~ Thornybush Game Lodge ~
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“An African Safari is a life changing experience”
We invite you to come let us show you why at Thornybush...
Thornybush Game Lodge is an experience like no other. We specialise in capturing the moment and bringing all that is Africa to our guests.
Thornybush prides itself on making each ‘moment’ unique and unforgettable, whether it’s watching a lioness with her cubs frolicking in the sun, a few metres away, or sipping chilled champagne in a hot air balloon high above the African bush, we always go the “extra mile” to make sure the memory is extraordinary. |
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Our Game drives in the bush are the epitome of the Thornybush experience & our sightings of the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino & buffalo) are legendary.
We have picked the best Rangers and Trackers to guide your journey through the African bush & act as your personal hosts.
Our excellent reputation since Thornybush’s inception in 1948, speaks for itself when it comes to Big 5 & other game viewing, and we leave no stone unturned to show you the many beautiful and incredible moments of an African Safari.
Our guest’s experience & safety is always our top priority, whether you want to just relax & see the animals, or fill every moment in-between with activities, such as golf, hot air ballooning, scenic helicopter mountain picnics or make use of the Wellness Centre the choice is entirely yours.
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Guests arrive as strangers and leave as friends with memories to last a lifetime. Time and time again, our guests have commented that we have exceeded their wildest expectations and delivered far more than they could ever have hoped for.
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Our 5 star accommodation consists of 20 luxurious fully air-conditioned individual secluded suites, discreetly positioned along the seasonal Monwana River where animals frequently amble by, unconcerned by guests watching their antics in awe, from their elevated private decks.
The design of our rooms is based on elegant simplicity which focuses on a spacious and intimate sleeping area and incredible ensuite bathrooms with both indoor & outdoor showers, that truly make even bathing an unforgettable experience.
Whether it is the beautifully comfortable beds with crisp white linen, the sounds of the African bush all around you, or game viewing whilst being pampered by our Wellness Centre therapist, with a sports massage on your own private deck, any time spent in the suites is definitely part of the Thornybush ‘moment’.
All of these amazing moments culminate to form the Thornybush experience...
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Thornybush is one of the few exclusive private game lodges in South Africa that actively WELCOMES CHILDREN and caters for them!.
Special game drives, activities, treasure hunts and a goodies pack are just some of the ways children are kept occupied & completely enthralled with the bush.
Thornybush understands that when you choose to experience an African safari, it is often a once in a lifetime occurrence. We understand the value that you as a guest expect.
We invite you to let us show you why guests return to us year after year, & repeatedly tell us that we always exceed their expectations, and that an African Safari at Thornybush is indeed a life changing experience. |
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Unrivalled big game viewing is complemented by elegant accommodation and sublime cuisine.
Sweeping views over the savannah and ever active water hole can be enjoyed from within the sumptious individual suites, each with full en-suite facilities, outdoor shower and private decks. Each bathroom boasts large glass windows, offering unique game viewing in & past the river bed. Superb attention to detail and highly personalised service make for a memorable stay.
Warm African evenings under the stars make Thornybush Game Lodge an ideal home away from the world. The sheer enjoyment of un-spoilt nature, the invigorating air and the open vistas, will leave you relaxed and energized for your return to civilization.
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ACTIVITIES AT THORNYBUSH GAME LODGE:
GAME DRIVES AND WALKS
Thornybush Game Lodge offers unique exclusive safari experiences in both open Land Rovers, and on foot. The private reserve is home to an abundance of species: 147 mammals including the ‘Big Five’, 114 reptiles, 507 birds, 49 fish, 34 amphibians and 336 trees. The reserve is predominantly open savannah and with a near perfect year round climate, it is the ideal African safari holiday destination.
Game drives and walks are accompanied by highly trained, and experienced rangers and trackers, ensuring that your African Safari experience is truly memorable. A typical day will include an early morning up-close game drive followed by breakfast either back at the Main lodge or in the riverbed or bush. The rest of the day is spent at the discretion of the guest and may include additional bush walks with your ranger & tracker (Walks allow guests a better chance to see some of the smaller creatures of the bush as well as an opportunity to learn more about the flora and fauna of the region & to have a chance to follow tracks in more detail. Our Shangaan trackers will enthrall you with their explanations of the medicinal and other uses of the numerous plants and trees along with tales of traditional folklore.), browsing in the intimate library; being pampered at the exclusive Thornybush Spa or simply relaxing at the pool with your favourite cocktail as you bask in Africa's glorious sunshine.
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The afternoon game drive is preceded by high tea, and extends into the evening to view seldom observed nocturnal species and where possible tailored to suit individual guest’s preferences and interests.
Sundowners and snacks are enjoyed by guests during the game drive at a remote, scenic spot.
Dinner is served in a variety of locations such as, the boma, the deck or even in the bush. Guests may socialise with a Cognac or single malt before retiring to bed ahead of another day’s safari experience. |
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| DAY TRIPS TO ANIMAL REHABS |
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Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre – this day trip can be reserved at reception or with your ranger and offers guests a close-up view of the smaller creatures and nocturnal animals not often seen. This is a half-day excursion and would be undertaken between breakfast and your afternoon game drive.
Cheetah Breeding Centre – This centre is the brainchild of Mrs. Lente Roode, who breeds the rare animal and assists reintroducing them into their natural habitat. The very rare king cheetah can also be viewed close-up together with numerous other endangered species which are cared for by Mrs. Roode’s team.
Panorama Route Tour – Recommended for guests staying three or more nights, this full day excursion would involve a trip to the top of the escarpment in a minibus with a guide and lunch at one of the quaint roadside lodges or tea-rooms along the way. Highlights of this trip would include the Three Rondavals at Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window, Pilgrim’s Rest, Mac Mac Falls and Kowyn’s Pass. |
GOLF AT HANS MERENSKY AND LEOPARD CREEK
For those guests staying more than two nights, we are able to offer guests the opportunity to enjoy a round of golf on exceptional golf courses. |
Hans Merensky Golf Club in Phalaborwa is a well maintained, 18-hole championship standard course and a trip there can be easily arranged with your hosts.
Leopard Creek CC at Malelane on the banks of the Crocodile River is one of South Africa’s most exclusive golfing estates with a spectacular 18-hole Gary Player-designed course. This option would involve a light aircraft charter flight to the golf course and we therefore recommend that golf enthusiasts pre-arrange this excursion with AfricanAdrenalin. |
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BALLOON AND HELICOPTER TRIPS
Balloon Safari - Imagine drifting soundlessly in the crisp morning air while below you herds of elephant and other game move across the landscape. Early morning balloon excursions are offered at all the Thornybush Game Reserve Lodges instead of a game drive. They are subject to availability and weather conditions.
Helicopter Safari - Scenic helicopter trips into the nearby Drakensberg mountain range can easily be arranged at one of the Thornybush lodges’ reception or with your ranger. It offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in South Africa and can include a picnic on top of the escarpment. |
SPA TREATMENTS
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The Wellness Centre @ Thornybush Game Lodge
The Wellness Centre at Thornybush is a luxurious oasis offering total relaxation and revitalization, combined with highly advanced research dedicated to overall well-being. A feast for your souls and senses.
The Wellness Centre offers treatments from 8am to 4pm daily.
Please organize your treatment schedule in advance so as to avoid disappointment, as the Wellness Centre is often fully booked between safaris.
This will give you the opportunity to discuss with the Matis therapists the most appropriate treatment and time schedule to suit your needs.
Treatments can also be booked at reception, with the Matis therapists or with your ranger.
In order to accommodate each and every guest and in a spirit of mutual respect, we kindly request that you please be punctual.
It would be preferable for you to not wear any jewellery when coming for treatments. You are advised to leave any jewellery in your in-room safe.
Before any treatment, we suggest that you take an invigorating shower or a relaxing bath. This will help to relax body and mind, and boost blood circulations, thereby allowing better absorption of the Matis products and aromatherapy oils, where applicable, and improving treatment results.
Your Matis therapist will discuss with you the most appropriate skin care products for your skin type. |
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WEDDINGS AND HONEYMOONS
Weddings – Imagine exchanging your vows at sunset in a dry African river bed, the bride being serenaded in with African dancers and tribal song…. This is just one of the ways, weddings can be catered for at any of the Thornybush lodges.
We pride ourselves in catering to virtually any style of wedding from traditional white, to African and can take care of all your arrangements such as the Minister (from most denominations), flowers, menus, cakes, photographer, hair, makeup etc all of which will be in accordance with your wishes.
To ensure maximum privacy, and your hosts’ full attention to your every request, we strongly recommend that you reserve exclusive use of one of the smaller lodges, dependent on the size of your group.
Consideration needs to be given to weather conditions and the fact that we are in a nature reserve so certain conditions do apply. Fireworks, for example, are forbidden
Honeymoons – All our lodges are fantastic romantic destinations for honeymooners and your hosts will ensure that it is a romantic and unforgettable experience.
Thornybush Game Lodge offers a special honeymoon package that includes, an upgrade to a suite (subject to availability or supplement), special private deck dinners, honeymoon turndowns in the bedrooms, our signature honeymoon bath & double massages on your deck.... |
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GROUPS, INCENTIVES & CONFERENCES:
GROUPS
All our lodges can cater for group functions depending, of course, on the size of the lodge and the amount of people that will need to be accommodated. Groups are treated as any other guest in our lodges, the only difference might be a group check-in, meal arrangements and billing of extras. Larger groups can be accommodated by securing neighbouring lodges and if need be a joint dinner in the bush or a bush cocktail party can be organised. |
INCENTIVES
As with groups, the delegates on the incentive trip will be treated as any other guest in our lodge but they will be aware of the host company's branding during their stay at the lodge. Within the bounds of the nature reserve we are able to cater for most requests from incentive houses which may include teambuilding, branding on our Land Rovers, meal requirements, entertainment, pillow/room drops, branded safari gear, surprise bush dinners or cocktail functions. Direct charters into the reserve's airstrip are very popular with incentive groups. |
CONFERENCES
We believe that conferences are more productive in the bush since there are no outside distractions. We can cater for any conference: from a small board meeting, where the directors could reserve exclusive use of one of our smaller lodges, to our state-of-the-art Thornybush Game Lodge conference room that can accommodate up to 60 delegates. Equipment available at the Thornybush Game Lodge includes a television monitor, a VCR, an overhead projector, a whiteboard, flip charts and black out drapes. |
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Reservations and Enquiries |
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