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: enquire@thornybush.com

Gowrie Gate for Simbambili : -24.694507, 31.514996

Thornybush Nature Reserve Gate : -24.428404, 31.128351

FAQ

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

What if I have specific dietary requirements?

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.

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.

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.

Questions on photography?

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

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.

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

Thornybush's riches don’t stop at natural wonder

Thornybush's riches don’t stop at natural wonders, wildlife diversity and breathtaking landscapes, it also offers remarkable settings for a mindful retreat. The concept of mixing your wellness with a wilderness experience is fast becoming appealing to tourists who are looking for a more authentic connection with the wild. Read our full blog post on Wellness in the Wilderness - Link in Bio. #thornybush #wellness #safari #mindfulretreat #wellnessretreat #wellnessinwilderness #experience #travel #wanderlust

Votes close tomorrow (30 June 2020), so get yours

Votes close tomorrow (30 June 2020), so get yours in before it's too late! Thornybush Game Lodge is a finalist in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers Choice Awards. Votes close soon, so if you haven't done so yet, get your votes in and help to make 2020 a little brighter than what it has been. [Link in Bio] If you've stayed at Thornybush Game Lodge please vote for us by following the steps below and help us make 2020 a year where we remember more than these times of Covid19. Step 1: Go to https://www.cntraveler.com/rca/vote Step 2: Click on Hotels & Resort Step 3: Log in with FB or with your email address Step 4: Type in Thornybush Game Lodge in the ‘Hotel or Resort’ search field Step 5: Select Thornybush Game Lodge and follow the prompts to rate your stay Step 6: Submit

"Tracker's Eye View" We are sure that many of you

"Tracker's Eye View" We are sure that many of you would agree, if we could be anywhere in the world right now, this would be in the Top 3 choices, right? A leopard in a tree, and with a kill, as the sun sets in the background... Does it get any better than that? #thisisafrica #thornybush #safari #experience #leopard #sunset #tracker #gamedrive #wildlife #bigcatsofinstagram

It’s a perfect afternoon at Saseka Lodge, you’

It’s a perfect afternoon at Saseka Lodge, you’re enjoying a cup of tea or coffee, and next you’re offered a Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with Milk Crumble, Strawberry Leather, Pomegranate Pearls and Beetroot Mousse. Sounds delicious, we know, and we have our pastry chef Megan Barclay to thank for such delectable treats! Read our new blog and get to know Megan a little better - Link in Bio. #thornybush #meettheteam #crew #chef #saseka #sasekalodge #inthekitchen #southafrica #blog

Thornybush Game Lodge is a finalist in the Conde N

Thornybush Game Lodge is a finalist in the Conde Nast Traveller Readers Choice Awards? Votes close at the end of June 2020, so if you haven't done so yet, get your votes in and help to make 2020 a little brighter than what it has been. •Link in Bio• If you've stayed at Thornybush Game Lodge please vote for us by following the steps below and help us make 2020 a year where we remember more than these times of Covid19. Step 1: Go to https://www.cntraveler.com/rca/vote Step 2: Click on Hotels & Resort Step 3: Log in with FB or with your email address Step 4: Type in Thornybush Game Lodge in the ‘Hotel or Resort’ search field Step 5: Select Thornybush Game Lodge and follow the prompts to rate your stay Step 6: Submit #thornybush #condènast #competition #luxury #accommodation #thornybushgamelodge #bedroom #bathtubgoals

Since COVID-19 took the world by storm, government

Since COVID-19 took the world by storm, governments, the private sectors and non-profits, have been fighting to claw back a little stability. The fight here in rural South Africa, is just as real with food security quickly becoming a gloomy reality. Together, Thornybush Community Project and Nourish Eco Village, have initiated a Family Food Project, in the hopes of alleviating some financial stress for our beloved community members and their families. Our hope is to raise enough funds to assist 350 families who have been identified as needing urgent assistance. Originally the project was scoped to provide assistance for the months of May, June and July 2020 - however, as things have progressed and it becomes clearer that industries will only reignite towards the end of the year, we have decided to extend the project to the end of December 2020. The Thornybush community project’s philosophy is ‘Unity is Strength’, in these uncertain times, we hold these values close. Please assist us in reaching our goal to put food in the tummies of those struggling most, by following the •Link in Bio• to the donation page. . #covid19 #fundraiser #foodparcels #donationprohect #thornybush #communityproject #nourishecovillage #southafricq #donate