Thornybush Game Lodge
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1 night
1 room, 2 adults, 0 children
All properties in Ehlanzeni
Thornybush Game Lodge
Thornybush Main Gate, Guernsey Road, Ehlanzeni, Mpumalanga, 1380, South Africa
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Amenities
Outdoor swimming pool
Sauna
Spa
Massage room
Gym
Private parkingFree
Airport pick-up
Bar
All amenities
Property Description
When you stay at Thornybush Game Lodge in Thornybush Game Reserve, you'll be in a national park and 10 minutes by car from Selati Nature Reserve. This all-inclusive lodge is 31.7 mi (51 km) from Kruger National Park and 11.6 mi (18.6 km) from Nyani Cultural Village.
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9.9/10
Cleanliness9.9
Amenities9.9
Location9.9
Service9.9
All 42 reviews
Surroundings
Airport: Ngala Airport
(24.9 km)
Airport: Air Force Base Hoedspruit
(30.4 km)
Landmarks: Thornybush Game Lodge
(<100m)
Landmarks: Saseka Tented Camp
(810m)
Landmarks: Kwa-Mbili Game Lodge
(2.1 km)
Landmarks: TPNR Museum
(3.9 km)
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Overview
Rooms
Guest Reviews
Services & Amenities
Policies

13
Suite
2 single beds and 1 double bed
Has window
Non-smoking
Air conditioning
Private bathroom
Minibar
River view
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Guest Reviews
9.9/10
Outstanding
42 reviews
This property hasn't received any negative reviews.
- Cleanliness9.9
- Amenities9.9
- Location9.9
- Service9.9
Average for similar properties in Ehlanzeni

Review summary
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Unique and Memorable Experiences: Guests frequently described their stay as a 'once-in-a-lifetime' experience. The combination of breathtaking wildlife encounters, luxurious accommodations, and exceptional service created unforgettable memories for many.

Aggiepineapples
July 11, 2025

TLDR: Thornybush Game lodge is a great option for first time safari goers, families, and couples. Great experience for what you will spend on this trip in South Africa. We stayed at Thornybush this past May for our wedding anniversary trip in South Africa. It was about a 30-mins drive from the Hoedspruit airport so fly there if you are coming from CPT or JNB. We had a couple of preferences when we were working with our travel agent for our first safari trip. We wanted all inclusive of everything (alcoholic drinks included), semi private, not too crowded, and 5-star. Thornybush met all these requirements. The service was phenomenal. We stayed here for 3 days and it was one of the best places we’ve stayed at and we’ve been to over 30 countries. Now it’s super hard to go back to Safari in a national park because the Thornybush game reserve is amazing. Our game drives happened 2x/day with the same tracker & guide who were btw phenomenal. Make sure you request for Delta and Freedom if you are coming here. They are the best in the business. Literally they’re so good at finding the animals that we literally saw a leopard at least once a day which is not common at all! For the 2 days we were there, we saw a leopard 2x a day! We also witnessed a once in a lifetime scene of a lion hunt, just like in the lion king. It was so amazing. The staff is incredible and they are so attentive we felt like kings and queens! The food is amazing and the drinks are always available. Shout out to the awesome staff and manager! The spa is also great and we did other things like a bush walk and bush dinner. There’s so many activities to do that we didn’t get to enjoy the pool and I wish we stayed more days to be honest. At one point I got really ill because of my motion sickness patch and the staff was so helpful to us and even delivered my dinner to our room. Laundry is also included in the stay. We also hired a photographer on our last night game drive which was the best idea so I highly recommend doing that because we got nice photos of us in the bush. I think the only improvement I can suggest is having an option for either a doctor or nurse practitioner that can provide medication in case guests got ill because that happened to me but thankfully I was fine. The other thing that I think they missed was that they didn’t really acknowledge our wedding anniversary which is kinda disappointing like the room wasn’t decorated or anything like that. I know that they do this for honeymooners but I wish they would also do it for everyone who is celebrating something. Regardless, I highly recommend Thornybush if you have the budget for it!

Ian T
September 9, 2025

Everything about the Thornybush experience was genuinely exceptional. Precious and Stanley were the friendliest, most attentive hosts. Sarah was the most knowledgeable, incredible ranger, and Kenny was an unbelievable spotter. The rooms and meals were excellent, and our game drives somehow kept getting better every time we ventured out. I cannot recommend the Thornybush staff and experience enough - a bucket list trip that exceed expectations!

921haldunt
July 21, 2025

We had a wonderful time at Thornybush. Everything was perfectly organized—the game drives, the daily program, the meals, and the lodge itself. Our room was spacious and beautifully located. our driver-guide Sarah and our tracker, who were incredibly knowledgeable and made every safari unique. The whole team, made us feel truly welcome.

Scenic105708
January 23, 2025

It was a once in a lifetime wildlife experience. The lodge and service were amazing! The food was incredible. The morning and afternoon evening safaris were once in a lifetime experiences where we saw the Big 5 in our 3 days there. I would love to one day return.

F4446FQrichardl
January 6, 2025

This was our first safari experience and our first impression set the tone, as our family was warmly greeted upon arrival by the staff and management. Throughout the entire stay at Thornybush the staff were very pleasant, attentive, and responsive without being intrusive. The accommodations were clean, comfortable, private, and well-appointed. The food at each meal was well-prepared, plentiful, and served in a lovely open-air dining area. The game drives were beautiful and thrilling, the vehicles were new and comfortable, and we had ample time to enjoy different areas of the reserve. Ryno and Elliott, our guide and tracker, were very knowledgeable and so much fun to be with. Before each drive, they would ask what we were most interested in seeing, then customize the drive accordingly. We had seen the "Big 5" by the end of our second day, so Ryno was great at suggesting other sightings and experiences we might enjoy, driving us as far as necessary and staying out sometimes longer than we expected. One of our favorite drives was our final evening drive, which included stopping for drinks and snacks to view a beautiful sunset, then spending unhurried time closely observing a male lion relaxing under a clear moonlit sky. Unforgettable! The bottom line is that our Thornybush experience easily exceeded our expectations, and we left with wonderful memories.

jimdJ3849UT
June 29, 2025

We visited Thornybush for a 3 day safari, last week as part b of an Abercrombie and Kent tour. The staff gave us a warm welcome, and we found our beautiful room clean, neat and comfortable. Glory, our butler provided exceptional service and Muxi and KP our guides showed us the Big 5 and helped us understand the animals and their environment. It was unforgettable and we would highly recommend Thornybush.

Lisa O
May 5, 2025

Wow! This was our first safari experience and we had no idea what to anticipate. Thornybush exceeded our every expectation. The staff was so accommodating and gracious, and the lodge itself so welcoming. We loved our suite, the view and the lovely bathtub! The public spaces were beautifully decorated, and we especially enjoyed both the outdoor and indoor fireplaces. The food was superb, from game drive snacks to the breakfast buffet to the gourmet dinners. Everything was truly divine! And of course, the game drives! Our guide Johannes and tracker Tabogo were informative, fun and went out of their way to be sure we had the very best experience. We cannot recommend Thornybush Lodge enough to those looking for a most spectacular safari experience!

Daddyd2014
April 4, 2025

In March 2025, our family spent three nights at the wonderful Thorny Bush Lodge in Timbavati, South Africa. We had an excellent time — from the outstanding meals to the warm, attentive service and truly exceptional game viewing. The experience arrangers and safari guides were knowledgeable and engaging, and the management and staff overall were experienced, professional, and welcoming. Everything ran smoothly, and the hospitality was top-notch. The only downside we noted was that certain areas of the rooms require maintenance, especially for a lodge positioned in the ultra-luxury five-star category. Some doors didn’t close or seal properly, leaving small gaps — particularly around the bathroom and outdoor shower doors, as well as the main entrance. These gaps allowed insects like mosquitoes to enter, especially at night when the lights were on. Despite this, we had a fantastic stay and would highly recommend Thorny Bush Lodge to anyone seeking an authentic and luxurious safari experience. We would definitely return
Services & Amenities
Most popular amenities
Outdoor swimming pool
Sauna
Spa
Additional charge
Massage room
Gym
Private parking
Free
Airport pick-up
Additional charge
Bar
Restaurant
Airport drop-off
Additional charge
Conference room
Multi-function room
Childcare service
Additional charge
24-hour front desk
Wi-Fi in public areas
Additional charge

Outdoor swimming pool

Spa

Bar

Restaurant

Conference room
Restaurant
Restaurant
No additional info available
More Amenities
Internet
Wi-Fi in public areas
Additional charge
Outdoor swimming pool
Pool with view
Parking
Private (exclusively for guests) is available On-site parking. Reservation needed.
Private parking
Free
Transportation
Airport pick-up
Additional charge
Airport drop-off
Additional charge
Front desk services
24-hour front desk
Concierge service
Safe at front desk
VIP check-in service
Languages spoken
English
Food & drink
Bar
Alcohol-free rooms (on request)
Room service
Halal meals provided
Health & wellness
Massage room
Spa
Additional charge
Sauna
Gym
Activities
Eco tours
Public areas
Garden
Cleaning services
Clothes dryer
Laundry service (on-site)
Additional charge
Facilities for children
Childcare service
Additional charge
Business services
Multi-function room
Conference room
Fax/copying service
Additional charge
Wedding service
Safety & security
First aid kit
Security personnel
First aid room
Property Policies
Check-in and Check-out Times
Check-in: after 14:00
Check-out: Before 11:00
Front desk hours: 24/7
Child policies
Children of all ages are welcome at this property.
Additional fees may be charged for children using existing beds. Add the number of children to get a more accurate price.
Cribs and Extra Beds
For all room types, cribs and extra beds cannot be added.
Breakfast
TypeWestern
Age | Fee |
---|---|
Adult | Contact property |
Additional breakfast fees are not included in the total and need to be paid at the property.
Pets
Pets are not allowed
Service animals
Service animals are not allowed
Age Requirements
The main guest checking in must be at least 18 years old
Paying at the hotel
Property Description
- Number of Rooms: 16
Phone:+27-112536500
When you stay at Thornybush Game Lodge in Thornybush Game Reserve, you'll be in a national park and 10 minutes by car from Selati Nature Reserve. This all-inclusive lodge is 31.7 mi (51 km) from Kruger National Park and 11.6 mi (18.6 km) from Nyani Cultural Village.
Relax at the full-service spa, where you can enjoy massages, body treatments, and facials. Encounter the local wildlife with a safari, then enjoy recreational amenities including an outdoor pool and a hot tub. This lodge also features wireless internet access (surcharge), concierge services, and babysitting (surcharge).
This lodge is all inclusive. Rates include meals and beverages at onsite dining establishments. Charges may be applied for dining at some restaurants, special dinners and dishes, some beverages, and other amenities. Enjoy a meal at the restaurant, or stay in and take advantage of the lodge's room service. Quench your thirst with your favorite drink at the bar/lounge. A complimentary English breakfast is served daily from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM.
Featured amenities include laundry facilities, a library, and a safe deposit box at the front desk. Event facilities at this lodge consist of a conference center and meeting rooms. Guests may use a roundtrip airport shuttle for a surcharge, and free self parking is available onsite.
Make yourself at home in one of the 20 air-conditioned rooms featuring minibars. Rooms have private furnished balconies. Private bathrooms with separate bathtubs and showers feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as safes and coffee/tea makers.
Relax at the full-service spa, where you can enjoy massages, body treatments, and facials. Encounter the local wildlife with a safari, then enjoy recreational amenities including an outdoor pool and a hot tub. This lodge also features wireless internet access (surcharge), concierge services, and babysitting (surcharge).
This lodge is all inclusive. Rates include meals and beverages at onsite dining establishments. Charges may be applied for dining at some restaurants, special dinners and dishes, some beverages, and other amenities. Enjoy a meal at the restaurant, or stay in and take advantage of the lodge's room service. Quench your thirst with your favorite drink at the bar/lounge. A complimentary English breakfast is served daily from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM.
Featured amenities include laundry facilities, a library, and a safe deposit box at the front desk. Event facilities at this lodge consist of a conference center and meeting rooms. Guests may use a roundtrip airport shuttle for a surcharge, and free self parking is available onsite.
Make yourself at home in one of the 20 air-conditioned rooms featuring minibars. Rooms have private furnished balconies. Private bathrooms with separate bathtubs and showers feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as safes and coffee/tea makers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cancellation policy for Thornybush Game Lodge?
The cancellation policy for Thornybush Game Lodge varies depending on the type of room and booking conditions.What is the cancellation policy for Thornybush Game Lodge?
What are the check-in and check-out times at Thornybush Game Lodge?
Standard check-in time at Thornybush Game Lodge is 14:00 and check-out time is 11:00.What are the check-in and check-out times at Thornybush Game Lodge?
Does Thornybush Game Lodge provide breakfast?
Yes, Breakfast is offered at Thornybush Game Lodge. Breakfast option(s): Western. Does Thornybush Game Lodge provide breakfast?
Can I bring my pet inside the Thornybush Game Lodge?
As much as we love pets, unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate them in Thornybush Game Lodge.Can I bring my pet inside the Thornybush Game Lodge?
How far is the Thornybush Game Lodge from the closest airport?
The closest airport is Ngala Airport, and it is about 56 mins from hotel by car (24.9 km).How far is the Thornybush Game Lodge from the closest airport?
Is airport shuttle service offered by Thornybush Game Lodge ?
Yes, at Thornybush Game Lodge, an airport shuttle is available. We suggest you call ahead to confirm details.Is airport shuttle service offered by Thornybush Game Lodge ?
About This Property
Nearest Airport | Ngala Airport |
---|---|
Distance to Airport | 24.89KM |
Hotel Star Rating | 5 |