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Thornybush Game Reserve

Thornybush is a private reserve on the western edge of Kruger, with guided drives and no public roads.

Thornybush Safaris

A Thornybush safari takes you deep into Big 5 country to deliver amazing game viewing but why not add on a tropical beach holiday too? Ask the experts how.

Big 5 Private Reserve in the Kruger Area
Sharing a fenceless border with the equally famous Timbavati Game Reserve, Thornybush Private Game Reserve is 11 500 hectares of prime big game habitat: open savannah woodland with patches of tangled thicket and thorny scrub. Game viewing in the reserve ranks as some of the best in Southern Africa and visitors to Thornybush are virtually guaranteed the Big 5 within a day or two.
Staying in Thornybush
You’ll be heading out on dawn and late afternoon game drives in the company of dedicated and highly knowledgeable rangers and trackers. And the fact that Thornybush is a private Kruger reserve means that guests can enjoy activities not normally permitted in the Kruger Park itself. Your ranger will go off road for close-up views of special sightings and once darkness falls, you’ll be treated to thrilling spot-lit night drives in search of rare nocturnal creatures and big cats on the move. Guided nature walks complete the spectrum of safari activities.
When to Visit
The best time to visit Thornybush depends on what you want to experience. The cool and dry winter months of May to October offer the easiest, most hassle-free game viewing though the October – November build-up to the rainy season sees soaring temperatures and humidity levels but also amazing game viewing at water sources. The summer rains between December and April mean beautiful green scenery, fantastic bird watching and plenty of baby animals, which increases your chances of seeing predators on your South Africa safari.
Accommodation in Thornybush
There are fantastic privately owned luxury lodges in the reserve, affording the discerning safari traveller a range of accommodation to match their requirements. Chat to one of our African Safari Experts to find out which one is best for you – some lodges are family-friendly while others specialise in exclusive romance and honeymoons. But whichever lodge you choose, you’ll find that the level of comfort is very high and the standard of service and cuisine excellent.
Getting to Thornybush Private Reserve
Close to the local airport at Hoedspruit and within a half-day’s drive of Johannesburg, Thornybush is also accessible via scheduled flights from Cape Town and Vilanculos, the gateway to Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago. This makes Thornybush an excellent choice for an unforgettable safari and beach holiday combination – ask us for more details.
What travellers most enjoyed about Thornybush Game Reserve
- Bird watching
- Food and wine
- Wildlife and safari

Where to go

The baseA private lodge. The name can change before anything is paid.
The pairingKruger or Sabi Sands, depending on whether you want the public park or the most famous private reserve.

When to go

When to go
May to September is the dry winter. Summer is green and stormy.

Travel advice

Before you travel
The lowveld is malarial. See a clinic. Ask about children before you choose a camp.

Popular tours and safaris in Thornybush Game Reserve

Priced itineraries that pass through this place. Nights can still change when the quote is drawn up. Nothing is paid until you accept it.

Browse all tours

From KSh307,072 to KSh448,597 pps
Sustainable Cape Luxury
4 days
Highlights
A visit with a local community.
Destinations visited
Cape Town | South Africa
From KSh369,395 to KSh510,271 pps
Eco-Retreat: The Grootbos Experience
4 days
Highlights
Morning and afternoon game drives on each full day on safari. Park and permit fees for the places on this route.
Destinations visited
South Africa | Western Cape
From KSh523,904 pps
Train Journey to Vic Falls
4 days
Highlights
Morning and afternoon game drives.
Destinations visited
Botswana | South Africa | Zimbabwe
From KSh425,226 pps
Pretoria to Cape Town Journey
4 days
Highlights
Morning and afternoon game drives on each full day on safari. Park and permit fees for the places on this route.
Destinations visited
Cape Town | South Africa
From KSh523,904 pps
Train Journey to Vic Falls
4 days
Highlights
Morning and afternoon game drives on each full day on safari. Park and permit fees for the places on this route.
Destinations visited
Botswana | South Africa | Zimbabwe
From KSh557,014 to KSh603,107 pps
5-Day Essential Kruger Park Safari
5 days
Highlights
Morning and afternoon game drives on each full day on safari. Park and permit fees for the places on this route.
Destinations visited
Kruger Private Reserves | South Africa
From KSh810,851 to KSh814,097 pps
Mid-Range 5-Day Essential Kruger Park Safari
5 days
Highlights
Morning and afternoon game drives.
Destinations visited
Sabi Sands Game Reserve | South Africa
From KSh1,470,438 to KSh1,663,900 pps
Luxury 5-Day Essential Kruger Safari
5 days
Highlights
Morning and afternoon game drives.
Destinations visited
Sabi Sands Game Reserve | South Africa

Where to stay in Thornybush Game Reserve

Accommodation in the Thornybush Game Reserve ranges from affordable safari lodges to luxury family-friendly camps and honeymoon retreats, enough to suit all tastes, budgets and trip types. If you’re looking for a private reserve safari experience, our selection of Thornybush accommodation is sure to inspire you and will make planning your Kruger safari so much simpler.

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Travellers

CoupleFamilyGroup (2 or more)Solo

Activities

Game drivesNight drivesGuided walking safarisPrivate vehicle with driverSpecialist guidesCultural visitsConservation projectsStar gazingSleep-out experience available

Wildlife Experiences

Historical toursBird watchingGorilla trackingChimp trackingMonkey trackingRhino trackingWhale watchingTurtle nesting excursionsShark cage diving

Food & Drink

Bush diningPicnicsFine dining experiencePrivate dining experienceWine tastingCooking lessons

Aerial activities

Hot air ballooningHelicopter flightsScenic flightsMicro-lightingBungee jumpingSky diving

Water activities

Boat excursionsMokoro trailsFishingCanoeingKayakingSailingWind-surfingKite surfingStand-up paddle boardingSurfingWater-skiingWhite-water raftingSnorkellingScuba diving

Sport & Wellness

HikingQuad-bikingJogging trailsSpa treatmentsYogaHorse riding

Accommodation Types

Boutique HotelBush CampCountry HouseGuesthouseHotelHouseLodgeView all 'Accommodation Types'(5)Mobile Tented CampResortTented CampTented LodgeVillaPer person sharing

Meal plan

Bed and BreakfastFull boardFull inclusiveHalf boardShowing 1 to 4 of 4 results

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From KSh227,185 to KSh251,200 pps
Saseka Tented Camp
Activities Travellers Enjoyed
From KSh457,615 to KSh571,210 pps
Malewane Lodge
Activities Travellers Enjoyed
From KSh218,745 pps
Serondella
Activities Travellers Enjoyed
From KSh295,340 to KSh310,270 pps
Monwana Game Lodge
Activities Travellers Enjoyed
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