the various viewing points. Guests are advised to wear appropriate clothing and shoes for the walk, as well as suitable waterproof protection for camera equipment. Guests will also have the opportunity to do some curio shopping in the adjacent open-air markets before returning to Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma. 

• 2010 & 2011: $120 per person
  

Included: Services of a Sanctuary qualified driver/guide, Return transfer from the lodge to the Falls, Entrance fees to Victoria Falls Rainforest, Guided tour of the Falls, Bottled Water

Excluded: Day entry visa fee (payable to the border upon entry), Lunch, Any gratuity or items of a personal nature

Flight of Angels

The Flight of Angels offers an amazing experience - the opportunity to experience a flight in a helicopter and an unrivalled view of the majestic Victoria Falls. Whilst we cannot guarantee that you will see any game the following species are in the Zambezi National Park and can often be seen from the air: elephant, buffalo, rhino, hippo, crocodile and giraffe. Guests can choose from a 15 or 30 minute flight, minimum 2 / maximum 6 participants, starting from the helipad at Maramba Aerodome.

• 1 January - 30 November 2010: 15 minute flight – $170 per person / 30 minute flight – $300 per person
• 1 December 2010 - 30 November 2011:15 minute flight – $175 per person / 30 minute flight – $310 per person
  

Included: Return transfer from Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma to the activity, Services of a qualified driver/guide, Bottled water on transfers only

Excluded: Any gratuity or items of a personal nature not specified

White water rafting

Imagine taking on the mighty Zambezi River with the greatest white water rafting trip on the planet. The rapids on the Zambezi are officially defined as "Grade 5" by the British Canoe Union (Grade 6 being commercially unrunnable) Guest will meet the Sanctuary Retreats representative in the reception area of the lodge from where you transfer to the Zambezi Waterfront, check-in, sign an indemnity and be given a briefing. Guests will then depart on their half day white water rafting experience. Guests will walk out of the gorge at rapid # 10 where the truck will be waiting with cold drinks and beers to take them back to Zambezi Waterfront.at 12.30 / 1.00pm in time for lunch. After lunch, clients will be transferred back to their accommodation. Lunch consists of a variety of savoury filled bread rolls, fruit and fruit juice. Water is provided throughout the day. Min 4 participants and no children under 15 years are allowed to participate on the rafting activity. Guests have the option of also choosing from a full day, low water or full day high water white river rafting

• 2010: $160 per person for half day
• 2011: $165 per person for half day
  

Included: Return transfer from Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma. Tea and coffee is supplied at the meeting point prior to departure. On the river each raft carries water and orange cordial. A generous lunch is provided at a picturesque spot on the banks of the river. At the end of the trip, complimentary soft drinks, cordials and beers are enjoyed.

Excluded: River usage fee payable direct. Bottled water.

Elephant back safaris

An elephant back safari is not just a ride on the largest animal in Africa, it's an unforgettable experience where clients get to interact with the elephants as well as enjoy a ride through wilderness areas and beautiful riverine scenery. Whilst on the ride, clients may see other wild elephant as well as buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and a host of other plains game. Along the Zambezi River, hippo and crocodile are common and there is a wide variety of bird species. Each elephant has its own handler and clients will leave having witnessed the elephant's incredible skills, intelligence and willingness to respond to instruction. The ride is approximately one hour and the overall interaction time with the elephants is about 3 hours. Trips are available in the morning and afternoon. Minimum age limit for children is 10 years of age. Guardians of minors (under 18) will be required to sign an indemnity form on behalf of the minors. A guardian must accompany children under the age of 16 throughout the trip.

• 2010: $195 per person
• 2011: $195 per person
  

Minimum age limit for children is 10 years of age. Guardians of minors (under 18) will be required to sign an indemnity form on behalf of the minors. A guardian must accompany children under the age of 16 throughout the trip.

Included: Morning Activity includes breakfast, soft drinks and bottled water. Afternoon Activity includes snacks, beers, soft drinks and bottled water. Both include return transfer to Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma.

Excluded: Any gratuity or items of a personal nature not specified. Bottled water.

Livingstone Island visits

A Livingstone Island visit begins with a thrilling ride through the channels of the Zambezi in twin-engine boats. Thereafter, guests will be taken on a guided exploration of the island: learning about its long history, from ancient times, when it was a sacrificial site, to the present day, as a protected World Heritage Site. During this exploration of Livingstone Island, which was named in honour of the famous explorer, guests will truly understand the real power of this Wonder of the World, as the churning mass of water rushes past before its headlong flight into the deep chasm below. Guests feeling brave can even take a heart-stopping peek over the island's edge to the churning mass below. After the tour, guests can relax and enjoy refreshments under the shade of our canopied dining area with a view of the Falls that is quite unique. Guests keen on a swimming experience unlike any other can even brave the waters of this mighty river in the island's very own bathing pool, which forms each year amongst the rocks along the edge of the Falls. The activity encompasses three morning visits of one and a half hours each (giving about one hour fifteen minutes on the Island). Five trips are offered daily with a maximum of 12 people per trip.

• Rates valid until 30 November 2011: $100
  

Included: Tea and coffee, soft drinks and light snacks, return transfer from Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma, Livingstone Island walk, drinks on arrival, Falls entry and park fees

Excluded: Snacks and beverages not stipulated, gratuities, items of personal nature