Greater Kruger · Safari destination
Thornybush Game Reserve
Polish and wilderness, side by side.
A Big Five reserve in the northern Greater Kruger, with six lodges ranging from affordable escapes to exclusive luxury villas.
Thornybush Game Reserve
Big Five polish beside the Timbavati
Thornybush dropped its fences into the Timbavati, and through it the wider Kruger system, which means its famously polished lodges now sit in genuinely open Big Five country. The reserve pairs some of the Greater Kruger's most comfortable properties with the kind of close-range game viewing that made its guiding reputation.
It suits travellers who want the full luxury treatment, spa, cellar, family suites, without giving up wild credentials.
Common questions
Thornybush Game Reserve, answered.
- Is Thornybush part of the Greater Kruger?
- Yes. Its fences with the Timbavati came down, opening Thornybush into the unfenced Greater Kruger system, so wildlife moves freely between the reserves and the national park beyond.
- Thornybush or the Sabi Sand?
- Sabi Sand for the leopard legend and the marquee names; Thornybush for comparable lodge polish at friendlier rates, with strong Big Five viewing and easy Hoedspruit access. It is one of the best value-for-polish plays in the Greater Kruger.
- Which lodge suits families?
- Several Thornybush properties are notably family-friendly, with suites, child rates and flexible drives; a few are adults-only retreats. Tell your safari specialist the ages and they will place you precisely.
- When is the best time to visit?
- May to September for dry-season viewing; the green summer for value, birds and newborn game. Year-round the reserve delivers, it is a low-risk choice for any date.
- How do I get there?
- Eastgate Airport at Hoedspruit is 30 to 45 minutes from most lodges, with daily flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town. Driving from Johannesburg takes around five and a half hours.
- What do rates include?
- The standard Greater Kruger all-inclusive formula: accommodation, twice-daily game drives, meals and most drinks, with spa treatments and premium cellar as extras. From-rates per lodge are on this page.
Tailor-made safaris
Safaris in Thornybush Game Reserve.
No safaris matching these criteria.
Try adjusting the filters above to see more safaris.
Brochure
Southern Africa Guide
Southern Africa's icons, shaped into one itinerary: Greater Kruger, Victoria Falls, the Okavango Delta and Cape Town.
Where to stay
Lodges in Thornybush Game Reserve.
12 lodges
-
Premium Live availabilityShumbalala Game Lodge
Nestled along the banks of the seasonal Monwana River, this camp is a surprising oasis of luxury and comfort amid the harsh heat of the African bushveld. Here lies the exclusive Shumbalala Game Lodge, where a friendly yet professional team—along with the overseeing family—ensures a memorable experience for every guest.
From R 20 800 per person · night
-
Premium Live availabilityThornybush Game Lodge
Elegant and exclusive, Thornybush Game Lodge offers the complete package for individual guests, family holidays, corporate getaways, small groups or wedding extravaganzas. Exhilarating dawn and dusk safaris, an exclusive on-site spa, gourmet cuisine, the world’s finest wines and sublimely luxurious accommodation await the discerning traveller at Thornybush Game Lodge. A fully-equipped conference centre for sixty delegates completes the picture.
From R 19 800 per person · night
-
Premium Live availabilitySaseka Tented Camp
Suspend what you know about luxury tented camps. The latest addition to the Thornybush Collection, Saseka Tented Camp, is state-of-the-art, luxurious and imbued with idyllic African wilderness. Saseka is the Tsonga word for Beautiful. Set in the north-eastern portion of the big-5 game rich Thornybush Nature Reserve, situated in the greater Kruger National Park.
From R 28 000 per person · night
-
Affordable Live availabilityShimungwe Lodge
This sophisticated yet relaxed lodge is perfect for families. Designed to deliver top-notch experiences for your enjoyment in the prime game viewing area of the Greater Kruger National Park.
From R 11 500 per person · night
-
PremiumKamara House
Kamara House is set within the same region as Thornybush Game Lodge but for guests wanting a more private, exclusive experience. Enjoy a luxurious villa overlooking a small riverbed, creating the perfect atmosphere for groups wanting privacy.
From R 23 000 per person · night
-
Affordable Live availabilityWaterbuck Lodge
Situated in the southern region of the private Thornybush Game Reserve and adjacent to a water estuary, Waterbuck Game Lodge offers an extraordinary safari experience from the comfort of a safari vehicle and from the lodge's viewing deck that overlooks an active waterhole.
From R 11 500 per person · night
-
Affordable Live availabilityTangala Safari Lodge
Tangala Safari Lodge is an intimate, off-grid camp in the Thornybush Private Game Reserve, bordering the Greater Kruger. Nine rustic chalets and tents overlook a busy waterhole with the Drakensberg as backdrop, and twice-daily game drives in Big Five country are led by experienced rangers and trackers from open, custom-built vehicles.
From R 6 350 per person · night
-
LuxLittle Saseka
At Little Saseka, guests can stay within Saseka Tented Camp but in their own secluded area to enjoy an even more exclusive and private luxury safari. It caters for families and children of all ages, with a spacious living, dining area and private deck that overlooks the Monwana riverbed.
From R 30 000 per person · night
Rates per person sharing, per night.
January
Green season, spa-and-siesta heat
Best time to visit
The Thornybush year.
Polished lodges, lowveld rhythm: winter for concentration, summer for colour and value.
Photos from our guests
A traveller's view.
Every photo below was taken by a guest of ours on a recent trip to Thornybush Game Reserve. No stock imagery, no marketing shots. What they saw, on their cameras.
Imagery
Thornybush Game Reserve, in pictures.
Recent travellers
Word from people who have just been to Thornybush Game Reserve.
Quotes pulled directly from Trustpilot. Where we have specific reviews mentioning Thornybush Game Reserve, those come up first. Otherwise these are recent five-star notes from across the trips we have planned.
"Our travel agent Kate Harrington provided excellent service throughout the booking process. She was quick to respond to my questions, provided clear proposals with transparent pricing, and was easy to work with even through weekends and holidays. She was able to propose lodges and hold the availabilities for us while our vacation planning evolved. She is rea…"
"The booking process was super easy and my Safari expert, Nerine was knowledgeable and very professional throughout our communication. Answered all my questions well and made good recommendations!"
"Sara has been exceptional with the planning of our safari from beginning to end. There have been so many changes made over the past month on my part, yet she has been able to accommodate every single change. I am very impressed and happy with such professionalism."
"Every part of our safari vacation was absolutely perfect . Jolene was so helpful in putting the pieces together during the planning phase. We stayed 2 days at Kruger Shalati, including one day driving the Panorama route, then 3 nights at Lukimbi Safari Lodge. Both places were amazing and transfers were seamless. Cannot say enough good things about their serv…"
Speak to a safari specialist
Plan your trip to Thornybush Game Reserve.
Tell us when, who's coming, and what you're hoping for. One specialist looks after the rest.
Planning something beyond the ordinary?
Private & bespoke travel