Find out why our travellers love coming back to us.

Set within the Greater Kruger National Park.

We have 12 superb 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’.

Explore Destinations

Beautiful Lodges

Spectacular Sightings

Expert Guides

Passionate People

Community Engagement

What type of safari are you looking for?


Forever Learning

We are forever learning from the bush.

Sabre Meeser - Ranger

Explore Our Lodges

You can expect the finest interpretive experience from our incredible private and specialist guides.

Saseka Tented Camp
Simbambili Game Lodge
The River Lodge
Thornybush Game Lodge
Shumbalala Game Lodge
Waterside Lodge
Jackalberry Lodge
Serondella Lodge
Monwana Lodge
Chapungu Tented Camp
Waterbuck Lodge
Nkaya Lodge

Chris_from_Oz073 · Follow
20th Jul 2019

Before I went to Simbambili I had spent 11 nights in other lodges completing 22 game drives. I’d seen many animals and been up close a personal with them. However this lodge takes the experience to a new level. We spent 4 amazing days at Simbambili and we didnt want to leave.

Supporting Our Local Community

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.

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Stories/Blog

2018-12-31 03:28

2018 Year-End Message from Thornybush

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

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2020-01-21 01:59

3 Reasons Why South African Safaris Are Unbeatable!

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

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2020-01-21 02:13

5 Reasons Why a Festive Season Safari is a Great Idea

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

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2020-01-03 05:07

5 Reasons Why a Safari is Great for Family Bonding

A safari vacation can be a bonding experience for families of all ages. Find out what makes a family safari so special at Thornybush.

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2020-01-21 02:17

A Day In The Life of a Baby Elephant

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

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2020-01-22 12:06

A Fond Farewell to Nic Griffin

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

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2020-01-21 02:25

A Matter of Pride

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

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2020-01-22 12:07

A Safari Wedding with Thornybush is Your Dream Come True – Here’s Why

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.

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2020-01-21 02:34

African Wild Dog vs Domestic Dog – What’s the Difference?

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.

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2020-02-11 03:29

An African Safari with a Side of Gin at Thornybush

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

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2020-06-04 08:00

An Africology Face Mask Recipe

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.

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2020-01-21 02:49

And That’s a Wrap for 2019!

Our end of year message and from our new CEO, Joanne Dickson.

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2020-04-03 03:20

Announcement: Thornybush is Going Into Hibernation

Thornybush is going into hibernation! Find out how this temporary closure has become necessary and what we are going to be doing with all our ‘free’ time.

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2020-01-23 06:04

Are male lions really that lazy?

Male lions are so often perceived as lazy guys, so we take a closer look to see if this really is the case.

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2020-01-22 12:03

Army Ants on the March

It’s not always The Big 5 that have the ability to wow, Army Ants have some impressive features to boast too!

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FAQ

Do I need any vaccines for South Africa?

Please consult your general practitioner or medical travel clinic for detailed information regarding possible vaccines requir

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What is the best time of year to come on safari?

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.

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What extra costs will I have at the lodge?

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.

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What happens in medical emergencies?

Thornybush subscribes to a medical team and evacuation service. However, it is recommended that you include this on your travel insurance policy whilst travelling.

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Do the game drives go off road?

Yes, game drives are in 4-wheel drive game viewing vehicles, so if the opportunity arises, your guide will go off-road. None of the roads in Thornybush are tarred, they are all maintained dirt roads.

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What is the dress code?

Bushveld casual, neutral colours are recommended. Most guests wear long trousers for dinner and always ensure you have a light sweater or windbreaker handy. During summer a bathing costume is recommended to enjoy down time around the swimming pool.

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Is the water safe to drink?

The water in all the lodges is perfectly safe to drink, however all lodges have bottled water available for guests.

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What should I pack for my safari?

The dress code is informal and neutral colours are recommended. A warm jacket for winter and evening safaris. Comfortable walking shoes, a bathing costume, binoculars, camera and video camera. Sunhats, sunscreen and sunglasses. A select range of safari clothing and amenities are available for purchase in our Curio Shops.

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Can we request something special for our Honeymoon or special occasion?

Absolutely! Please inform our reservations department when making your booking should you wish for something special to be arranged.

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Is there a spa?

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.

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What does my safari package include?

The rates at our lodges are all -inclusive which means accommodation, meals, snacks, early morning and evening game drives and optional guided bushwalks. For a full list of lodge inclusions, refer to the relevant lodge rates page.

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Are nature walks included?

Yes, nature walks are included, however, these are at the discretion of your guide. As the lodges are situated within a big 5 reserve, your safety is our primary concern. Kindly note, no children under the age of 16 are not permitted on bush walks.

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What is the weather like?

Daytime summer temperatures (September – April) are high and may soar above 36°C/97°F. Evenings and early mornings are warm. Winters (May – August) have chilly nights and crisp early mornings (minimum 3°C/38°F), but the days are fine and warm. Rainfall occurs predominantly in the summer months from October to April in the form of magnificent late afternoon/evening thundershowers.

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How do I get to the lodge?

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.

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Questions on photography?

Safaris are a photographer’s paradise; video or still-equipment should be in sturdy photographic cases.

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Not sure what you are looking for?

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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