Episode Number: 65
Property / Guest Name:
Chundu Island – Zambezi River, Zimbabwe
Dardley Tafaruka – Concession Manager
Tutu Moleya – Apprentice Guide
Episode Summary:
There are places where the rhythm of the river shapes the day, where sunrise belongs to the water, and where safari feels personal rather than performative.
Chundu Island is one of them.
In this episode of Keep Travelling – Your African Story, Rael Zieve visits Chundu Island, a private island sanctuary on the Zimbabwean side of the Zambezi River, and sits down with Concession Manager Dardley Tafaruka to explore what makes this experience so distinct within the Victoria Falls region.
With more than three decades in the bush, Dardley shares his journey from hotel management to professional guiding, and how Chundu Island blends warm Zimbabwean hospitality with immersive river-based safari experiences.
But this conversation goes beyond accommodation.
It reflects on keeping Victoria Falls wild rather than overdeveloped.
It explores the privilege of safari from the water.
And it highlights the balance between guest comfort and authentic wilderness.
You’ll also hear from apprentice guide Tutu Moleya, who brings energy and insight into Zimbabwe’s wildlife — from the Big Five to the Little Five, the “Ugly Five,” and the overlooked importance of insects and birdlife in shaping the ecosystem.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- Why Chundu Island’s eight-suite, island-based setting offers a quiet alternative to busier Victoria Falls properties
- The wide range of activities available, including canoeing, fishing, walking safaris, boat cruises, and game drives
- How sunrise and sunset on the Zambezi redefine the safari experience
- Why Victoria Falls remains one of the safest and most welcoming destinations in Southern Africa
- The importance of limiting development to preserve the wild character of this iconic region
Guest Information:
Dardley Tafaruka – Concession Manager, Chundu Island
With over 32 years in Zimbabwe’s tourism industry and a professional guiding background, Dardley leads Chundu Island with a philosophy centered on guest connection, safety, and preserving the natural integrity of the Zambezi.
Tutu Moleya – Apprentice Guide
Currently working toward his full professional guide qualification, Tutu represents the next generation of Zimbabwean safari guides. His passion for birding, ecology, and introducing guests to both the big and the small details of the bush adds depth to the Chundu experience.
Key Takeaways or Topics Covered:
- Chundu Island delivers a rare river-based safari experience combining water activities with traditional game viewing
- Its small scale and island location create an intimate, unhurried atmosphere removed from town
- Victoria Falls and the surrounding Zambezi region remain safe, welcoming, and ideal for immersive African travel
Closing:
At Keep Travelling, we believe meaningful journeys are defined by perspective — not just proximity.
Chundu Island is not about scale. It is about space. Space to slow down. Space to reconnect. Space to experience the Zambezi in a way that feels deeply authentic and unfiltered.
If this episode has inspired you to explore Victoria Falls differently — beyond the obvious — I would love to help craft that journey with you.
Contact:
rael@keeptravelling.africa
A few years from now, you won’t remember how much it cost you — but you will always remember the memories you made. Keep Travelling.
Blog:
https://www.wildsunsets.travel/chundu-island-zimbabwe/
