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The best lodges in Thornybush Game Reserve

Check out our selection of great lodges in Thornybush Game Reserve

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Review Score

Wonderful: 9+ Very Good: 8+ Good: 7+ Pleasant: 6+
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Timbavati Private Nature & Game Reserve is 35 km from the lodge, while Drakensig Golf Club is 39 km from the property. The nearest airport is Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport, 20 km from Tangala Safari Camp.

I liked the game drives the staff is was nice breakfast was ok but dinners were very spicy more adequate for locals

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9.2
Wonderful
53 reviews
Price from
$397
per night

Waterbuck Game Lodge Thornybush Nature Reserve is situated in the Southern part of The Thornybush Nature Reserve, adjacent to a water estuary and waterhole. Ideal for exclusive use bookings, this lodge has a pool with a view of the bush veld, an intimate boma, and shared lounge with a fireplace.

From the moment we arrived until the moment we left, the staff at Waterbuck Game Lodge did everything to make our stay unforgettable. The rooms were gorgeous, with everything one could ask for. The drives were unforgettable, and while of course you cannot really plan on what you’re gonna see, everything in the power was done by our guide Matt and his tracker Solly to find the animals we were hoping to see. To see the beautiful Sengile, and to meet the youngest Avoca daughter, her mom, aunt, her dad and two uncles will be something we shall never forget!

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9.7
Exceptional
17 reviews
Price from
$661
per night

KwaMbili Game Lodge is situated in the Thornybush Game Reserve near Hoedspruit. It offers a restaurant, an outdoor pool and a secluded game viewing deck, overlooking a permanent waterhole.

The lodge offers chalets or tented accommodation. All have a patio and electricity. The beds are draped with mosquito nets.

This was a home away from home. It’s a small camp and and because of that you get very personalized service. The tents were wonderful with air-conditioning since we came in the summer. The bed was comfortable and the bathroom was huge. Overall, the tent was a very good size. The food was delicious and the game drive was exciting. In the evening from the tent, I could hear the lions roaring. We had a wonderful Boma in the evening with chicken curry. I would definitely come back here again,it was quiet and comfortable. Our guide and tracker were very knowledgeable and personable. All the staff were helpful and pleasant.

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9.1
Wonderful
13 reviews
Price from
$413
per night

Shumbalala Game Lodge is situated in the heart of the 14000-hectare Thornybush Game Reserve and lies adjacent to the Greater Kruger National Park. This African themed 5-star lodge features a swimming pool, sun terrace and a private viewing deck.

The staff and accommodations were absolutely wonderful. We were greeted upon arrival to warm smiles, clear instructions on what to expect for the trip, and a beautiful main lodge. The rooms were incredible - all of the extras (plunge pools, fire places, and shower / sink amenities were well above our expectations. The game drives were fantastic - we had some amazing sightings and the guides were always able to spot what was on our wish list for the day. My best advice is to let them lead you to what they think is exciting and keep an open mind! Hearing that the lodge is still under South African ownership was also a major plus for us.

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10
Exceptional
13 reviews
Price from
$1,319
per night

Located in Thornybush Private Game Reserve, Royal Malewane is a secluded luxury retreat adjacent to the Kruger National Park. The lodge features a spa centre, gym and private pools.

The stylishly decorated suites combine colonial charm, old world elegance and stylish decor. Each is fully air conditioned and boasts a private wooden deck with plunge pool. Walkways connect the suites to the main lodge. The spacious and elegant 6-bedroom villa is equipped with four-poster beds, antique furnishings and a private pool.

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10
Exceptional
2 reviews
Price from
$5,230
per night

Serondella Game Lodge is situated on the Monwana Watercourse in the heart of the Thornybush Game Reserve. This luxurious lodge is flanked by 2 water holes where guests can spot elephants, abundant bird life and many other wildlife species. The lodge features a swimming pool and special elevated viewing hides.

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10
Exceptional
1 reviews
Price from
$1,817
per night

A grande dame in the safari industry, Thornybush Game Lodge was one of the first commercial camps in South Africa and firmly established Thornybush Nature Reserve as a world-renowned game-viewing destination in the Greater Kruger Park.

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10
Exceptional
2 reviews
Price from
$1,321
per night

Set in Jabulani Game Reserve, Kum Kula Lodge provides accommodation with access to a garden with an outdoor swimming pool.

Guests at the lodge can enjoy a continental or a vegetarian breakfast.

Kum Kula Lodge offers a barbecue.

Louis was an amazing host! he treat us very kindly and help us with anything we needed. He was very open with timetables and ready to help us at any time, also prepared breakfast for us in the hotel or to take away to our safari. The rooms were super cozy and very clean. Views were amazing but you don’t need to look to far as we had zebras walking in front of our room and giraffes drinking from the swimming pool. Completely recommend it!

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9.3
Wonderful
74 reviews
Price from
$110
per night

Complimentary pick up for airline passengers from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport. Free drop off for airline passengers to Hoedspruit Airport leaves at 10h30. The Orpen Entrance of Kruger National Park is 70 km from Elandela Lodges.

It felt just like home, very nice and hospitable people, we really didn’t want to leave.

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8.9
Excellent
140 reviews
Price from
$739
per night

With Drakensig Golf Club reachable in 27 km, Kubu Safari Lodge features accommodation, a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, a garden and a shared lounge. The lodge features both WiFi and private parking free of charge.

The place is so peaceful, we enjoyed the breakfast, the rooms were clean and the staff were super friendly, will definitely visit again

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8.6
Excellent
22 reviews
Price from
$128
per night

Looking for a lodge?

Ideal for nature lovers looking for a self-sufficient getaway, lodges are fully furnished and have kitchen facilities. Usually made of wood and surrounded by forests or mountains, lodges can be part of a group or a single unit. More remote than vacation homes, lodges are popular for safari trips.
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Most booked lodges in Thornybush Game Reserve this month

Lodges That Guests Love in Thornybush Game Reserve

  • 9.2
    Scored 9.2
    Wonderful
    Rated wonderful
     · 53 reviews
    We did a private Safari with Matimba and Clements. They are locals and know their lands. Proper professionals. Everything is very clean. Staff is great. Food is good.
    Sebastian
    Young couple
  • 9.2
    Scored 9.2
    Wonderful
    Rated wonderful
     · 53 reviews
    We were greeted warmly by owners Michael and Vicky who were always happy to chat and find out about our experience at the lodge. When I mentioned a couple of minor issues they were quickly addressed. Our tent was comfortable and well equipped. We enjoyed seeing antelopes just outside. They also came to drink from the swimming pool, giving us some great photo opportunities. The driver Dennis and spotter Phomani were very knowledgeable and found some wonderful sites to spot the animals, especially the lions killing a buffalo.
    David
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: $880.81
    9.7
    Scored 9.7
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 17 reviews
    The property has exceptional game viewing opportunities both during game drives and at the lodge and nearby watering hole.
    Koester
    Young couple
  • 9.2
    Scored 9.2
    Wonderful
    Rated wonderful
     · 53 reviews
    Safari was spectacular. All the staff were so attentive and went out of their way to make sure our stay was perfect.
    Maria
    Young couple
  • 9.2
    Scored 9.2
    Wonderful
    Rated wonderful
     · 53 reviews
    Perfect from arrival to departure. Its now around 2/3 weeks ago and we still think about our stay and Safari every day. The lodge is lovely to stay with the kindest staff who also love to make some fun! The area is amazing for safari and game drives. We saw a LOT! And of course the big 5! our tracker and guide made sure we wouldn’t leave without seeing them all. Tangala team goes above and beyond. thanks for making our safari dream coming true like this! We love to return one day!
    Jorinde
    Young couple
  • 9.2
    Scored 9.2
    Wonderful
    Rated wonderful
     · 53 reviews
    We had an amazing stay at Tangala. Our first safari and it didn’t disappoint. Our Guide Respect and Tracker Fumani were incredible, went all out to make sure we saw the Big 5, great guys. Karen and Bertus run a fabulous authentic lodge and all the staff were fantastic, they all made sure we had the perfect experience. Can’t recommend Tangala enough !
    tova
    Group
  • 9.4
    Scored 9.4
    Wonderful
    Rated wonderful
     · 21 reviews
    The location is perfect for anyone loving the bush. Tranquil and safe. Perfect get away from the maddening crowds of city life. The attention to detail is amazing. A gem in the bush. The affordable accommodation and delicious home cooked meals makes Sunset Game Lodge perfect.
    Anita
    Family with young children
  • Avg. price/night: $550.51
    9.1
    Scored 9.1
    Wonderful
    Rated wonderful
     · 13 reviews
    It's a rustic little lodge for those who love nature. We love the hospitality and the surrounding nature.
    Audrey
    Young couple
  • 10
    Scored 10
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 1 review
    This is definitely one of best places we have stayed! The staff was wonderful, the game viewing was phenomenal with our first sighting being a leopard within 5 minutes of leaving the lodge. We saw the big 5 several times in our 3 night stay. The room was large with a great view of the waterhole (Suite 2). You can take a shower while viewing wildlife at the waterhole - how cool? The food was PLENTIFUL and amazing. Great cocktails too. Loved the different dinner seats every night. A very romantic place to go!
    Lisaneal1990
    Young couple