Thornybush Private Game Reserve

Kruger and surrounds, South Africa

Jackalberry Lodge
Chapungu Tented Bushcamp
Waterside Lodge
Game Lodge
Waterside Lodge
River Lodge
Waterbuck Lodge
Simbambili Lodge
Shumbalala Lodge
Nkaya Lodge
Jackalberry Lodge
Chapungu Tented Bushcamp
Waterside Lodge
Game Lodge
Waterside Lodge
River Lodge
Waterbuck Lodge
Simbambili Lodge
Shumbalala Lodge
Nkaya Lodge

The hotel

Romantic riverside cabins; a tented camp in the African bush; family hideaways with child-friendly game-drives – each of the small and intimate lodges in the Thornybush Private Game Reserve collection brings you a unique and unforgettable safari experience. Set in 14,000 hectares of wilderness in the game-rich Timbavati region, which fringes Kruger National Park, the camp has recently dropped its fences to allow wildlife to roam freely and give you optimal game spotting opportunities. From the crest of a hill overlooking the Drakensburg mountains to the banks of a lake, this collection lets you pick your lodge location and safari style – but whichever setting you choose, you can relax with Thornybush’s service and enjoy incredible game-drives in search of some of the 48 mammal species that call the reserve home, including that photogenic 'Big Five'.

Amenities

  • Bar
  • Safari
  • Spa
  • Swimming Pool

Where is it

On 14,000-hectares of private land, bordering Kruger's Timbavati Game Reserve, home to the 'Big Five'. Transfer time from Hoedspruit Airport: 30 minutes.

Hotel information

The 4V Monwana Game Lodge - offers 4 elegant suites each with private deck or patio overlooking the bushveld or the Monwana watering hole, en-suite bathrooms with bath and shower facilities. Luxury King Suite has a lounge area with open fireplace, private deck and 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults. Family Suites can sleep 2 adults and 2 children.

Full Board includes: all meals (drinks are not included) and two activities.

The 5V Waterside Lodge - set on the banks of a tranquil lake, adjacent to the Greater Kruger National Park, offers 20 en-suite thatched suites. Each suite has an en-suite bathroom, indoor shower and private deck area, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

The 5V Thornybush Game Lodge - offers 20 stylish air-conditioned suites, including 2 family suites. Luxury Suites overlook the Monwana River, each with en-suite facilities, outdoor shower and private decks. Family Suites are larger with a lounge area and sleeper sofa, suitable for children, these suites also have a private plunge pool.

The 5V River Lodge offers only 4 luxurious and spacious suites that overlook the Monwana River, each African styled with a private pool on an elevated deck, floor-to-ceiling glass doors in the bathroom and an outdoor shower.

A choice of 4V and 5V lodges and camps of differing sizes, each offering a BOMA area, swimming pool, curio shop, bar and viewing deck. Spa* (Thornybush Game Lodge only). Game-drives and bush walks.

* Denotes local charge.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
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Traveller rating

  • Excellent (455)
  • Very good (35)
  • Average (5)
  • Poor (0)
  • Terrible (0)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Would not change a thing

Aug 25, 2019 381rodneyp Hoover, Alabama

You will appreciate the Thornybush from the moment you are greeted by staff at the main building, till you are told goodbye from the guide & spotter assigned to you during your stay. Of course the highlights of the safari visit are the animals which are quite literally at your doorstep. The animals are everywhere - and you will get as close as… Read more
You will appreciate the Thornybush from the moment you are greeted by staff at the main building, till you are told goodbye from the guide & spotter assigned to you during your stay. Of course the highlights of the safari visit are the animals which are quite literally at your doorstep. The animals are everywhere - and you will get as close as your guide will allow. I keep going back to how much the guides make the experience - their knowledge plus a desire to make sure you enjoy Africa’s wildlife. Several other things come to mind: the “Bomas” (think campfire fine dining), the tea and coffee provided before morning and afternoon game drives, the great private rooms (yes we heard lions roaring at night plus elephants eating right outside our room), and on and on I could go. We loved the stay and would return in a heartbeat. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Memorable Safari experience

Aug 11, 2019 SandraC823 Dublin, Ireland

We recently visited Thornybush Game Lodge with friends. We had the most spectacular and memorable three days. The accommodation was excellent with the rooms very private and great views. The food was superb and very well presented. We could not fault the staff from the welcoming reception to the butler, waiters and finally the trackers and game… Read more
We recently visited Thornybush Game Lodge with friends. We had the most spectacular and memorable three days. The accommodation was excellent with the rooms very private and great views. The food was superb and very well presented. We could not fault the staff from the welcoming reception to the butler, waiters and finally the trackers and game rangers who gave us a five star Safari experience. We saw the big 5 twice within 24hrs! I can highly recommend Thornybush Game Lodge for a memorable African Safari experience. We will be back! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating The most amazing experience

Aug 8, 2019 SamKemsley Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

From start to finish, every aspect, every detail, was amazing! I’m almost reluctant to share the review as I don’t want it to be spoilt by an influx of visitors but it truly was a magnificent experience. The service and attention to detail was impressive (special mention to Godfrey). Our room was divine. We had a suite and the luxury was perfect.… Read more
From start to finish, every aspect, every detail, was amazing! I’m almost reluctant to share the review as I don’t want it to be spoilt by an influx of visitors but it truly was a magnificent experience. The service and attention to detail was impressive (special mention to Godfrey). Our room was divine. We had a suite and the luxury was perfect. The food was varied, healthy and tasty. The game drives (over 3 nights we managed 5) were spectacular with a very friendly and knowledgeable guide (Grant and spotter Kenneth). We saw so many animals and even their young which was fantastic. I hope to bring all my family back one day and share the experience with them all. Thank you to all at Thornybush we didn’t want to leave! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A Memorable Safari Experience

Jul 29, 2019 Jody_Z85

It’s an amazing experience to be at Thornybush Game Lodge. The moment we landed, the journey was seamless and well planned out. The staff were super friendly and welcoming. Noshem was extremely genuine and caring, taking care of all our meals and needs throughout our stay. Making it so pleasant and stress free. If u are in for the safari… Read more
It’s an amazing experience to be at Thornybush Game Lodge. The moment we landed, the journey was seamless and well planned out. The staff were super friendly and welcoming. Noshem was extremely genuine and caring, taking care of all our meals and needs throughout our stay. Making it so pleasant and stress free. If u are in for the safari experience, Thornybush will definitely be the choice. Our driver & trekker made the best big 5 team. Rudi & Jon ‘the best’ were terrific. Their experiences and passion, allowed us to track down the animals and witness many memorable scenes. They shared their wealth of knowledge with us, and exude their love for the things they do. It isn’t goodbye, it is a see you again! :D Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Jackleberry Lodge at Thornybush Game Reserve

Jul 3, 2019 Margaret P

Wow, wow, wow - 3 Wows! The staff at the lodge, our guide, our tracker, the lodge accomodations and amenities- all of it was FANTASTIC! Our family of 3 generations of women - my mother (75), my daughters (19&23) and I (52) enjoyed every day we were at Jackleberry and on Safari with this crew! From no-nonsense, get it done Atasha and friendly… Read more
Wow, wow, wow - 3 Wows! The staff at the lodge, our guide, our tracker, the lodge accomodations and amenities- all of it was FANTASTIC! Our family of 3 generations of women - my mother (75), my daughters (19&23) and I (52) enjoyed every day we were at Jackleberry and on Safari with this crew! From no-nonsense, get it done Atasha and friendly Natalie we were sure to know all that Thornybush has to offer. The support staff, our cooks Martha and Maria made meals fit for Queens - culinary diversity that pleased everyone's palate! THE SAFARIs - 2 each day- never disappointed - we saw the BIG 5 plus 10-15 more, the animals, the views...no exaggeration! We especially enjoyed Jason our "guide of the future in training" and our "Ferrari Safari" !!This trip of a lifetime did not disappoint and we highly recommend! This team has it down pat- their attention to detail, love of the land, care for their clients makes this special. The accomodations are top-notch, clean, comfortable and luxurious. If you are thinking about it, DO IT! If you are not sure, let us assure you - DO IT and come here to experience Africa. Thank you Jackleberry for the awesome memories - OUTSTANDING!! Read less