SLF010-6 Day Livingstone & Lower Zambezi

Explore Zambi in an open 4x4 vehicle, driven by your safari guide. Encounter the region's wildlife during early morning and late afternoon drives – the times of day when animals are most active. Learn about the wildlife, their tracks, and the surrounding plants from your expert guide as you experience close-up encounters. On your game drives, enjoy morning coffee, snacks, and evening sundowners set against the beautiful backdrop of a savanna sunset.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Victoria Falls is one of the most iconic waterfalls in the world, let alone Africa. Stand in awe as you soak in the majesty of the Falls - otherwise known as ‘the Smoke that Thunders’ - as you watch this breathtaking natural wonder cascade into the Zambezi River, forming part of the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Experience a safari from new heights with a scenic helicopter ride - an extraordinary way to observe wildlife and explore the rich landscapes of Victoria Falls. This breathtaking adventure promises a fresh perspective on the African wild as you spot herds of animals and hidden waterways that are often missed from the ground.

The Lower Zambezi River is the perfect setting for an adventurous canoeing safari. Paddle through the shimmering waters of the Zambezi River and take in the scenery of Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park from a unique angle. On your canoeing safari, you’ll get the chance to see wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and incredible birdlife, among others.

A sunset cruise down the iconic Zambezi River offers incredible wildlife sightings in the most tranquil setting. The calm waters mirror the spectacular sunset, creating a beautiful backdrop as you enjoy sundowners and spot elephants, birds, and other amazing wildlife in their natural habitat.

Cast your line into the crystal-clear waters of the Zambezi River to experience the thrill of a catch. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a simply a beginner eager to learn the basics, the Zambezi River offers a wonderful fishing adventure. Relax, sit back, and enjoy the serenity of nature, surrounded by the majestic beauty of this iconic African river.

The excellent Livingstone Museum is divided into five sections covering archaeology, history, ethnography, natural history and art, and is highlighted by Tonga ritual artefacts, a life-sized model African village, a collection of David Livingstone memorabilia and historic maps dating back to 1690.

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is home to the extremely rare and endangered white rhino who are under 24-hour protection by the rangers. At Thorntree River Lodge you’ll get the unique opportunity to see these incredible animals up close on a short walking safari.

The African Bush Camps Foundation works with the local communities with the goal of community upliftment through tourism by creating long-lasting positive impact. In Livingstone, we have partnered with the Maunga Community and together have identified two focus areas; building a much needed clinic building and providing scholarships to children who are in need and show potential in the classroom. Spend half a day visiting this community during your stay at Thorntree River Lodge and see the impact of the Foundations work.

Bird lovers will find plenty to enjoy in the area’s rich diversity of avian life, with chances to spot incredible species like the African fish eagle and Gannets, Spotted thick-knee. Listen for the distinctive call of the African skimmer or try to capture a photo of the elusive Verreaux’s eagle-owl. Whether you're admiring their beauty or simply soaking in their songs, African birdlife is a marvel to behold.

"Ngwana," the Setswana word for “explorer,” is the name of our young adventurer program at Thorntree River Lodge. The Ngwana Club offers a variety of safari adventures for children of all ages, including nature walks, cooking classes, traditional storytelling, and arts and crafts. Children’s safari activities are tailored to each family's unique needs and preferences, considering ages and any special interests or requests.

Game drives are the most succesful way to see a good variety of wildlife, both large and small. Visiting more areas, and witnessing the diversity of the Lower Zambezi National Park you can appreciate the unspoiled wilderness of Zambia. A larger area can be covered in a shorter time frame, increasing the chance to find good game. The vehicles also allow those ‘up close and personal’ experiences - our team of professional guides will ensure that it is not too close!

Night drives are the perfect way to experience the nocturnal animals, including the elusive leopard, genet, civet, porcupine and giant eagle owl. The big cats tend to be more active at night and you may find yourself following lions on the hunt. Your guide will also point out the constellations of the Southern night sky.

Sausage Tree Camp operates a fleet of new Toyota Landcruiser game viewing vehicles to ensure reliability and comfort.

Walking is the perfect way to search for the smaller creatures, learn about the trees, the plants and examine the different tracks and signs. Walking was pioneered in Zambia and remains one of the few areas where this can be truly enjoyed.

Led by a professional walking guide and National Parks Wildlife Officer, walking is carried out in small groups. Taking advantage of the cooler morning temperatures, you will take a game drive from camp to an open area where the walk begins. Beware -not only do you see the smaller things on foot, it is also not uncommon for us to see lion on our bush walks.

The Lower Zambezi is renowned for its spectacular canoeing. As one of the few privileged operators based inside the National Park, we are able to canoe guests down the most stunning section of the Zambezi, “The Chifungulu Channel”.

Led by one of our highly qualified canoe guides, explore the banks of the river, where game can be seen from a totally different perspective - looking UP rather than down!

Canoe trips vary in length, however a one-hour canoe trip is a great prelude to an evening game drive.

No experience or particular strength is required - it is an effortless drift, as the flow of the Zambezi pushes the canoes along.Rather than a work out, this is a time to relax, listen to the sounds of the huge variety of bird-life and admire their sheer beauty

Scenic boat cruises are a very relaxing way to view the game that comes down to the river to drink and bathe, whilst also taking in the unique water wildlife. Until the Zambezi River is explored by boat, it is impossible to truly appreciate the huge hippopotami pods and crocodile populations. Lucky guests have experienced the truly memorable sight of elephant crossing the Zambezi, from Mana Pools National Park to the Lower Zambezi National Park. To view the most amazing sunsets in Africa, floating sundowners (Gin and Tonic are de rigueur!) in the middle of the Zambezi is a must! This can also provide a photographic opportunity for that perfect African sunset.

Sausage Tree Camp operates scenic boat trips using 7metre aluminium river cruisers. Designed for the Okavango Delta, they are the perfect boat for the Zambezi River as sandbanks make navigation on the water very difficult.

Weather you enjoy waking up to the booming call of the impressive Ground Hornbill or watching the flittering of tiny Redbilled Firefinches there is something for the novice and experience bird watcher alike.

We have approximately 500 species of birds in the Lower Zambezi National Park from waders on the shores of the Zambezi River to wattle eyes in the Miambo woodland in the escarpment. Some of the special and more interesting birds that can be found in the area are Sadelbilled Stork, African Skimmer, Roufous Bellied Heron, Bee Eaters, Black Crowned Night Heron, Amathest Sunbird and Jamsons Firefinch just to name a few.

The Zambezi River is host to some of the most spectacular fresh water sport fishing in the world with plentiful Tigerfish (Hydrocynus vittatus, Latin for "striped river dog") and Tilapia amongst others. Sausage Tree Camp offers both spinning and fly fishing, both strictly catch and release in accordance with the principles of the National Park.

The most sporting and certainly the most fun fish to catch is the famous Tigerfish. A relative of the infamous piranha, Tigerfish have large carnivorous teeth, can grow to 15kg / 33lb (the camp record 11.3kg) and are renowned for their strength and spectacular "leaping out of the water" fighting performance.

Fishing is succesful all year round, however the warmer months (September - December) are definitely the best time to catch Tigerfish. This is the breeding season when the fish are more active, feeding more regularly and are far more aggressive. The water level is typically lower and the visibility at its very best.