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
Waterside Tamboti Suite
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.

Read More
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

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.

READ FAQ

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.

READ FAQ

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.

READ FAQ

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.

READ FAQ

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.

READ FAQ

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.

READ FAQ

What is the difference between National Parks and Private Reserves?

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.

READ FAQ

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.

READ FAQ

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.

READ FAQ

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.

READ FAQ

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.

READ FAQ

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.

READ FAQ

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.

READ 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.

READ FAQ

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.

READ FAQ

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!

Contact

As Featured In

Thornybush on Instagram