Destinations

Choose From Two Spectacular Safari Destinations

Thornybush Nature Reserve

Thornybush Nature Reserve is a 14,000-hectare private reserve that shares a fenceless border with the famous Kruger National Park in South Africa. Big 5 encounters are the standout experiences for our guests, with visitors particularly impressed with the lion and leopard sightings. It’s the vast diversity of wildlife, however, that has seen Thornybush emerge as a leading safari destination. With our passionate and expert guide-and-tracker teams leading the way, our guests leave with a genuine understanding of our entire ecosystem and the enthralling cast of animals.

Sabi Sand Game Reserve

The Sabi Sand is a private game reserve pioneered by local landowners in the 1950s that shares a fenceless border with the Kruger National Park. The reserve is home to great numbers of well-habituated wildlife resulting in close encounters, particularly with elusive leopards, which the Sabi Sand has become world-famous for. Roaming packs of wild dogs, territorial lions and large herds of elephants are also signature sightings in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. The relative abundance of water in an otherwise dry area is the secret to the area’s rich biodiversity.

Jackalberry Lodge

Lean back and unwind at our Jackalberry Lodge, where views of the nearby waterhole and the distant Drankensberg mountain range, make for a splendid setting. Seven thatched suites are supremely comfortable, although you may find yourself drawn to the main area where you can relax and watch the wildlife passing by.

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Nkelenga Tented Camp

Nkelenga is a rustic sole-use, self-catering bush camp overlooking one of Thornybush’s most active dams. A hive of bird and mammal activity will keep you enthralled while relaxing on the spacious deck of your safari tent. Nkelenga is perfect for family and friends groups.

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Saseka Tented Camp

Our extraordinary 5-star lodge serves up understated luxury on the banks of the seasonal Monwana River, across eight spacious tented suites. The striking design of the lodge, luxurious touches and spectacular location have combined to create a lodge that is like no other in the Greater Kruger Park region.

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Simbambili Game Lodge

Set in the famous Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Simbambili impresses with its incredible game viewing opportunities. Managed with warmth and passion, Simbambili offers a down-to-earth yet luxurious bush experience where the world-class wildlife encounters, expert rangers, extensive private decks and welcoming atmosphere results in bucket-list experiences.

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Thornybush Game Lodge

Thornybush Game Lodge, the original Thornybush establishment, has changed and evolved since 1961 to the sophisticated, down-to-each luxury lodge it is today. Warm-hearted staff, expert guides and unobstructed views of the waterhole from the deck are standout features.

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What type of safari are you looking for?

Recent Guest Reviws

Read recent travel reviews left by our guests.

<img src="https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-o/1a/f6/ef/32/default-avatar-2020-12.jpg" alt="alancA9323WG Avatar" class="wpproslider_t4_IMG_2 wprevpro_avatarimg" />

				Simply the best !! ( apologies Tina)  			

			<img width="100" height="22" src="https://www.thornybush.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-review-slider-pro/public/partials/imgs/tripadvisor_stars_5.png" alt="5 star rating" class="wprevpro_t4_star_img_file"/>
			
				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
			
 2 days ago<img width="32" height="32" src="https://www.thornybush.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-review-slider-pro/public/partials/imgs/tripadvisor_small_icon.png" alt="TripAdvisor Logo" class="wprevpro_t4_site_logo"/>
<img src="https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-o/1a/f6/eb/a3/default-avatar-2020-38.jpg" alt="644robertoa Avatar" class="wpproslider_t4_IMG_2 wprevpro_avatarimg" />

				STUPENDO!  			

			<img width="100" height="22" src="https://www.thornybush.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-review-slider-pro/public/partials/imgs/tripadvisor_stars_5.png" alt="5 star rating" class="wprevpro_t4_star_img_file"/>
			
				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
			
 3 weeks ago<img width="32" height="32" src="https://www.thornybush.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-review-slider-pro/public/partials/imgs/tripadvisor_small_icon.png" alt="TripAdvisor Logo" class="wprevpro_t4_site_logo"/>
<img src="https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-o/21/a4/b1/66/suvanas1.jpg" alt="SuvanaS1 Avatar" class="wpproslider_t4_IMG_2 wprevpro_avatarimg" />

				Dreams do come true  			

			<img width="100" height="22" src="https://www.thornybush.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-review-slider-pro/public/partials/imgs/tripadvisor_stars_5.png" alt="5 star rating" class="wprevpro_t4_star_img_file"/>
			
				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
			
 4 weeks ago<img width="32" height="32" src="https://www.thornybush.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-review-slider-pro/public/partials/imgs/tripadvisor_small_icon.png" alt="TripAdvisor Logo" class="wprevpro_t4_site_logo"/>

<img src="https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-o/21/a4/b1/66/suvanas1.jpg" alt="SuvanaS1 Avatar" class="wpproslider_t4_IMG_2 wprevpro_avatarimg" />

				Awe Inspiring  			

			<img width="100" height="22" src="https://www.thornybush.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-review-slider-pro/public/partials/imgs/tripadvisor_stars_5.png" alt="5 star rating" class="wprevpro_t4_star_img_file"/>
			
				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
			
 4 weeks ago<img width="32" height="32" src="https://www.thornybush.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-review-slider-pro/public/partials/imgs/tripadvisor_small_icon.png" alt="TripAdvisor Logo" class="wprevpro_t4_site_logo"/>
<img src="https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-o/21/a4/b1/66/suvanas1.jpg" alt="SuvanaS1 Avatar" class="wpproslider_t4_IMG_2 wprevpro_avatarimg" />

				Tasteful Elegance  			

			<img width="100" height="22" src="https://www.thornybush.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-review-slider-pro/public/partials/imgs/tripadvisor_stars_5.png" alt="5 star rating" class="wprevpro_t4_star_img_file"/>
			
				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
			
 4 weeks ago<img width="32" height="32" src="https://www.thornybush.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-review-slider-pro/public/partials/imgs/tripadvisor_small_icon.png" alt="TripAdvisor Logo" class="wprevpro_t4_site_logo"/>
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				Best bush experience of my life!  			

			<img width="100" height="22" src="https://www.thornybush.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-review-slider-pro/public/partials/imgs/tripadvisor_stars_5.png" alt="5 star rating" class="wprevpro_t4_star_img_file"/>
			
				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
			
 1 month ago<img width="32" height="32" src="https://www.thornybush.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-review-slider-pro/public/partials/imgs/tripadvisor_small_icon.png" alt="TripAdvisor Logo" class="wprevpro_t4_site_logo"/>

Destinations

Choose From Two Spectacular Safari Destinations

Thornybush Nature Reserve

Sabi Sand Game Reserve

Explore our lodges

Jackalberry Lodge

Nkelenga Tented Camp

Saseka Tented Camp

Simbambili Game Lodge

Thornybush Game Lodge

What type of safari are you looking for?

Romantic Safaris

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Transformative Safaris

Wellness Safaris

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Recent Guest Reviws

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