Will I see the Big 5 at Thornybush?

It was our 50th wedding anniversary and due to Covid we delayed booking anything due to travel restrictions. Eventually as the restrictions lifted we opted for a local experience to limit flying and quarantine. Found this lodge online and due... read moreIt was our 50th wedding anniversary and due to Covid we delayed booking anything due to travel restrictions. Eventually as the restrictions lifted we opted for a local experience to limit flying and quarantine. Found this lodge online and due to our previous experience with '5 star' lodges investigated before booking. The booking was pain free and informative. We flew to Hoedspruit but should have looked for connecting flights direct to the lodge as the road trip was horrendous- good vehicle and driver but terrible condition - 2hrs of bumps and potholes. Arriving at the lodge the welcome was terrific - all the small details were in place for guest comfort. We stayed in honeymoon suite which has everything required to make your stay fantastic. The game drives were awesome with a ranger and tracker the seemed to have an endless knowledge of birds - even when we only heard them. Big game was plentiful but the camaraderie with other guests made each sighting very special. The food was first class with overeating and drinking the mode for the 5 days we spent there. The butter service was superb with our wish being met before we asked. Unfortunately during the stay my girlfriend of 50 years plus suffered some serious medical issues and once again the lodge service exceeded expectations with a paramedic call to advise on medications required to get us back to civilisation. The advisor even called back days later to make sure we were OK. This lodge is a must visit 5 star experience. The whole staff were attentive , polite, courteous and very knowledgeable going the extra mile to meet customer expectations. Well done to you all. read less

alancA9323WG

Posto a dir poco stupendo!
Struttura fantastica, camere spettacolari e servizio eccellente.

Il safari è davvero unico e abbiamo visto davvero di tutto, leoni, elefanti, Leopardi, rinoceronti…oltre a zebre, giraffe, iene e molto altro

Il cibo è delizioso e tutti sono molto gentili... read morePosto a dir poco stupendo!
Struttura fantastica, camere spettacolari e servizio eccellente.

Il safari è davvero unico e abbiamo visto davvero di tutto, leoni, elefanti, Leopardi, rinoceronti…oltre a zebre, giraffe, iene e molto altro

Il cibo è delizioso e tutti sono molto gentili e premurosi.

Torneremo sicuramente.

Grazie

Roberto e Samantha read less

644robertoa

We had an epic stay at Saseka Tented camp. Jimmy our butler was always on point and never hesitated to pander to our every need. Zanele was amazing and even stayed with us to take pictures of our engagement. They... read moreWe had an epic stay at Saseka Tented camp. Jimmy our butler was always on point and never hesitated to pander to our every need. Zanele was amazing and even stayed with us to take pictures of our engagement. They made the most amazing set up for us. Patience made delectable dishes of food and she not only made a vegetarian biryani for my fiancé (as per my request for a special birthday) but also a chicken one for me. They even set up a romantic bath and dinner at our tent. Magic exists at Saseka. We had a truly spectacular stay and we’re so humbled by everyone’s generosity with love and care. It was our third stay at Saseka and every time has been a dream come true. The game viewing is always amazing and you never leave their capable hands disappointed. Well done as always team Saseka! You will forever be the special place for all our treasured memories. read less

SuvanaS1

Undoubtedly the best private game reserve stay we have ever had. The hosting, the accommodation, the food and the sightings were all sublime. We even had the pleasure of seeing Hosana (the famous male leopard) twice in our stay. Thank... read moreUndoubtedly the best private game reserve stay we have ever had. The hosting, the accommodation, the food and the sightings were all sublime. We even had the pleasure of seeing Hosana (the famous male leopard) twice in our stay. Thank you to Mathews who took such great care of my vegetarian fiancé by asking her every day what she would like for lunch and dinner. Mr T our butler was a dream come true and nothing was too much to ask. Nomsa and Tamsyn were excellent hosts. Our ranger Trevor was probably the most knowledgeable guide we have ever had the pleasure of experiencing and we are most grateful for the knowledge he shared so freely with us. Cherry on top was the surprise dinner in our room to celebrate our engagement. All in all we are huge fans of the Thornybush collection but now after Simbambili, we won’t want to stay at another lodge.Thank you for an amazing stay to the team at Simbambili! read less

SuvanaS1

We spent a very lovely 2 night stay at Thornybush Game Lodge. It was a tasteful elegance despite its large size. We were made to feel very welcome and enjoyed our time with Tracey our ranger. The food was delicious... read moreWe spent a very lovely 2 night stay at Thornybush Game Lodge. It was a tasteful elegance despite its large size. We were made to feel very welcome and enjoyed our time with Tracey our ranger. The food was delicious and sighting galore. In fact Tracey made sure we saw the leopard Saseka before we left as we hadn’t seen her whilst at Saseka Tented Camp immediately before (we saw her on our two previous trips so this was a hat trick). Overall you cannot go wrong with the Thornybush Collection, It is consistently amazing having now stayed at Saseka Tented Camp, Waterside, Simbambili and Game Lodge. The brand has our loyalty ❤️ read less

SuvanaS1

I am only getting to this review a year after staying yet the impact this absolutely incredible place had on me is still very fresh in my heart and mind. Our entire experience at Saseka was the most amazing time... read moreI am only getting to this review a year after staying yet the impact this absolutely incredible place had on me is still very fresh in my heart and mind. Our entire experience at Saseka was the most amazing time I have ever had in the bush. Each and every element of Saseka - it's people, the food, decor, rooms, service, game viewing, attention to detail, this list goes on, was beyond my wildest dreams. From lunch on our patio, to surprise bubble baths when we got back, Rudi our ranger who completely enriched our experience with his noninvasive way of sharing his phenomenal knowledge - I will never ever forget my time at this little piece of heaven on earth. I will continue to work and save my pennies with the sole purpose that my family and I can visit again one day. read less

DonnaFay00