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  5. Thornybush Game Lodge

Thornybush Game Lodge

    Set in the heart of Thornybush Private Game Reserve, this elegant lodge offers an intimate take on safari living. Sixteen thatched suites overlook a peaceful riverbed, blending contemporary comfort with untamed wilderness. Each guest enjoys the personalised touch of a dedicated butler, making every moment effortlessly special. From gourmet dinners under the stars to soul-soothing spa rituals and Big Five game drives at dawn and dusk, the experience is both wild and wonderfully indulgent. Here, luxury isn’t just about the lodge, it’s in the details, the views and the quiet magic of the bush.
      Set in the heart of Thornybush Private Game Reserve, this elegant lodge offers an intimate take on safari living. Sixteen thatched suites overlook a peaceful riverbed, blending contemporary comfort with untamed wilderness. Each guest enjoys the personalised touch of a dedicated butler, making every moment effortlessly special. From gourmet dinners under the stars to soul-soothing spa rituals and Big Five game drives at dawn and dusk, the experience is both wild and wonderfully indulgent. Here, luxury isn’t just about the lodge, it’s in the details, the views and the quiet magic of the bush.
        Set in the heart of Thornybush Private Game Reserve, this elegant lodge offers an intimate take on safari living. Sixteen thatched suites overlook a peaceful riverbed, blending contemporary comfort with untamed wilderness. Each guest enjoys the personalised touch of a dedicated butler, making every moment effortlessly special. From gourmet dinners under the stars to soul-soothing spa rituals and Big Five game drives at dawn and dusk, the experience is both wild and wonderfully indulgent. Here, luxury isn’t just about the lodge, it’s in the details, the views and the quiet magic of the bush.
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        Wild
        Encounters

        Twice-daily game drives bring you face to face with Africa’s Big Five, led by expert trackers who know the bush like a well-thumbed novel.

        Wild Encounters

        Twice-daily game drives bring you face to face with Africa’s Big Five, led by expert trackers who know the bush like a well-thumbed novel.

        Butlered
        Bliss

        Every guest is paired with a dedicated butler, ensuring your stay flows with thoughtful touches, from morning coffee rituals to surprise bubbles after sundown.

        Butlered Bliss

        Every guest is paired with a dedicated butler, ensuring your stay flows with thoughtful touches, from morning coffee rituals to surprise bubbles after sundown.

        bedroom-villa bedroom-villa
        duster duster
        Feast by
        Firelight

        Dine beneath a canopy of stars in the atmospheric boma, where gourmet flavours meet flickering flames and the soundtrack is nature’s own nocturnal chorus.

        Feast by Firelight

        Dine beneath a canopy of stars in the atmospheric boma, where gourmet flavours meet flickering flames and the soundtrack is nature’s own nocturnal chorus.

        Inspired?
        Start planning your
        next trip today

        Our expert team of personal travel managers are ready to craft your perfect journey. From business trips to luxury leisure holidays, simply put your pin in the map, and we’ll make it happen.

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        Exceptional accommodation

        Thornybush’s suites invite you to unwind in barefoot luxury, where outdoor showers and private decks overlook the bushveld beyond. Contemporary comfort meets safari soul, creating a stay that’s both deeply relaxing and wonderfully connected to the wild.

        Exceptional accommodation

        Thornybush’s suites invite you to unwind in barefoot luxury, where outdoor showers and private decks overlook the bushveld beyond. Contemporary comfort meets safari soul, creating a stay that’s both deeply relaxing and wonderfully connected to the wild.

        Luxury Suite

        Overlooking a peaceful, dry riverbed, each suite is a private sanctuary of safari elegance. Thoughtfully designed with rich, natural textures, they feature freestanding baths, twin vanities, and outdoor showers that invite the wild in - just a little.

        Kamara House

        Kamara House is a private, exclusive-use villa ideal for families or small groups. With a dedicated butler, chef, and game drive team, it offers stylish comfort, alfresco dining, and unforgettable wildlife moments beside a peaceful riverbed.

        Delicious dining

        Savour gourmet cuisine crafted with fresh, local ingredients and bold African flavours. Dine al fresco overlooking a wildlife-rich watering hole or enjoy curated bush dining experiences that add intimacy and a sense of safari magic to every meal.

        Delicious dining

        Savour gourmet cuisine crafted with fresh, local ingredients and bold African flavours. Dine al fresco overlooking a wildlife-rich watering hole or enjoy curated bush dining experiences that add intimacy and a sense of safari magic to every meal.

        All-Inclusive Dining

        Overlooking a dried waterhole, the lodge’s restaurant serves vibrant African cuisine using fresh, local ingredients. Enjoy Chef Solly’s famed oxtail stew, Ottolenghi-style salads and al fresco dining paired perfectly with exceptional South African wines for a wild, flavourful feast.

        Private bush dining

        For an unforgettable evening, choose a private candlelit dinner in the bushveld. Enjoy a seasonal, chef-curated menu and fine South African wines, all served beneath the stars in a breathtakingly wild and intimate setting.

        Boma

        Experience the magic of Boma dining beneath the stars, where flickering firelight, traditional dishes, and warm hospitality create an unforgettable evening. Surrounded by nature’s soundtrack, every bite captures the spirit and flavour of the African bush.

        A world of experiences

        Thornybush offers more than game drives. Enjoy spa rituals in serene surrounds, guided bush walks, exclusive photographic safaris, and enriching community experiences, all designed to deepen your connection to the land, wildlife, and people of Kruger.

        A world of experiences

        Thornybush offers more than game drives. Enjoy spa rituals in serene surrounds, guided bush walks, exclusive photographic safaris, and enriching community experiences, all designed to deepen your connection to the land, wildlife, and people of Kruger.

        Game drives

        Unforgettable game drives at Thornybush reveal Big Five sightings and breathtaking wildlife moments. Expert guides share deep knowledge of animal behaviour and the ecosystem, turning each drive into a rich, immersive journey through this remarkable private reserve.

        Rest up

        After the thrill of game drives, unwind by the tranquil pool or indulge in a soothing spa treatment. Rest is essential, and at Thornybush, relaxation comes wrapped in nature, stillness and a touch of bushveld bliss.

        Walk on the wildside

        Led by expert trackers, guided bush walks offer a deeper connection to Thornybush. Discover unique plants, animal tracks and hidden details of the ecosystem, with exceptional opportunities to photograph the reserve’s untamed beauty up close.

        Nestled within Thornybush Private Game Reserve, adjacent to Kruger National Park, Thornybush Game Lodge enjoys a prime location for wildlife enthusiasts. The reserve is renowned for its high probability of spotting the Big Five, offering exceptional game viewing. Surrounded by pristine wilderness, guests experience the thrill of untamed nature while revelling in luxury and plenty of creature comforts at this exclusive safari destination.

        How To Get There

        A 35-minute drive from Hoedspruit Airport

        Time Difference

        UTC +2

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        frequently asked questions

        Yes, Kamara House is ideal for multigenerational stays, offering a private setting, interleading rooms, and flexible mealtimes perfect for little ones.
        Absolutely. Your private chef caters to all dietary needs with advance notice, ensuring each meal is both safe and delicious.
        Bush walks are available to guests aged 16 and over, offering a fascinating, on-foot perspective of the reserve with experienced guides.
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        Inspired?
        Start planning your
        next trip today

        Our expert team of personal travel managers are ready to craft your perfect journey. From business trips to luxury leisure holidays, simply put your pin in the map, and we’ll make it happen.