Written by Lauren Maker
Our expert Safari Planner Lauren recently visited Thorntree River Lodge, which graces the banks of Zambia’s glorious Zambezi River in Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park. Here’s her story of her experience.
Upon arriving for my first night in Livingstone, Zambia, at Thorntree River Lodge, I was greeted by all the staff with their amazing singing, which echoed around the reception area, and I felt like a VIP! I was excited to see that I was not the only VIP as each guest that arrived that day got an incredible welcome. This typical welcome is what makes this lodge and my stay truly special.
I was met by Justine, who offered me a cold glass of the chef’s homemade iced tea and a cold soft cloth to wipe my face and refresh from my travels. February in Zambia is hot, so your days are 32 degrees Celsius and up (90 degrees Fahrenheit)! Once I refreshed myself, Justine slowly took me around the lodge, making sure I knew where everything was, from where breakfast is served to lunch and high tea and of course the candlelit dinners. She was so attentive, and also let me know where to find WIFI, the library, gym and the spa.
Justine then walked me to my haven for the night and meticulously showed me where all the lights were, the emergency flashlight, warned me about the vervet monkeys and then allowed me to unpack and unwind. How I long I could repeat this incredible stay! I would keep it on replay!
This must be one of my best lodges along the mighty Zambezi River. The birdlife was mind blowing and I had an incredible guide who was a very good birder and helped me spot all my favorites and some new ones. The comfort of the room, the bed, the view, the plunge pool that I dipped in many times to cool down, to the incredible luxurious amenities and lush décor.
If you are based at Thorntree River Lodge for your safari in Zambia, you are close to all the main attractions of Victoria Falls on the Zambian side, and as everything is within a National Park, you will enjoy pods of hippos wallowing in the waters and crocodiles enjoying the hot sun.
The highlight of my stay was of course spending some time with Junior, a very passionate guide, on a water safari. He took me along the banks of the Zambezi, and we ticked off all the birds I wanted to see!
One of the best things about Thorntree River Lodge is that you don’t have WIFI in your room. So, what else is there to do, but listen to the sounds of the African bush, and fall asleep with the soft night calls of nocturnal animals in your ears, with the noise of the beautiful Zambezi flowing steadily by.
Browse our Victoria Falls safaris now to find the perfect trip to suit you and your family in 2023.
