Welcome to Thornybush.
Your home in the African wilderness.

From the first enquiry to the final good bye I was given the most wonderful treatment by everyone!The staff at the lodge and the guide and tracker were all excellent, attentive to every need and so friendly!Thank you everyone -… read moreFrom the first enquiry to the final good bye I was given the most wonderful treatment by everyone!The staff at the lodge and the guide and tracker were all excellent, attentive to every need and so friendly!Thank you everyone – this is a must visit! read less

Sandy O

Thornybush is a true gem. Our family of five was spoiled from the min we arrived to the second we left. This is a must-do family experience. Our guide, Lindi, and tracker, KG were an exceptional team, we totally lucked… read moreThornybush is a true gem. Our family of five was spoiled from the min we arrived to the second we left. This is a must-do family experience. Our guide, Lindi, and tracker, KG were an exceptional team, we totally lucked out with fabulous sightings, regularly landing up right in the middle of the action. We saw everything and more, and we were all very impressed with the local wildlife knowledge of Lindi and KG. The lodge went out of their way to cater to our children, even offering a baking experience and special kids bug walk. We never once felt like they were an imposition as the team were so inclusive. KG made treasured wooden walking sticks for our boys, much to their delight. Laura, Anton and Precious were also great, helping us with our tour booking. The whole team are fabulous and there is a great vibe at the lodge. Also important to mention, food was out of this world good!There are so many lodges to choose from, but don’t hesitate to book thornybush game lodge. It’s truly wonderful in every way! read less

Tamryn

The informal arrangements at the lodge immediately made us feel right at home. As did the staff. The knowledge and skills of the tracker together with the great rapport between him and the ranger led us… read moreThe informal arrangements at the lodge immediately made us feel right at home. As did the staff. The knowledge and skills of the tracker together with the great rapport between him and the ranger led us to elephants, lions – several sightings, leopard, wild dog, white rhino, a pangolin, etc. All of this supplemented with knowledge and insights from the experienced ranger that lent perspective and connected the dots of the interconnectivity of nature. read less

Marinda2014

Our first Safari and what an amazing first it was. Simbambili exceeded all our expectations in every aspect. Kel and Ishmael were amazing. Every game drive was a wonderful experience. They are extremely knowledgeable in every aspect from the… read moreOur first Safari and what an amazing first it was. Simbambili exceeded all our expectations in every aspect. Kel and Ishmael were amazing. Every game drive was a wonderful experience. They are extremely knowledgeable in every aspect from the smallest to the biggest of the wildlife. We even had an astrology lesson. Thanks for the off roading and the Bush walk (although that did get the heart rate going up a bit) we were so privileged to see all the animals up close. Nomsa, Glory, Rich, Stan, Moosa, the chefs and all the other staff thank you for making us feel so at home. Special shout out for Glory’s singing and Moosa’s enthusiastic dancing!! Oh and Silvia gave the best massage and facial I’ve had in a very long time. Every day was different, we enjoyed dinner round the open fire, bush breakfasts and special dinners. Honestly, the best experience ever!!! We hope to come back again soon. Xxx read less

NGY

Simply the best. Our three nights at Thornybush were magical in every way – far exceeding our expectations. Daniel and John, our guide and tracker, were simply the best. Following tracks and sounds miles off to show us incredible things… read moreSimply the best. Our three nights at Thornybush were magical in every way – far exceeding our expectations. Daniel and John, our guide and tracker, were simply the best. Following tracks and sounds miles off to show us incredible things like a leopard and hyena battle over an impala, a 15 lion kudu feast, and baby lion cubs answering a mothers call. A dream come true. The lodge staff was phenomenal and worked to accommodate my gluten allergy preparing endless muffins, breads and cookies that I could eat! It was pure luxury, and the food exceptional. This was one of the most profound experiences of my life. Pure magic. We wouldn’t have traded a second of it. Thornybush is a not to be missed experience and will forever hold a special place in our hearts. read less

HEJAX

Happy to share that another trip to the special Simbambili exceeded all expectations!!!From Mike our ranger and his trusty Mr T every game drive was a wonderful experience. Thanks for the off roading that allowed us wonderful access to the… read moreHappy to share that another trip to the special Simbambili exceeded all expectations!!!From Mike our ranger and his trusty Mr T every game drive was a wonderful experience. Thanks for the off roading that allowed us wonderful access to the big 5 and so much more with two insane Wild Dog sightings.To Tanya, Nomsa, Edward, Rich, Stan, Moosa, Glory and all the other lodge staff thanks for looking after us with such genuine care and warmth!! You make this place so amazing to visit and are an exceptional advert for South Africa!Chef you legend, the food keeps getting better and better, the Boma dinner was fabulous as was the bush breakfast. I appreciate the effort to accommodate my dietary requirements and leave very well fed 🙏👍.See you again soon!! read less

Drew K