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River Lodge at Thornybush

South Africa, Thornybush Game Reserve

12
Guests
6
Bedrooms
6
BATHS
Pool

Embark on an exclusive journey into the beating heart of Africa within the greater Kruger National Park. Wrapped in luxury amidst the untamed African bush, you will experience unsurpassed game viewing opportunities in the Thornybush Private Nature Reserve, open to the greater Kruger National Park.

With just six rooms, including the superb two-bedroom Royal Suite, the luxurious accommodation is limited to 12 guests ensuring a personalized wilderness experience, where the opportunity to reserve the entire camp for exclusive use is possible. The River Lodge also contains three River Lodge Suites and one Honeymoon Suite.

The public areas are elegantly furnished and comfortable, with a relaxing lounge and dining area. To complement the wonderful weather, a sparkling rim-flow swimming pool overlooking a covert water hole is on hand for a refreshing dip, an amenity often shared by thirsty groups of elephants.

About the Location

South Africa, Thornybush Game Reserve

Nearest Points

Airport 30 km

Local Services

ATM/Bank • Postal Office • Groceries • Laundrette - Serviced • Fitness Centre • Spa • Medical Services • Hospital • Babysitter • Pharmacy • Police • Market • Mini Market

Local Attractions & Activities

Cruises • Playgrounds • Safari Tours • Library • Birdwatching


What Guests are saying

Review Score: 10 / 10

read all reviews

River Lodge at Thornybush

South Africa, Thornybush Game Reserve

All Reviews

L
Lizzie
Sep 2019

THE VERY BEST IN EXCELLENCE

My husband, son and I spent two nights in the Royal Suite at Thornybush River Lodge. In the 13 years we have lived in South Africa we have stayed in some stunning lodges both in SA and further afield but Thornybush surpassed them all on every level.…
My husband, son and I spent two nights in the Royal Suite at Thornybush River Lodge. In the 13 years we have lived in South Africa we have stayed in some stunning lodges both in SA and further afield but Thornybush surpassed them all on every level. Thank you to Ronel, Rico, Nick and all the team for an amazing trip. Hospitality, food, accommodation and unbelievable wildlife sightings all added up to a truly memorable stay leaving us wanting to come back for longer on our next trip.
B
Billie
Sep 2019

5 star all the way!

We visited the Thorny-bush River Lodge in September. The accommodations were way over the top of what we had anticipated. The lodge was perfectly decorated in a mix of rustic but elegant. The staff was very friendly and professional. Our guide James…
We visited the Thorny-bush River Lodge in September. The accommodations were way over the top of what we had anticipated. The lodge was perfectly decorated in a mix of rustic but elegant. The staff was very friendly and professional. Our guide James and tracker, Abed were extremely knowledgeable and fun. They made our visit interesting and educational. We saw all of the Big Five and much more. We would recommend this Safari to any small group or family as it was quaint and in an intimate setting. 5 star all the way.
S
Simon J
Feb 2019

Incredible

Had a stunning three nights at the river lodge where we couldn’t have hoped for a better stay. Thought being the wet season we would struggle to see the big five but the tracker and guide (abed and Stanley) were amazing and found the lot for us including…
Had a stunning three nights at the river lodge where we couldn’t have hoped for a better stay. Thought being the wet season we would struggle to see the big five but the tracker and guide (abed and Stanley) were amazing and found the lot for us including lions on a kill and an added bonus was the elusive cheetah and wild dog. Food was delicious especially the oxtail at the braai. Was made to feel very welcome by Ronel and her team during our stay and our every need was catered for without even asking. Difficult to put into words how we enjoyed our stay and will hopefully return .
P
Princessleek
Feb 2019

ONE OF THE BEST PLACES I HAVE EVER BEEN TO!!!

This place is actually AMAZING! It's beautiful, lavish, tranquil and a true natural beauty. I went with a large group of friends and we fell in love from the moment we stepped through their very welcoming door. Plus within the 1st 10 minutes of our arrival…
This place is actually AMAZING! It's beautiful, lavish, tranquil and a true natural beauty. I went with a large group of friends and we fell in love from the moment we stepped through their very welcoming door. Plus within the 1st 10 minutes of our arrival we witnessed the most beautiful herd of elephants, drinking out of their pool. Not to mention the game drives we went on were equally amazing! The only slightly negative feedback I can think off is that the website does not do this place justice! Which means when you arrive you are even more in awe of the luxury you will be residing in. I didn't want to leave and hope I get the chance to return again, in the near future. This is a place where the staff, food, rooms, ambience, atmosphere and surroundings are all spot on. I can not recommend it enough!
R
Richard W
Oct 2018

Awesome

The River Lodge team did SA proud this week, as we wanted for nothing at this fabulous location. I can’t speak highly enough about the quality of the facilities, room, service, food and all-round effort to make us feel both welcome and special. However…
The River Lodge team did SA proud this week, as we wanted for nothing at this fabulous location. I can’t speak highly enough about the quality of the facilities, room, service, food and all-round effort to make us feel both welcome and special. However, the main purpose of the visit were the game drives and walks, which were out of this world. We saw everything we wanted to - including a magnificent leopard just a couple of minutes after a kill and two Black Rhino. Matt and Abed found us everything we hoped for, and provided great insight and knowledge about the huge range of game in the park. We also had an early morning walk with Matt and Darren, which was incredible - it is easy to be brave in the Land Cruiser, but on foot in the bush is something else. I can’t praise the place or the team highly enough.
K
Kathryn L
Aug 2017

Worth more than 5 stars

From the moment we arrived to the moment we left we were treated to an experience we never forget. This is a small lodge and therefore perfect for our first game drive experiences. The main lodge is beautiful decorated with a lovely decking area. Our…
From the moment we arrived to the moment we left we were treated to an experience we never forget. This is a small lodge and therefore perfect for our first game drive experiences. The main lodge is beautiful decorated with a lovely decking area. Our first lunch saw elephants casually wandering in! The rooms are large, private & exceptionally comfortable. All the staff were friendly & would do anything to ensure you stay was perfect. Kelly and Chad were the best hosts we could have asked for. The food was excellent quality. The game drives were the highlight of our whole trip. We saw and learnt so much. We would love to return.
H
Hilary
May 2017

A memorable 4 days

We spent a memorable 4 days at the river lodge at Thornybush- everything was 10 star- the game, the accommodation and the staff and service- we were very fortunate in that we saw leopard and her cubs, cheetah walking past the landrover, lions and their…
We spent a memorable 4 days at the river lodge at Thornybush- everything was 10 star- the game, the accommodation and the staff and service- we were very fortunate in that we saw leopard and her cubs, cheetah walking past the landrover, lions and their cubs, lions mating, black rhino, white rhino, elephants etc etc. the ranger and his tracker were outstanding and so knowledgeable.we learnt so much. the staff could not have been more accommodating,the food was wonderful. we stayed in a free standing thatched "cottage' - it was pure luxury. we were enjoyed some of our meals on our large patio overlooking our own pool. the bathroom was amazing- it could have been in any high level designer magazine. We have been to private game parks before, but never at this level. we will definitely be back- thanks so much to all the staff who made our stay so special.
S
Steeler
Apr 2017

"Absolutely Beautiful"

We had no idea what to expect going on our first safari trip, we spent 4 nights with 2 other couples. The minute we pulled up to The River Lodge we were greeted by lovely Odelia, waiting for us was a welcome drink. The Lodge itself is stunning, beautiful…
We had no idea what to expect going on our first safari trip, we spent 4 nights with 2 other couples. The minute we pulled up to The River Lodge we were greeted by lovely Odelia, waiting for us was a welcome drink. The Lodge itself is stunning, beautiful views of the deck, infinity pool and bush. The lodge is where you come to eat all your meals. Addy, the chef is a unbelievable chef, Five Star breakfast, lunch and dinner. and Peter with his huge smile, took care of all our needs during our meals. The rooms are big, private. love the outdoor shower, own pool, amazing views of the bush and the bed is sooooo comfortable. We checked into our room and within 5 minutes 3 Giraffes come strolling in the bush right outside out deck. In the mornings we would wake up to Impala's outside our door, afternoons and evenings were so comfortable to sit out on our deck and listen to the sounds of baboons, hyenas and entire African wildlife. Roux and Thomas our guide and tracker were fabulous. We got to see the "big 5", Roux was very knowledgeable about all aspects of the mammals, birds, and plants, we had the pleasure of going on a bush walk with him. One exciting visit was the Hyena's den at night, got to see a 3 month Hyena and sister come right up to our vehicle and chew on the tire. After every evening drive, we were welcome back with cool towels to wipe off dust and welcome back cocktail. Got to love that! The entire staff is so wonderful and happy, they all made us feel like family. Liza and Odelia are beautiful host's, I had a difficult time saying goodbye, I wanted to stay and be apart of there staff. We will be back one day. Love the River Lodge!
B
Blondie
Jan 2017

Amazing

Stayed here for four nights and did seven drives one early morning and one in the evening and each one was amazing . We saw all the big five and more we even saw the African wild dogs which haven't been seen for two years . Roux our guide and Nic the…
Stayed here for four nights and did seven drives one early morning and one in the evening and each one was amazing . We saw all the big five and more we even saw the African wild dogs which haven't been seen for two years . Roux our guide and Nic the tracker were great getting us so close to the animals . River lodge itself is truly five star breakfast lunch and dinner were superb and plentiful thanks to the great chef Addy . All the staff make you feel like part of the team I had a tear when we said goodbye .the lodges are so private you feel as you are the only ones there . The outdoor shower was lovely I felt like jungle Jane . The lodge was roomy with the comfiest bed I've ever slept in and a fab stand alone bath while having a soak you could watch the animals walk by . If you want a holiday which is amazing River Lodge is the place . We hope to return one day .
L
Lizzie
Sep 2019

THE VERY BEST IN EXCELLENCE

10 / 10

My husband, son and I spent two nights in the Royal Suite at Thornybush River Lodge. In the 13 years we have lived in South Africa we have stayed in some stunning lodges both in SA and further afield but Thornybush surpassed them all on every level. Thank you to Ronel, Rico, Nick and all the team for an amazing trip. Hospitality, food, accommodation…
read more...
My husband, son and I spent two nights in the Royal Suite at Thornybush River Lodge. In the 13 years we have lived in South Africa we have stayed in some stunning lodges both in SA and further afield but Thornybush surpassed them all on every level. Thank you to Ronel, Rico, Nick and all the team for an amazing trip. Hospitality, food, accommodation and unbelievable wildlife sightings all added up to a truly memorable stay leaving us wanting to come back for longer on our next trip.
read less...
B
Billie
Sep 2019

5 star all the way!

10 / 10

We visited the Thorny-bush River Lodge in September. The accommodations were way over the top of what we had anticipated. The lodge was perfectly decorated in a mix of rustic but elegant. The staff was very friendly and professional. Our guide James and tracker, Abed were extremely knowledgeable and fun. They made our visit interesting and educational…
read more...
We visited the Thorny-bush River Lodge in September. The accommodations were way over the top of what we had anticipated. The lodge was perfectly decorated in a mix of rustic but elegant. The staff was very friendly and professional. Our guide James and tracker, Abed were extremely knowledgeable and fun. They made our visit interesting and educational. We saw all of the Big Five and much more. We would recommend this Safari to any small group or family as it was quaint and in an intimate setting. 5 star all the way.
read less...
S
Simon J
Feb 2019

Incredible

10 / 10

Had a stunning three nights at the river lodge where we couldn’t have hoped for a better stay. Thought being the wet season we would struggle to see the big five but the tracker and guide (abed and Stanley) were amazing and found the lot for us including lions on a kill and an added bonus was the elusive cheetah and wild dog. Food was delicious especially…
read more...
Had a stunning three nights at the river lodge where we couldn’t have hoped for a better stay. Thought being the wet season we would struggle to see the big five but the tracker and guide (abed and Stanley) were amazing and found the lot for us including lions on a kill and an added bonus was the elusive cheetah and wild dog. Food was delicious especially the oxtail at the braai. Was made to feel very welcome by Ronel and her team during our stay and our every need was catered for without even asking. Difficult to put into words how we enjoyed our stay and will hopefully return .
read less...
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