Thorntree may be the best kept secret in Zambia!! My sister and I booked a three day stay at the Lodge… HOWEVER after three days we just could not bare to leave… and literally turned round at the airport! I would like to say thank you to Natalie who pulled out all the stops when we decided not to go home, she somehow in five minutes managed to change our flights and extend our stay!! Thank you!! Everything at the Lodge it top notch, from the welcome, accommodation, food, and farewell. I have seldom met so many open, friendly and caring people running a lodge, Willem, Natalie and all their staff, you guys are the best!! The elephant ride and walking with the loin cubs (not so much cubs, but 14 month old loins) are well worth it!! All the activities organised by the lodge are well planned and very enjoyable!! The atmosphere at the Lodge is very relaxed and we make some super friends!. We can honestly say we had the best holiday ever!! We will be back!!

My husband and I were looking for a place to get away from the rat race to relax and recharge after a challenging year. Well we certainly chose the right place. Thorntree River Lodge was quite a find and could not have been more perfect. Our hosts, Willem and Natalie were waiting to greet us with welcoming smiles as we arrived and once our hands had been washed for us and we had been handed a lush fruit drink, we were escorted to one of the 10 thatched bungalows that are spaced well apart in the well kept grounds of the Lodge and all situated right on the edge of the mighty Zambezi River. As we were on our way to our room, we looked up only to see a herd of elephants grazing quietly in the grounds. It was enough to take our breath away too see these gentle giants wandering around so close and seemingly comfortable with our presence. Our bungalow was large and beautifully decorated with a queen sized bed, tea and coffee making facilities, a mini bar and double French doors opening onto a private balcony overlooking the river. The large en-suite bathroom was fitted with double sinks, a large bath and a private outside shower (which was a totally unique experience that we both loved). The attention to detail was overwhelming. Not only was complimentary bottled water provided in abundance, we were also provided with complimentary mosquito repellent. The turn down service included an elaborate swathing of the bed with mosquito netting as well as the lighting of a mosquito coil to keep the little critters at bay. Given that we were right on the river, there were surprisingly few mosquitoes or bugs which is indicative of a very well run resort. Whilst we had thought that we were the only guests given the privacy of the bungalows, we were pleasantly surprised to meet all the other guests at lunch, which is eaten alfresco next to the sparkling clean swimming pool. We had thought it could not get any better – then the food arrived! Freshly baked bread rolls were on offer at lunch and at dinner that were so good that I would have taken the chef home in my suitcase had I been able to squeeze him in. And that was just the start. Breakfast consisted of both a continental buffet and a cooked breakfast made to order. A 2 course lunch was provided every day followed by a 4 course dinner. The food was incredible and abundant as were the variety of drinks available at any time of the day. After 4 days of sunset cruises, visits to the Victoria Falls (there are no words to describe their magnificence) and game drives, as well as early mornings drinking cappuccinos on our deck and watching the hippos splashing around in the river not 50 meters away, we had to leave with very heavy hearts. Two of the guests (who are now firm friends) actually turned around at the airport and arranged to stay another night as they could not bear to leave so soon. What a compliment to the Lodge and their staff. To Willem, with his remarkable knowledge of the local wildlife and insects, and Natalie, with her superior organisational skills and gracious manner, as well as to the rest of the staff, we thank you for providing us with exactly what we needed – rest, relaxation and unconstrained interaction with nature. To all those people reading this review – we highly recommend that you visit Thorntree River Lodge at your earliest opportunity for a unique and highly pleasurable experience.

We had a wonderful stay at Thorntree until our room was looted of clothes, suitcases, camera, laptop, Kindle etc. etc. The exterior door had an interior lock and forced entry was very easy. Unfortunately, the lodge has not taken responsibility for their negligence and that of their security firm.
Apparently I'll have to drag them to court to recover my losses due to negligence.
So bring a big, big dog to protect your belongings.

Stayed at the Thorntree River Lodge early September, 2010. Wonderfully warm welcome on arrivinal from our hosts. Lunch under the trees, while watching the antics of the Vervet monkeys - great lunch. Accommodation, traditional African style self contained, thatched bungalos with indoor bathroom and outdoor shower, all set looking over the Zambezi River near Victoria Falls. The bungalows were spotless, with lovely fresh white linen on bed protected by mosquito netting. On the deck of the open air dining/bar/lounge area was the perfect position to watch Hippos at play at sunset, while enjoying a 'Sundowner'. A truely memorable experience as we also watched elephants coming across the river and at times in the garden. A beautiful bush experience in luxury. For people who do not like an up close experience with animals, perhaps this is not the place for you, but at all times, we were quite safe. Thoroughly recommend.