Get in Touch With Us

THORNYBUSH HEAD OFFICE

2nd Floor
Rivonia Village
Corner Rivonia Boulevard and Mutual Road
Rivonia
Johannesburg
South Africa

Office: +27 11 253 6500
After Hours: +27 82 693 7043
Facsimile: +27 11 803 7350
Email: info@thornybush.com

Gowrie Gate for Simbambili : -24.694507, 31.514996

Thornybush Nature Reserve Gate : -24.428404, 31.128351

FAQ

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.

What is the difference between National Parks and Private Reserves?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

What is an open safari vehicle?

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.

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.

Is Thornybush situated inside the Kruger National Park?

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.

Questions on photography?

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

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.

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

It’s Hippo Day and in honour of these fierce ani

It’s Hippo Day and in honour of these fierce animals, here are a few facts about Hippos. - Hippos are known to be fiercely territorial. - When they bare their mouths, they’re not yawning but warning you stay away (they are after all some of the most dangerous animals on earth) - Hippos also have rather long lifespans and can live up to 40 years. Photocredit: Gerd Kopanski (one of our guests) #Hippo #HippoDay #wildlife #wildlifephotography #thornybush #southafrical #travelafrica #travelsouthafrica #bigcatsofinstagram #bigcats #safari #wilderness

We'd like to wish everyone here a happy Valentine'

We'd like to wish everyone here a happy Valentine's Day! Whether you're celebrating with yourself or with someone you love - we hope it's a day to remember. #ValentinesDay #love #romance #getaway #romanticgetaway #thornybush #southafrical #travelafrica #travelsouthafrica #safari #southafricansafari

Saseka was spotted growling to warn off a hyena th

Saseka was spotted growling to warn off a hyena that venture too closed to her territory. Leopards are the least social of the big cats – they’re fiercely territorial creatures and usually prefer keeping to themselves. Photocred: Kelwan #leopard #wildlife #wildlifephotography #thornybush #southafrical #travelafrica #travelsouthafrica #bigcatsofinstagram #bigcats #safari #southafricansafari

One of the perks of being on a Safari holiday is b

One of the perks of being on a Safari holiday is being able to relax in the bush and enjoy nature. Even the leopards agree. Photocredit: Ross #leopard #wildlife #wildlifephotography #thornybush #southafrical #travelafrica #travelsouthafrica #bigcatsofinstagram #bigcats #safari

At Thornybush, our private dinners are always a la

At Thornybush, our private dinners are always a lavish affair. Whether it's by a fire, with lanterns in a boma or a candlelit dinner on your private deck, we make every experience special, especially during the month of love. You can enjoy a quiet moment with your partner and reflect on the excitement of the day while our excellent food and wine makes these special dinners even more memorable #PrivateDinner #Romance #thornybush #safari #romanticsafari #travelafrica #travelsouthafrica

Sometimes we manage to sneak out of the bush for e

Sometimes we manage to sneak out of the bush for events happening in the rest of the country. This time it was JB, head of our lodge operations, who has made his way to Cape Town to watch @rafaelnadal play his first ever Sub-Saharan Africa match - against @rogerfederer! As it turns out, JB seems to fit right in between the celebs and the @moetchandon as he rubs shoulders with Roger and our World Cup Rugby team captain, @siya_kolisi_the_bear. Perhaps he can persuade the stars to come on safari at Thornybush after the match!! #thornybush #rogerfedererfoundation #givingback