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 All Inclusive 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.

All Inclusive of: all meals and drinks, tea/coffee and snacks. Twice daily game 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 (435)
  • Very good (34)
  • Average (4)
  • Poor (0)
  • Terrible (0)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Just wonderful

Mar 15, 2019 nickrashtead Ashtead

We had a three night stay and it exceeded our wildest dreams. The staff were excellent and the rangers friendly and extremely knowledgeable. the food is fantastic. Nothing was too much trouble. The five game drives gave us multiple sightings of the big 5 as well as many other animals. The lodge overlooks a river from where animals can also be… Read more
We had a three night stay and it exceeded our wildest dreams. The staff were excellent and the rangers friendly and extremely knowledgeable. the food is fantastic. Nothing was too much trouble. The five game drives gave us multiple sightings of the big 5 as well as many other animals. The lodge overlooks a river from where animals can also be seen. There is a pool to relax by during the day. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Awesome experience

Mar 12, 2019 GrahamR55 London, United Kingdom

We spent 5 nights here and it was an experience that we will not forget. Lindi our Ranger and Peter our tracker made a great Team. They were so knowledgable not just with regard to the animals but the plants and birdlife. We learnt a lot from them. We also managed to tick the big 5 off at least 3 times in our drives but in addition, we found… Read more
We spent 5 nights here and it was an experience that we will not forget. Lindi our Ranger and Peter our tracker made a great Team. They were so knowledgable not just with regard to the animals but the plants and birdlife. We learnt a lot from them. We also managed to tick the big 5 off at least 3 times in our drives but in addition, we found endangered species with the wild dogs and the black rhino. This reserve has also many lions, elephants and leopards. We also did 2 bush walks. The accommodation is great and we were close to the main lodge (no 8) which was right opposite the watering hole. Also important if you don’t want to walk too far. Food was delicious and Thandi our Butler was always there with a massive smile. Special mention of how they looked after my wife who is gluten free. They went way beyond our expectations and ensured every occasion there was something she could eat. Overall, a massively positive experience. We have no hesitation recommending this game lodge. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating You want to see wildlife? This is the place to go!

Mar 1, 2019 peter w Yorkshire, United Kingdom

Brilliant short safari. Guide, Wayne and tracker, John, made it a great trip. The "big 5" plus many, many more! Lodge overlooking the water hole visited by Hippo Buffalo and Elephant, Vervet monkeys by the swimming pool, and a Leopard strolling through the camp! Bush walking, sundowners watching sunset over the Drakensburg mountains, oh yes, and… Read more
Brilliant short safari. Guide, Wayne and tracker, John, made it a great trip. The "big 5" plus many, many more! Lodge overlooking the water hole visited by Hippo Buffalo and Elephant, Vervet monkeys by the swimming pool, and a Leopard strolling through the camp! Bush walking, sundowners watching sunset over the Drakensburg mountains, oh yes, and the outdoor shower! good food, and helpfull staff made it a trip to remember! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating The Waterside Lodge is First Class

Feb 26, 2019 paparadz Bispham, United Kingdom

The location of this lodge is wonderful, the main property is located by the side of a large lake which during our stay attracted elephants, hippopotamus, Impala and many most colorful birds. The staff are first class and the bedroom lodges are charming with a feel of the African Bush. The dining experience and food were exceptional and a great… Read more
The location of this lodge is wonderful, the main property is located by the side of a large lake which during our stay attracted elephants, hippopotamus, Impala and many most colorful birds. The staff are first class and the bedroom lodges are charming with a feel of the African Bush. The dining experience and food were exceptional and a great deal of effort is made by the staff to offer guests a variation of dining location.The safaris are excellent with first class knowledgeable guides and rangers. We could not have wanted more for our first time safari experience. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Thornybush Waterside Lodge is brilliant!

Jan 26, 2019 Nilam3 London, United Kingdom

We stayed 3 nights here last week, and enjoyed both the safari experience and the food/service at this lodge. We had a very knowledgeable guide, Enock, and a tracker, Freddy who made our trip very memorable. The individual lodges give you complete privacy and good quality sleep, as there is nothing apart from birdsong that disturbs your sleep. The… Read more
We stayed 3 nights here last week, and enjoyed both the safari experience and the food/service at this lodge. We had a very knowledgeable guide, Enock, and a tracker, Freddy who made our trip very memorable. The individual lodges give you complete privacy and good quality sleep, as there is nothing apart from birdsong that disturbs your sleep. The waterhole attracts hippo, elephants and warthogs so it's a treat to see them at such close quarters. Read less