Livingstone and Victoria Falls, Zambia
Thorntree River Lodge
Take in the sunset over the Zambezi from your suite’s private plunge pool
Thorntree River Lodge places you right on the edge of Zambia’s mighty Zambezi River, set within Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park not far from the mist-shrouded cascade of Victoria Falls. Not only will you experience Zambezi’s natural beauty with a front-row seat, your stay here contributes to the protection of Zambia’s ecosystems and wildlife through the lodge’s ongoing conservation efforts.
Experience the falls’ extraordinary nature during guided trips to both the Zambian and the Zimbabwean sides. Search for zebras, buffalo and wildebeest on heart-pulsing game drives through Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park or set off on foot to track rare white rhinos with experienced guides. Change the pace with a canoe safari along the Lower Zambezi River. As you paddle, see enormous hippos submerged to eye level. Watch crocodiles basking on the riverbank while elephants wade in the shallows. You’ll also spot different types of birds. Look out for the African fish eagle as it circles the sky above, waiting to plunge into the water to catch its prey. Listen closely for the bark-like call of African skimmers before they make an appearance, gliding gracefully along the river’s surface.
Returning to the lodge, step onto the main outdoor deck which juts out over the Zambezi. It’s the perfect place to close out the day. Enjoy a fine dining experience or convivial sundowners around the sunken firepit, all while taking in a panoramic view of the river as it catches the sun’s final gold light. You’ll also find an infinity pool here, offering an uninterrupted vantage point across the water.
To admire the Zambezi in privacy, retreat to your luxurious suite featuring its own viewing deck and plunge pool. Its tented structure blends into the nature of the riverside, elegantly designed with natural materials including sustainably sourced timber and décor that reflects the local culture. Expansive windows ensure the Zambezi is always in sight. Slide open the doors to your deck where you can savour its majesty with an unobstructed view.
Highlights
Learn about the lodge's conservation efforts that help protect Zambia's wildlife
Explore Victoria Falls from both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides on private excursions
Embark on thrilling game drives in Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park
Track rare white rhinos on foot with seasoned guides
Cruise the Lower Zambezi onboard a canoe
Enjoy gourmet dinners riverside
Marvel at the Zambezi from the privacy of your suite’s viewing deck
The impact of your stay:
- A portion of your stay funds the ongoing work to protect Zambia’s biodiversity. Out on safari, your guide will share how they help safeguard wildlife by removing snares and monitoring the area against poaching. You’ll also learn about river patrols that help prevent illegal fishing and discover how regenerative farming in the Simalaha Conservancy is transforming the land into a flourishing wildlife corridor once more.
- A contribution from your stay goes to initiatives that empower communities through employment opportunities, housing projects, nourishing school meals for children and the support for women-led farms. You’ll see how these efforts, along with the Maunga Village Clinic, are helping deliver lasting benefits in health, education and opportunity.
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Places to combine Thorntree River Lodge with
Liuwa Plain National Park
Largely untouched by crowds and paved roads, Liuwa Plain National Park boasts one of the oldest conservation histories in Africa; it was proclaimed a protected area by the lodge’s namesake, King Lewanika of the Lozi tribe in the early 1880s.
The camp is a beautifully modern take on the traditional safari camp, retaining features and simple materials such as canvas drops, leather and wooden decks overlooking the wilderness with local thatch and grass in the main area in a refreshingly simple, sustainable, and meaningful way.
There are just six spacious tents here sat on platforms which open up dramatically to the surrounding plains and feature both indoor and outdoor showers. One is a family suite which features one double and one triple room. The communal thatch building has lounge, dining and bar areas, with stairs leading down to a fire pit.
King Lewanika Lodge has experienced guides for intimate safari excursions with unrivalled access and absolute exclusivity to this unspoiled region. Unique wildlife experiences include witnessing hyenas hunt in packs of up to 50, the second biggest wildebeest migration in Africa, rare birds, a growing cheetah population and its famed lion pride. Explore on guided walks as well as day and night game drives, with boating and canoeing possible between December and March, depending on water levels.
