About Thornybush Game Lodge
Thornybush Game Lodge is one of South Africa’s most established safari lodges, located in a private Big Five reserve on the edge of the Kruger National Park. As one of the country’s first commercial camps, it has set the standard for safari excellence for over 60 years, offering unforgettable wildlife experiences in a relaxed, luxurious setting.
The lodge’s 16 elegant suites are spacious and private, each with large sliding doors that open onto the bush, outdoor showers, and thoughtful touches like soft robes and slippers. Expect warm hospitality, beautifully prepared meals, and time to unwind with a cocktail at the bar or a dip in the pool overlooking a dry riverbed where wildlife often passes by.
Twice-daily game drives are led by experienced guides and trackers who bring the African bush to life. From lions and leopards to elephants and rhinos, sightings here are consistently impressive. Between drives, guests can enjoy treatments at the Wellness Centre, a workout in the gym, or simply relax on the viewing deck.
For families or small groups, Kamara House—our exclusive-use villa—offers a private experience with a dedicated guide and chef.
This lodge combines classic comfort, game viewing, and warm, attentive service that keeps guests coming.
Perfect For
On Site
Off Site
Accommodation Options
Luxury Suites
The luxury suites are superbly equipped and furnished in the lavish style befitting this five-star lodge. Calming, earth tones are used throughout to enhance the tranquil atmosphere of your surroundings, and the furnishings and accoutrements are of the highest standard. The en-suite bathroom features a double basin, large bath overlooking the Savannah, indoor and outdoor showers. All suites have air conditioning and feature a mini-bar and coffee station.
All the suites have private wooden decks, with comfortable seating, overlooking the reserve and waterhole. Here you can take some time-out to gather your thoughts, catch forty winks or update your journal while enjoying the benefits of fresh air, sunshine and peaceful surroundings.
Kamara House
Kamara House is the epitome of luxury safari accommodation within the Thornybush Nature Reserve. A private house overlooking a small riverbed, it’s perfect for multigenerational families or small groups.
From the moment you arrive, everything is taken care of by our friendly staff and your dedicated butler, so you can spend the day relaxing on sun loungers with your book or watch passing wildlife from the rim-flow plunge pool. Close to Game Lodge, you can stroll across to the Spa for a wellness massage or pre-lunch drinks on the main deck.
Meals are prepared by your personal chef and served alfresco-style outside or in the spacious dining area. Each dish is created using the freshest ingredients with little to beat the smell of home-baked bread wafting through the house as you arrive back from your morning game drive.
The interiors at Kamara House are a contemporary mix of organic textures and tones that echo its bush setting. Two bedrooms are connected to the main area of the house and one of them has an interleading children’s bedroom so little ones can sleep close by. After dinner, sit around the table chatting about the day’s sightings or stargaze from your deck as the lions roar in the distance. Kamara House has its own game vehicle, guide and tracker.
The Villa
Two bedrooms are connected to the main area of the house and one of them has an interleading children’s bedroom so little ones can sleep close by.
Villa includes:
AIR-CONDITIONING
BABYSITTING
BATH TUB
BUSH BREAKFAST
CHILDREN ACTIVITIES
COFFEE MAKER
DISABLED SUITABLE
FAN
HAIRDRYER
INTERNATIONAL ADAPTOR
KETTLE
LAUNDRY SERVICE
LIBRARY
MINI BAR
MOBILE COVERAGE
MOSQUITO NET
OUTDOOR SHOWER
PHONE
PRIVATE POOL
PRIVATE MEALS
PRIVATE VEHICLE
PRIVATE VENUE
SAFETY BOX
SHOWER
SLIPPERS
SPA
TOILETRIES
WIFI
Standard Room Amenities
At a Glance
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Rating:
★★★★★
- Rooms: 16
- Check In: 14:00
- Check Out: 11:00
- Languages: Afrikaans, English
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