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