Undoubtedly the most sparkling jewel in The Thornybush Luxury Game Lodge Collection?s crown, The River Lodge is flagrantly chic and stylish without screaming ?safari?. Exclusivity and luxury reign at The River Lodge and amongst the shaded canopies of trees, you will know that you have landed in utopia.

She lifts her trunk aloft and trumpets vociferously, shattering the early morning solitude. Her grey face is so close I can count her long eyelashes one by one. Never needing mascara, the elephant gives me the once over, scowling at our nearby presence to her calf. Said calf is nonchalantly having his morning meal, consisting of the greenest leaves in abundance.

Few things rival Friday morning rush hour in the bush when the traffic jam consists of a breeding herd of elephants. Right in front of our game drive vehicle, the youngsters are having a spirited roll-around. Suddenly a very large bull elephant ambles down the road and the little ones set off in search of mom. She gathers them together and starts strolling in our direction, led by the smallest of the calves. They intensify their pace and thank goodness our ranger, Stanley Chiyasa knows where the reverse stick shift is as they are now in hot pursuit.
The explosion of green in the bush heralds the onset of summer, paired with the occasional downpour; the lushness of the bush is the ideal stomping ground for the browsers and grazers. The animals look healthy and happy except for those who have to unwillingly sacrifice...