Serondella

Enquire Now

Pricing

pp/night sharing

normal price: R27 000 (save: 67%)

Within 30 days of travel

8 Jan - 18 Dec '26

R 9000

Includes:

Accommodation in a luxury suite
All meals
Beverages excluding premium brands
Twice daily safaris in open game viewing vehicle and additional bushveld walks (at the discretion of the guide and time of year), all with FGASA accredited field guides and tracker
Laundry service
Wi-Fi

Our Verdict

INCLUDES DRINKS! An old favourite in Thornybush has been transformed with stunningly contemporary new rooms exhibiting a stylish Afro-Scandi modernism. Serondella is also unusual in catering to kids of all ages, including having 2 Family Suites!

Lodge Gallery

Our Ratings

8.7

Overall

9.0

Luxury & style

8.5

Setting

9.0

Game Viewing

8.0

Romance

Our Ratings

8.7

Overall

9.0

Luxury & style

8.5

Setting

9.0

Game Viewing

8.0

Romance

What's Hot

Previously quite old fashioned, Serondella has been stunningly transformed with contemporary Afro-Scandi styling and décor that positions the lodge confidently back in the 5-Star luxury bracket!
Unusually for a luxury game lodge, kids of all ages are welcome at Serondella - there are 2 Family Suites which are ideal for that perfect family bush break (and the kids will no doubt love having their own heated swimming pool!)
Talking of heated swimming pools, relaxing around the lodge's heated infinity pool on the main deck overlooking the very active waterhole is the perfect way to while away the hours between game drives
Thornybush delivers absolutely top-notch game viewing - particularly since the fences came down in 2017 that previously cut the reserve off from the Kruger Park. Now animals are able to roam freely which has resulted in a big influx of ellies and the presence of massive herds of buffalo on the reserve at times!

What's Not

If you're allergic to having kids around, then rather not take a chance and instead head for one of the many luxury lodges where children are not accepted

a major renovation and modernisation makeover has brought Serondella bang-up-to-date with stunningly contemporary rooms that have elevated it effortlessly back into the 5-star bracket!

Lodge Profile

Quick Overview

Location

Thornybush

Drive Time

6 hours drive from Johannesburg

Malaria

Yes - low risk area

Setting

Overlooking a waterhole

Rooms

2 1-bedroom Suites, a 2-bedroom Family Suite and a 3-bedroom Family Suite

Aircon

Yes

Pool

Heated infinity main pool and private heated pools at the Suites

Spa

Yes

Camp Fenced

Yes

Tracker

Yes - ranger and tracker

Off Road

Yes

Child Policy

All ages welcome

Serondella – meaning “Place of the Elephants” in the Tsonga language - is an old favourite amongst the lodges in the Thornybush reserve. Now though it has been completely reimagined, with the lodge taking advantage of the COVID lockdowns to do a major renovation and modernisation! The makeover has brought Serondella bang-up-to-date with stunningly contemporary rooms that have elevated it effortlessly back into the 5-star bracket!

Serondella re-opened in 2021 boasting a contemporary Afro-Scandi look and feel that really elevates the lodge compared to the "old" Serondella! One of the things that makes Serondella quite different to the majority of upmarket game lodges is the strong emphasis on family safaris, with kids of all ages being welcomed here. Serondella’s original offering consisted of two one-bedroom suites and a two-bedroom family suite, each of which has undergone a wonderful makeover. A new addition is “Willem’s Den”. This three-bedroom family suite was previously the owner’s private retreat. After a complete transformation, it is now available to guests and features a private boma and heated plunge pool.

Just to expanding on the subject of how Serondella accommodates kids: children under 12 must share with adults in the Family Suites with up to 5 year olds staying free whilst 6 – 11 year olds are charged half the adult rate, provided there are at least 2 children (if only 1 child aged 6-11 years shares with two adults in a family suite, the adult sharing rate will then apply) When it comes to game drives, for families with children under the age of 6, a private vehicle can be arranged at an additional cost so the littlies can also enjoy going out on drive! A special children’s program is also available for younger guests at certain times of the day to keep them occupied, whilst babysitting services are available in the evenings over dinner time so mom and dad can enjoy a romantic dining experience in peace!

As you would expect, the game viewing at Serondella is top-notch – located in a private concession in the north-east sector of the renowned Thornybush Reserve, and overlooking an active waterhole, the lodge’s position is simply perfect for an unforgettable safari experience! The lodge lies nestled in a riverine forest on the banks of the ephemeral Monwana river, with stunning Feverberries, Appleleaves and Boerbeans making up an attractive background. The view over the lodge waterhole often throws up superb sightings of the animals that gave Serondella its name – elephants! Since the fences between Thornybush and Kruger were dropped back in 2017, the animals’ natural migration paths have been restored and game viewing even further enhanced, with a big influx of ellies not to mention huge herds of African buffalo that now move through the reserve at times!

The air-conditioned suites are welcoming retreats with private decks and luxury, high quality amenities. Indoor and outdoor showers feature prominently but a highlight has to be the private heated plunge pools! (the 2 Family Suites also boast their own private lounge areas and extra bedrooms). The contemporary Afro-Scandi décor is carried out throughout the lodge, complemented by unique Anton Smit art. A heated infinity swimming pool overlooking the lodge's waterhole is the focal point of the main public areas. And if lazing around the pool doesn't appeal then there's a fully equipped gym for those guests determined to keep in shape, whilst there's also a lovely bush Spa (with a gorgeous romantic bush bath) offering a range of pampering treatments and massages for those who just feel like being spoiled rotten! The lodge has also commenced an exciting culinary journey, starting with a commitment to using organic and locally sourced produce for artisanal dishes, and a wine list created under the guidance of sommelier extraordinaire Carrie Adams and David van Niekerk of High Constantia.

But a lodge is nothing without its people, and Serondella is proud of its revitalized team. Expect to be dazzled by a bright smile and a warm heart from each of its members, from the experienced guides and trackers to the fastidious housekeepers, passionate chefs and professional hosts.

Pricing

pp/night sharing

More Information

Booking Notes

Unless otherwise stated, all rates listed are based on a minimum 2 night stay Surcharges may apply for a 1 night booking
Rates quoted are only applicable to SA Residents only. Special Discounted rates for International Residents are available on request
Rates exclude Conservation Fee

Child Policy

Children of all ages are welcome at Serondella Game Lodge and best accommodated in the family suites
Children are charged as follows:
0 – 5 years are accommodated free of charge
Children aged between 6 – 11 years are accommodated at 50% of the adult sharing rate in the family suites provided that there’s at least 2 children
In the event that only 1 child aged between 6-11 years share with two adults in a family suite, the adult sharing rate will apply
Children under 12 must share with adults in the family suites
From the age of 6, children are allowed on the daily game drives during standard game drive times, at Management’s discretion
From the age of 16, children are allowed on bushveld walks, at management’s discretion
For families with children under the age of 6, a private vehicle can be arranged at additional cost, including a FGASA accredited guide and tracker.
A special children’s program is available for younger guests at certain times of the day. Note that this is not a full day activity
Babysitting services are available in the evenings from 19:00 -22:00 at an additional cost (maximum 2 children per babysitter)

Useful Links

Lodge Website

Visit the official lodge site.

Trip Advisor

Read guest reviews for this lodge.

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Serondella

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Within 30 days of travel

8 Jan - 18 Dec '26

Our Verdict

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Quick Overview

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