Exploring Thorntree River Lodge with Jemma Wild

Join South African photographer and passionate storyteller, Jemma, as she experiences the wonders of Thorntree River Lodge, resting on the shores of Zambia’s mighty Zambezi River:

If I had to choose a favorite safari destination, being on the banks of the Zambezi River would be a strong contender. Having done the Zimbabwean side often, I was so excited to feel the magic of Zambia – but on the Mighty Zambezi. That magic started right from our arrival! Driving into Thorntree River Lodge, you can’t help but feel the beat of a true African welcome. Greeted with singing and dancing, Zambia’s presence was imprinted deep into our souls.

One thing that stood out for us was the lushness of this side of the river. Nestled on the banks of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park under towering Natal mahogany, water berry, and fig trees, it instantly feels cooler – especially in the African summer heat. But these trees do more than offer shade; they create a private escape. Each suite is perfectly positioned, making you feel completely alone in your luxury tent by the river.

And the birdsong – let’s just say your morning alarm clock is nature at its finest. From the Schalow’s turaco to giant kingfishers, the river and forest come alive in my favorite type of orchestra.

Synonymous with the Mighty Zambezi is a water safari, and with multiple activities to choose from, this experience will always be my favorite. Heading out for our first sunset cruise, I was captivated by the floating platform at the heart of the lodge – a unique piece of architecture that gives Thorntree its charm.

Fact: The sunsets never disappoint on the Zambezi. True to form, after an overcast start, the sky burst into color on the horizon. As we sipped our drinks, listened to Philip, our guide, share stories of his upbringing, and watched the birds fly over a fire-lit sky, the magic of the river unfolded.

Where there’s safari, there’s romance – and goodness, the team at Thorntree knows how to make love flow. Walking into our room, we were greeted by a private dinner setup. As the chef plated our delicious three-course meal, I couldn’t help but have a pinch-me moment. From the flavors of every dish to the attentiveness of the staff, the hospitality was world-class. What would tomorrow bring?

A truly special outing was tracking the white rhinos of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.

Zambia once had a healthy population of several thousand black rhinos, but decades of poaching wiped them out. In 2008, the Zambia Wildlife Authority successfully relocated four white rhinos from South Africa to Mosi-oa-Tunya – local for “The Smoke That Thunders,” the Zambian name for Victoria Falls. This created a new population on the north side of the Zambezi River. Today, thanks to successful breeding and round-the-clock armed protection, the white rhino population is a conservation success story.

As we headed out into the park, we met the “Mother of Rhinos,” a local guardian, along with an armed tracker who tracks, sleeps, and lives alongside the rhinos daily. Because the rhinos have become somewhat habituated to humans due to consistent monitoring, we were able to get breathtakingly close to these gentle giants.

On our drive back to camp through the park, the river’s edge came alive. From fighting giraffes to swimming elephants and lazy baboons, the hustle of life here blossoms. As they say: water is life.

Where there is water, there is life – and a lodge that will fill your safari cup: Thorntree River Lodge. Thank you to the staff, who went above and beyond during our stay. As if the setting weren’t enough, we will remember the delicious meals, the laughs with our guide, and the memory of a place that truly goes with the flow.

So, is the safari greener on the other side of the Zambezi? You’ll just have to go and find out!