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Thornicroft Lodge South Luangwa National Park

Stay with us and become absorbed in the wonders of the South Luangwa National Park, one of the greatest parks in Africa. Thornicroft lodge is set in a beautiful location on the banks of the Luangwa River, home to wallowing hippos and bathing elephants and makes the most of our wonderful surroundings without compromising on comfort. Learn from our expert guides about the wildlife and environment of this breathtaking National Park. Whilst here, you can explore the untamed wilderness of the South Luangwa & the rich National Parks surounding the lodge with unforgettable dawn, sunset and night drives in open 4x4's with some of the best safari guides in Africa. We welcome you at Thornicroft to experience true Zambian Hospitality -
"Timu landilani";, which means "Welcome!"

Our Accommodation

Luxury River View Chalets

Luxurious, spacious chalets on Luangwa River feature modern comfort, traditional charm, elegant African decor, air conditioning, and self-contained amenities.

Bush Style River View Chalets

Bush Style River View Chalets offer rustic charm, comfort, and cozy stays with stunning views of wildlife and river activity, enhancing your safari experience.

Bush Style Tented Chalets

The Tented Chalet offers a rustic camping experience with comfortable beds, outdoor lagoon views, communal bathroom facilities, and adventure.

Why Visit South Luangwa?

The Birthplace of the Walking Safari

Wild, remote, and teeming with big game, South Luangwa is Zambia’s premier wildlife destination. This stunning region is home to several endemic species and four of the Big Five, earning it the nickname "Valley of the Leopard" due to its abundance of these majestic big cats. South Luangwa is also celebrated as the birthplace of the walking safari, a concept pioneered by British conservationist Norman Carr.

Thornicroft Lodge operates two properties within the South Luangwa region: one in the South Luangwa Game Management Area (GMA) and another in the Nsefu GMA, both of which dot the banks of the meandering Luangwa River and border rich national parks. Much of this area remains wonderfully unexplored and wild, making it ideal for an authentic, off-the-beaten-path adventure. If you’re eager to embrace Africa’s wild heart and explore unique landscapes and endemic species, South Luangwa is the perfect place to lace up your boots and set off.

Our Packages

Thornicroft Lodge occasionally offers special safari packages that can be booked directly at info@thornicroft-lodge.com .

The South Park Tour

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The Hakuna Matata

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The River Dog Package

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The Ubuntu Tour

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Our Gallery

Dining

Enjoy meals with Luangwa River views, featuring International, Zambian, and Indo-Chinese cuisine.

Swimming Pool

Relax in our Zambia-shaped pool after a safari or to cool down from the South Luangwa heat.

Bar

Enjoy casual dining, drinks, and cocktails with Luangwa River views and frolicking hippos.

River View Chalet

Cozy River View chalets offer charming bush-style accommodation by South Luangwa National Park.

Luxury Chalet

Relax in luxury chalets with air-conditioning, rustic charm, and views of Luangwa River and park.

Tented Camp

Stay in cozy tented chalets under Amarula trees with close-up wildlife experiences at the Lagoon.

Campfire

Enjoy evening stories by the campfire, surrounded by pristine wilderness under a starry sky.

Safari Experiences

Experience thrilling safaris with certified guides, encountering Lion, Leopard, Elephant, and more.

Food

Enjoy safari dining with cocktails, Zambian cuisine, or Indian dishes at themed restaurants.

Reviews Thornicroft's Collection

Pedro

"Gracias, gracias, gracias. Una estancia inolvidable, celida hospitalidad, excelente comida Ymucha paa All the best Yours faithfully,"

Guest

Joshua Banda

"Had fun and enjoyed every minute of my stay, liked the most of the extent the workers go to, they go an extra mile. They don't discriminate and treat everyone equally."

Guest

Chuck & Beverly

"Thank you all for the professional and caring personalities to make our visit wonderful. May you have many years to serve in the future, may you all be blessed with good health and long lives and love the Savior, Jesus. Warmly."

Guest

Indu

"Our experience at thornicroft has been wondertul. The staff has been very cordial and has served us with utmost love and care. They greeted us very warmly and catered for our needs through the day. We recommend staying at this lodge to all visiting south Luangwa national park. Thanks,"

Guest

Takos Dara & Family

"Avery pleasant stay, relaxing and lots of animals considering the time of the year. The staff is very friendly and helpful. I recommend others too."

Guest

Wild Dogs, Lusaka

"Like it should be, we are lucky to be have come back. See you next time and thank you very much."

Guest

Max & Antonia

"Thank you for this amazing stay. The last days were nothing short of awesome. The bent staff Thrilling Safari tours (thanks again Mahlews) great food and just an overall great experience, All the best."

Guest

Andrew & Michelle

"To the all-Thornicroft Crew What a magnificent week. The game drives were new (literally), and Boyd, our guide was a Safari Superstar. He took us on unforgettable trips to the park and his village. A highlight Thornicroft is just the kind of place that will ruin future vacation forms because it is that good! Thanks for a most memorable stay. High..."

Guest

Felix, Luzern (CH)

"Vielen Dante flir den wundusclonen aufenthalt, tolle leute, super essen, wundebare. Unsebury ud viele un-vesfessliche. Tiesbeobackhiufen."

Guest

Matthews. K

"To the thorncraft team, our stay at this lodge was so nice and the experience in the park was amazing (best tour guide). The food was good, to the manager, excellent reception, keep it up."

Guest

Viru & Nita Patel

"Thank you all for wonderful time, had a great time at the safari. The services were great. See you again."

Guest

Chamila Sanjala

"It was an amazing and relaxing experience. There is an amazing view of the sunrise and sunset"

Guest

Martin & Phuory

"Thank you all for the most precious time, fun and accommodating hospitality. We had a wonderful time at Thornicroft where everything was perfect from the
luxury lodge, the super delicious food and excellent game drives with Boyd, certainly will be back. Thank you for looking after us so well."

Guest

Yan, Hendricks & Jelly

"Treated like royalties, everything is there, the weather, the birds, the river. The food was excellent and served correctly, overall word, amazing."

Guest

Bina, Vinny & Jatin

"Thank you for the amazing hospitality, the staff are an amazing team. We had a wonderful time at thorncroft lodge. Lots of love."

Guest

Yan, Hendricks & Jelly

"Treated like royalties, everything is there, the weather, the birds, the river. The food was excellent and served correctly, overall word, amazing."

Guest

Yan, Hendricks & Jelly

"Treated like royalties, everything is there, the weather, the birds, the river. The food was excellent and served correctly, overall word, amazing."