Thorntree River Lodge

When you arrive at Thorntree River Lodge, the assembled staff sings your welcome. It’s over the top. As was our entire stay. The friendliness and attention of the staff, the amazing proximity of wildlife, the expertise of the guide, the splendor of the accommodation…We could not recommend it more highly. The bed was so comfortable and the room wonderfully spacious. Our room looked out on the Zambezi River and we could hear hippos every night. The Internet service was not great, but that was part of the appeal…you really felt remote from all that. The activities provided by the lodge were exceptional, especially the boat cruises on the Zambezi. Of course it was spectacular to visit Victoria Falls. The food was also exceptional, catering to vegetarians and omnivores alike. Weeks later we are still talking about our fabulous experience at Thorntree and already scheming to return.

On the bank of the mighty Zambezi, this was the second of our 3 country African Bush Camp safari trip. Here, we experienced life at a slightly slower pace, with a combination of safari drives, as well as a visit to the spectacular Victoria Falls, a boat trip along the river, and a sighting of the rare white rhinos, who are protected round-the-clock by rangers. Our charming safari guide Quentino was a fountain of knowledge, and made our trip very special. The accommodation was first class, as were the views over the river. Meals, and the wine were excellent, and served by such friendly staff. Particular mention goes to Victor, who kept our wine glasses full! We were spoiled on our second day when, on returning to the camp following our visit to the falls, we were served with a surprise lunch on a boat crewed by our guide to celebrate my wife's birthday. To add to the surprise, a herd of elephants appeared along the bank which added to my wife's delight. A wonderful camp, which we would not hesitate to recommend.

This was truly a 5+ star bucket list experience. We were treated with the utmost respect, generosity and kindness by every staff member. We appreciated the understated luxury, attention to detail, magnificent lodge decor, the on-the-Zambezi River setting, the phenomenal food, guides, trip to the epic Vic Falls and optional activities. Hard to find any areas of improvement! We were celebrating a 50th and 60th Bday but felt like a second honeymoon!

After traveling through more than 50 countries and staying in dozens of hotels, this was certainly one of the nicest and the service the best I have ever experienced. Our house had a great view of the Zambezi, a beautiful terrace with pool and privacy was guaranteed at all times. The food was excellent, the location by and on the river romantic and the staff super attentive. Special thanks to Bridget, who brightened up the morning sunshine with her friendliness and smile. All in all, our stay was unforgettable and I hope to be here again

Arriving on the banks of the vast Zambezi River was so relaxing as we enjoyed our glamping "tent" cabin and the main lodge. The staff is very attentive, and the choice of food is amazing. The Wi-fi Lounge in the Library was a quiet haven and the store provided local craft items at very reasonable prices. Hellen was a friendly and helpful manager at Thorntree Lodge. Zebras and a warthog enjoyed grazing on the nearby lawns. You are never endangered by the animals who basically ignore you. But when it is dark, an attendant with a flashlight walks you to and from your luxurious cabin that even has your own pool, indoor/outdoor shower, and mini bar. Of course there is the requisite mosquito netting around the bed for sleeping comfortably each night. Taking the sunset cruise on the Zambezi in a pontoon boat was just what we needed after a long day of travel. The surprise was to stop and disembark at a nearby island for our "Sundowner" drinks and snacks. Quentino was our friendly and very knowledgeable professional guide around the UNESCO Heritage site of Victoria Falls and the Livingstone City area. When I realized that I had lost my sunglasses in the local craft market, he went back and found them while we were out exploring the river on a speed boat trip to Livingstone Island and a close up viewing of the incredible falls with another guide. Do not plan to go to see the Victoria Falls in April as that is the rainy season and they are thunderously overflowing that local site where you will get drenched. Quentino also got us privileged access to view the endangered white rhinos which are free-roaming but guarded 24/7 by armed guards as their protectors from poachers. Yes, I would recommend this African Bush Camp experience at Thorntree Lodge to you travelers!

Located on the Zambezi river the lodge is just gorgeous. Spacious suites with a plunge pool and overlooking the river this is just one of a few wonderful African Bush Camps that should be on a safari tour. Wonderful friendly staff and great food is just a few reasons to stay here, but being in the midst of nature and being close with animals is the real key! Add it to your bucket list

Just completed a 3 day stay at the lodge. Received a warm greetings by the staff. Shown to suite #10. We'll designed. Great views. Loved having the plunge pool but water just too cold for plunging. Loved the outdoor shower and longing area. Room cleaning was immaculate. We should have kept the mosquito netting down each night because there were mosquito. Food choices and quality was exceptional. Breakfast was very special. Staff was excellent. English spoken well. Guides were excellent with a great deal of knowledge. Junior and Zita were our primary guides and they were great. Do visit both sides of the Falls. Just a very enjoyable 3 days. I would stay here again if I were visiting Livingstone.

Our family of 8 had an amazing stay at the lodge. Junior our guide was obliging and we enjoyed all the activities from visiting Victoria Falls, the game drive to see the white Rhino, fishing and the sunset cruises on the mighty Zambezi river. Wild life visiting the lodge was a highlight (Elephants, Impala, Monkeys and Hippos) whilst we enjoyed the warm hospitality of the staff at the lodge situated by the Zambezi River. Thank you to the team at Thorn Tree for a memorable time.

Outstanding rooms, excellent food, friendly staff! Visit to the falls and local market was outstanding. Monkeys playing outside your room. Beautiful room with all the mod cons. Truly caring staff. If you are going to visit the falls - THIS IS THE PLACE TO STAY!!