Accolades | :Tourism Council of SA Star Grading |
Location: South Africa » Limpopo » Thornybush Game Rese » HoedspruitTGCSA Star GradingThornybush LodgeThornybush Lodge  
DescriptionAdjacent to the Greater Kruger National Park lies 11 500 hectares of pristine African bushveld, which is the Thornybush Game Reserve . Whilst the size of the Lodge attracts special gatherings, the configuration of the self-contained luxury suites provides for privacy and solitude for couples and smaller groups visiting this special Lodge. Whether you are a couple looking for an exclusive, romantic, private safari; a family looking to occupy your little ones or a Group with a diverse range of requirements, Thornybush Game Lodge is the place. Thornybush Game Lodge also hosts a sixty seater Conference centre located conveniently two minutes walk from the Main Lodge Reception areas. A state of the art newly constructed Spa facility tops the agenda for discerning guests visiting this well known Lodge.
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 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.
We hope Thornybush is that for you. Unrivalled big game viewing is complemented by elegant accommodation and sublime cuisine.
Thornybush Game Reserve's exclusive private Thornybush Game Lodge provides accommodation consisting of stylish air-conditioned suites, with extensive living areas overlooking the seasonal Monwana River. There are 18 suites, 2 family suites and accommodation caters for a maximum of 40 people collectively.
From within the sumptuous individual suites, each with full en-suite facilities, outdoor shower and private decks, sweeping vistas over the savannah and ever active water hole can be enjoyed. Bathrooms boast large glass windows, offering unique game viewing in & past the river bed. Superb attention to detail and highly personalized service make for a memorable stay.
Contact Details:
Reservations
Tel: 086 127 6237
Int. Tel: +27 51 924 0585 |   
FacilitiesRoom Configuration:
18 Luxury Suites: Each Luxury Suite has an en-suite bathroom, indoor and outdoor showers and private deck with a view of the seasonal Monwana River course or riverine thicket and have been carefully designed and spaced to provide privacy. 2 Luxury /Family Suites: Each Family Suite is larger than the Luxury Suites with lounge area and sleeper couch; that converts to a double bed to accommodate children. These suites also have a larger private deck, each with its own plunge pool. Maximum capacity 2 adults and 2 children under the age of 12 years or 3 adults. Room facilities: - Air-Conditioning
- Telephone
- Mini Bar
- Safe in room
- Separate Bath and Shower
- Outside shower
- Hairdryer
- Tea and coffee making facilities
Lodge facilities: - Wake up calls
- Laundry Services
- Pool
- Thornybush Spa
- Library with Internet Access
- Boma
- A fully equipped conference facility
- Curio shop
- Children's program
- Baby Sitting
The Thornybush Collection Wedding Experience
Imagine exchanging your vows in an African Dry River Bed at sunset, the bride being serenaded in by African dancers amidst tribal song… Few experiences can be as personalized as a wedding and we therefore realize that each experience will require attention to the finest detail. We can promise you unrivalled big game viewing, complemented by exquisite accommodation and sublime cuisine and above all, a day you will never forget. Your safari style wedding will be a celebration of love, tradition and lasting memories. The Thornybush Collection Wedding Experience
Imagine exchanging your vows in an African Dry River Bed at sunset, the bride being serenaded in by African dancers amidst tribal song…
Few experiences can be as personalized as a wedding and we therefore realize that each experience will require attention to the finest detail. We can promise you unrivalled big game viewing, complemented by exquisite accommodation and sublime cuisine and above all, a day you will never forget. Your safari style wedding will be a celebration of love, tradition and lasting memories.
We do recommend that you book the lodge on exclusive use, so the we can ensure that our full attention is devoted to your function…
Arrangements can be as glamorous or as understated, according to the brides wishes. Considerations need to be given to weather conditions and the fact that we are in a nature reserve so certain restrictions do apply. Ministers from most denominations are easily accessible, as are photographers, cakes, hairdressers and florists. Special menus and dining venues can be set aside for the wedding party, when the lodge is booked exclusively.
All you need to do is sit back, relax and leave the wedding preparations up to someone else whilst you enjoy massages, sunset cocktails and game drives. Our wedding venues are renowned for their beauty and excellent service.
Honeymoon The lodge is a fantastic romantic destination for honeymooners and your hosts will ensure that it is a romantic and unforgettable experience.
The honeymoon package that includes, an upgrade to a suite (subject to availability or supplement), special private deck dinners, honeymoon turndowns in the bedrooms.
Special occasions
For guests celebrating special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries or other milestones. This information needs to be communicated with your reservations consultant in order for the lodge to prepare for it. We will be delighted to work with you to plan something extra special for your celebration to make it memorable. Examples may include a special private dinner in an African River bed, Tribal dancers to present a cake, a hot air balloon with champagne breakfast etc.
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* NEW * Premier Classe Overnight Train Service We welcome the launch of a Premier Classe train service between Johannesburg and Hoedspruit, providing an added attraction to Limpopo's big-five Game Reserves. The Premier Classe train offers visitors to Limpopo's game belt a four-star service that includes private cabins and five-course meals. The Premier Classe overnight departs from Johannesburg (17h45) and Pretoria (19h25) to Hoedspruit every Thursday (arrival 10h00), returning from Hoedspruit (depart 14h00) to Pretoria (arrival 06h30) and Johannesburg (arrival 07h55) every Sunday. The overnight trip between Johannesburg and Hoedspruit takes approximately 16 hours, departing Johannesburg and Hoedspruit in the afternoon and arriving the following morning refreshed at your end destination. Please note that the intermediate stops are for operational purposes only and do not allow for excursions off the train. Children’s Services: The Thornybush Collection; prides itself on actively welcoming children of all ages at Thornybush Game Lodge and Serondella. The other smaller lodges will accept children provided that the family book sole use of the camp.
Children at Thornybush Game Lodge have a special program prepared for them prior to their arrival that includes: - Children are allocated to specific rangers who enjoy interaction with younger guests.
- They receive a complimentary children’s pack on arrival, which will keep them entertained and occupied during their stay.
- Rat packs (cold drinks/cookies) are sent with them on game drives.
- Drives and activities can be tailored to suit children's Interests and attention span.
- Walks are designed to ensure that their safety is taken into account and that they experience activities they might not normally do in the city.
- Meal requirements and venues are provided if required by parents.
- Baby sitters and child minders are available (At additional Cost).
Attractions The Thornybush Collection and Amani Spa's announce a half a million rand make-over at The Thornybush Game Lodge Spa Centre. Thornybush Private Game Lodge offers unique exclusive Safari experiences in both open Land Rovers, and on foot. The private reserve is home to an abundance of species: 147 mammals including the "Big Five", 114 reptiles, 507 birds, 49 fish, 34 amphibians and 336 trees. The reserve is predominantly open savannah and with a near perfect year round climate, it is the ideal African safari holiday destination. The Thornybush Collection and Amani Spa's announce a half a million rand make-over at The Thornybush Game Lodge Spa Centre.
Amani Spa's, operators of the Thornybush Game Lodge Spa Centre, have just completed the construction and renovation of existing Spa facilities at this flagship five star game lodge. The new centre, almost three times the size of the previous operation and with two full-time therapists, will offer a full range of treatments for Thornybush Game Lodge guests, as well as satellite treatments to our guests at Chapungu and the group's self catering camp, Nkelenga, both camps located a short distance from Thornybush Game Lodge. Amani Spa's, operators of a number of successful wellness centres including Ivory Tree and Simbambili Game Lodges, Walkersons in Dullstroom, bring proven expertise and well trained therapists, as well as state of the art equipment and practices to this added value component of a relaxing break within The Thornybush Nature Reserve. Thornybush Private Game Lodge offers unique exclusive Safari experiences in both open Land Rovers, and on foot. The private reserve is home to an abundance of species: 147 mammals including the "Big Five", 114 reptiles, 507 birds, 49 fish, 34 amphibians and 336 trees. The reserve is predominantly open savannah and with a near perfect year round climate, it is the ideal African safari holiday destination. A typical day
The day starts as dawn breaks over the African bushveld. After your early morning wakeup call, coffee, tea & rusks are served on the main deck overlooking the riverbed. Shortly after, you depart in your open Land Rover with your experienced Rangers and Trackers who will share their extensive knowledge of the bush with you. These drives are undertaken at times best suited for game viewing which vary depending on the season but typically start early morning. Where applicable you may be invited out of the vehicle to see tracks, examine certain plants and follow spoor. After an exhilarating hunt for tracks to see what the animals have been up to during the night, and tracking down whatever you find, you will stop somewhere out in the bush for a break of coffee & tea. Time to stretch your legs whilst having your sunglasses cleaned & indulge in cool towels in summer, and hot towels in winter. In winter, we keep our guests warm on the vehicle with hot water bottles & warm blankets.
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 guests 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 & to have a chance to follow tracks in more detail.
Our Shangaan trackers will enthral you with their explanations of the medicinal and other uses of the numerous plants and trees along with tales of traditional folklore.
The rest of the day is spent at the discretion of the guest for other activities that we offer, with a delicious lunch being served around 1.30pm. The afternoon game drive is preceded by high tea and extends into the evening to view seldom seen nocturnal species by torchlight. Upon returning for a gourmet 3 course dinner, either in the boma, bush or lodge - guests can socialise with a cognac, single malt or cigar around the campfire or lounge before returning to bed for another day's adventure.
Where possible, safaris will be tailored to suit individual preferences and interest. Service Times Meals | Breakfast or brunch | 08h30-09H00 to 10h30 | | Lunch | 13H30 | | Dinner Winter | 19h30-20h00 | | Dinner Summer | 20H00 - 20H30 | Meals: Buffet/a la carte/table d'hote/ continental/English breakfast Activities
Morning times that the game drives depart | Summer | 05H00 Wake up call/ Morning tea 05h30 Depart 05H45 | | Winter | 05H30 Wake up call/ Morning tea 06H00 Depart 06H15 | Times that the walks depart | Summer | After breakfast | | Winter | After breakfast | Afternoon/Evening times that the game drives depart | Summer | 16H00 Afternoon Tea - Depart 16H15 | | Winter | 15H30 Afternoon Tea - Depart 15H45 | |
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Some of the activities we offer Children: - Picnics Next To The Pool - Packed lunch including sandwiches and Fruit, eaten on a blanket, next to the pool.
- Educational Walks With Rangers - Short walks with their own ranger .
- Pointing out insects, tracks of animals, trees and interesting facts.
- Treasure Hunt - Children have to find clues around the lodge using books from the library, to get to their treasure (a little something supplied by parents).
Children also get "Ranger in Training Packs". They contain... - Canvas Back Pack
- Colouring Book
- Crayons
- Safari Interactive Toy To Assist The Little “Ranger In Training”
Road Transfers: Hoedspruit – Thornybush Game Reserve
Thornybush Game Reserve – Simbambili Game Lodge
KMIA – Thornybush Game Reserve
Phalaborwa – Thornybush Game Reserve Day Excursions: Panorama Tour Tour guide will collect guests from various lodges at around 09h00, but alternative pick up times can be arranged to suit clients needs. Route covered is usually Abel Erasmus Pass, Graskop (lunch excluded), God's Window, Bourke's Luck Potholes, Three Rondawels and other Panorama route attractions. Time is allowed to shop for curios at various excellent shops and local craft vendors along the way. This is one of the most scenic routes in the region. Return at approx. 17h00. Cheetah Breeding Project As one of the country's leading private research and breeding facilities, this unique project concerns itself with the breeding and protection of several endangered indigenous wildlife species in Southern Africa. Initially established as a breeding centre for cheetah, this centre soon expanded to include many other endangered species. Balloon Safari (Private Launches also available) Imagine drifting soundlessly in the crisp morning air while below you herds of elephant and other game move across the landscape. Early morning balloon excursions are offered at all the Thornybush Game Reserve Lodges instead of a game drive. They are subject to availability and weather conditions. Flight Of The Dragon The magnificent Drakensburg escarpment (Dragons Mountain) rears 1900 meters from the Bushveld to the west of the lodge. View this exquisite region from the comfort of a light aircraft or helicopter. The fixed wing aircraft departs from Thornybush Airstrip for an hour’s flight along the escarpment including aerial views of the mighty Blyde River Canyon and the aptly named Gods Window. Rate includes a stop at our private mountain stream for a swim in the cool waters and a lovely picnic lunch.  
RatesRates Include - All meals, teas, coffees and snacks.
- Accommodation.
- Dawn and dusk safaris in open Land Rovers and Bushveld walks. N’Kaya Game Lodge does not offer Bushveld walks.
- Thornybush Game Lodge, Shumbalala Lodge and Simbambili Game Lodge include sundowner drinks on game drives.
Rates Exclude - Bar, curio, telephone and laundry expenses.
- A Tourism levy of R5.70 per person per night, applicable Gate fees (as per the above) and a Conservation Fee effective 01 January 2009
- For self drive guests, the Thornybush Reserve gate entrance fee of R 45.00 per vehicle is applicable and payable on departure. This expires on 31/12/2008.
- For self drive guests to Simbambili Game Lodge an entrance fee of R80.00 per vehicle is payable at the Gowrie Gate direct.
2010 Rack Rates | Lodge Name | Room Type | No. of
Rooms | 01 Jan - 31 May 2010
Per person
sharing per night | 01 June - 15 July 2010
Per person
sharing per night | 16 July - 31 Dec 2010
Per person
sharing per night | ThornyBush
Game Lodge | Suites
Family Suites
Children 2-11 Years | 18
2 | R4, 443.00
R4, 877.00
R2, 438.00 | R4, 668.00
R5, 124.00
R2, 562.00 | R4, 443.00
R4, 877.00
R2, 438.00 |
2011 Rack Rates | Lodge Name | Room Type | No. of
Rooms | 01 Jan - 31 May 2011
Per person
Sharing per night | 01 Jan - 31 May 2011
Per person
Single per night | ThornyBush
Game Lodge | Suites
Family Suites
Children 6-11 Years
Children 2-5 Years | 18
2 | R4, 643.00
R5, 096.00
R2, 548.00
R1, 274.00 | R6, 965.00
R7, 644.00 |
DirectionsRoad transfers and self drives route east from Johannesburg on the N4, until the Belfast turn-off is reached. Proceed through Belfast and on to Dullstroom, continue through Lydenburg and Ohrigstad. At this point guests destined for Simbambili should turn off along the R531 at the Orpen sign, shortly before the Orpen gate the Simbambili sign will direct guests off the main road and onto a dirt road in a southerly direction. Guests travelling to Thornybush should continue on to Hoedspruit and follow signs to Thornybush. Guests arriving by air at Hoedspruit (Eastgate Airport) can either transfer by road or by air to Thornybush and Simbambili. |
