She writes:
Tootling along the dirt road, just a few km before the entrance, I thought I was seeing things when I spied a cheetah, casually sauntering down the road.
Ok, it was followed by at least 4 vehicles flashing their lights, presumably to warn me, but still! The cheetah then calmly disappeared into the long grass alongside the boundary fence.
Just then a mountain biker appeared from behind the vehicles and came cruising down the road towards me! Fortunately he pedalled right past and didn''t become ''meals on wheels''.
Surreal to say the least!
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Once inside the reserve, just a short distance from the main gate, I saw a leopard lounging on the roadside - as if it had been expecting me and was waiting to welcome me. What an afternoon! Only in Africa ;)
And that was just the beginning of my amazing wildlife experience at Thornybush...
Stay at The River Lodge at Thornybush
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Beautifully situated in the heart of the bushveld, alongside the seasonal Timbavati River. Thornybush is home to over 300 bird and 100 mammal species including the Big Five. The newly built lodge epitomises elegant colonial living with high ceilings, thatch roof and large open areas leading onto sweeping decks. Relax around the rim-flow pool, sharing sundowners with sightings of wildlife in their natural surroundings. Exhilarating game drives followed by candle lit dinners provide an opportunity to watch the unfolding drama of an African sunset. The level of service is evidenced in broad smiles and trays of superb cuisine that flow from the kitchen. Luxurious spacious rooms designed with comfortable opulence in mind feature airconditioning, private plunge pools on the deck and secluded outside showers under the trees. Nothing has been spared in creating the perfect setting in which to unwind and reconnect with nature.