Thornybush Game Lodge
‘The Sheer Pleasure of Un-spoilt Nature’
Enjoy warm African safari evenings under the stars, luxurious suites for you and your family, open views and invigorating activities which will leave you relaxed and energized. Your accommodation will be in a luxurious suite with privacy and superb views; families may choose the larger suite with separate living area, all suites enjoy large private outdoor decks for both relaxing and viewing. Game drives at Thornybush Game Lodge take place in the early morning and late afternoon with other activities and walks on offer during the day; being in ‘big five’ country sightings in the region are very good.
In Our Opinion
'Nestled in the heart of an untouched natural haven, the Thornybush Game Reserve is a perfect escape for families searching for adventure intermingled with extreme luxury.'
Services
• Wake up calls
• Laundry services
• Library with internet access
• Conference facility
• Curio shop
Leisure
• Pool
• Thornybush spa
• Boma
Safari
Thornybush Private Game Lodge offers unique, exclusive Safari experiences in both open Land Rovers and on foot; the private reserve is home to 147 mammals including the "Big Five", 114 reptiles, 507 birds, 49 fish, 34 amphibians and 336 trees. The reserve is predominantly open savannah and it enjoys a near perfect year round climate
A typical day
• The day starts as dawn breaks over the African bushveld.
• Early morning wakeup call, coffee, tea & rusks served on the main deck
• Depart in your open Land Rover with your experienced Rangers and Trackers who will share their extensive knowledge of the bush with you
• Hunt for tracks & follow, observe overnight activity
• Stop in the bush for a break of coffee & tea
• Sumptuous breakfast served back at the camp/in the riverbed or bush
• Walks to suit your interests/fitness levels accompanied by an armed ranger and tracker
• Optional activities up to lunch time
• Lunch at around 13.30
• Optional activities up to high tea
• Afternoon game drive extending into evening to see nocturnal species by torchlight
• Return for gourmet 3 course dinner in the boma, bush or lodge / opportunity to socialise with drinks around the campfire or lounge
During your drive
• These drives are undertaken at times best suited for game viewing
• Where applicable you may be invited out of the vehicle to see tracks, examine certain plants and follow spoor
• You will have time to stretch your legs, have your sunglasses cleaned.
• Indulge in cool towels in summer and hot towels in winter
• In winter there are hot water bottles & warm blankets
• Walks provide a better chance to see smaller creatures of the bush and learn more about the flora and fauna of the region
• Shangaan trackers will offer enthralling explanations of the medicinal and other uses of the numerous plants and trees
• Where possible, safaris will be tailored to suit individual preferences and interest
Day excursions
• Panorama Tour – Abel Erasmus Pass, Graskop, God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Three Rondawels
• Cheetah Breeding Project – visit to one of the country’s leading private research & breeding facilities
• Balloon Experience – early morning flight across the landscape weather permitting
• Flight of the Dragon – light aircraft or helicopter flight over the Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window with stop at a private mountain stream for a swim & picnic lunch
Thornybush welcomes children of all ages and provides a special program prepared prior to their arrival which includes:
• Rat packs of cold drinks & cookies for game drives
• Drives & activities suitable for their age and attention span
• Walks designed to be safe
• Babysitting
Activities offered include:
• Picnics next to the pool
• Educational walks with rangers
• Learn about insects, animal tracks, trees and other facts
• Treasure hunt
Complimentary children’s pack
Children all receive this pack on arrival, it includes:
• Canvas back pack
• Colouring book
• Crayons
• Safari interactive toy to assist ‘little ranger in training’
Meal Plan Options
Meals at the reserve will be on a Safari Plan which varies between safari properties however most meals and sometimes drinks will be included. Please ask at time of booking
Room Options
Location
TRAVEL AWARE – PREPARING FOR SAFE AND HEALTHY TRAVEL ABROAD
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provide the latest travel advice by country including safety and security, entry requirements, travel warnings and health. For the latest FCDO advice please refer to travelaware.campaign.gov.uk
Current travel health information can be found by visiting travelhealthpro.org.uk/ a resource set up by the Department of Health. The advice can change on all sites so please check regularly for updates.
