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.
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.
The water in all the lodges is perfectly safe to drink, however all lodges have bottled water available for guests.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thornybush subscribes to a medical team and evacuation service. However, it is recommended that you include this on your travel insurance policy whilst travelling.
Please consult your general practitioner or medical travel clinic for detailed information regarding possible vaccines requir
Safaris are a photographer’s paradise; video or still-equipment should be in sturdy photographic cases.
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.
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.
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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