Thorntree River Lodge
Thorntree River Lodge is a luxury lodge on the banks of the Zambezi River in the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, upstream from Victoria Falls.
Thorntree is an impressive property and is certainly one of the top options to choose on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls. The accommodation is very luxurious with a modern, contemporary style, and will certainly suit anyone seeking luxury and sophistication. With such comfort provided and the beautiful location on the Zambezi River, it is easy to imagine a few days relaxing here! Management and staff are very friendly, whilst service is efficient and food is excellent. Despite the high standards, Thorntree does manage to maintain a relaxed, typically ‘Zambian’ feel which adds to the appeal.
Rooms
Accommodation for around 24 people is in twelve elegant suites, two sets of which have an internal connecting corridor making them ideal for families. The spacious suites are all located along the banks of the river with floor to ceiling glass-fronted sliding doors to make the most of the views. The suites have either king or twin beds with mosquito nets, a cosy seating areas and en suite bathrooms comprising of his and her basins, a separate toilet, bath and both indoor and outdoor showers. There is a ceiling fan and air-conditioning (which also acts as a heater in the cooler months). To the fore of each suite is a large deck with a sunken lounge, sun loungers, table and chairs and a large private plunge pool.
Central Areas
The impressive central areas of the lodge have a contemporary style and comprise of a large bar and lounge with separate dining, both of which lead out onto extensive decking where meals may also be taken. There is a large swimming pool near the main area and an inviting sunken boma area where pre-dinner drinks are enjoyed. There is also a small spa, gym, library as well as a curio shop.
Facilities
Wi-Fi – Yes
Power for charging – Yes
Swimming pool – Yes
Habitat & Wildlife
Victoria Falls – one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World. David Livingstone was the first European to ‘discover’ the falls when he visited them in November 1855. He later wrote, “no one can imagine the beauty of the view from anything witnessed in England. Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.” He named them after his Queen, for the first and only time deviating from his practise of naming places and features after their local native names, in this instance “Mo ku sa tunya mosi” (nowadays shortened to mosi-au-tunya – ‘where there is always smoke rising’).
Spanning a width of some 1700 metres, the waters of the mighty Zambezi actually plunge down five distinct waterfalls, separated by islands which account for just over 300 metres of the total span. The average height is just less than 100 metres. During the peak flood season (April and May), the flow increases to some 33,750,000 cubic metres a minute. At this time, the spray makes viewing of the falls from the ground almost impossible and it is advisable to take an aerial view on what is commonly referred to as a ‘flight of angels’. By September, the waters of the Zambezi have dropped significantly to allow views of the individual falls. This remains until March when the river starts to rise again.
Activities
Activities included during your stay are game drives in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, rhino tracking, bush walks, sunrise and sunset boat cruises, Simonga Village visits, a visit to the Zambian side of the Falls, a visit to the Zimbabwean side of the Falls in low water season (excludes visa fees), visit to the Livingstone Museum, canoe trips, visit to Maramba and Dambwa markets and catch and release fishing from a boat.
Some of the many optional activities which can be undertaken during your visit to the Victoria Falls include the following.
‘Flights of Angels’ – helicopter or microlight flights over the falls which last a duration of either 15 or 30 minutes. The 15 minute excursions concentrate solely on the Falls, doing a number of turns in both directions. The 20 minute excursion spends a little longer over the Falls and nearby area. The 30 minute excursions include more of a ‘game flight’, travelling upstream in the hope of viewing some of the larger mammal species and seeing more of the river course. The longer helicopter flights also include a flight down the spectacular Batoka Gorge below Victoria Falls. Should be pre-booked, especially if travelling in high season.
Lunch on Livingstone Island – a firm favourite and highly recommended when water levels allow – usually from mid-July through to January. Have lunch on the edge of the Falls as water plunges around you. When the river is low (normally from September to January but you must check), you might also wish to take your swimming costume for a swim in a natural rock pool on the edge of the falls!
White water rafting – experience some of the finest white-water the world has to offer. Full and half day rafting excursions below the Falls run from around mid-late July to March (dependant on water levels). Half day a.m. involves a stiff climb out of the gorge. Minimum age 15, parent/guardian to sign indemnity for under 20.
Canoeing on the Upper Zambezi: Half day or Full day with qualified guide. Min age 12.
Fishing (catch and release) half and full day with professional fishing guide. (Prohibited in December due to breeding season).
Mists of Time – for those interested in culture and history, then the exceptional ‘Mists of Time’ excursion (half day) is not to be missed.
Other Excursions include breakfast, lunch or sunset river cruises; horse riding; game drives in Mosi-au-Tunya National Park; game walks in Mosi-au-Tunya National Park; half day and full day canoeing on the Zambezi; quad-biking; bungee jumping; jet boating (30 minute extreme); gorge swings; flying fox; half or full day cultural and/or historical tours; village visits; tours of Livingstone town or the Railway museums; swimming under the falls; or possibly going across to the Zimbabwe side to view the falls (you will need to purchase day visas unless you buy a UNI Visa on arrival into Zambia). All excursions can be booked either through ourselves, or direct at the property at which you are staying (though please note comments about pre-booking certain activities).
Seasons
Thorntree is open all year round, though it is the rainy season from November to March.
Children of all ages are welcome at Thorntree River Lodge. Two sets of villas are linked by an internal corridor making it easy for families of up to five to sleep ‘under one roof’, with plenty of living space. The Victoria Falls area has much to offer and is an attraction to families, though please note that many activities have age limits.
African Bush Camps, owners of Thorntree River Lodge, run the African Bush Camps Foundation whose aim it is to, by working with rural villages in wildlife areas, develop sustainable conservation programmes and improve the quality of life for those living in the communities.
Close to Thorntree River Lodge, the Foundation supports the Maunga Community which is located on the outskirts of Livingstone. With the nearest health centre around 20km away, they are working to improve healthcare facilities by building a health centre within the community. They also work with schools in the community and support projects such as a conservation club and scholarships.
