1. Thornicroft is a small intimate bush-style lodge set in a beautiful location
on the banks of the Luangwa River - home to wallowing hippos and bathing
elephants. Explore the ultimate destination for lion and leopard on
unforgettable game drives with our expert guides.
South Luangwa, Zambia
River-view Chalets Tented Campsite
2. Private Chalets or Tented
Campsite
At Thornicroft we have
accommodation for all
budgets.
We have nine elegant bush-
style chalets for those who
want a bit more comfort and
privacy whilst on safari.
We also have 7 safari dome
tents that offer a very
affordable way to safari.
There is a classic thatched
main lodge with bar, dining
room and lounge area.
You can take a swim to cool
down after a safari or just
enjoy the amazing river
views.
Two Amazing safaris a day
Classic game drives and
thrilling night safaris in one
of the finest parks to see
predators in Southern Africa.
Famous for its concentration
of wildlife South Luangwa is
the destination for any
Safari connoisseur. Our open
4x4 safari vehicles mean you
have unobstructed views
and feel close to the wildlife.
All of our safaris are led by
professional qualified guides
with an exceptional in-depth
knowledge of the park and
its wildlife.
Our game drives bring you
close to some of the world's
most magnificent wildlife so
that you can experience a
truly African adventure.
Great food, stunning
location
Relax between safaris in
our swimming pool or at
one of the many vantage
points overlooking hippos
that cluster in the great
Luangwa river.
In the evening you can sit
around our open fire,
enjoying a pre-dinner
drink whilst comparing
wildlife encounters and
watching the amazing
stars of the southern sky.
Our cook will prepare
breakfast, lunch and
dinner for you, delightfully
served in our restaurant
and prepare snacks and
drinks for you to have on
safari.
Note: The swimming pool
is closed during the rainy
season (Jan to April)
3. At Thornicroft Lodge we adore our wildlife and will do everything we can to ensure
you have a great safari experience. We pride ourselves in being the ideal place for
couples or families looking for an authentic safari experience at an affordable price.
Our Rates
Chalets:
$225 per person per night sharing during Low Season.
Single supplement is US $50.00 per night.
$285 per person per night during High Season. (From 1st
July - 15th October)
Single supplement is US $50.00 Per night
Each Chalet (for 2-3 persons) has breathtaking river views over the great Luangwa
River and has an en-suite bathroom, hot water, and luxurious beds with walk-in
mosquito nets.
Standard the lodge is closed from Mid-January until mid-March but we might be
able to welcome groups of 5 or more full paying guests on request.
Tents:
$160 per person per night sharing all year round (Campsite is closed January to
March). Single supplement is US $25.00 per night.
The African style dome tents are simple but functional and are equipped with two
comfortable beds, bed linen and electric light. There is a shared shower and toilet
block with hot water and plenty of wash basins.
NOTE: Local payments in Zambian Kwacha / USD only. All rates are
subject to a local government service charge of 5%.
We need a 25% deposit is required to confirm the booking.
4. Included in all packages are:
An early morning 4hr game drive and 4hr afternoon/night drive in South
Luangwa NP with an expert safari guide in an open 4WD vehicle.
(standards there are no safari activities on day of arrival or departure)
Accommodation
All meals and tea/coffee and drinking water from our bore hole
Snacks and tea/coffee on safari
Not included in packages:
Pick up / drop off at Airport ($30 one way per booking, max 4 persons)
Park Fees for Zambian Wildlife Authorities ($25 per person per safari day)
5% government service charge
Drinks from the bar
A day at Thornicroft
All game drives are undertaken in open game viewing vehicles to optimize the
pleasure of your experience. Drinks and snacks are taken along for your
enjoyment whilst in the park.
5.00 - awake just before sunrise and have light snack with tea & coffee
6.00 - head off in to the park on a 4 hour morning drive.
10.00 - return to the lodge for a scrumptious "brunch". Followed by afternoon
rest, swim or relax in the shade overlooking the river. At 15.30 Tea / Coffee.
16.00 - depart for the afternoon game drive and after a sundowner in the park
we go on a magical night drive
20.00 - Returning to the lodge, ready for Evening Dinner
Customize your Safari
Room and board only available from US $125 - $165 per person per night. Single
suppl. US $50
Additional game drive - US $50 per person
Additional walking Safari – additional $25 per person on game drive rate*
Full day / Private Game drive – ask for the rate*
* Minimum of 4 persons
5. Explore South Luangwa National Park with Thornicroft
South Luangwa national park: Nearly 9,000sq km of grasslands, oxbow lagoons
and thriving wilderness. This rather unspoiled wildlife reserve holds one of the
highest concentrations of game anywhere in the world and is one of the few
places in Africa to allow night safaris and walking safaris.
The park has been described as the premier park in Africa foremost for the
variety of species seen when visiting and the pristine woodland and riverine
vegetation plays host to over 60 mammal and 650 bird species the premier
place to see Lion and Leopard in Africa.
South Luangwa is the most impressive of all African National Parks, with
incredible wildlife populations and continually enthralling sightings. Not only is
it home to unique species such as the rare wild dog, it also offers visitors the
chance to experience big game such as lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, hippo,
zebra and of course the Thornicroft Giraffe.
The night drives take the wildlife opportunities up a level. Not only for the
chance of seeing a pack of lions or leopard but for the many interesting animals
that only come to life at night like genets, civets, servals, hyenas, and
bushbabies, nightjars and the grass-mowing hippos. The meandering Luangwa
River is the life blood crowded with hippos and crocodiles flanked by Elephants,
Zebras, Giraffes and antelope all coming for a drink. Without this river the park
would not be able to support such levels of wildlife and the survival of these
animals depends on it.
South Luangwa is a rare national park that rewards repeat visits with yet more
unbelievable sightings. Luangwa changes week by week through the seasons.
Dry and dusty at the end of the dry season it turns in to a marshland filled with
water, grass grows tall and the trees and bushes become thick with leaves and
creepers from December. By the end of September most rivers except the
might Luangwa are dry and the hippos congregate in huge pods of hundreds of
individual jostling for a patch of precious water. Almost all of the animals have
migrated to the river to get access to water and wildlife viewing is exceptional
and the concentration of game is unbelievable. The drought is a hard time for
the animals as water and quality food source is rare. It has been some 5 months
since it last rained and everything is clinging for survival. This is prime season
for the lions and leopards who can feast by picking off the weaker animals.