An eco-conscious, riverside haven on the shores of the Zambezi, Thorntree River Lodge is a contemporary tented camp just 20 minutes upstream from Victoria Falls in the heart of the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park near Livingstone.

We’re always inspired by the talented Fox Browne Creative team, who have really worked their magic with these interiors with a design concept that is sensitive to the river setting yet combines a mix of sophisticated urban design with Zambia’s unique local resources. Upcycled teak and gleaming copper feature strongly throughout (collectable copper jugs make a comeback here alongside contemporary pink gold thermos flasks), while smart design ideas and thoughtful touches give it the edge. We loved that the beds are suspended off the ground and lit from underneath, adding the softest unintrusive glow at night, that the fire pit was custom crafted and the chaises longues are submerged in the pool for the ultimate cooling off on a sizzling hot day.

It’s tempting to simply spend time chilling here but a walk in the Rain Forest or a trip to Devil’s Pools or even a helicopter flip make this an unforgettable escape.

What we love!

• Its location: if your stay is short and you aren’t combining it with a safari, it’s so easy to get to the Falls and to the airport, making it an easy long weekend escape on direct flights from Joburg or Cape Town.
• Children are welcome and there are two family friendly interleading tents
• Support for the community is seen in the selection of jewellery chosen for the boutique: I’m still wishing I’d bought a pair of beaten copper earrings made by a Zambian woman’s empowerment initiative (free-zambia.org)!

What you need to know…

• Being on the river is an experience in itself (the sunset cruise was one of the best I did – very few boats up this stretch of the river so it’s more private and you cover some distance, giving you more game viewing options), but don’t book this lodge if you’re looking for a game experience like you’ll get on the Zimbabwean side. That said, you can book a walk in the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park to see heavily guarded rhino, and this is a wonderful place to start or end safari trip
• You can fly into Vic Falls or Livingstone airport – transfers across the bridge the border are easy and you can ask your driver to let you walk over the bridge. Ask our advice first
• If you want to do Devil’s Pools you need to time it right and book far ahead. Ditto white water rafting, especially in peak holiday seasons

Reviewed by Michelle Snaddon

Sleeps 24 in 12 suites (8 separate and two interleading family tents)