Waterside Lodge in Thornybush

Waterside Lodge

Waterside Lodge. Adjacent to the Greater Kruger National Park and set on the banks of a tranquil lake encompassed with breath-taking views of the African bushveld the Lodge affords instant relaxation. The lodge has been designed to blend into the natural habitat located along pathways surrounded by an abundance of trees and manicured gardens.

Waterside Lodge
Waterside Lodge
Waterside Lodge
Waterside Lodge
Waterside Lodge
Waterside Lodge
Waterside Lodge
Waterside Lodge
Waterside Lodge
Waterside Lodge
Waterside Lodge
Waterside Lodge
Waterside Lodge

The size of the Lodge is ideal for special gatherings, affording privacy for individual couples, families looking to engage in bush activities with the lodges unique Children’s programme or smaller groups. The Lodge hosts a sixty seater conference centre overlooking the lake, making this the ideal location for strategic getaways.

Set on the banks of a tranquil lake encompassed with breath-taking views of the African bushveld, Thornybush Waterside Lodge affords instant relaxation.The lodges 20 comfortably appointed air-conditioned Thatched Suites blend into the natural habitat and are located along pathways surrounded by an abundance of trees and manicured gardens. En-suite air- conditioned accommodation tastefully decorated by crisp white bedding. Accommodation caters for a maximum of 40 people collectively. Highly skilled rangers and trackers ensure Big 5 game viewing opportunities during dawn and dusk safaris, whilst bushwalks are for the more adventurous. Guests are invited to relax and take in the African surrounds after breakfast on the main deck area overlooking the lake, the swimming pool or alternatively retreat to the comfort of your suite.

Room Configuration:

20 Suites: Each Suite has an en-suite bathroom, indoor shower and private deck area. 2 Suites share an inter-leading door ideal for families travelling with children.

Room facilities:

  • Air-Conditioning
  • Telephone
  • Mini Bar
  • Safe in room
  • Separate Bath and Shower
  • Hairdryer
  • Tea and coffee making facilities
  • Lodge facilities:
  • Wake up calls
  • Laundry Services
  • Pool
  • Library with Internet Access
  • Boma
  • A fully equipped conference facility
  • Curio shop
  • Children’s program
  • Baby Sitting (additional cost)

In addition to the 20 guest Suites, Thornybush Waterside Lodge also has 2 Pilot/Guide rooms

Waterside Lodge Game Viewing

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.