Thornybush Game Reserve (South Africa)

Location:

Come - experience the magic of Africa at one of our five luxurious private game lodges. The Thornybush "Big Five" Game Reserve is in the heart of the Lowveldt, adjacent to the world famous Kruger National Park. 

The reserve is blessed with a great diversity of habitat and wildlife giving you an excellent chance of experiencing close encounters with the Big 5 - elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard as well as wild dog, cheetah, zebra, giraffe and all species indigenous to the area, in their natural unfenced environment.

With over 350 bird species, Thornybush is a bird watchers paradise.

The unique experience of 'being away from it all' in pure Africa, is the privilege of every guest. Thornybush offers the best of the bush with total exclusivity and the luxury of personal service for everyone.

The incomparable beauty of an African sunset...the unforgettable roar of a lion in the still of the night...the brilliant flash of the lilac-breasted roller in flight...the tender impatience of a mother elephant nudging her baby to hurry up...the magnificence of a martial eagle on the wing...

Accommodation:

Thornybush  accommodates its guests in five well located lodges: Main Lodge, n'Kaya, Serondella, Chapungu and Jackalberry.

Main Lodge:  At Thornybush we know that people come to the bushveld for all sorts of different reasons. Whether it's to see the "Big Five", tick off birds on your life list, to breathe pure air and enjoy unspoilt nature or simply to slow down and unwind - whatever you're looking for, you'll find it here. 

Whether you're a first time visitor to the Lowveldt or an old hand, you'll find that our highly trained rangers and trackers have an intimate knowledge of the ecosystems, and an ability to interpret animal behavior that make each Safari a memorable experience. 12 twin en-suite rooms, 4 family en-suite rooms, Air conditioned.

n'Kaya: Tastefully decorated in warm, earthy tones and indigenous woods, n'Kaya combines luxury with natural simplicity.

Situated on a hilltop n'Kaya has a spectacular view of the surrounding savannah and the famous Drakensberg Mountain Range. n'Kaya pan, the camp's own waterhole within sight of the patio, attracts many species of game, as well as prolific bird life.

Here you can expect top-quality cuisine and exceptional service. On cold winter nights, guests gather round the huge open-hearth fireplace and trade stories of game sightings over brandy and hanepoot.

Serondella offers superb five-star accommodation, sumptuous cuisine and fine game-viewing - once you've stayed here you'll agree that this is the ultimate bush experience. The lodge and chalets are connected by wooden walkways, nestling under thick trees and bush for absolute luxury and seclusion. Serondella has two viewing sites onto private waterholes which are floodlit at night. 

You will have excellent opportunities for spectacular photographs or videos, as visits by big game species are almost daily occurrences. With a maximum of eight guests at any one time, you're assured of extremely high service and personal attention in surroundings that are unashamedly luxurious.

4 twin en-suite thatched suites each with lounge area, 1 triple en-suite cottage with separate lounge area, Air conditioned.

Chapungu:

Authentically furnished in colonial splendor, handpicked pieces fill the lodge and its five air-conditioned en-suite tents, enhancing the ambience and comforts typical of a bygone era. Enjoy scenic views from the vantage of our elevated deck with an active water hole in close proximity.

Whether it is around the fire in the boma or from the classically appointed dining room, savor Chapungu's culinary delights.

This home from home experience will see every guest leave as a friend.

Jackalberry: The towering Drakensberg Mountains provide a majestic backdrop for this rustic camp. If you are looking for spectacular views, understated comfort and ethnic ambience that blends harmoniously with nature, Jackalberry is ideal.

The bush around the lodge teems with game and more than 250 different species of birds can be seen, a paradise for bird watchers

Jackalberry is the perfect remedy for the stresses of work and city living. Relax by a crackling campfire after a hearty traditional bushveld dinner, and listen to the night sounds of Africa. 5 twin bedded rooms with en-suite bathroom, (bathrooms have showers only), Overhead fans.

Rates:
 
Chapungu Tented Camp
1 Jan to 31 May 2010 1 Jun to 15 Jul 2010 16 Jul to 31 Dec 2010
Luxury Tents
R 2,730
R 2,868
R 2,730
  
n'Kaya Game Lodge
1 Jan to 31 May 2010 1 Jun to 15 Jul 2010 16 Jul to 31 Dec 2010
Suites
R 2,539
R 2,668
R 2,539
Children 2-12 years
On Request
On Request
On Request
  
Serondella Game Lodge
1 Jan to 31 May 2010 1 Jun to 15 Jul 2010 16 Jul to 31 Dec 2010
Suites
R 2,742
R 2,881
R 2,742
Family Suite
R 2,742
R 2,881
R 2,742
Children 2-12 years
R 1,371
R 1,441
R 1,371
  
Shumbalala Game Lodge
1 Jan to 30 April 2010   1 May to 31 Dec 2010
Suites
R 4,750
R5,225
Presidential Suite
R 6,750
R 7,425
  
Simbambili Game Lodge
1 Jan to 31 May 2010 1 Jun to 15 Jul 2010 16 Jul to 31 Dec 2010
Suites
R 5,332
R 5,602
R 5,332
Waterhole Suite
R 5,874
R 6,172
R 5,874
  
Thornybush Main Lodge
1 Jan to 31 May 2010 1 Jun to 15 Jul 2010 16 Jul to 31 Dec 2010
Suites
R 4,443
R 4,668
R 4,443
Family Suites
R 4,877
R 5,124
R 4,877
Children 2-12 years
R 2,438
R 2,562
R 2,438

Rates include accommodation, all meals, teas, coffees & snacks, dawn & dusk safaris in open land rovers and bushveld walks.
Sundowner local drinks are included at Thornybush Game Lodge, Shumbalala Game Lodge and Simbambili Game Lodge.
Excludes Simbambili Gate fee at Sabi Sands Reserve of R70 (2008) / R75 (2009) per vehicle.
Thornybush Game Lodge: All ages welcome. No children on game drive if under 6 years. Kiddies Program Available.
Serondella: All ages welcome. No children on game drive if under 6 years. Kiddies Program Available.
NKaya: Children welcome on request (all ages). No children on game drive if under 6 years.

African Safari Consultants

TOLL FREE  1-866-733-4263
 (1-866-SEE-GAME)