Adjacent to the Greater Kruger National Park, within the famous Thornybush Nature Reserve is the Collection’s largest operation, Thornybush Game Lodge. 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. Thornybush Game 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.
AT A GLANCE
- 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
Accommodation: - 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.
In addition to the 20 guest Suites, Thornybush Game 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.
Activities: -
Thornybush Private 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.
Service Times
Meals
| Breakfast or brunch |
08h30-09H00 to 10h30 |
| Lunch |
13H30 |
| Dinner Winter |
19h30-20h00 |
| Dinner Summer |
20H00 - 20H30 |
Meals: Buffet/a la carte/table d'hote/ continental/English breakfast
Activities
Morning times that the game drives depart
| Summer |
05H00 Wake up call/ Morning tea 05h30 Depart 05H45 |
| Winter |
05H30 Wake up call/ Morning tea 06H00 Depart 06H15 |
Times that the walks depart
| Summer |
After breakfast |
| Winter |
After breakfast |
Afternoon/Evening times that the game drives depart
| Summer |
16H00 Afternoon Tea - Depart 16H15 |
| Winter |
15H30 Afternoon Tea - Depart 15H45 |
Children’s Services:
The Thornybush Collection; prides itself on actively welcoming children of all ages at Thornybush Game Lodge and Serondella. The other smaller lodges will accept children provided that the family book sole use of the camp.
Children at Thornybush Game Lodge have a special program prepared for them prior to their arrival that includes:
- Children are allocated to specific rangers who enjoy interaction with younger guests.
- They receive a complimentary children’s pack on arrival, which will keep them entertained and occupied during their stay.
- Rat packs (cold drinks/cookies) are sent with them on game drives.
- Drives and activities can be tailored to suit children's Interests and attention span.
- Walks are designed to ensure that their safety is taken into account and that they experience activities they might not normally do in the city.
- Meal requirements and venues are provided if required by parents.
- Baby sitters and child minders are available (At additional Cost).
Some of the activities we offer Children:
- Picnics Next To The Pool - Packed lunch including sandwiches and Fruit, eaten on a blanket, next to the pool.
- Educational Walks With Rangers - Short walks with their own ranger .
- Pointing out insects, tracks of animals, trees and interesting facts.
- Treasure Hunt - Children have to find clues around the lodge using books from the library, to get to their treasure (a little something supplied by parents).
Children also get "Ranger in Training Packs". They contain...
- Canvas Back Pack
- Colouring Book
- Crayons
-
Safari Interactive Toy To Assist The Little “Ranger In Training”
Road Transfers:
Hoedspruit – Thornybush Game Reserve
Thornybush Game Reserve – Simbambili Game Lodge
KMIA – Thornybush Game Reserve
Phalaborwa – Thornybush Game Reserve
Day Excursions:
Panorama Tour
Tour guide will collect guests from various lodges at around 09h00, but alternative pick up times can be arranged to suit clients needs. Route covered is usually Abel Erasmus Pass, Graskop (lunch excluded), God's Window, Bourke's Luck Potholes, Three Rondawels and other Panorama route attractions. Time is allowed to shop for curios at various excellent shops and local craft vendors along the way. This is one of the most scenic routes in the region. Return at approx. 17h00.
Cheetah Breeding Project
As one of the country's leading private research and breeding facilities, this unique project concerns itself with the breeding and protection of several endangered indigenous wildlife species in Southern Africa. Initially established as a breeding centre for cheetah, this centre soon expanded to include many other endangered species.
Balloon Safari (Private Launches also available)
Imagine drifting soundlessly in the crisp morning air while below you herds of elephant and other game move across the landscape. Early morning balloon excursions are offered at all the Thornybush Game Reserve Lodges instead of a game drive. They are subject to availability and weather conditions.
Flight Of The Dragon
The magnificent Drakensburg escarpment (Dragons Mountain) rears 1900 meters from the Bushveld to the west of the lodge. View this exquisite region from the comfort of a light aircraft or helicopter. The fixed wing aircraft departs from Thornybush Airstrip for an hour’s flight along the escarpment including aerial views of the mighty Blyde River Canyon and the aptly named Gods Window. Rate includes a stop at our private mountain stream for a swim in the cool waters and a lovely picnic lunch.
Flights:
| OR TAMBO (JNB) |
Thornybush Reserve |
| Thornybush Reserve |
OR TAMBO (JNB) |
| KMIA (MQP) |
Thornybush Reserve |
| Hoedspruit |
Thornybush Reserve |
| Thornybush |
Simbambili Game Lodge |
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