Legendary explorer, Sir David Livingstone, said “I am prepared to go anywhere, provided it be forward.” When the David Livingstone Safari Lodge and Spa celebrated its opening on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, it was apparent that the hotel has more in common with this famous pioneer than just its name; it has also adopted his visionary stance. With 72 river-facing rooms and 5 luxury suites, guests here are treated to views that can only be described as glorious.
One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the area is renowned for adventure offerings and, an abundance of birds and wildlife. Guests can also indulge in a colonial fantasy as they are immediately plunged into an era of exploration, adventure and old-worldly splendour upon entering the lodge.
Located in the Mosi Oa Tunya National Park, Zambia, Thorntree River Lodge features breathtaking scenery with river views and sightings of a variety of animals on the Zambezi River. Adventure and excitement of the true Africa beckons as views of the unspoilt bush, natural waterholes and spectacular sunsets welcome you with luxury and superb hospitality. Guests are accommodated in luxurious suites, all with private decks overlooking the river. Your safari experience at this, ‘the home of the elephants’, will include on site river activities as well as elephant back safaris. Â Thorntree’s close proximity to Victoria Falls means that a visit to see ‘the smoke that thunders’ is a must for every guest staying at the lodge.
Bush comfort is the ultimate aim as guests can relax in paramount luxury while they take in the sights. Each secluded and spacious room overlooks the Zambezi River. Enjoy the African bush and Zambezi River from your own covered verandah. All rooms offer en suite facilities and are designed with comfort and space in mind in an unparalleled, quality, bush experience.
Footage from the Mosi Oa Tunya National Park, taken in August this year from someone staying at Thorntree River Lodge, can be viewed below:
Zambian Horizons is a collection of luxury camps and lodges in Zambia’s top national parks and this Autumn saw the addition of a new safari house and a complete refurbishment of their private island retreat.
Sausage Tree Camps Kigelia Safari House
Recently opened, Kigelia House is the ideal place for groups of friends and families to enjoy a more exclusive luxury Lower Zambezi safari experience. Set slightly apart from the main camp and closest to the Zambezi River, guests can soak up the panoramic views, the picturesque winding river and abundant wildlife. Kigelia House is the ultimate private safari house, complete with a fully stocked bar and large dining area guests can dine in privacy away from the main camp. A spacious open plan living room boasts deep leather sofas and a high canvas ceiling which spills out onto the verandah overlooking the Zambezi River. It is here too after adrenalin packed safari drives that guests can unwind on the day beds which surround the large infinity pool.
Sindabezi Island
The long awaited, private island paradise of Sindabezi Island is now complete and open to guests. All five thatched cottages have been rebuilt from the ground up, two of which have been transformed into honeymoon suites complete with ensuite bathrooms and roll top baths for the ultimate luxury. To enhance the romance of this secluded island two new star gazing decks have been built offering uninterrupted views of the Zambezi River and the African sky. In addition a private ‘Mokoro’ overwater deck is ideal for sundowners and romantic candlelit dinners whilst the main dining area in the centre of the island sits on stilts offering stunning dawn and dusk vistas of the River and its wildlife. Each open fronted cottage sits on the edge of the island overlooking the River, where Hippos wallow only metres away. Private valets will make guests stay effortless, from turning the beds down at night, switching the flickering safari lamps on and closing the mosquito nets around the bed, so that guests can climb in and feel cocooned to waking you in the morning with a cup of tea and a selection of freshly baked biscuits to kick start your action packed day.
Take a step back to the romantic appeal of the ‘Golden Age of Aviation’ as you travel through southern Africa in a DC-3. Experienced 4th generation local guides tailor the voyage to the interests of a select group of 14 travellers as you explore Zululand, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique and South Africa with Travcoa Flying Safaris. You¹ll be a distinguished guest at a private ceremony, the Zulu King¹s Reed Dance. This is a once-in-a-lifetime privilege to observe a celebration of 20,000 African maidens rekindling their people¹s pride in dance and traditional culture.
On the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls there is a natural pool known as Devil’s Pool, right next to the 1,708 metre drop. If you were visiting, would you dare to take a leap of faith into the pool? Take a look at the video before answering!
Blog reader Mitch – who I know from the Aardvark Travel Forums – has kindly brought it to my attention that Chongwe River House opened last month for a press trip and should now be open to the public. The property can accommodate up to 8 people in four large en suite bedrooms. The design of the house is such that you get good views from all the bedrooms, as well as from the sitting room and outside deck, ensuring that you don’t miss the passing wildlife. This part of Zambia is famous for huge male elephants which feed on the winterthorn grove in which the house is situated.
Take a step back to the romantic appeal of the ‘Golden Age of Aviation’ as you travel through southern Africa in a DC-3. Experienced 4th generation local guides tailor the voyage to the interests of a select group of 14 travellers as you explore Zululand, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique and South Africa with 
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Blog reader Mitch – who I know from the