Romantic Safaris

We know that a trip to the African bush is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many, and often it’s a special holiday for partners. The nature of our lodges lend themselves perfectly to these romantic occasions, whether it’s a private candlelit dinner or simply the magic of being immersed in the bush. We take care of the small things to ensure you can spend quality time together and enjoy your intimate moments to the utmost.

Beautiful Lodges

Spectacular Sightings

Expert Guides

Passionate People

Community Engagement

Perfect for couples

Honeymoon suites

Almost all of our lodges offer honeymoon suites for added romance, whether for newlyweds or couples on anniversary trips or other special celebrations. The suites come with larger rooms, private decks with plunge pools, outside showers and stunning views of the bush and passing animals.

Private dinners

Whether it’s beside a fire in a riverbed, lanterns in a boma or candles on your own deck, dinners at Thornybush can be lavishly romantic affairs. They offer a quiet moment with your partner to look back on the excitement of the day while our excellent food and wine makes these special dinners even more memorable.

Romantic Safaris Experiences

Bush Breakfast

Following a morning game drive, our guests can be treated to breakfast in a beautiful bush setting. While the savannah stirs to life, we serve a wide variety of breakfast dishes that our guests enjoy surrounded by the untouched Afican wilderness.

Private Dining

Dinners at Thornybush are roaming affairs – locations can range from lantern-lit bomas to starry riverbeds, but the most memorable meals are often enjoyed in the privacy of your own deck. While the night sounds of the African bush ring through the air and mysterious eyes watch you from afar, you get to enjoy superbly prepared meals accompanied by South Africa’s finest wines.

Guest Service

“I pride myself on a high level of guest service and enjoy meeting new people”

Naledi - Butler

Romantic moments

Sundowners

There’s very little in this world that can compare to the beauty of an African sunset. That’s why we ensure that on every evening game drive we stop to have sundowners and take it all in. It’s one of the iconic African experiences that’s made even more enjoyable and memorable in the arms of a loved one.

Spa treatments

A wonderful accompaniment to a romantic holiday, our spa treatments will put you at ease and make you feel even more relaxed and pampered. Every treatment is customised to the individual with therapies aiming to bring balance to your well-being and imbue your days with a lightness of spirit.

felicia142 · Follow
1st Jan 2020

Thornybush is an amazing escape from it all. From the moment we arrived we were welcomed by the staff who showed us to our lovely rooms. We thought since we arrived later in the day we would have to forgo a safari that day but they got us right out in the Bush and what a treat it was!!

Explore Our Lodges

You can expect the finest interpretive experience from our incredible private and specialist guides.
Saseka Tented Camp
Simbambili Game Lodge
Thornybush Game Lodge
Jackalberry Lodge
Waterside Tamboti Suite
Nkelenga Tented Camp
Waterbuck Lodge

Looking for a different Safari Type?

Stories/Blog

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2020-01-03 04:01

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FAQ

Can we request something special for our Honeymoon or special occasion?

Absolutely! Please inform our reservations department when making your booking should you wish for something special to be arranged.

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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.

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How do I get to the lodge?

SA Airlink offers 2 scheduled flights daily between Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) and Hoedspruit Airport (HDS) which takes approximately 55 minutes, and 1 daily flight between Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) and Hoedspruit Airport (HDS), which takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Transfers can be arranged on your behalf from Hoedspruit Airport to the Reserve, at an additional cost. This transfer takes approximately 30 minutes by road.

Scheduled charter flights taking you directly into one of the Thornybush Nature Reserve Airstrips can be booked through our reservations department.

Private charters are available through several reputable private charter companies. Enquiries / quotes can be obtained through our reservations department.

Directions are available for guests opting to self-drive. Driving time from Johannesburg is approximately 6 hours.

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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.

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Are nature walks included?

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Is there a spa?

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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