Thornybush Game Lodge

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Pricing

pp/night sharing

normal price: R19 800 (save: 60%)

ADVANCE PURCHASE

6 Jan - 31 Aug '26

Includes local drinks

R 8000

2 night minimum stay - not applicable over long weekends, Easter weekend and seasonal holidays

Includes:

Accommodation
All meals and hot beverages
Early morning and late afternoon game drives
Local drinks

Our Verdict

INCLUDES DRINKS! A recent extensive facelift has brought a bold and fresh new look to this old favourite (it was opened way back in 1961!) - whilst this lodge originally put the Thornybush reserve on the map, the new updates ensure it remains a wonderfully contemporary and luxurious top-end game lodge experience!

Lodge Gallery

Our Ratings

8.6

Overall

8.5

Luxury & style

8.5

Setting

9.0

Game Viewing

8.5

Romance

Our Ratings

8.6

Overall

8.5

Luxury & style

8.5

Setting

9.0

Game Viewing

8.5

Romance

What's Hot

The 16 Luxury Suites have recently been given a major renovation which has brought them bang-up-to-date in terms of style, with the bold and opulent gold and black feature wall at the head of the bed really making a style statement!
Superb views from the expansive deck areas over the river-bed - the perfect place to relax with a book and an ice-cold drink courtesy of the ever-friendly staff whilst keeping an eye out for animals wandering into view!
We particularly love the inviting bathrooms with their large feature windows allowing you expansive views over the surrounding bush whilst you relax in the bath or enjoy a refreshing shower
Lovers of traditional game lodges will absolutely adore Thornybush Game Lodge! It combines traditional game lodge architecture with contemporary decor and furnishings - the result is bold yet elegant, classy yet warm and welcoming - a bit like the QE2 of game lodges!
Excellent children's ranger programme will keep the little ones happy and fill up their days - the stunning new Kamara House is perfect to accommodate a family too!
Excellent Amani Spa ensures that you can have any remaining city stresses massaged away in style!

What's Not

Quite large at 16 suites and a villa in total - if you prefer smaller more intimate lodges then perhaps consider sister lodge Saseka Tented Camp instead
The more traditional lodge styling, whilst recently refreshed, may not appeal to those looking for cutting edge contemporary game lodge architecture

Thornybush Game Lodge an extensive new facelift in early 2023 has added a note of freshness and sophistication to the design and layout and the lodge is now elegantly polished, stylish and luxurious

Lodge Profile

Quick Overview

Location

Thornybush

Drive Time

6 hours drive from Johannesburg

Malaria

Yes - low risk area

Setting

Overlooking a riverbed

Rooms

20 suites - 16 Luxury Suites and Kamara House villa

Aircon

Yes

Pool

Yes

Spa

Yes

Camp Fenced

Yes

Tracker

Yes - ranger and tracker

Off Road

Yes

Child Policy

All ages welcome

Thornybush Game Lodge was the first lodge opened in the Thornybush Nature Reserve way back in 1961. As the original establishment, it largely put Thornybush on the map and established the reserve’s reputation for world-class game-viewing. Ongoing improvements and refurbishments over the years (in particular an extensive new facelift in early 2023) have added a note of freshness and sophistication to the design and layout and the lodge is now elegantly polished, stylish and luxurious. The thatched main area overlooks a waterhole and very scenic riverbed frequently visited by elephants, buffalo and other large game. The decks have been expanded in the recent facelift, creating a delightful flow between the open dining area and a beautiful bar. Sunbirds, attracted to the many aloes which surround the main deck, are just some of the many small delights you can expect whilst staying at Thornybush Game Lodge.

The lodge is pretty large as up to 36 people can be accommodated in air-conditioned luxury in 16 Luxury Suites and the new Kamara House, a villa perfect for families and small parties. All the suites have private wooden decks with comfortable seating overlooking the reserve and waterhole. Here you can take some time-out to gather your thoughts, catch forty winks or update your journal while enjoying the benefits of fresh air, sunshine and peaceful surroundings!

The 16 Luxury Suites are superbly equipped and furnished in the lavish style befitting this five-star lodge. The recent renovation has added "statement" wall paper in opulent gold and black that makes for a stunning feature wall/headboard whilst the furnishings and decor details are of the highest standard. The en-suite bathroom features a double basin, large bath overlooking the savannah, indoor and outdoor showers. The large windows above the bath and giant sliding doors to the deck offer incredible views of the riverbed and any animals that may be wallowing there.

Your day starts as dawn breaks over the African bushveld. After an early morning wake-up call, coffee, tea and rusks are served on the main deck. Shortly after, depart in an open Land Cruiser with experienced rangers and trackers who will share their extensive knowledge of the bush. These drives are undertaken at times best suited for game viewing which varies depending on the season but typically starts early morning. Where applicable you may be invited out of the vehicle to see tracks, examine certain plants and follow spoor.

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 you 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, and to have a chance to follow tracks in more detail.

Back at the lodge, the warm-hearted staff, riverbed setting and legacy of excellence are standout features. Meals, when taken at the lodge, are Ottolenghi-style buffets prepared by Solly, the legendary master bush chef! Bush dinners are a firm favorite with guests, where you get to enjoy a hearty meal, surrounded by lanterns, candles and the sound of the African wilderness under the endless expanse of the African night sky!

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 under 2 years will be accommodated free of charge
Children 2 – 12 years pay 50% of the adult per person sharing Family Suite rate
Children 13 years and up are charged the full adult rate

Useful Links

Lodge Website

Visit the official lodge site.

Trip Advisor

Read guest reviews for this lodge.

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