Thornybush Game Lodge

We have been lucky enough to have been on a few safari holidays, but Thornybush Game Lodge has been by far the best in every way! We had lodges 1, 2 and 3 are were looked after by the lovely Precious and Vusi. Our ranger was the very informative Enoch and his wonderfully brave tracker, Freddy. The game drives were all spectacular and we couldn’t believe just how close we got to all the animals. The staff knew in advance that our daughter was going to be proposed to by her amazing boyfriend and went out of their way to make the occasion very romantic and memorable. Precious and team, thank you so much! Thornybush is in the most wonderful setting and we got to see elephants and giraffes from our balcony. We miss Thornybush already and hope to return one day. A very special place.

No need to look anywhere else. The amenities were exceptional. Our lodge was very roomy, private outdoor shower as well as one indoors including a claw foot tub. The room refrigerator contained, flat and sparkling water, soda, lemonade, milk (for coffee) and beer. If you want a bottle of wine, they’ll bring that to you, as well. Biscotti and gummy candy and mixed nuts for a snack. The food breakfast, lunch, dinner, all top shelf alcohol, wine etc also included. The 3 course meals were gourmet! The property also has a pool and many areas to just sit and relax. Two safaris a day with both a ranger and tracker per jeep. First safaris of the day is at 5:30 AM, returning by 8:30 AM. Snacks also provided half way through each safari. Tea is served at 3:30 PM. The afternoon safari begins at4 PM and lasts for 3-3.5 hrs. Midway, we stretch and have either (alcohol) drinks and snacks. You return by 7:30 PM. Dinner is when you return or dine by 8:30 PM. During the day it’s too hot to go on Safari. So you just rest.

Stayed in Kamala House - superb in every respect. The food, wine and service couldn’t be faulted. The personal game drives were fantastic. The ranger Sarah was very knowledgeable and a great driver. We saw all big 5 plus babies at least twice on our 6 drives. The highlight though was the hyenas demolishing a leopard’s left over kill.

This place is heaven! The food and service outstanding. Much thanks to Kilmon and Lot our guide and tracker for finding us a LOT of big cats. Thank you Noshem for great care of us. Great spa and gym (which is good after eating the delicious food).

Our family of four spent 3 days at Thornybush Lodge and we were thoroughly impressed with every aspect of our stay from start to finish. The food, staff (Lorraine, Precious and Stanley) lodging, spa treatments and safari drives were exceptional. Thanks to our guide Calton and tracker Elliott for tracking down the Big 5 and enriching us with their knowledge of African wildlife. This was a trip of a lifetime that we will never forget.

We spent three nights at Thornybush. It is top quality accomodation. Food was fantastic and the staff were superb. The icing on the cake however was the twice daily guided safari trips . Our guide Sarah was brilliant , so knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Combined with Kenny , our amazing tracker, they provided brilliant trips allowing us to see so many animals in their own environment but also up so close.Thanks to their skills we saw the Big Five and so many other animals too. The highlight was definitely seeing the big cats at rest and hunting too. Would definitely recommend Thornybush to anyone wishing to go on Safari . Thank You.

This is the most unique vacation I have ever had. The rooms and service were outstanding. Our ranger Archie and tracker Mandla were as expert in their professions as possible. In 3 days and 6 trips they brought us to a leopard obtaining its prey and placing it up in a tree and a standoff between a pride of lions and a pack of more than a hundred cape buffalo. When Mandla followed the tracks, we found lions within several minutes. We had multiple sightings of the big 5 in addition to countless other unbelievable African animals. A trip of a lifetime with true professionals guiding the way. Cannot recommend this lodge or team more.

Kamala House in Thornybush is truly well-appointed and beautifully decorated. The living area is comfortable with the deck and boma area, a relaxing space. Bedrooms and bathrooms are huge with oversized comfortable king-sized beds, choice of robes and exiting private balconies overlooking the bush. The inclusive package is lavish. Vero, our butler was endearing although I do feel he could have been more interactive with regard to preemptive beverage service, putting fires on and prompt clearing at meal times. Beverages available were generally good, although the beers offered on game drives need to be elevated. I was told Vero makes legit Negronis. Food served at the private villa is tasty and well prepared. Breakfast offers a limited cold buffet with the hot meal served a la carte. Food prepared by Caroline arrived hot and well seasoned. Lunches are generally cold platters and salads - these were our favourite. Dinner in the bush was disappointing with limited salads, no choice of dessert and a standard braai. The food definitely didn't live up to the magical set up complete with candles, lanterns and beautiful table linen. We opted for dinner in our villa which was nice. Loved the sublime tomato and basil soup, ostrich carpaccio and fish cakes. There should be better offerings of varied flat breads, pot brood, brioche as well as flavoured butters, olive oils and dukkah. Dessert offered is not great. Game drives with our ranger, Calton and Elliot were epic! They work well together and shared their stories, experiences and went out of their way to find our "bush wishlist". Calton is disciplined, has an extensive range of knowledge, is engaging and a likeable person. Elliot is fun, friendly and found some great sightings for us! Thanks Champions! The Spa was flexible and accommodating although I found the space generic and a little disappointing. Having said that, our massages, collectively, were fabulous. The game drive snacks were really basic and sparse. This is an area of concern and could easily be remedied with interest rather than the present, staid offerings. Thanks Thornybush, you have an inspirational team. The effort and Moet received for my 60th birthday is so appreciated 👏🏻🥂💜

From the moment you arrive you feel how special this experience is. The team - Cat, Kaydon, John, Glory, Charity and many others made sure that every part of your experience was special. It was the most memorable trip I have had in my life and it went beyond the amazing food, wonderful rooms and fascinating wildlife. The team went above and beyond happily. They cared and made you feel welcome with ease. Each safari trip with John and Kaydon was top notch. They welcomed questions and shared laughter and stories. I feel like I have made connections that will last a lifetime. Thank you.