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Staying at Thorn Tree River Lodge-Livingstone,Zamb...

Staying at Thorn Tree River Lodge-Livingstone,Zambia

African Bush Camps are without a doubt one of the best curators of unforgettable, authentic bush experiences in Southern Africa.

We stayed at Thorn Tree River Lodge by African Bush Camps that elegantly sits at the banks of the mighty Zambezi River and right inside Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park near Victoria Falls, and to say the least, my mind was blown by the luxury, ambiance, activity line up and the fine dining experience.

Pick up and arrival at the lodge

Our Scheduled pick-up time to Thorn Tree River Lodge was at 10:30 am in Livingstone town; Zambia at one of the main malls called Kubu Shopping Mall. We got there a few minutes to time, but Daniel; our driver was already there, looking for us. He warmly received us, took our bags, and showed us into the air-conditioned van that was to take us to the lodge.

In the van, he gifted us stainless steel water bottles, green in color neatly labeled African Bush camps. As per the group’s environmental conservation policy, they do not allow plastic within the property.

The lodge was approximately a twenty-minute drive from Livingstone town.

At the gate.

A warm Tonga welcome and magical neck and shoulder massage

When we arrived, we were given the warmest welcome by the lodge staff with a welcome Tonga song as they served us with tall glasses of freshly squeezed fruit juice. Just as I thought I had seen it all, we were shown to a jetty that overlooked the Zambezi for a brief while enjoying what the lodge likes to call a neck and shoulder massage using a wooden rod to ease jetlag. That was completely out of this world!

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The unique massage. Check previous post.

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It was difficult to contain my excitement and I wanted to see it all.

After the brief, we were shown to our rooms and it was at this point that I almost dropped my jaw in awe.

The exterior of the tented camps blended well with the park’s environment and at that point, I was ready for the surprise that was awaited inside.

A high and wide hardwood door with steel reinforcement opened up to the world of luxury, a world that only Fox Browne creative can create. A world of contemporary décor with a traditional river and lake feel, inspired by old explorer boats used by Africans in the old age. A rustic touch that brought a mixed feel of elegance, relaxation, and a home away from home feel.

That high door welcomed me to luxury, precision, and attention to detail. I remember seeing a mini-bar with the widest range of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks with snacks. There was a welcome note from the Lodge’s manager.

A walk inside the room opened up to a roof to floor and wall to wall sliding glass door that gave an unobstructed view of the Zambezi. I knew I had found the missing part of the puzzle; A glass of Rose, a view, and correct aura. I was complete.

View of the Zambezi from the room.
A view of the private swimming pool. Each of the rooms has its own pool.

The room had a queen size bed with white bedding, and a neatly hanging mosquito net position in a four-poster fashion. The space blended well with the wooden floor, rugs, and throws that completed the cozy feel. I loved the nook at one end of the room that imbued a snuggly cuddly feeling.

The nook

There was a masterpiece on canvas by David Ballam that completed the entire interior look. The back of the room led to a spacious bathroom that had a separate closet, toilet, bathtub, and a shower area that opened up to a separate glass door that showed to an infinity pool that faced the ferocious Zambezi. Zambia being a copper producing country, it was so refreshing to see hangers, mirror frames and other room fixtures made from copper.

A David Ballam masterpiece.
Rustic bathtub.
Inside the closet.
Bath Essentials
Space and ambiance.

The sliding door like I kept saying opened up to a world of tranquility as it slid away with my deciding power. I was so spoilt for choice that I could not decide on what to do first. I did not know whether I wanted to dip in the bubbling infinity pool that was right at my front porch or lie on the sunbed and absorb the unbelievable goodness in front of me or just have a taste of the local beer; Mosi and get lost in Zambezi thoughts.

A reflection of the pool and the Zambezi.
The pool.

According to the program, we had a lot of activities lined up for us and it was all on us to decide what we wanted to go with. Before the start of our three-day-long activities, a special welcome lunch was prepared for us. The four-course welcome meal is what they said about not needing a second chance to make a good first impression. It set precedence for the rest of our meals during our stay. If I was to carry anything to my next destination then it would easily be the meals.

The fine dining experience, with an African twist and never-ending glasses of wine, was irresistible.

The service was excellent.
No plastic water bottles, lunch with a view.
Rosé paired well with the beetroot salad.
Lunch (main)
Dinner Starter(Roasted Tomato and basil soup)
Main meal.
Then more wine…

Click on this link to read top things to do while staying at Thorn Tree River Lodge.

In the meanwhile follow me on the gram.


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I travel, I write about travel. I take travel photos. Talk to me about destination reviews,cultural trips, and responsible tourism.

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