Royal Airstrip

Welcome to Royal Airstrip — your exclusive aerial gateway to the Zambian wilderness. This small aviation hub offers more than just a technical stop; it provides a breathtaking introduction to your safari. Wild animals can often be spotted from the air as the aircraft descends smoothly over the picturesque Zambezi River valley. The airport is surrounded by majestic trees, creating an atmosphere of seclusion and true African adventure from the very first minutes of your arrival.

Airport Features and Highlights:

• Scenic Location: The runway is situated in immediate proximity to the Zambezi River, guaranteeing stunning views during takeoff and landing.
• Tourist Convenience: The airport is located just a 5–10 minute drive from the popular Royal Zambezi Lodge and serves as a convenient access point to other camps in the park.
• Paved Runway: Unlike many dirt airfields in safari parks, Royal Airstrip features a hard tarmac surface, ensuring reliability and comfort in all weather conditions.
• Safari Atmosphere: There is no hustle and bustle of large terminals here; you are immediately immersed in the sounds and scents of the African bush.

• Official Airport Website: Royal Airstrip (RYL) does not have its own separate website. All current information regarding flights and schedules is available on the websites of the airline Proflight Zambia or the managing lodge, Royal Zambezi Lodge.
• Help Desk Phone: Since the airport does not have a permanent dispatch terminal, operator contacts are used for inquiries. For flight questions (Proflight Zambia): +260 971 246 950. For transfer and meet-and-greet questions (Royal Zambezi Lodge): +260 96 674 8249.
• Airport Address: Royal Airstrip, Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia. (The runway is located on the northern bank of the Zambezi River, approximately a 10-minute drive from Royal Zambezi Lodge).
• Email: For questions regarding ground handling and reception, please write to reservations1@royalzambezilodge.com. For air ticket inquiries: reservations@proflight-zambia.com.
• Social Media: Operational news and location photos can be found on the official Facebook and Instagram accounts of Royal Zambezi Lodge or Proflight Zambia.
• Lost Luggage Information: There is no "Lost & Found" service at the airport. If your luggage has not arrived or is damaged, inform the pilot or the meeting guide immediately after landing, or contact the airline's office in Lusaka.
• Passenger Support Contacts: Support is provided through your lodge's reservation department or via the call center of the airline operating the flight.

The journey to Royal Airstrip is not merely moving from point A to point B, but the beginning of a true African adventure. Since the airport is located deep within a national park, standard urban transport schemes do not apply here. Logistics are almost always arranged through the capital or neighboring major hubs, and the "last mile" is covered by light aircraft or a prepared off-road vehicle.

Air Travel and Transfers

The fastest and most comfortable way to get here is by flying from the capital. Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka serves as the main hub for connections. Regular flights by small aircraft (for example, Proflight Zambia) take only about 30 minutes. The cost of the flight varies by season and booking time but typically ranges from 150 to 350 USD one way.

Upon arrival at the Royal runway, passengers are met by lodge representatives. The transfer to the accommodation (most often Royal Zambezi Lodge) is usually included in the stay or ordered in advance when booking the hotel. The trip takes 10–15 minutes in an open safari jeep, allowing you to see elephants, impalas, or baboons immediately after landing.

Alternative Routes via Neighboring Airports

In the absence of direct flights or due to complex weather conditions, tourists can use the Jeki airfield, located approximately 35 km from Royal Airstrip. Transfer between these points is possible by jeep (about 1 hour) or by boat along the Zambezi River. For travelers combining countries, a convenient entry point might be Harare International Airport in Zimbabwe, although this will require border crossing and an additional transfer.

Public Transport and Taxis

It is important to understand: public transport (scheduled buses, trains, shuttles) does not run into the national park. The airport is in a wildlife zone where there are no regular passenger routes. Regular city taxis from Lusaka will also not drive into the park due to road conditions and the specific nature of the terrain. The only "ground taxi" option is an individual transfer organized by specialized tour operators.

Car and Self-Drive

Reaching the airport area by car is possible, but it is a challenge for experienced drivers. There are no car rental desks at Royal Airstrip itself. You must rent a vehicle in major cities like Lusaka or Livingstone and drive it to the park.

• Vehicle Requirements: A four-wheel-drive vehicle (4x4) with high clearance is mandatory.
• Travel Time: The drive from Lusaka takes about 4–6 hours. The route passes through the town of Chirundu, followed by a turn onto a dirt road. The final stretch is difficult, especially the descent into the river valley.
• Parking: There is no guarded commercial parking directly at the runway. If you arrive in your own car, it is left on the premises of the lodge where you are staying.

Recommendations: Plan your route in advance. During the rainy season (November to April), dirt roads may become impassable, leaving aircraft or boats on the Zambezi River as the only reliable options.

Unlike major transport hubs with their endless corridors and multiple levels, the structure of Royal Airstrip (RYL) is extremely concise. The entire airport complex consists of one compact terminal, which resembles a cozy park pavilion or safari lodge lobby more than a typical airport building. There are no jet bridges, luggage belts, or confusing walkways — the architecture is entirely subordinated to the idea of merging with the surrounding wilderness.

Layout and Navigation

Navigation at Royal Airstrip is intuitive and requires no maps or diagrams:

• Arrival and Departure Zone: Combined in a single space. Since flights are serviced by small aircraft (usually seating 12–29 people), passenger flows do not cross.
• Aircraft Parking: Located just a few dozen meters from the waiting area. Passengers walk to the aircraft across the paved apron accompanied by staff.

Terminal Features

The terminal is a small structure, often with a traditional thatched roof, creating an authentic atmosphere. Key characteristics:

• Open Plan: The building often lacks solid walls, ensuring natural ventilation and allowing you to enjoy views of the national park even while waiting for your flight.
• Waiting Area: Equipped with simple yet comfortable seats. Here you can shelter from the sun in the shade of the canopy.
• Amenities: Infrastructure is minimalist. The terminal usually has basic sanitary facilities (toilets), but there are no Duty-Free shops, ATMs, or cafes. It is recommended to arrange for water and snacks in advance at your lodge.

Check-in and Security Procedures

The main advantage of flying through Royal Airstrip is the absence of stress and queues. All formalities take mere minutes.

• Arrival Time: It is recommended to arrive at the airport 30–40 minutes before departure. This is ample time to complete all procedures and prepare calmly for boarding.
• Check-in: Takes place at a small counter or even a mobile desk of the airline representative. The procedure is often reduced to checking the passenger's name against a list and weighing luggage. Electronic tickets are accepted, but a printout may speed up the process.
• Security Check: Conducted by security staff manually or using handheld metal detectors. The procedure is quick but thorough, as flight safety remains a priority.

Navigation and Safety Recommendations

Despite the relaxed atmosphere, it is important to remember that you are within a national park.

• Do not go beyond the barriers: The area around the runway is not fenced off from wildlife by high walls. Do not wander far from the terminal building or your transfer jeep, as wild animals may be nearby.
• Follow instructions: Always follow the directions of the pilot and ground staff, especially when moving across the apron to the aircraft.
• Luggage: Hand over your luggage to staff immediately upon arrival. Remember the strict restrictions on weight and bag type (soft bags are usually required) for small aircraft.

The history of Royal Airstrip (RYL) is unlike the chronicles of giant international hubs. There are no dates of foundation stones laid by ministers or records of constructing massive glass terminals. The story of this runway is a chronicle of exploring the wilderness and developing elite eco-tourism in Zambia, inextricably linked with the history of the eponymous Royal Zambezi Lodge.

Origins and Early Years

The airfield emerged in the mid-1990s (approximately 1994–1996) out of vital necessity. In those times, the Lower Zambezi National Park was a remote corner accessible only by river or after an exhausting multi-hour journey by off-road vehicle. Initially, it was a simple cleared strip of dirt amidst the bush, intended to receive light private aircraft delivering the owners and first guests of the lodge under construction. In the early years, the airport's operation depended entirely on weather whims: during the rainy season, the dirt track became muddy, and the park was cut off from the outside world by air.

Key Modernization: The Arrival of Asphalt

The most significant event in the history of Royal Airstrip was the decision for its major reconstruction and paving. This distinguished it from the majority of other airfields in African safari parks, which typically remain dirt or gravel (for example, the neighboring Jeki airfield remained unpaved for a long time).

Laying a hard surface (Tarmac) allowed for:

• Accepting flights year-round, even during the height of the "Emerald Season" (rainy season) when dirt roads wash away.
• Ensuring safe landings for faster and more modern turboprop aircraft.
• Attracting regular commercial carriers.

The Era of Regular Flights

An important stage of development was the inclusion of the airport in the route network of the leading local airline, Proflight Zambia. While the strip was previously used primarily for charters, with the arrival of regular flights, Royal Airstrip gained the status of a full-fledged transport hub. This made travel to the Lower Zambezi predictable and accessible to a wider range of tourists, not just owners of private jets.

Interesting Facts and Historical Features

• "Safety Flyover": A historically established tradition of this airfield is a mandatory low-altitude pass by the aircraft before landing. This is done not for show, but to ensure that there are no elephants, warthogs, or impalas on the runway, as they find the warm asphalt an excellent place to rest.
• Presidential Level: Thanks to the high quality of the surface and proximity to the elite lodge, this airfield has repeatedly hosted heads of state, celebrities, and members of royal families visiting Zambia on private visits.
• Reliability Record: Royal Airstrip is considered one of the most reliable airfields in the region. During its operation, there have been practically no long-term closures for technical reasons, which is a serious achievement for a facility located in the wild African savannah without complex engineering support.

It is important to understand that Royal Airstrip (RYL) is not a standard airport terminal with developed commercial infrastructure, but a "bush airstrip" located in the heart of the wilderness. Here, the service concept is built not on the presence of shops and business lounges, but on the personal attention of lodge staff and the exclusivity of the location itself. Passenger expectations should align with the eco-travel format.

Dining and Shopping

There are no restaurants, cafes, or Duty-Free shops on the runway premises. Vending machines with water or snacks are also absent.

• For Departing Passengers: Catering is organized by your hotel (lodge). Usually, before the transfer to the airfield, guests are offered a light breakfast or afternoon tea. Additionally, guides escorting you to the plane often carry portable cool boxes with refreshing drinks and water so you can freshen up while waiting for boarding.
• Souvenirs: It is impossible to buy gifts at the airport. Take care to purchase souvenirs at the shop in your lodge or at major connecting airports (Lusaka, Livingstone).

Waiting Areas and Connectivity

The role of a VIP lounge here is played by nature itself. The waiting area consists of an open pavilion or canopy protecting you from the sun.

• Wi-Fi and Communication: Cellular network coverage in the airport area may be unstable or non-existent. There is no public Wi-Fi at the airfield. This is a place for a digital detox before returning to civilization.
• Charging Stations: There are no electrical outlets in the waiting area. It is strongly recommended to fully charge phones and cameras at the lodge before departure.

Financial Services

There are no ATMs or currency exchange points at Royal Airstrip. Payment for any services on-site (e.g., tips for the guide) is possible only in cash.

• Currency: It is recommended to carry small denominations in US Dollars or Zambian Kwacha.
• Bank Cards: Payment terminals are absent. All financial matters are best settled in advance in Lusaka.

Medical Services and Safety

There is no specialized medical center or pharmacy on the strip.

• First Aid: Basic first aid kits are available on board the aircraft and in the ranger jeeps accompanying the transfer.
• Emergencies: In case of serious health issues, emergency medical evacuation by air (Medevac) is organized. Having insurance covering such cases is strictly mandatory for visiting the national park.

Passengers with Children and Limited Mobility

The airfield infrastructure is minimalist, so there are no specialized mother-and-child rooms or mechanized ramps here.

• Families with Children: Lodge staff and pilots are usually very friendly towards children and assist with boarding. Toilets at the airfield are simple but clean.
• Passengers with Reduced Mobility: Since a paved path leads directly to the aircraft, movement in a wheelchair is possible, but boarding the plane (usually small Cessna Caravans) will require staff assistance, as the steps are small. Notify the airline in advance if you require assistance with boarding.

Hotels Near the Airport

There are no sleeping quarters in the "terminal" itself. However, the airfield serves several high-class lodges located along the Zambezi River. The nearest and main partner of the airport is:

Royal Zambezi Lodge — a luxury hotel located just a 5–10 minute drive from the strip. It offers:

• Comfortable tents and luxury suites.
• A spa center, pool, and fine dining restaurant.
• Conference Facilities: The lodge has conditions for hosting small business retreats and negotiations in an informal setting, although full-scale business centers with office equipment should not be expected in the jungle.

Guests of camps such as Sausage Tree Camp, Potato Bush Camp, and Old Mondoro also frequently arrive via this airfield (transfers to them take longer, sometimes involving a boat crossing).

Since Royal Airstrip (RYL) is a small airfield deep within a national park and not a commercial airport for general use, passengers should adjust their dining expectations in advance. There are absolutely no stationary food outlets here: no restaurants, cafes, nor even snack machines.

The organization of food and beverages for passengers in this location falls entirely on the hosting lodges (hotels). The service system is designed so that guests do not experience inconvenience despite the lack of infrastructure on the strip itself.

Restaurants and Cafes

There are no dining establishments in the terminal structure (canopy). The safari holiday concept implies that passengers arrive for their flight well-fed after breakfast or lunch at their lodge. If you are accustomed to having coffee before a flight, be sure to do so at the hotel before boarding the transfer jeep.

"Mobile Refreshment Service" and Drinks

Despite the absence of a stationary café, service at Royal Airstrip is often excellent thanks to the lodge staff.

• Soft Drinks: Rangers and guides performing the transfer to the aircraft usually bring portable cool boxes. While waiting for the pilot, guests may be offered bottled water, juices, or sodas.
• Beverages: In some cases, especially for private charters or upon prior request for VIP guests, the lodge may organize a farewell beverage service right by the airstrip; however, this is an exception and part of a specific hotel's service rather than an airport facility.

Meals Before and During Flight

Since the flight to Lusaka takes only about 30 minutes, full in-flight catering on light aircraft flights (Proflight Zambia and others) is usually not provided (at most — water and a modest snack).

• Breakfast/Lunch at the Lodge: Transfer schedules are usually arranged so that guests have time to eat calmly at the hotel restaurant. For example, before a morning flight, an early breakfast will be served.
• Packed Meals: If your departure coincides with lunchtime or you plan a long connection in Lusaka, you can ask your lodge's kitchen in advance to prepare a packed lunch. Usually, this includes sandwiches, fruit, pastries, and juice. This is the only way to have a substantial meal "at the airport".

Dietary Requirements (Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free)

Since you receive food exclusively from your hotel, all dietary requests must be coordinated with the lodge chef well in advance (preferably at the accommodation booking stage). It is impossible to find specialized products at the airport itself. Halal options are generally available upon request at most luxury lodges.

Prices and Payment

The concept of an "average bill" does not apply to Royal Airstrip. Water and drinks provided by the transfer guide, as well as packed lunches, are typically included in the cost of your stay or the "all-inclusive" package of your safari tour. You will not need cash to buy food at the airfield.

Recommendations for Passengers

• Water: The African sun can be intense. Be sure to take a bottle of water from the lodge with you, even if the flight seems short.
• Planning: Do not arrive at the airport hungry hoping to grab a bite on-site. The nearest available food will await you only at Lusaka Airport upon arrival.

Traveling through Royal Airstrip (RYL) differs significantly from a standard flight via major international hubs. Here, unwritten rules and specific features of "bush flying" apply. To ensure your experience goes as smoothly as possible and becomes a pleasant part of your safari, use the following expert tips.

Optimal Arrival Time

Forget the "arrive 2 hours early" rule. The airport is very compact, and processes here move quickly. The recommended arrival time is 30–40 minutes before departure. There is no point in arriving earlier: there are no air-conditioned waiting halls or shops, and waiting in the heat can be tiring. Your lodge will organize the transfer for exactly this time; trust their schedule.

Check-in and Security: What to Expect

The check-in procedure here is simplified to the maximum but has its nuances:

• Weighing is Serious: Pilots of small aircraft calculate the vessel's balance very precisely. They weigh not only luggage but often the passengers themselves (or ask for their weight). Do not be offended or understate figures — this is a matter of your safety.
• Manual Search: There are no scanners here. Security staff will check your bags manually. Pack your belongings so they are easy to open and show contents.
• Documents: Keep your passport handy, even if it is a domestic flight. Identity verification is conducted before boarding.

Choosing a Seat on the Plane

In aircraft like the Cessna Caravan, which fly here most often, there are no fixed seats on the boarding pass. The principle of "open seating" (first come, first served) applies. Tips for choosing:

• For Photographers: When departing towards Lusaka, try to take a seat on the left side — this way you can observe the bends of the Zambezi River and the park panorama longer during the ascent.
• Immersive Effect: If possible, sit in the front rows, right behind the pilots. You can watch the crew's work and instruments, which adds to the experience.
• Comfort: Turbulence is felt slightly more in the tail of the plane. If you are prone to motion sickness, choose seats closer to the wing.

Luggage and Hand Luggage: Strict Rules

This is the most critical point for travelers to Royal Airstrip.

• Soft Bags Only: Hard shell suitcases with wheels are often prohibited or may not fit in the luggage compartment of a small plane. Use soft travel bags, backpacks, or duffel bags that can be deformed when stowed.
• Weight Limit: The standard limit on local flights is usually 15 kg (including hand luggage and camera equipment). Excess weight is expensive or (more commonly) luggage may be sent on the next flight if the plane is overloaded.
• What to Take in the Cabin: The cabin is very tight. Take only the most valuable items (camera, documents, money) and what you can hold on your lap as "hand luggage". Backpacks are often requested to be checked in at the aircraft steps (Valet check-in).

Recommendations for Transit Passengers

Most tourists fly via Lusaka.

• Allow Time: Although the flight takes 30 minutes, leave at least 2–3 hours for the connection before an international flight from Lusaka. Flights from the park may be delayed due to weather or animals on the runway.
• Single Ticket: If possible, book flights with one airline (for example, Proflight Zambia has code-share agreements with major carriers). This guarantees that you will be rebooked on another flight for free in case of a delay on the first segment.

Customs and Visa Nuances

Royal Airstrip is a domestic airport. There is no customs or passport control for border crossing here. You complete all visa formalities at the first point of entry into Zambia (usually Lusaka or Livingstone). Keep your immigration cards until you fly out of the country.

Tips for Economy and Comfort

• Restroom Before Departure: Be sure to visit the restroom at the lodge before the transfer. There is a toilet at the airport, but it is basic, and there are no toilets on board the aircraft at all.
• Clothing: It can be hot in the plane while on the ground, and cool at altitude. Dress in layers.
• Motion Sickness Medication: Small planes are sensitive to thermal air currents, especially at midday. If you have a sensitive vestibular system, take a tablet 30 minutes before departure.

What to Do if the Flight is Delayed?

In Africa, time flows differently, and one needs to treat this philosophically.

• Reason for Delay: Often it is not a technical fault, but a herd of elephants deciding to stroll along the warm asphalt of the runway. The pilot will make a circle (low pass) to disperse them. Consider this a bonus aerial safari.
• Where to Wait: If the flight is delayed for a long time, do not sit under the canopy. Ask the guide to contact the lodge — often they can take you back to the comfortable hotel lounge until the aircraft arrives.