The Thornybush Game Reserve
Adjacent to the Greater Kruger National Park lies 11 500 hectares of pristine African bushveld, which is the ‘Thornybush Game Reserve’. With an abundance of bird and mammal species including the ‘Big 5’, it is also home to five exclusive lodges. Diverse accomodation caters for most guest’s needs from rustic understated comfort to luxury of the finest order. All lodges have sparkling swimming pools and offer exciting dawn and dusk safaris from open landrovers with fully qualified rangers and trackers, and bush walks for the more adventurous. An African safari can be a life-changing experience.
Thornybush Main Lodge
Nestled in the heart of Big 5 country adjacent to the Greater Kruger National Park, with a huge diversity of mammal and bird species, lies 11 500 hectares of pristine African Bushveld, this is the Thornybush Game Reserve. It is here that a superlative safari destination exists. The elegant and exclusive Thornybush Game Lodge awaits discovery by the discerning traveller. Unrivalled big game viewing is complemented by exquisite accommodation and sublime cuisine.
Thornybush Game Lodge boasts 18 stylish air-conditioned luxury suites and 2 family suites, all with extensive living areas overlooking the seasonal Monwana River. From within the luxurious suites, each with full en-suite facilities and private decks, sweeping vistas can be enjoyed over the savannah and an ever-active water hole. Superb attention to detail and highly personalised service make for a memorable stay.
Enjoy exciting dawn and dusk safaris in open Land Rovers and on walking safaris, take a moment to browse in the intimate library or simply enjoy a treatment in the Beauty Spa or relax at the pool with your favourite cocktail as you bask in Africa’s glorious sunshine. An African safari can be a life-changing experience.
N’Kaya Game Lodge
N’Kaya Game Lodge is situated in the heart of the Thornybush Game Reserve adjacent to the Greater Kruger National Park. Tastefully decorated in warm, earthy indigenous woods, N’Kaya combines luxury with natural simplicity. Its four thatched suites are built around the edge of a clearing, distanced from one another to ensure guests total privacy. Shaded by tall trees, the suites look out over the camp’s superb pool and towards the backdrop of the Drakensberg Mountains below. Each suite consists of a large bedroom, two en-suite bathrooms, and a lounge. The lounge can be converted into a second bedroom, en-suite and joined by inter-leading doors.
Serondella Game Lodge
In the midst of the big five Thornybush Game Reserve lies Serondella Lodge.
Here you will have excellent opportunities for spectacular photographs of big game species daily visiting the close by water hole. Serondella Lodge accommodates only eight guests in 3 luxuriously appointed suites and a family suite. The camp is set along the banks of a Monwana tributary. Each suite is carefully positioned to ensure privacy and stunning vistas. The lodge is flanked by two water holes. Here guests can enjoy the abundance of big game and birdlife from spectacular viewing decks.
A highly qualified ranger and tracker team, host you on a journey for the soul as you experience close and unrestricted encounters with all that is Africa from an open Land Rover. For the more adventurous guest, you will be invited to join your hosts on a bush walk. Superb cuisine and personal attention is what Serondella Lodge offers. The lodge also welcomes children of all ages.
Shumbalala Game Lodge
Set in the heart of the 11 500 hectare Thornybush Reserve, adjacent to the Greater Kruger National Park, Shumbalala offers the tradition of Africa experienced in luxurious surroundings. With a maximum of eight guests, you’ll be spoiled for privacy and exclusivity at this exceptional game lodge. The four luxury suites, each equipped with an open fireplace, a picture window bathroom and private viewing deck are set in the shade of trees lining the Monwana River.
The two bed-roomed presidential suite, in addition to all of the facilities of the standard suites, boasts a separate dining room, lounge, and a private pool deck and pool - the ultimate in luxury and exclusivity! In addition to the game viewing decks and swimming pools, there are two lounges, a curio shop, cellar and a library in which to relax between game drives. Come home to the welcome of this luxurious lodge after an uplifting experience in the bush, your senses inspired by all that is nature. Exciting dawn and dusk safaris will give you the opportunity to view the Big Five. Lazy afternoons can be spent by the poolside listening to the sounds of the bush.
Chapungu Tented Camp
In the heart of the Thornybush Game Reserve the nostalgic guest will find Chapungu Luxury Tented Camp. Eight luxury air-conditioned en-suite tents offer private and exclusive accommodation. Boma dinners are an occasion and an opportunity to select a bottle from the stock of fine wines and to savour the finest fare. Settle around a log fire to recount the days’ game experiences before retiring to the lounge for a night-cap, or the comfort of your tent.
Our passion for hospitality and the excitement of dawn and dusk safaris in an open Land Rover, ensuring close and unrestricted encounters with the wild. The more adventurous are encouraged to join an experienced game ranger on a walk as he interprets and discusses Africa’s footprint.
Nkelenga Tented Camp
Within the Thornybush Game Reserve lies Nkelenga Tented Camp. This intimate camp accommodates a maximum of 10 guests offering you a self catering experience in an air-conditioned main house with loft, perfect for accommodating children, and 3 en-suite tents. At Nkelenga Camp you can enjoy your own privacy, whilst still enjoying the luxury of a private game drive hosted by your own ranger and tracker team. A dedicated housekeeper will ensure that you avoid unnecessary hassles whilst on holiday. Beautiful scenery and excellent game viewing whilst overlooking the large active dam or simply by relaxing next to the pool.