Thornybush Game Lodge

The Lodge:

Adjacent to the Greater Kruger National Park, within the famous Thornybush Nature Reserve is the Collection’s largest operation, Thornybush Game Lodge. Registered by the Tourism authorities as a five star offering, this Lodge is renowned for small groups, weddings, milestone birthday celebrations or business indaba’s. 
 
Whilst the size of the Lodge attracts special gatherings, the configuration of the self-contained luxury suites provides for privacy and solitude for couples and smaller groups visiting this special Lodge. Whether you are a couple looking for an exclusive, romantic, private safari; a family looking to occupy your little ones or a Group with a diverse range of requirements, Thornybush Game Lodge is the place. Thornybush Game Lodge also hosts a sixty seater Conference centre located conveniently two minutes walk from the Main Lodge Reception areas. A state of the art newly constructed Spa facility tops the agenda for discerning guests visiting this well known Lodge.

Accommodation

Unrivalled big game viewing is complemented by elegant accommodation and sublime cuisine.
 
Thornybush Game Reserve’s exclusive private Thornybush Game Lodge provides accommodation consisting of stylish air-conditioned suites, with extensive living areas overlooking the seasonal Monwana River. There are 18 suites, 2 family suites and accommodation caters for a maximum of 40 people collectively.
 
From within the sumptuous individual suites, each with full en-suite facilities, outdoor shower and private decks, sweeping vistas over the savannah and ever active water hole can be enjoyed. Bathrooms boast large glass windows, offering unique game viewing in & past the river bed. Superb attention to detail and highly personalized service make for a memorable stay.

Room configuration:

18 Luxury Suites: 
 
Each Luxury Suite has an en-suite bathroom, indoor and outdoor showers and private deck with a view of the seasonal Monwana River course or riverine thicket and have been carefully designed and spaced to provide privacy. 
 
Room facilities:  

  • Air-Conditioning
  • Telephone
  • Mini Bar 
  •  Safe in room
  • Separate Bath and Shower
  • Outside shower
  • Hairdryer
  • Tea and coffee making facilities

Lodge facilities:    
 

  • Wake up calls
  • Laundry Services
  • Pool
  • Thornybush Spa
  • Library with Internet Access
  • Boma
  • A fully equipped conference facility
  • Curio shop
  • Children’s program
  • Baby Sitting
     
    Warm African evenings under the stars make Thornybush Game Lodge an ideal home away from the world. The sheer enjoyment of un-spoilt nature, the invigorating air and the open vistas, will leave you relaxed and energized for your return to civilization.

Amani Spa

The Thornybush Collection and Amani Spa’s announce a half a million rand make-over at The Thornybush Game Lodge Spa Centre.
 
Amani Spa’s, operators of the Thornybush Game Lodge Spa Centre, have just completed the construction and renovation of existing Spa facilities at this flagship five star game lodge. The new centre, almost three times the size of the previous operation and with two full-time therapists, will offer a full range of treatments for Thornybush Game Lodge guests, as well as satellite treatments to our guests at Chapungu and the group’s self catering camp, Nkelenga; both camps located a short distance from Thornybush Game Lodge.
 
Amani Spa’s, operators of a number of successful wellness centres including Ivory Tree and Simbambili Game Lodges,  Walkersons in Dullstroom, bring proven expertise and well trained therapists, as well as state of the art equipment and practices to this added value component of a relaxing break  within The Thornybush  Nature Reserve.

Your Safari

Thornybush Private Game Lodge offers unique exclusive Safari experiences in both open Land Rovers, and on foot. The private reserve is home to an abundance of species: 147 mammals including the “Big Five”, 114 reptiles, 507 birds, 49 fish, 34 amphibians and 336 trees. The reserve is predominantly open savannah and with a near perfect year round climate, it is the ideal African safari holiday destination. 
 

A typical day 
 
The day starts as dawn breaks over the African bushveld. After your early morning wakeup call, coffee, tea & rusks are served on the main deck overlooking the riverbed. Shortly after, you depart in your open Land Rover with your experienced Rangers and Trackers who will share their extensive knowledge of the bush with you. These drives are undertaken at times best suited for game viewing which vary depending on the season but typically start early morning. Where applicable you may be invited out of the vehicle to see tracks, examine certain plants and follow spoor.
 
After an exhilarating hunt for tracks to see what the animals have been up to during the night, and tracking down whatever you find, you will stop somewhere out in the bush for a break of coffee & tea. Time to stretch your legs whilst having your sunglasses cleaned & indulge in cool towels in summer, and hot towels in winter. In winter, we keep our guests warm on the vehicle with hot water bottles & warm blankets.
 
After a sumptuous Breakfast is served either back at the camp or in the riverbed or bush, guests are offered walks to suit their interests and fitness levels and are accompanied by an armed ranger and tracker.
 
Walks allow guests a better chance to see some of the smaller creatures of the bush as well as an opportunity to learn more about the flora and fauna of the region & to have a chance to follow tracks in more detail.
 
Our Shangaan trackers will enthrall you with their explanations of the medicinal and other uses of the numerous plants and trees along with tales of traditional folklore.
 
The rest of the day is spent at the discretion of the guest for other activities that we offer, with a delicious lunch being served around 1.30pm.
 
The afternoon game drive is preceded by high tea and extends into the evening to view seldom seen nocturnal species by torchlight.

Upon returning for a gourmet 3 course dinner, either in the boma, bush or lodge – guests can socialise with a cognac, single malt or cigar around the campfire or lounge before returning to bed for another day’s adventure.
 
Where possible, safaris will be tailored to suit individual preferences and interest.

Weddings and honeymoons 

Imagine exchanging your vows in an African Dry River Bed at sunset, the bride being serenaded in by African dancers amidst tribal song…
 
Few experiences can be as personalized as a wedding and we therefore realize that each experience will require attention to the finest detail. We can promise you unrivalled big game viewing, complemented by exquisite accommodation and sublime cuisine and above all, a day you will never forget. Your safari style wedding will be a celebration of love, tradition and lasting memories.
 
We do recommend that you book the lodge on exclusive use, so the we can ensure that our full attention is devoted to your function…
 
Arrangements can be as glamorous or as understated, according to the bride your wishes. Considerations need to be given to weather conditions and the fact that we are in a nature reserve so certain restrictions do apply. Ministers from most denominations are easily accessible, as are photographers, cakes, hairdressers and florists. Special menus and dining venues can be set aside for the wedding party, when the lodge is booked exclusively.
 
All you need to do is sit back, relax and leave the wedding preparations up to someone else whilst you enjoy massages, sunset cocktails and game drives. Our wedding venues are renowned for their beauty and excellent service.
 
Honeymoon
 
The lodge is a fantastic romantic destination for honeymooners and your hosts will ensure that it is a romantic and unforgettable experience.
The honeymoon package that includes, an upgrade to a suite (subject to availability or supplement), special private deck dinners, honeymoon turndowns in the bedrooms.
 
Special occasions
 
For guests celebrating special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries or other milestones. This information needs to be communicated with your reservations consultant in order for the lodge to prepare for it. We will be delighted to work with you to plan something extra special for your celebration to make it memorable. Examples may include a special private dinner in an African River bed, Tribal dancers to present a cake, a hot air balloon with champagne breakfast etc.

Rates:
validity: 01 January – December 09
Package Price PP Sharing Single Supplements Single Person Children (2 – 12yrs)  
Self drive: per night R3 845pp R1 925pp R7 640 R2 050 Book Now
1 Night Package R7 745pp R1 925pp R14 440 R2 050 Book Now
2 Nights Package R11 590pp R3 850pp R22 080 R4 100 Book Now
3 Nights Package R15 435pp R5 775pp R29 720 R6 150 Book Now

 Book a package for group of 4 or more and get a discount on transport fare 

 The above rates include: 

  • Accommodation
  • All meals, teas, coffees and snacks
  • Dawn and dusk safaris in an open land rover and bush walks
  • Sundowner local drinks
  • Road transfer from Pretoria/ Johannesburg
  • Panorama Route

The above rates exclude: 

  • Bar
  • Curios, telephone and Laundry expenses
  • Reserve entrance fees
     
Road Transfer Rates only: Click on the rate to book
Road transfer From Johannesburg/Pretoria 1 – 3 Pax 4 – 7 pax 8 – 13 pax
One way transfer, per vehicle (including entrance fees) R3 100pv R3 400pv R3 900pv
One way transfer, per vehicle (including entrance fees and Panorama Route) R4 300pv R4 600pv  R5 500pv