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Thorntree River Lodge

Our rating

8/10

Price guide

Highlights

- 10 contemporary chalets
- Opened in May 2017
- Pool, gym & spa
- Close to Victoria Falls

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Overview

Located just a short distance from the world-renowned Victoria Falls, Zambia’s Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park is the home of the luxurious Thorntree River Lodge which opened its doors in May 2017. Set on the banks of the Zambezi River and open from June to October every year, Thorntree has a pristine, contemporary feel and is made up of ten spacious stone and thatch chalets, eight of which are double suites, along with two family units. The lodge also features a small library with Wi-Fi, a gym, a swimming pool, and a lovely spa overlooking the Zambezi River. While staying at Thorntree, guests can enjoy river cruises, fishing excursions, and visits to Victoria Falls. The area around the lodge is teeming with wildlife, and guests can usually spot zebras, antelope, giraffes and warthogs among the animals that roam the area.

Inspired by local customs and culture, Thorntree River Lodge is environmentally designed with tented roof structures to give it an authentic African feel. The eye-catching communal deck sits right at the river’s edge, and houses a sunken ‘boma’ and an enticing infinity pool. The main communal area features a small library, a large lounge with a bar area, and a striking open dining area. In warmer months, guests dine outdoors, serenaded by the gentle sounds of the river. Each of the lodge’s double suites boasts its own indoor and outdoor bathroom and private plunge pool.

For anyone wishing to take a closer look at the local wildlife, we recommend game drives around Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, and walking safaris with lions at the adjacent Lion Encounter Centre, where the money earned from the walking tours is used to support an excellent programme which nurtures the young cubs of captive-bred African lions before releasing them into the wild. Of course, there’s no need to go far at all to spot animals; elephants often wander near the lodge, and hippos can sometimes be seen cooling off in the river.

Other activities from Thorntree include sunset cruises, and of course a visit to the breath taking Victoria Falls where it’s possible to simply relax and enjoy the fabulous views, go shopping, or participate in a multitude of water and adrenalin sports (subject to additional cost). The Livingstone Museum is also worth a visit, and strolls into the nearby village to learn more about local customs, observe day to day life within the community, and perhaps purchase a souvenir from the African craft markets are highly recommended.

Families are more than welcome at Thorntree, and many of the activities are suitable for small children. Each of the two family suites comprises four beds, with inter-leading walkways between parent and child bedrooms, both of which have en-suite bathrooms. Parents should note that the lodge is unfenced, and while the likelihood of wildlife approaching the lodge is low, children must be supervised at all times.

What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 534 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.

    Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.

    El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.

    Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.

    So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last

    MissingJuhae C reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek on 01 March 2024

  • Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”

    MissingLars B reviewing Best of South Africa for Families on 01 March 2024

  • We had the most amazing time. It exceeded all my hopes of what the trip would be. The guides, the hotels - everything was of such a wonderful quality. Thank you for organizing everything. I will absolutely recommend Tourdust and use you again.

    MissingClaudia L reviewing Luxury Desert Holiday on 11 January 2024

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