Thornybush Game Lodge

My wife and I, along with two other couples, spent five unforgettable days at Thornybush, and it was truly the safari experience of a lifetime. From start to finish, everything exceeded our expectations, making for an adventure we will never forget. Each day, we embarked on two game drives, and without fail, every single outing brought incredible wildlife sightings. Whether it was watching a pride of lions, witnessing a herd of elephants in their natural habitat, or catching a glimpse of a leopard on the prowl, there was never a dull moment. The diversity of wildlife and the breathtaking landscapes made every drive unique and awe-inspiring. The reserve itself is top-notch, offering a perfect balance of luxury and adventure. The staff went above and beyond to ensure our experience was nothing short of extraordinary. Their warmth, knowledge, and attention to detail made us feel welcome and well taken care of throughout our stay. From the expert guides and trackers to the exceptional service at the lodge, every aspect of our visit was impeccable. Thornybush left such a lasting impression on us that we are already planning to return—this time with our two children, so they can experience the magic of an African safari firsthand. If you’re looking for an unforgettable wildlife experience with world-class hospitality, we cannot recommend Thornybush highly enough!

Having had the privilege of growing up within the luxury game industry, I feel confident to say that Thornybush truly delivers on their promise of a 5 star experience. My husband and I visited for 3 incredible nights, and everything about the stay and experience was impeccable. Along with the food, hospitality, spa, decor, overall attention to detail and game viewing, the staff were truly five star - we were blessed to have Freedom and Delta as our guide and tracker team, their knowledge and passion for the bush is undeniable and it brings a tear to the eye reflecting on the beauty of their work and the experience they gave us. The in-house team were incredible, they took care of our every want and need with a smile and immediate attention - thank you all! Reinas, who took care of us during each meal, deserves a gold medal for his service and wisdom. The Thornybush team also celebrated our stay (an occasion for our 1 year Wedding anniversary) with a special dinner location and room set-up on our final night - we are truly touched this effort, what an incredible team and place. Thank you Thornybush - you have earned a very special place in our hearts. I highly recommend Thornybush to anyone with the desire to experience the very best of the South African bush.

Incredible. We have only been here one of our four days at this point and are absolutely blown away. It exceeded our wildest expectations in every way. We had such high hopes for this vacation and the staff, facilities, meals, accommodations, and animals at Thornybush impressed us far more than we ever imagined. I highly recommend that you consider Thornybush for your trip.

We had an incredible experience. The staff is so kind, rooms are beautiful, food is amazing and the game drives are really special. Thank you for having us.

Some experiences stay with you forever. Our time at Thornybush Game Lodge was one of them. On 2012, my wife and I, along with her sister and her husband, set out on what we hoped would be a memorable safari.—what we got was the adventure of a lifetime. From the very first morning, nature wasted no time in making its presence known. We woke to the deep, rumbling roar of a lion just outside our door—a wake-up call unlike any other. That afternoon, as I had a shower gazing out at the river, lions strolled past. For a moment, I felt like a piece of meat in a souvlaki shop window—completely exposed but utterly in awe. Every expectation we had was not just met, but surpassed. The experience was raw, authentic, and breathtakingly immersive. Twice a day, we ventured into the wild on game drives, each one unveiling new wonders. A pride of lions lounging in the sand farting louder than they roar, a herd of elephants moving with quiet majesty, a leopard slipping through the bushes—every sighting felt like a gift. Thornybush itself blends ideally luxury with the wild. The lodge offers comfort and elegance, yet never lets you forget that you are in the heart of Africa. The staff played a huge role in making our stay extraordinary. Their warmth, knowledge, and even their stories—tales of villages once stalked by lions—added depth to our adventure, making us feel both welcome and wonderfully insignificant in the face of nature’s grandeur. If you’re searching for a safari experience that will leave you speechless, that will stir something deep within you, Thornybush is the place. We arrived as eager travelers and left as storytellers, carrying memories we will cherish forever.

We had an unforgettable stay at Thornybush Game Lodge! From the moment we arrived, the service was impeccable, with every need attended to by the warm and friendly staff. The food was consistently delicious, and the highlight was the magical bush dinner under the stars, which felt truly special. The lodge itself offers fantastic amenities—luxurious rooms, a beautiful pool, and serene surroundings that make you feel at one with nature. Our game drives were a real highlight, thanks to our outstanding guide, Freddy, and our driver, Enock. Their deep knowledge of the wildlife and the ecosystem, combined with their passion for conservation, made every drive a fascinating experience. They went above and beyond to ensure we had incredible sightings, from lions to elephants, and shared so much insight along the way. Thornybush Game Lodge offers a perfect balance of luxury and adventure—we can’t recommend it enough!

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

It was one of the best bush experiences of my life. The welcome is exceptional, the food delicious, the decor beautiful, the facilities - amazing - and most importantly, the staff are brilliant. Every single feature of our trip was complemented by brilliant staff - from our guide Kilmon (the best in the business - by a country mile) and our tracker Lot (same), to Ntombi, Precious and Agrement at management / front of house, to our dear Glory, who made sure we wanted for nothing. To showcase South Africa starting through Thornybush reduced our friends (who had never visited Africa before) to tears - that is an impression money cannot buy. My congratulations to all the executives and alternates - to Andy, Richard, JB, Chris - you really have designed something remarkably special. Thank you and we’ll see you again soon.