Tag: zambia

Thorntree River Lodge: Victoria Falls in Style

Posted on by James

Imagine a picnic in the middle of the Zambezi River on your own private island.

But this island is barely 40 feet across.

Elephants browse on the riverbank in the distance, hippos cavort in a shallow pool just upstream, and the call of the African fish eagle sounds from high above. In the distance to the east, the constant cloud of spray that hangs over Mosi-oa-Tunya – “the smoke that thunders” – serves as a constant reminder that Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, is just downstream, and the real reason you are visiting this magical corner of the continent.

This is what awaits you at Thorntree River Lodge in Zambia.

African Bush Camp’s Thorntree River Lodge sits as a haven of serenity overlooking the mighty Zambezi River, right in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia’s smallest but by no means least impactful national park. Wildlife abounds here, even so close to the town of Livingstone – the gateway to this part of the world – and buffalo, giraffes and elephants are a constant presence around the lodge. The park has many historical implications as well. The Old Drift site is where wagons were floated across the Zambezi in the early days of exploration, and the local guides have endless stories to tell about the forgotten days of the area.

The lodge is therefore perfectly positioned not only from a nature point of view but especially for those who want to enjoy the splendour of the Victoria Falls themselves, which is 90% of the reason people journey to this part of the world in the first place.
The falls themselves – the largest curtain of falling water on the planet –  are simply mind-blowing. Although the strength of the cascade varies seasonally and is linked to rainfall in the Zambian highlands, the setting of the waterfall itself and the subsequent descent of the river into the Batoka gorge is simply mind-blowing.

There are a myriad activities to enjoy from Thorntree as a base. White water rafting, bungee jumping, game drives, casting a line for the fearsome tiger fish on an idyllic afternoon boat sojourn… Thorntree River Lodge truly offers it all. Guests will inevitably feel like they should have stayed longer, there is so much to do in such a small area.

The lodge showcases incredible river panoramas from its unique vantage point, tucked between lush riparian vegetation.
The communal areas flow seamlessly together, and the fluid design of the lodge and its integration into its environment make guests feel like they are one with the Zambezi ecosystem. For those wanting to check the occasional email or post a quick reel to their Instagram feed, the library hosts WIFI connectivity. The health conscious can spend time in the gym or spa; definitely a good option when considers how amazing the cuisine and wine are in this stunning setting.

Only ten rooms and two family units ensure an intimate camp experience, and being evenly spaced along the riverbank ensures each has its own private view out onto the Zambezi. Kids are welcome at the lodge, and the Ngwana Club hosts a wide range of activities for youngsters of all ages, ensuring they will be constantly entertained.

Thorntree River Lodge is a perfect place to start off a safari trip. Its easy access to airports both on the Livingstone (Zambia) or Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) side makes it readily accessible from major airports, and it gives you more than enough of an authentic African experience to have the bug bite properly.

Get hold of us through info@iconicafrica.com to enquire further, or to start planning your safari…

 

 

Zambia: The Next Big Thing in Safari

Posted on by James

Although boasting a long history of safari, Zambia has somehow managed to fly under the radar for most, with its cousin Zimbabwe just to the south, and the East African and gorilla safari scenes to the north-east generally taking home all the plaudits.
Recently though, with more and more focus being on exploratory travel, and hardened African visitors looking for a slightly different experience in the bush, the spotlight on Zambia has been shining ever brighter.

Victoria Falls has of course always received the attention it deserves, but is the slightly more remote destinations that are starting to come into their own, and the world-class wildlife viewing, combined with far lower vehicle densities than other countries, make Zambia something special.

The South Luangwa National Park in the east of the country is one of the better known reserves. With one of the highest leopard densities in Africa, open woodland perfect for photography and the Luangwa River itself with its uncountable hippos and crocs, this park is not one to be missed.
Visitors have a wide variety of safari options in Luangwa, from old school walking safaris to the more contemporary game drives in open vehicles, and a selection of camps scattered throughout the almost 10 000 square kilometre reserve provides a whole spectrum of experiences.

A quaint evening setting at Time and Tide’s Nsolo Camp
The open woodlands in South Luangwa are simply jaw-dropping.

Further south and west in the Kafue National Park one finds Busanga Bush Camp, a seasonal camp set on the edge of an enormous floodplain. Here the views stretch to the horizon, and with such limited human presence in the area, the visitor gets a sense of true remoteness. Cheetahs and lions are the apex predators, and the open grasslands provide the perfect habitats for them to pursue the plentiful wildebeest.
The unique habitat and open terrain is a photographer’s dream.

A lechwe at dawn on the Busanga Plains.

Even further west, almost as far as one can go in Zambia, is one of its least well known reserves, but one of its most exciting; Liuwa Plain. First protected in 1880 by King Lewanika of the Lozi people, the reserve is one of the oldest in Africa, and now, Time and Tide’s King Lewanika Camp sits as the only permanent camp in the park, ands therefore one of Zambia’s most exclusive.

Liuwa Plain is all about seasonality,  and the game viewing reflects this, focusing on the wildebeest calving towards the end of the year after the herds have moved south in the reserve, and continuing right the way through to the next winter at which point the herds retreat back north again.

King Lewanika Camp is about expansive African skies…
The seasonal wildebeest herds on the move across Liuwa Plain.

The Zambian wildlife havens are truly untouched, and the country’s lower profile on the international tourist radar has aided this significantly. However, the sheer diversity of landscapes, the wide selection of luxury camps and the feeling of being in true wilderness should put this astonishing country firmly on the bucket list of any ardent safari lover.

Get hold of us to find out more or to start booking your Zambian safari…