THORNYBUSH GAME LODGE

THORNYBUSH PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE | SABI SAND GAME RESERVE

ABOUT THORNYBUSH GAME LODGE

The luxury 5-star Thornybush Game Lodge is situated in the pristine Thornybush Private Nature Reserve in the northern part of the well-known Sabi Sand Game Reserve, which forms part of South Africa’s well-known Kruger National Park, home to the Big Five.

Thornybush offers a luxurious Kruger safari getaway to families and small groups, as well as couples looking for a romantic setting in which to relax and unwind. Those planning to tie the knot can do so in this beautiful romantic setting where romance and stellar service reign supreme.

The lodge boasts 18 luxury suites, and two-family suites, catering for a maximum of 40 people.

About Thornybush Private Nature Reserve

The 14 000 hectares Thornybush Nature Reserve has earned a reputation among international visitors as a stellar safari destination in South Africa that offers a magical escape away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

This haven, which is a mere 5-hours’ drive from Johannesburg has been recognized globally for its conservation efforts and unbeaten hospitality.

Sharing an unfenced border with the famous Timbavati Game Reserve (within the iconic Kruger National Park) this wilderness is a prime big game destination. The absence of fences allows a wide variety of wildlife species to roam freely in this open savannah woodland with its patches of tangled thickets and thorny shrubs. And with a near perfect year-round climate it is the ideal safari holiday destination for global nature lovers.

Apart from the iconic Big Five – lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino, the reserve boasts a wide variety of other species, from the tallest – the giraffe – to the smallest – mongoose, not to mention its rich insect and birdlife. Game viewing here ranks among the best in southern Africa.

The Thornybush collection of lodges comprises 12 pristine lodges, 11 of which are located in the Thornybush Private Nature Reserve, and one in the northern part of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Each lodge has been carefully selected to provide a variety of experiences and designed to meet the varying pockets of discerning travellers.

ACCOMMODATION AT THORNYBUSH GAME LODGE

Guests can choose from 18 luxury suites and two family suites, all offering opulent luxury and modern amenities.

Styled in muted tones, and boasting dark wood furnishings, it oozes an ambience of utmost tranquillity. Here weary souls can relax and unwind and enjoy their own private slice of wild Africa.

Bedrooms feature king-sized beds, beautifully draped in mosquito netting, and en-suite bathrooms with bathtub, his-and-hers basins and in- and outdoor shower. Huge windows allow for beautiful views of the bush, while you soak up the tranquillity of your surrounds.

The private deck, overlooking the Monwana riverbed, is perfect for taking some time out to reflect or read a good book, or simply watch the wildlife as they go about their daily business.

The two family suites feature a private pool on the deck, as well as a lounge with a sleeper couch to accommodate two children. These two large villas cater for a maximum of two adults and two children younger than twelve, or three adults.

Thornybush Game Lodge Suite Facilities

• Air-Conditioning

• En-suite bathroom with bathtub and in- and outdoor shower

• Hairdryer

• Bathrobes

• Mosquito nets

• Fan

• Heater

• Minibar

• Safe

• Telephone

• Complimentary Wi-Fi

• Tea / coffee-making facilities.

FACILITIES AND SERVICES AT THORNYBUSH GAME LODGE

Main Lodge

The main lodge boast wide opulent spaces, styled in plush contemporary furnishings in tones of earthy browns and beiges.

The beautiful lounge area with its bar, fireplace and comfortable sofas with scatter cushions boasting rich fabrics, open up onto the deck area with its magnificent views of the riverbed and the bush. Here guests can while away the hours engaging in great conversation while enjoying tasty cuisine. The sunken deck lounge also provides a perfect vantage point from where to saviour the beauty of this pristine wilderness and dine under the stars.

The boma is perfect for spending cosy evenings enjoying dinner around the fire, and the pool with its beautiful recliners provide a perfect escape from the heat.

The lodge library offers a wide variety of interesting reads, as well as Internet access and the curio shop is the perfect place to browse for a gift for a loved-one back home. Those in search of extra pampering need look no further than the modern spa on-site.

The conference centre, accommodating 60 delegates, is about a two-minute walk from the main lodge building.

Thornybush Game Lodge Main Lodge Facilities

• Lounge

• Fireplace

• Dining area

• Deck

• Pool

• Boma

• Spa

• Library

• Conference facility.

Thornybush Game Lodge Services

• 24-hour security

• Card facility

• Babysitting service

• Internet connectivity

• Wi-Fi-connectivity

• Room service

• Laundry service

• Private vehicle available.

• Airport shuttle.

CUISINE

Dining is deeply ingrained in the African culture, and at Thornebush Game Lodge the passionate chefs take great pride in creating scrumptious cuisine that caters to all palates, young and old.

Guests can expect a wide range of scrumptious dishes, all with contemporary flair, but a distinctive African flavour.

From the delicious breakfasts and light gourmet lunches to formal dinners, the menu will impress every time. Paired with fine wines, dining is a feast of the senses. Apart from the formal meals, a wide range of snacks, including South African favourites such as “biltong” and dried wors, as well as delectable pastries, will keep those taste buds entertained at all times.

Whether served in the dining room, on the deck or in the open-air boma, mealtimes at Thornybush lodge are culinary and festive affairs.

ACTIVITIES AT THORNYBUSH GAME LODGE

Apart from taking time to relax and reflect, guests can partake in a wide range of exciting activities

• Game drives

Guests can head out into the wilderness daily in open safari vehicles under the guidance of an experienced ranger and tracker. Early morning and late-afternoon/ early evening safaris are conducted daily. The morning drive head out at sunrise, and the afternoon drive just before sunset. These are the times when the animals are most active, as they usually seek shelter at the heat of the day.

Your guide and will share surprising facts of the African bush with you, whilst tracking your favourite species for an up-close encounter. Apart from the iconic Big Five, you can also expect to encounter more elusive species such as the African wild dog, to name but a few.

Searching for nocturnal animals in the spotlight after sunset is a thrilling experience as the brief reflection of a pair of eyes in the bush, will have you upright in your seat. Your guide will choose scenic spots en-route where you can indulge in some refreshments.

• Bushwalks

Heading out on foot into the African wilderness offers a whole new perspective on this wild land which is Africa. An armed ranger will lead you into the bush and explain the secrets of the fauna and flora of this area, while tracking a wide range of game species.

You will have a pre-trail briefing first during which your guide will explain the route and what to expect on the walk. Your safety is paramount and first-aid kits and hand-held radios are standard equipment on walks.

This exercise involves all the senses and will definitely get the adrenalin pumping. The anticipation of what awaits around the next bush, will have you on high alert.

Bushwalks take place in the early morning after breakfast and are about 2 hours in duration.

• Birdwatching

Thornybush Game Reserve is a birder’s haven with more than 280 recorded bird species. To fully appreciate the birdlife of the reserve, it is recommended that avid birdwatchers book private safari drives. Expect to see species such as the lesser spotted eagle, arrow-marked babbler, African green pigeon and common greenshank, to name but a few.

• Wellness

The Thornybush Amani Spa offers revolutionised traditional spa treatments, customised for the individual. Therapies are designed to bring balance to the physical, emotional and mental well-being, as well as to preserve and enhance youthfulness.

*Amani’s extensive collection of spas operate at luxury resorts, city hotels and other sought-after locations around the country.

• Kids programme

Children of all ages are welcome at Thornybush Game Lodge. A special programme will be prepared for them prior to their arrival.

Kid’s activities include specialized tailored walks, spa treatments and delicious meals, as well as a range of games and art activities. Experienced babysitters are available to afford parents some downtime.

Guests can also sign their children up for the “Ranger in Training” programme upon booking their accommodation.

OTHER ACTIVITIES AT THORNY BUSH GAME LODGE INCLUDE

• Cultural excursion

Thornybush Game Reserve supports the Hlokomela Community Projects, aimed at improving the lives and livelihoods of neighbouring communities. This visit provides an insight into local traditions and customs. This project is situated about a 45-minute drive from the reserve. Guests are transported in an air-conditioned minibus. An additional cost applies.

• Hot-air balloon excursion

Enjoy an hour-long flight over the scenic Lowveld section of the well-known Blyde River Canyon, one of the most beautiful areas in South Africa. Although game spotting cannot be guaranteed during these flights, plains game such as giraffe and wildebeest are often encountered.

• Conferences

The modern conference facility at Thornybush Game Lodge accommodates 60 delegates with ease and boast all the modern conference amenities. Perfect for team-building, businesses can reinvent their entrepreneurial spirit in the heart of this majestic wilderness.

• Panorama Tour

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Lowveld in an air-conditioned vehicle. The route will cover well-known scenic sites such as Gods Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Three Rondawels and Graskop, to name but a few. This is a full day tour, starting at 9h00 up to 17h00.

• Cheetah breeding tour

This unique project is one of the country’s leading private research and breeding facilities aimed at protecting vulnerable indigenous wildlife species in southern Africa. Initially established as a breeding centre for cheetah, it soon expanded to include a range of other endangered species.

• Flight of the Dragon

The magnificent Drakensberg escarpment (Dragons Mountain) rises 1 900 metres from the bushveld to the west of the lodge. Guest can view this exquisite region from the air in a light aircraft or helicopter. This hour-long flight, departing from the Thornybush Airstrip, include aerial views of the mighty Blyde River Canyon and Gods Window, among others.