Located near the boundary of the spectacular Kruger National Park, Thornybush Private Game Reserve is home to a great array of flora and fauna, including the iconic Big Five. With approximately 50 mammal species, 50 reptile species, and over 200 bird species, this beautiful place is ideal for wildlife and bird-spotting enthusiasts who want to enjoy a tranquil safari.

Here, game drives are offered twice a day, with a morning drive to try to spot the Big Five, and an afternoon/evening drive to try to spot the rarely-seen nocturnal animals of the plains by torchlight. Joined by Shangaan trackers, you’ll enjoy a traditional, authentic and knowledgeable insight into your spectacular surrounding environment.

Depending on your planned activities for the day, you can enjoy breakfast either at the camp, or gazing out across the riverbed or bush. Lunch is served at around 1.30 after you’ve had time to recover from your exciting game drive and High Tea is served before you embark on your late afternoon safari. Dinner, in comparison, is a relatively grand affair, with a three-course meal served either in the outdoor boma, the lodge’s restaurant, or out in the bush. On evening game drives, you’ll stop to appreciate the breathtaking landscapes as the sun sets with a refreshing sundowner. Following dinner, you can also enjoy a drink around the camp fire as you recount the thrills of the day with your fellow guests.

Thornybush Game Lodge ­– 5*

Whilst the five-star Thornybush Private Nature Reserve’s largest lodge is ideal for families and small groups, it has also been carefully designed to ensure your privacy, with each luxury suite self-contained. The state-of-the art spa facility offers a relaxing break after a day of excitement and discovery, whilst the swimming pool is the perfect place to cool off and the lounge bar offers a variety of refreshing drinks. Decorated to reflect your natural surrounds, along with the traditions of the African bush, the lodge offers an authentic experience.

Depending on your planned activities for the day, you can enjoy breakfast either at the camp, or gazing out across the riverbed or bush. Lunch is served at around 1.30 after you’ve had time to recover from your exciting game drive and High Tea is served before you embark on your evening safari. Dinner, in comparison, is a relatively grand affair, with a three-course meal served either in the outdoor boma, the lodge’s restaurant, or out in the bush.

Back at your luxurious air-conditioned suite, you will enjoy beautiful views from your private deck out across the riverine thicket or seasonal Monwana River, which changes with the passing of each season.  Each suite also features an ensuite, extensive living area and outdoor shower. Of the 20 suites at the lodge, 2 have been specifically designed for families, offering a larger deck with its own plunge pool and a sleeper couch.

Chapungu Tented Bush Camp – 4*

The Chapungu Tented Bush Camp offers a completely different experience to that of the lodge. With only 8 tented suites, the camp is intimate, secluded and provides an authentic yet luxurious experience.

Just a short drive from the main Thornybush Game Lodge, residents of the camp have full access to the state-of-the-art spa, whilst benefitting from their own swimming pool and wine cellar. Resplendent of a bygone era of old-world colonial splendour, each tented suite is fully air-conditioned with decks that offer superb views of the magnificent bushveld.

Breakfast is served at the camp. With a day packed full of exciting activities, lunch is often served reasonably late before the afternoon/evening game drive. Whilst out exploring the bush, you’ll stop to appreciate the breathtaking landscapes as the sun sets with a refreshing sundowner. Back at the camp, a three-course dinner is served in either the dining room, the boma, or occasionally, out in the bush. Following dinner, you can enjoy a drink around the campfire as you recount the thrills of the day with your fellow guests.

Waterside Lodge – 5*

Located on the banks of a lake, Waterside Lodge is a peaceful retreat. Comfortable and informal, with thatched roofs and relaxed décor. Seclusion is easily found here; each of the suites has a private deck if you prefer to take in the surroundings in privacy and an interconnecting suite makes it ideal for families. In-between game drives, you can spend time in the pool or lounge area before enjoying creative meals which could be served picnic-style by the lake or by a bonfire. 20 suites.

The River Lodge – 5*

The most intimate of Thornybush’s lodges, The River Lodge has just four elevated suites which each open out onto a generous private deck so guests can really feel immersed into the beautiful bushveld. Stylishly decorated, each suite comes with a plunge pool, four-poster canopied beds, a bath tub looking out onto the deck and an outdoor shower, while lounge areas are no less luxurious with sumptuous soft furnishings for a modern take on safari luxe. 4 suites.