Thornybush is a collection of luxury lodges in the world-renowned wilderness areas of Sabi Sand and Thornybush Nature Reserve. Big 5 encounters and the sheer diversity of wildlife have helped establish Thornybush as a leading destination in the Greater Kruger Park area. It’s the people here, however, that are the real secret to our bush magic. Our guides lead with an expertise and intuition that’s second to none, while our close-knit teams within the lodge, from the receptionists to the chefs, create the homely environment our guests recognise as that ‘Thornybush feeling’.
We are forever learning from the bush.
You can expect the finest interpretive experience from our incredible private and specialist guides.
We had the most wonderful trip in late August to Thornybush Game Lodge once Local travel restrictions had been lifted. The game viewing & birding was phenomenal & the service & food was exceptional, we highly recommend visiting Thornybush especially given that they are offering such exceptional rates currently
Thornybush Luxury Game Lodge created The Thornybush Community Projects, a non-profit organisation established with the objective of nurturing and uplifting our surrounding local community.
The majority of our staff come from the surrounding local communities, so we see it as our duty to do our best to make a positive contribution, especially with the needs that are continually evident within such a rural setting.
As 2018 draws to a close, we’d like to take this opportunity to reflect back on some of Thornybush’s highlights for the year, and what we (and you) can look for
South Africa is the perfect place to enjoy a safari experience. If you’re not yet convinced, we’ve given our top three reasons why we believe you should come vi
You may be used to the white Christmas seasons, filled with markets, hot chocolate and bustling crowds but we promise you, a festive season in South Africa has
A safari vacation can be a bonding experience for families of all ages. Find out what makes a family safari so special at Thornybush.
Celebrate South African Heritage Day on 24th September by making this delicious modern twist on an old favourite: Chicken Feet. The health benefits will out weigh any scepticism.
Elephants are an iconic species and like all youngsters, baby elephants are full of the joys of life. With over inquisitive minds and comical antics they are a
Thornybush Game Lodge will be serving this delicious salad over the festive season, it is made from aubergines with a peppadew salsa
After 12 years at the helm of Thornybush, Nic Griffin has reached a well earned retirement. We reflect on Nic’s incredible achievements and bid him a happy reti
Affectionately known as the King of Beasts, the Lion is an animal to behold, and admire. Today they face a rapid decline in their populations, so we spare a tho
There’s no doubt that a safari setting is one of the most romantic locations in which to get married. Under the canopies of acacia trees or nestled in a dry riverbed, surrounded by multihued blooms, golden grasses, endless horizons and moody cloud cover will capture your perfect day in the most memorable way.
We look at the sustainable, working relationship between our local community and the needs of our local business markets.
Affectionately known as painted wolves, the African wild dog, while belonging to the family Canidae, is only distantly related to any of the other canines.
South Africa has always had a strong gin culture, which dates way back to the country’s association with British colonial culture and the Great White hunters of
We have put together a simple DIY spa experience, made from ingredients you can find in your kitchen, to enjoy that spa vibe in the comfort of your home.
Our end of year message and from our new CEO, Joanne Dickson.
Your specific dietary requirements should be communicated with the reservation’s consultant at the time of confirmation, this enables the lodge to ensure your preferred meals are available and supplies are ordered in time for your arrival.
The rates for Thornybush are all-inclusive, however there may be some additional costs. For a full list of lodge inclusions, refer to the relevant lodge rates page.
Each season has its own beauty and in an ideal world, one should try and experience the bushveld in the winter and in the summer to enjoy the two contrasts. Our summers are hot but tolerable as the air is very dry. Spectacular thunderstorms occur during the months of November through to March. Winter is dry and generally easier to view game as the bush is not as dense. The winter days are fantastic as temperatures average a moderate 20 degrees Celsius. When traveling in the winter months it is recommended that you dress warmly for both morning and evening game drives.
This is a modified four-wheel-drive vehicle, designed to carry between 6 and 8 guests and is used to bring you to within close proximity of the animals. The vehicle does not have a roof or sides and allows for maximum all-round visibility. Our ranger and tracker teams are well qualified and take your safety very seriously. They will communicate the rules of driving on this type of vehicle in the open bushveld before departing on your first game drive.
Thornybush subscribes to a medical team and evacuation service. However, it is recommended that you include this on your travel insurance policy whilst travelling.
The water in all the lodges is perfectly safe to drink, however all lodges have bottled water available for guests.
You will be warmly welcomed by a friendly member of staff who will assist with the check in process and orientation of the lodge. You will then be shown to your room, after which a light late lunch will be served, followed by your first afternoon safari which lasts approximately 3 hours, during which time you will stop at a selected venue to watch the sun set and enjoy a beverage. You will return to the lodge early evening for dinner. The following morning at day-break you will meet in the main area of the lodge, where refreshments and snacks will be on offer before departing on your morning drive which lasts approximately 3 hours. You will be given the opportunity to stretch your legs during this time whilst enjoying a coffee break. On return to the lodge, you will enjoy a full breakfast after which you will have some down-time to make use of the spa or lounge by the pool before lunch is served, followed by your late afternoon safari.
SA Airlink offers 2 scheduled flights daily between Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) and Hoedspruit Airport (HDS) which takes approximately 55 minutes, and 1 daily flight between Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) and Hoedspruit Airport (HDS), which takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Transfers can be arranged on your behalf from Hoedspruit Airport to the Reserve, at an additional cost. This transfer takes approximately 30 minutes by road.
Scheduled charter flights taking you directly into one of the Thornybush Nature Reserve Airstrips can be booked through our reservations department.
Private charters are available through several reputable private charter companies. Enquiries / quotes can be obtained through our reservations department.
Directions are available for guests opting to self-drive. Driving time from Johannesburg is approximately 6 hours.
Please consult your general practitioner or medical travel clinic for detailed information regarding possible vaccines requir
In order to have the most fulfilling safari experience, we would recommend a minimum of 3 nights stay, enabling you to enjoy your safari in a leisurely manner.
Thornybush Private Nature reserve forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park. This is an area which covers a massive expanse of unfenced wilderness, allowing wildlife to roam freely between the Kruger National Park and a vast number of private concessions. Thornybush has 11 lodges withing the Thornybush Private Nature Reserve and 1 property situated in the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve.
Safaris are a photographer’s paradise; video or still-equipment should be in sturdy photographic cases.
There is a full-service spa at both Thornybush Game Lodge and Simbambili Game Lodge. The Thornybush Game Lodge spa is accessible to most of the lodges within close proximity.
The lodges are situated in low risk malaria area. Precautions are taken annually to treat the lodges and minimize risk. We recommend you consult your medical practitioner on anti-malaria prophylactics.
National parks are administered by South African National Parks Board which ensures a standardised level of accommodation – facilities and the rates are usually kept low. These parks are mainly self-drive destinations. Game viewing in the Nation Parks are restricted to tarred roads with no offer of off-road safaris. The game viewing in a private park is less restrictive to that of the national parks. Game drives are enjoyed in a private open safari vehicle with a trained guide and tracker team ensuring up-close and personalized game viewing experiences.
Our sales team will be able to guide you or answer any of your questions on which safari lodge is perfect for you!
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