Transformative Safaris

At Thornybush, we strive to make our experiences more meaningful, immersive and sustainable. We’ve seen first-hand how this can have a positive impact on not only our guests, but the community and environment our guests encounter too.

Our goal is to help you reconnect with nature and, in turn, reconnect with yourself and the friends and family you’re traveling with. As you explore outwardly, you also enrich your inner life, creating a positive personal impact that continues beyond the trip and stays with you for the rest of your life.

Beautiful Lodges

Spectacular Sightings

Expert Guides

Passionate People

Community Engagement

Immersive experiences

We understand that travellers these days are seeking something more when they travel. They want to learn, grow and engage with the world.

When it comes to safaris, transformation comes in the form of immersion, reconnection and life-changing experiences.

Visiting some of our community projects can spark an idea, memory or thought that can not only change your life, but those around you too.

Transformative Safaris Experiences

Community Interaction

Thornybush runs a non-profit organisation that aims to uplift the surrounding local communities that many of our staff members come from. Exciting initiatives such as community owned agricultural businesses, food security, youth focused conservation awareness, sustainable procurement and infrastructure upgrades are all major focus area’s of ours.

Walking Safaris

A walking safari offers something quite different to a game drive: the thrill of being on foot in a Big 5 reserve and a chance to engage with the smaller things. You learn about tracking, insects and flowers. It’s a chance to have an immersive experience where you get down and touch and smell what’s out there while at the same time you never quite know what you’ll encounter around the next corner, and there’s little that compares to the experience when you do.

Motivation

“What keeps me motivated is seeing the people and projects we invest in, grow and thrive.”

Candice Grover - Head of Community

Personal growth

Travelling in Africa grants you the opportunity to learn, grow and develop through engaging with the world in a new way.

This translates to a valuable form of self-actualization and personal transformation and growth.

Travelling in this fashion stays with you beyond the trip itself and remains embedded in the core of your being once you return.

Minette du Preez Joubert · Follow
25th Nov 2020

It really is THAT good! THAT special! THAT once in a lifetime trip!
The people are very special (Grant, Moses, Naledi, and everyone else, even the ones behind the scenes) – friendly, efficient, dedicated, knowledgeable and always laughing… it feels like leaving friends behind!
Our game drives and sightings were out of this world… how about 3 leopard sightings and wild dogs in a day…
Do you rate that 20 out of 10…
The lodge is beautiful… a review states that you either love it or hate it, because it is “different”… I LOVED it!!! Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens created a masterpiece!
The food was great!
This was a trip for the books!
And … I’m saving now… to come back again!

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
Tamboti Villa
Nkelenga Tented Camp
Waterbuck Lodge

Looking for a different Safari Type?

Stories/Blog

2020-01-03 04:31

Why a Safari Should be on Your Bucket List

Have you got a bucket list? Find out what makes a safari at Thornybush Game Reserve such a great item to have on your list.

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2020-01-03 01:36

Thornybush Community Projects

Thornybush is dedicated to making sure that we uplift, empower and invest in the local communities from the surrounding areas. Find out what we’re currently inv

Read More

FAQ

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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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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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Do I need any vaccines for South Africa?

Please consult your general practitioner or medical travel clinic for detailed information regarding possible vaccines requir

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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 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.

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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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Will I see the Big 5 at Thornybush?

Thornybush and the Sabi Sand are big 5 reserves, so yes, the chances of seeing them are very high. We can however not guarantee what will be seen on safari as wildlife roam freely. However, we will do our utmost to ensure you get to see everything you have come to see.

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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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Questions on photography?

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

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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.

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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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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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