Thornybush River Lodge - Kruger National Park

Thornybush River Lodge is an intimate luxury escape into one of the most sought places in Africa. Wrapped in luxury amidst the untamed African bush, you will experience unsurpassed game viewing opportunities in the Thornybush Private Nature Reserve, open to the greater Kruger National Park. Big Five experiences blend seamlessly with 5-star service and amenities.​

With just six rooms, including the superb two- bedroom Royal Suite, the luxurious accommodation is limited to 12 guests ensuring a personalized wilderness experience, where the opportunity to reserve the entire camp for exclusive use is possible. The public areas are elegantly furnished and comfortable, with a relaxing lounge and dining area.  To complement the wonderful weather, a sparkling rim-flow swimming pool overlooking a covert waterhole is on hand for a refreshing dip, an amenity often shared by thirsty groups of Elephants.

The lavish accommodation at Thornybush River Lodge is limited to 12 guests, ensuring a personalized wilderness experience, where the opportunity to reserve the entire camp for exclusive use, is a reality. The Honeymoon Suite is tactfully situated alongside a busy elephant trail and nestled amongst the Combretum trees on the elevated banks of the Timbavati River, the new and spacious 100 square meter Honeymoon Suite at Thornybush River Lodge surpasses all expectations!

Natural light filters through the shadows cast by the Magic Guarris trees rooted within the teak deck; home to an infinity swimming pool where hours can be spent watching the wildlife go by. An indoor fireplace adds to the romantic ambiance of the suite, which offers all the luxuries of the others; just more so!

No part of Africa is without mystery; it has captured the imagination of the world and thrills us with its untold secrets! Thornybush Nature Reserve is no exception. Situated in the lush bushveld of the Lowveld, the private reserve has a fascinating history dating back to 1955, when the original Thornybush farm measured just 1640 hectares.

Today the Thornybush Game Reserve forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park after the north-eastern boundary fence was removed in 2017.  This has allowed for natural wildlife migration patterns to resume, which has resulted in a supreme game-viewing experience. It’s not unusual to witness some of the great Kruger tuskers exploring new Thornybush territories, as well as the rare white lions of the Timbavati. Both the critically endangered black and white rhino call Thornybush home, whilst the iconic leopard and cheetah are regular sightings.  Painted Wild dogs; also listed as threatened, make regular trips to Thornybush adding to the excitement of a safari at Thornybush. 

The Reserve is constantly undergoing various research projects focused on the many wildlife species found in the area. Nature conservation is prioritized on the Reserve. Thornybush was the first recipient ever of an entire elephant herd from the Kruger National Park.  It fiercely defends its rhino population with a strong counter-poaching presence on the ground. Thornybush also captured the first recording of a white wildebeest born in the wild and is the home of many wildlife documentaries that have aired on international television stations.