Blogs, Bush Recipes & More | Thornybush Luxury Game Lodges

Experiences | 2020-01-03 13:29:01

The Monwana River

The Monwana River is the lifeblood of Thornybush Private Nature Reserve – not just for the animals that call this place home, but for the people who visit here

Experiences | 2020-01-02 14:45:01

What’s on the Menu at Thornybush?

A safari at Thornybush is not only about the wildlife – making sure that your taste-buds are satisfied is important to us too! Find out what you can expect on y

News | 2019-12-03 21:27:01

Thornybush Joins the Greater Kruger National Park

Thornybush forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park, which allows the free movement of animals across 19,485 square kilometres (7,523 sq mi) of land.

Experiences and Lodges | 2018-12-31 15:28:13

2018 Year-End Message from Thornybush

thornybush year-end

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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Best of Both
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FAQ

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.

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.

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.

Should I bring binoculars?

On game drives you do get quite close to the animals but if you are an avid bird watcher we recommend a small lightweight pair of binoculars to enjoy your bird viewing. Most rangers have a pair on the vehicle but it is recommended that you travel with your personal pair which suits your eyesight.

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.

A typical day on safari?

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.

Malaria prophylactics?

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.

How long should we stay?

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.

Do I need any vaccines for South Africa?

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

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.

Is the fruit safe to eat?

The fruit supplied by the lodges is perfectly safe to eat, however DO NOT pick fruit from trees or pick any berries or fruit up off the ground without consulting your ranger as they may be poisonous.

Questions on photography?

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

As Featured In

Thornybush on Instagram

In the last few weeks our resident hyena den has b

In the last few weeks our resident hyena den has been rather quiet. This most probably means that the cubs of various ages have been moved to a new densite by their mothers. Hyenas will move den sites regularly so that their cubs are not vulnerable to other predators. After spending a long while at one termite mound, their "hyena odour" tends to become quite strong, and we all know how good a predator's nose is! So to keep the young ones safe from being sniffed out by lions or leopards, or rival hyena clans, the adults will relocate to a new home.

Stay tuned as we'll be looking for signs of where the new hyena den might be and hopefully we'll catch up with all the cubs soon!
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#hyenaden #spottedhyena #thornybush #safari #experience #babyanimals #young

Recently, some of the Thornybush guides were lucky

Recently, some of the Thornybush guides were lucky enough to find an elephant carcass and enjoyed a few days of really interesting sightings. After investigating in the area around around the carcass, it was agreed that the young adult male elephant died of natural causes.

We are aware that some sensitive viewers may not enjoy seeing this but it is after all, a natural part of the life cycle out here. If you'd like to see the full video of the feasting action, please follow the Link In Bio to our Youtube channel.
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#elephantcarcass #scavengers #hyena #vultures #feedingfrenzy #thornybush #safari #experience

We are extremely proud to announce that Saseka Ten

We are extremely proud to announce that Saseka Tented Camp has been nominated in two categories for the World Travel Awards 2020! If you have stayed with us at Saseka, please follow the Link in our Bio, to the blogpost with step-by-step instructions on how you can vote for us and help us achieve the recognition we would love to have!

Voting ends on Thursday, 24th September
#worldtravelawards2020

We are extremely proud to announce that Thornybush

We are extremely proud to announce that Thornybush Game Lodge has been nominated in two categories for the World Travel Awards 2020! If you have stayed with us at Game Lodge, please follow the Link in our Bio, to the blogpost with step-by-step instructions on how you can vote for us and help us achieve the recognition we would love to have!

Voting ends on Thursday, 24th September
#worldtravelawards2020

We are extremely proud to announce that Simbambili

We are extremely proud to announce that Simbambili Game Lodge has been nominated in two categories for the World Travel Awards 2020! If you have stayed with us at Simbambili, please follow the Link in our Bio, to the blogpost with step-by-step instructions on how you can vote for us and help us achieve the recognition we would love to have!
Voting ends on Thursday, 24th September.
#worldtravelawards2020

It's official - you can now safely fly straight in

It's official - you can now safely fly straight into Hoedspruit from Johannesburg, and soon Cape Town too. Airlink have resumed domestic flights and Hoedspruit is on the list! “We are ready to start flying our customers again and to play our part in repairing South Africa’s economy by safely and hygienically re-connecting people, businesses and markets."

For more information about the routes and flight schedules, get in touch with @fly_airlink.
Happy flying, we'll see you soon!

#getaway #timeforabreak #thornybush #localtravel #travelsouthafrica #safari #retreat #holidaytime #localflights #flyairlink