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Thornybush Game Lodge
Thornybush Game Lodge is the origional establishment of the reserve, now comprising 16 luxury suites of which 2 make up a family villa, Karma House. The exquisitely main lodge area overlooks a waterhole and riverbed visited by elephant, buffalo, and other game. A second, lower deck opens between a dining area and elegant bush bar. The lodge’s glistening communal pool encircled by sun loungers overlooks the wild landscapes for perfect lazy afternoons. Bush dinners are a delight, surrounded by lanterns, crackling fires and the sounds of the wild. Thornybush Game Lodge is ideal for families, with children’s activities and family-orientated services available.
Thornybush is a private game reserve sharing unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park. Known for 14 000 hectares of open savannah woodland with patches of thicket, its superior Big 5 habitat boasts some of the best game viewing in South Africa. Here a full Big 5 sighting within the first 2 days of your safari is very likely. With limited reserve lodges and guests, you can be assured of uncrowded safari sightings and great photographic opportunities. Thornybush also houses other 4-star and 5-star safari Lodges on the reserve.
Passionate guides and trackers at Thornybush Game Lodge strive to connect the dots on each game drive, explaining the ecosystem and how the smallest of insects correlate to the largest mammals. This makes for an intriguing understanding of the wild and makes every sighting even more spectacular. Get up-close to nature during a guided bushwalk and take a night-time safari in search of rare nocturnal animals and big cats with a spotlight. Thornybush Game Lodge offers an abundance of exciting experiences and wildlife activities.
Wildlife:
- High concentration of Big 5 with large herds of elephant and buffalo, as well as large lion prides.
- Other wildlife include but are not limited to the hippopotamus, giraffe, zebra, cheetah, African wild dog, hyaena, warthog and many other cat and antelope species.
- Large antelope herds support the populations of predators in the reserve.
- Over 500 bird species have been recorded in the region. Many can be seen in the reserve.
Game Drives:
- Game drives take place twice a day in the early mornings and afternoons for a duration of 3-4 hours.
- Game drives are led by an experienced guide and tracker team.
- Vehicles are allowed to go off road to track and follow the wildlife.
- Strict traverse rules are in place and vehicle numbers are limited in each reserve. A maximum of two vehicles are allowed at any sighting.
- Night drives and guided bushwalks are permitted.
Activities & facilities:
- Game drives
- Guided bushwalks
- Stargazing
- Birdwatching
- Swimming Pool
- Restaurant
- Open-air African Boma
- Riverbed dinning
- Spa & Gym
- Viewing deck
- Bar & lounges
- Children’s activities
Highlights:
-
A 5-star luxury lodge elevated high above, overlooking a sandy riverbed.One of the first commercial camps in South Africa.
- A chic design features a mix of wood, steel, leather, and rattan, enhanced by neutral tones, subtle accents of colour and greenery.
- 16 luxury suites and 1 exclusive-use two-bedroom unit, Karma House.
- Exceptional dining experiences with à la carte options, meals in the Boma under the stars, and magical dinners in the heart of the bush.
- Exciting Big-5 game drives with game rangers and trackers.
- Renowned for close up sightings of the Big-5.
Location:
- Situated on the western boundary of the Greater Kruger and Kapama Game Reserve. It is located close to the Timbavati Game Reserve and the Kruger National Park.
- The Kruger National Park is almost 2 million hectares and lies in the north-eastern corner of South Africa in the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces.
Getting There:
- Thonrybush private airstrip is the closet airstrip, two daily chartered flights from Johannesburg are operated by Federal Airlines.
- Hoedspruit (HDS) is the closet commercial airport to Thornybush Game Lodge, daily flights operate from Johannesburg and Cape Town.
- Flight time from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit or private airstrip: 60 minutes.
- Flight time from Cape Town to Hoedspruit: 2 hours 30 minutes.
- Road transfers from Hoedspruit to Thornybush Game Lodge take 50 minutes.
Child Policy:
- Thornybush Game Lodge welcomes children of all ages.
- Children under 6 years are not permitted on game drives unless a private vehicle is hired.
- Children 6 – 11 years pay 50% of adult rate.
- Children 2 – 5 years pay 25% of adult rate.
Special offers:
- Enjoy one free night with our PAY 3 STAY 4 offers.
- Honeymoon offers include 15% off, plus extras.
- Special offers are valid 10 Jan – 30 Jun & 1 Nov -15 Dec.
- South African resident rates are bookable 30 days prior to arrival date only.
Inclusions & Exclusions:
- Included: 2 x Game drives per day, guided bush walks, all meals, soft drinks, selected alcoholic beverages, and private airstrip transfers.
- Excluded: Premium branded drinks, conservation levies, commercial airport transfers, and anything of personal nature.
Rates:
- The updated rates are displayed for each room category below.
- Rates are charged per person, per night.
- Single supplement of 50% applicable.
- No single supplement for the first single suite booked with a group of 3 or more. Max 3 night stay (excl. festive season).
- Karma House is quoted for 1 – 4 guests, additional guest surcharges apply.
- Rates displayed are valid until 31 December 2025.
Accommodation Options
Eighteen Luxury Suites feature quaint private timber decks with bush views where animals can be seen passing by. Private outdoor showers make for an indulgent bathing experience while en-suite indoor bathrooms are designed with modern elegance. Magnificently spacious Read moresuites boast large glass sliding doors leading onto the deck. A minibar, coffee facilities, slippers, and toiletries are all little details contributing to a superior stay. Less
Refer to T&C's above
Price R 18,500 per person, per night
The Karma Villa is set up to cater for small families with daybeds to accommodate children. The suites feature a timber deck with an exclusive-use swimming pool for the family. The air-conditioned units have an outdoor shower and full indoor bathroom with shower and bathtub. Read moreA minibar, coffee facilities, slippers, and toiletries are all little luxurious details contributing to a superior stay. Less
Refer to T&C's above
Price R 85,000 per villa, per night
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