Thornybush Game Lodge
Thornybush Game Lodge is situated adjacent to the Greater Kruger National Park, within the famous Thornybush Nature Reserve and is the Collection’s largest operation. Registered by the Tourism authorities as a five star offering, this Lodge is renowned for small groups, weddings, milestone birthday celebrations or business indaba’s.
Whilst the size of the Lodge attracts special gatherings, the configuration of the self-contained luxury suites provides for privacy and solitude for couples and smaller groups visiting this special Lodge. Whether you are a couple looking for an exclusive, romantic, private safari; a family looking to occupy your little ones or a Group with a diverse range of requirements, Thornybush Game Lodge is the place. The Lodge also hosts a sixty seater Conference centre located conveniently two minutes walk from the Main Lodge Reception areas. A state of the art newly constructed Spa facility tops the agenda for discerning guests visiting this well known Lodge.
Unrivalled big game viewing is complemented by elegant accommodation and sublime cuisine.
Thornybush Game Reserve’s exclusive private Thornybush Game Lodge provides accommodation consisting of stylish air-conditioned suites, with extensive living areas overlooking the seasonal Monwana River. There are 18 suites, 2 family suites and accommodation caters for a maximum of 40 people collectively.
From within the sumptuous individual suites, each with full en-suite facilities, outdoor shower and private decks, sweeping vistas over the savannah and ever active water hole can be enjoyed. Bathrooms boast large glass windows, offering unique game viewing in & past the river bed. Superb attention to detail and highly personalized service make for a memorable stay.
Room Configuration:
18 Luxury Suites:
Each Luxury Suite has an en-suite bathroom, indoor and outdoor showers and private deck with a view of the seasonal Monwana River course or riverine thicket and have been carefully designed and spaced to provide privacy.
2 Luxury /Family Suites:
Each Family Suite is larger than the Luxury Suites with lounge area and sleeper couch; that converts to a double bed to accommodate children. These suites also have a larger private deck, each with its own plunge pool. Maximum capacity 2 adults and 2 children under the age of 12 years or 3 adults.
Room facilities:
- Air-Conditioning
- Telephone
- Mini Bar
- Safe in room
- Separate Bath and Shower
- Outside shower
- Hairdryer
- Tea and coffee making facilities
Lodge facilities:
- Wake up calls
- Laundry Services
- Pool
- Thornybush Spa
- Library with Internet Access
- Boma
- A fully equipped conference facility
- Curio shop
- Children’s program
- Baby Sitting
In addition to the 20 guest Suites, The Lodge also has 2 Pilot/Guide rooms
Warm African evenings under the stars make Thornybush Game Lodge an ideal home away from the world. The sheer enjoyment of un-spoilt nature, the invigorating air and the open vistas, will leave you relaxed and energized for your return to civilization.
Thornybush Game Viewing
Thornybush Game Lodge offers unique exclusive Safari experiences in both open Land Rovers, and on foot. The private reserve is home to an abundance of species: 147 mammals including the “Big Five”, 114 reptiles, 507 birds, 49 fish, 34 amphibians and 336 trees. The reserve is predominantly open savannah and with a near perfect year round climate, it is the ideal African safari holiday destination.
A typical day
The day starts as dawn breaks over the African bushveld. After your early morning wakeup call, coffee, tea & rusks are served on the main deck overlooking the riverbed. Shortly after, you depart in your open Land Rover with your experienced Rangers and Trackers who will share their extensive knowledge of the bush with you. These drives are undertaken at times best suited for game viewing which vary depending on the season but typically start early morning. Where applicable you may be invited out of the vehicle to see tracks, examine certain plants and follow spoor.
After an exhilarating hunt for tracks to see what the animals have been up to during the night, and tracking down whatever you find, you will stop somewhere out in the bush for a break of coffee & tea. Time to stretch your legs whilst having your sunglasses cleaned & indulge in cool towels in summer, and hot towels in winter. In winter, we keep our guests warm on the vehicle with hot water bottles & warm blankets.
After a sumptuous Breakfast is served either back at the camp or in the riverbed or bush, guests are offered walks to suit their interests and fitness levels and are accompanied by an armed ranger and tracker.
Walks allow guests a better chance to see some of the smaller creatures of the bush as well as an opportunity to learn more about the flora and fauna of the region & to have a chance to follow tracks in more detail.
Our Shangaan trackers will enthral you with their explanations of the medicinal and other uses of the numerous plants and trees along with tales of traditional folklore.
The rest of the day is spent at the discretion of the guest for other activities that we offer, with a delicious lunch being served around 1.30pm.
The afternoon game drive is preceded by high tea and extends into the evening to view seldom seen nocturnal species by torchlight.
Upon returning for a gourmet 3 course dinner, either in the boma, bush or lodge – guests can socialise with a cognac, single malt or cigar around the campfire or lounge before returning to bed for another day’s adventure.
Where possible, safaris will be tailored to suit individual preferences and interest.
