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 (448)
  • Very good (35)
  • Average (5)
  • Poor (0)
  • Terrible (0)
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
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Luxury in the bush

Jul 3, 2019 JaunM6

This a great resort for relaxation and experiencing what Africa has to offer. There are game drives twice daily on comfortable gameviewers, on these we saw the big 5 and many other wild species. The lodge itself is fantastic, with well appointed and luxurious rooms that have great views out over the bushveld. The food was excellent and service… Read more
This a great resort for relaxation and experiencing what Africa has to offer. There are game drives twice daily on comfortable gameviewers, on these we saw the big 5 and many other wild species. The lodge itself is fantastic, with well appointed and luxurious rooms that have great views out over the bushveld. The food was excellent and service staff was real friendly. It is nice and close to the airport, so this also makes the accessibility great. The bushveld dinner was also a treat, with a real fairytale setup, dont miss that one when you are there. Go there if you want to experience the bushveld, but dont want to give up your creature comforts and dont want to spend forever getting there. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating It can’t get any better

Jun 16, 2019 437catalinal Bogota, Colombia

It was my first time in Africa and my first Safari experience. The lodge is absolutely amazing. People are so friendly and always meeting your needs. The food is great too. Game drives and guides and rangers are the best. I had one of the best times of my life!
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Trip of a lifetime!

Jun 11, 2019 Kasia A

There are those times in your life where you are gifted an extraordinary experience. I was granted this gift and had what I can only explain as a trip of a lifetime. Thank you for all that made this such a dream vacation! The resort is beautiful and accommodations are first class. Everyone was treated so very well. The staff are incredible,… Read more
There are those times in your life where you are gifted an extraordinary experience. I was granted this gift and had what I can only explain as a trip of a lifetime. Thank you for all that made this such a dream vacation! The resort is beautiful and accommodations are first class. Everyone was treated so very well. The staff are incredible, kind and the customer service is beyond anything you could hope for. A very special thank you Jojan ngweyna (Joe) our guide! Joe is a very special man who has been a guide for over 17 years! Joe brought us to a new world. Joe was phenomenal! Joe not only made the trip memorable but it was literally an educational, exhilarating adventure. Nothing short of spectacular. This is his passion and you could feel it. It was certainly electric and his passion grew on all those who are near his magnetic personality! It’s his love of the park and the all the animals that thrive there! Thank you for sharing with all of us. If I am ever fortunate enough to return I only hope that he is there for my next adventure. Thank you to all and know this will forever be a loving and lasting memory! I’m fairly certain I speak for all of us. Once again. A dream come true! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Fabulous Experience

May 30, 2019 jojorina sunny south florida

Thornybush Game Reserve was part of a South African trip that I attended as part of a group. I was unsure what to expect, however, they surpassed what I could imagine. No spoiler alerts, but the lodging was amazing, Our Ranger, Greg, was spectacular, too. His knowledge was incredible, and his personality was great. The accommodations were… Read more
Thornybush Game Reserve was part of a South African trip that I attended as part of a group. I was unsure what to expect, however, they surpassed what I could imagine. No spoiler alerts, but the lodging was amazing, Our Ranger, Greg, was spectacular, too. His knowledge was incredible, and his personality was great. The accommodations were luxurious, yet felt right in that setting. The food was great, and the staff friendly. Everything was great! Read less