Thorntree River Lodge
Thorntree River Lodge is situated on the banks of the Zambezi River, 15 kilometres upstream from the spectacular Victoria Falls, within the renowned Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park. Children of all ages are welcome.
Accommodation & Facilities
The lodge has eight double rooms and two family rooms. Each room has an en-suite bathroom with inside and outside showers, and a verandah with a beautiful view of the river and a private plunge pool. The family rooms sleep four people although an extra child’s bed can be added on request for a maximum occupancy of five people. The central lodge has an open dining room which leads to a private air conditioned wine cellar. There is a library, a gym and a spa, all with river views. Meals are often served outside on the large deck which is built onto the edge of the river. Drinks are enjoyed around the fire in the sunken boma. Finally, the child friendly infinity pool has a shallow end.
Eating & Sleeping
Families tend to eat together. Chefs are happy to prepare any foods that children enjoy and will discuss children’s dietary preferences with parents on arrival. If there are any specific dietary requests, please advise prior to travel. Should guests need childcare there are members of staff “Mulelis” assigned to the guests for babysitting services. They are not qualified baby sitters but have plenty of experience with children. There is no additional cost although tips are welcome.
Wildlife & Activities
Thorntree River Lodge’s riverside location and its unique position in the national park allows for a wide choice of activities, including elephant interactions, rhino tracking (16 years +) sunset cruises, game drives in Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, cultural and museum visits, fishing and of course visits to the Falls themselves. Helicopter flights, bungee jumps and white water rafting are just a few activities which can be arranged locally at an additional charge.
Specifically for children …
Children are welcomed into camp with a special Cub Club starter kit which includes a book bag, a colouring book featuring the animals they are likely to see on safari and colouring pencils. There are games for children in camp as well as a television and internet in the lounge area. A wide range of activities are on offer including:
• Bush walks around camp – guided walks around the camp give children the opportunity to learn spoor identification, discover the traditional uses of plants, hunt for the ‘Little 5’and study the birdlife.
• Cub club cooking.
• Story-telling – sharing the history and folklore of the area and its people.
• Arts and crafts/beading.
• Fireside story-telling after dark accompanied by hot chocolate and roasted marshmallows around the fire.
