The 8 best hotels in Thornybush Private Game Reserve, South Africa

It’s a vast, wild place where the lions roam at Shumbalala Game Lodge, deep in the Thornybush GameReserve, one of the country’s great tracts of untamed game-viewing.Set as it is in a dry, singeing savanna of Mopane, Acacias and Umbrella thorns, quartered by easterly-flowing rivers densely shrouded in giant figs, fever trees and phoenix palms, the land is an ancient tapestry of natural wonder.Over-head the Loeries call their sharp warning while horn-bills swoop in an ungainly ballet between trees whilst vultures elevate on thermals portending an electric storm.As you push on through the bush it is the serendipity of nature that amazes most as your vehicle skirts art deco zebra, dozy giraffe, bright eyed bush babies, wildebeest (made, it is said, by the committee of left-over parts) and the rest Africa has to offer.It is even more of an adventure when you stumble upon a leopard lazing in the V of a Jackalberry tree or; a hyena giving you a lazy yellow eye in the gathering dusk; a majestic bull elephant crashing its way through the riverine thicket in search of sweet reeds or; a surprise sunrise encounter with a lion pride on the prowl.This is the world of Shumbalala.

Thornybush Game Lodge (Graded 5 star by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa)- 18 luxury suites & 2 family suites (40 guests). Nestled in the heart of Big 5 country part of the Greater Kruger National Park, with a huge diversity of mammal and bird species, lies 14 000 hectares of pristine African Bushveld, this is the Thornybush Nature Reserve. The elegant and exclusive Thornybush Game Lodge awaits discovery by the discerning traveller. Unrivaled big game viewing is complemented by exquisite accommodation and sublime cuisine. Thornybush Game Lodge boasts 18 stylish air-conditioned luxury suites and 2 family suites, all with extensive living areas overlooking the seasonal Monwana River. From within the luxurious suites, each with full en-suite facilities and private decks, sweeping vistas can be enjoyed over the savannah and an ever-active water hole. Superb attention to detail and highly personalised service make for a memorable stay. Enjoy exciting dawn and dusk safaris in open Land Cruisers and on walking safaris, take a moment to browse in the intimate library or simply enjoy a treatment in the Beauty Spa or relax at the pool with your favourite cocktail as you bask in Africa’s glorious sunshine. An African safari can be a life-changing experience.

Jackalberry Lodge is a small, intimate establishment set deep in the Thornybush Nature Reserve, on the edge of the Kruger National Park. With just 7 rooms, all en-suite and tastefully furnished - you are guaranteed peace and tranquility during your stay. Locally sourced and expertly made meals are served outside under the stars, or pool-side depending on how you feel that day. Morning and evening game drives take you exploring in open vehicles with professional rangers and trackers, as you experience the abundance in wildlife, fauna and flora that that the African bush has to offer.

Panzi is an owner-managed lodge where we care about our guests and their unique wildlife experience during their visits. Panzi is all about “A Wildlife Experience” enjoying South African hospitality at its best. Panzi Lodge is located in the Greater Kruger Region in the Limpopo Province in South Africa, roughly 500km from Johannesburg. Panzi Lodge is specifically situated within the borders of Guernsey Private Nature Reserve, which is half an hour outside of Hoedspruit and 30 minutes outside of the Kruger National Park’s Orpen Gate. We are perfectly placed to experience all the activities the Kruger National Park, Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window and the local town Hoedspruit have to offer. Panzi is a 20 bed lodge with free parking & free wifi available at the main lodge, main lodge also opens up onto the bar, lounge and dining area. During the rainy season there is a river that runs through the boma area adjacent to the pool. The waterfall can be heard from some of the chalets dur

For the most discerning of all bushlovers, Thornybush River Lodge is situated in the Thornybush Private Nature Reserve part of the Greater Kruger National Park. This luxurious and intimate safari lodge is the epitome of chic colonial style and elegance where your dreams are brought to reality. Our knowledgeable guides will share our abundant wildlife fauna and flora with you in an interesting, funny and sometimes dramatic fashion.

Beautifully set on a large watering hole deep in the African bush this amazing lodge awaits your arrival. There are 4 individually set rooms spaced generously apart with a welcoming central lodge area. This area has a bar, lounge, swimming pool and a deck overlooking the waterhole. It is truly a little piece of paradise.Safari's (Game drives) are conducted morning and evening giving our guests a good chance of seeing Africa's famous "Big 5" as well as numerous other species of fauna and floura. These are conducted by extremely knowledgeable and friendly guides anxious to make your experience unforgettable.Please read the comments of our guests below, their words are the best reflection we can give on the experience. Look forward to hosting your African safari experience soon!

Saseka Tented Camp is the newest lodge at Thornybush, offering a truly unique, luxurious experience in a Big Five nature reserve adjacent to the Kruger National Park. Perched on the seasonal Monwana River, each spacious safari tent overlooks the dry riverbed, where you can expect animal sightings right from the comfort of your own private deck. Designed and decorated by the award winning team of Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens, Saseka Tented Camp combines natural, sustainable architecture with cutting-edge design, coming together in this truly unique offering. There are eight luxury tents, each with their own private deck and pool – perfect for couples looking for a romantic safari experience, where privacy and comfort are assured. For families or small groups, The Leadwood Villa offers a central lounge and dining area, shared deck and pool, as well as a dedicated safari vehicle.

A wonderful gem in the bush, 4 star, located in the Thornybush Reserve, well known for superb game viewing.