Thornybush Game Lodge
A long-established, family-friendly lodge in the Thornybush with an excellent spa, under an hour from Hoedspruit.
Overview
Thornybush Game Lodge is one of the oldest lodges in the safari industry and the flagship of the Thornybush Collection. It sits in the Thornybush Nature Reserve, which shares an unfenced border with the Greater Kruger. The thatched main lodge looks over a sandy riverbed, and that’s where meals, lazy afternoons and the pool happen. With 16 suites it’s larger than most of the lodges we use, but it’s warm, well run and staffed by a long-standing team. It works especially well for families and multigenerational groups, and it’s under an hour from Hoedspruit Airport.
At a Glance
Type: Luxury safari lodge
Location: Thornybush Nature Reserve, Greater Kruger
Suites: 16, with air-conditioning, outdoor shower and bath; 15 have riverbed views. Groups of up to 32 can be hosted
Private villa: Kamara House, 3 bedrooms with its own plunge pool, sole use
Children: All ages welcome. Game drives from 6 (younger by arrangement or on a private vehicle). Bush walks 16+
Kids’ programme: “Little Ranger” backpack, baking, beading, bug walks and treasure hunts. Babysitting available
Included: All meals, morning and afternoon game drives, walks on request
Wi-Fi: Yes
Malaria: Low-risk area. Speak to your doctor before travelling
Best for: Families, multigenerational groups and first-time safari guests
Activities & Dining
Game drives run for about three hours each morning and afternoon, and your guide can arrange a bush walk. Children’s drives can be tailored, and a private vehicle guarantees the family drives on your own schedule.
Breakfast and lunch are served in the main area, with high tea before the afternoon drive. Dinner is à la carte, in the boma under the stars, or at a lantern-lit setting out in the bush, weather permitting.
The Wellness Centre is a real highlight. It has three treatment rooms (two for couples), an infrared sauna, a gym, a rim-flow pool and a juice bar.
Getting There
By air (recommended): Daily scheduled flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Hoedspruit Airport, then a 45–60 minute road transfer.
From Skukuza or Nelspruit (KMIA): Possible, but about 3 hours by road, so we’d only suggest it as part of a wider itinerary.
By road: About 5.5 hours from Johannesburg via Hoedspruit and Guernsey Road. We can arrange a private transfer.
Insider Tips
Travelling with young children? Book a private vehicle so your drives aren’t limited by other guests or age rules.
Larger family or group? Kamara House gives you your own house, plunge pool and meals, with the lodge’s facilities a short walk away.
Book a spa treatment between drives. The Wellness Centre is one of the best in the Greater Kruger.
Ask for a riverbed-view suite when you book. Only 15 of the 16 have one.
Hoedspruit is close and well served by flights, which makes this an easy first or last stop on a longer trip.