Rating: Deluxe
After a complete rebuild, Thorntree River Lodge re-opened to guests in May 2017. The new lodge is an attractive building composed largely of wood and glass, with extensive social areas and suites arranged along the banks of the Zambezi River.
Victoria Falls and its many associated activities including Falls tours, cruises, bungee jumping and helicopter flights, is just 12kms away, while the lodge is within Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park where you can enjoy game drives and go rhino tracking on foot. Other options such as fishing trips, sunset cruises on the lodge's own boat, and village visits can be arranged by the helpful staff.
There is plenty of room at the lodge for relaxation. The lounge has comfy sofas and a centrepeice fireplace, you can enjoy TV and use the Wi-Fi in the library, and head outdoors to cool off in the swimming pool and enjoy sundowner drinks round the boma fire or by the firepit deck built out over the water. There is a large dining area with a feature wine cellar, and other meals are served out on the decks within sight of the river. The gym offers exercise options, with the spa providing more relaxing downtime.
Suites are set on woden decks, and each has its own veranda overlooking the river, complete with a plunge pool. Inside the bedroom includes a sitting area and leads to an en-suite bathroom with a shower and deep bathtub, which in turn connects to an outdoor shower. There are 2 family suites, each made up of 2 en-suite bedrooms and a linked walkway.
Open: Thorntree River Lodge is open all year. The lodge re-opened in 2017 after coming into new ownership and undergoing a total re-build.
Location: The lodge is on the banks of the Zambezi River in Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, 12kms upstream of Victoria Falls. The nearest airports are Livingstone and Victoria Falls.
Rooms: There are 8 twin/double suites and 2 family suites. The latter have 2 linked en-suite bedrooms. All rooms have a bathroom with twin hand basins, a shower and bath plus an open air shower. There is a separate toilet. Bathrobes and hairdryers are supplied. Each suite has a deck with a plunge pool. In-room amenities include hot drinks, a minibar, safe and power sockets for charging batteries. Beds are fitted with mosquito nets, and there is a cosy sitting area.
Activities: Spend time enjoying all the activities on offer at Victoria Falls. The lodge has a boat for river and sunset cruises. Nature activities include safaris in Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park and rhino trekking. Canoeing, fishing, village visits and excursions to Livingstone Mueseum can be arranged. Some activities incur an extra charge, payable locally.
Facilities: Thorntree River Lodge has a large lounge with a central fireplace and bar, and a separate dining area. Other facilities include a small library with Wi-Fi and TV, a spa and a gym. Outside the deck overlooks the river, and there is an outdoor swimming pool, a boma with cushioned seating and a fire, and a circular firepit deck built out over the water. The lodge provides a laundry service.
Dining: Meals are eaten indoors and on the deck at individual tables. Some meals are prepared on the large outdoor barbecue.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome. There are 2 family suites, each with 2 bedrooms.
Health: This is a malarial area.
Communication: There is Wi-Fi internet access in the library.
Notes: The lodge is available for exclusive use if booked by a minimum of 20 guests.