Thornicroft Lodge

Luangwa Valley

Rating: Mid-range

highlights

Small owner-run lodge
Two game drives each day
Watch elephants, giraffes and monkeys from the lodge
Pre-prandial drinks by the campfire
Just a five minute drive from the national park
Bush sundowners and night drives

Thornicroft Lodge overview

Thornicroft Lodge is in a lovely setting beside the Luangwa River, where you'll often see hippos, giraffes and elephants during the day. There are nine chalets, so this is a small and friendly lodge whose staff do their utmost to help you enjoy your stay.

Your chalet has en-suite facilities including a walk-in shower, comfy beds and plenty of space for clothes. You'll be able to make yourself a cup of tea or coffee whenever you wish and sit out on your veranda to enjoy it as you take in the views of the river and wildlife.

The communal area is an open plan thatched structure where you find the lounge, bar, dining area and indoor braai. This is the social heart of the lodge where you spend most of your time when not out on safari, resting and chatting to other guests. Outside there's a swimming pool, very welcome on hot days. From these central areas you'll have good views of the river and lagoon and the wildlife they attract, and you can also sit right on the banks of the river..

Each evening the camp fire will be lit and guests gather to recount the experiences and encounters of the day, whilst sipping a sundowner. Dinner is a choice of local and international dishes, lovingly prepared by the head chef.

While at Thornicroft you'll have two game drives each day, in open vehicles which offer excellent views, with stops for drinks and snacks. As the lodge is just five minutes from the main gate of South Luangwa National Park no time is wasted on lengthy transfers optimising your wildlife viewing time and your expert guide is on hand to make sure you miss nothing. You'll also have the chance to go on night game drives and guided walks for a comprehensive safari experience.

details

Open: Thornicroft Lodge is closed from mid-January till the beginning of March each year.

Location: Thornicroft Lodge is on the banks the Luangwa River a few minutes' drive from the entrance to South Luangwa National Park. The nearest airport is Mfuwe, a 30 minute drive (27kms) from the lodge.

Rooms: There are nine guest chalets, all with en-suite bathrooms with hot showers. They are located along the riverbank and have verandas with views of the river and national park on the opposite side. They have twin or double beds and enough room for a third bed or cot if needed. There are tea and coffee making facilities and power points for both British and European plugs. There are shelves and hanging space for clothes, fans to keep the rooms cool and large screened windows which let in plenty of light. There are also five two-person dome tents providing simple but perfectly adequate and affordable accommodation with electricity for lighting and shared bathrooms.

Activities: The lodge offers morning and afternoon game drives in South Luangwa National Park. These take place in open vehicles with comfortable, cushioned seats. Drinks and snacks are available. You can go on night drives, returning to the lodge in time for dinner. Walking safaris can also be arranged, to be booked and paid for at the lodge, and special interests such as flowers, birds and big cats can be taken into considertation. Thornicroft Lodge runs regular art safaris.

Facilities: The main thatched building is a spacious open plan area and includes the comfy lounge and bar, dining room and indoor braai (barbecue). This is where you spend most of your time when not out on game drives. At the front of this area is the campfire, where guests gather for pre-dinner drinks. Snacks and drinks are often served down by the river with views of animals on the opposite side. There is a swimming pool, designed in the shape of Zambia, and sundeck. The pool depth is 1 to 2 metres and pool towels are provided. The camp is unfenced so animals do stroll through the area, so don't be surprised to see elephants and monkeys outside your chalet!

Dining: Meals are eaten at individual tables. Food is western-European with an African twist.

Children: Children of all ages are welcome. Children under the age of 12 are not allowed to sleep in a tent or chalet without the guidance of an adult.

Health: This is a malarial area.

Communication: There is Wi-Fi internet access. There is cell phone coverage but this is intermittant.