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Thornybush Game Lodge

4.5 of 5
Thornybush Private Nature Reserve, Kruger National Park 1380, South Africa
Hotel website
Hotel amenities
Thornybush Game Lodge
15 April 2013 -
moniquestrydom
10 April 2013 -
moragajoanne
 
 
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94 reviews from our community

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Cape Town Central, South Africa
Top Contributor
64 reviews 64 reviews
38 hotel reviews
Reviews in 40 cities Reviews in 40 cities
65 helpful votes 65 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 April 2013

During my travesl as a tourism marketing officer and later as a tourism journalist, I have been privileged to stay at many (and some of the best) private game lodges in South Africa. Thornybush comes out as the number one on my list! We took our 11 year old son (who is also an experienced 5star traveller) with and all... More

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Moraga, CA
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
7 hotel reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 April 2013

There is little that I can add to comments of the other Trip Advisor reviews regarding Thornybush. This was our first trip to Africa, our first "safari" experience, and it did not in anyway disappoint. In fact, it went beyond our imagining. Seeing the animals in their native habitat is amazing. And with the added information from the guides and... More

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Johannesburg, South Africa
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
4 hotel reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 April 2013

Our first time in Thornybush Game Reserve. We did not know what to expect, because we go mostly to the Sabi Sand or Krueger Park. The lodge looked super at the first glance and the rooms are very spacious. Our guide was Craig and tracker Alsol and what a fantastic team the 2 are. Not only did we see Eli,... More

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Austin, Texas
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
9 hotel reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 April 2013

This was a 3 night stop on a group tour of South Africa, and it was the experience of a lifetime. I agree with every other great review of Thornybush. From Donna welcoming us with cold lemonade and damp towels on arrival to our farewell, everything was wonderful. We were treated like honored guests by all the staff. Anything we... More

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Johannesburg, South Africa
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
5 hotel reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 March 2013

We stayed at Waterside for one night and Nkelenga for two nights recently and I can honestly say it was heaven. Waterside is a more traditional hotel bush experience in that you stay in rooms and your food is catered - Nkelenga is a self-catering tented camp that you hire in its entirety.Two very different experiences but both equally wonderful.... More

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Centurion, South Africa
Top Contributor
51 reviews 51 reviews
34 hotel reviews
Reviews in 31 cities Reviews in 31 cities
20 helpful votes 20 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 March 2013

The Thornybush Game Lodge, set in the Thorny bush Nature reserve which is separate to but in the general Kruger National Park area is an excellent 4.5 star bush getaway. Access to the reserve was done by flight from OR Tambo International airport in Johannesburg in the regional carrier, which lands at a small airport (Hoedspruit airport) located 30 min... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Wollongong, Australia
1 review
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 February 2013

Spent two nights at Thornybush at the end of January. Was the most amazing place. From the moment we landed in Hoedspruit (avoiding a family of warthogs on the runway) to the time we left, we had the most incredible time. Between the accommodation, staff, food, safaris can't think of a single negative. As a well seasoned traveller Thornybush is... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 4
canada
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
14 hotel reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 January 2013

we spent 2 weeks in africa of which three nights at Thornybush. from the moment we arrived till the second we left we were made to feel very welcome. We were travelling with our grown sons and their spouses. We are not early morning people = however we were excited each morning to get our wake up call at 5.00... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Oxford, United Kingdom
Top Contributor
58 reviews 58 reviews
38 hotel reviews
Reviews in 33 cities Reviews in 33 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 January 2013

Wow we certainly chose the right place when we booked this game lodge. Everyone works so well as a team and they make you feel so welcome no matter how long your trip is. There were 7 of us on our open jeep - 2 South African men who were hilarious, 2 Austrians who were good fun and us 3... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 3
Toronto, Canada
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
13 hotel reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 January 2013

We couldn't have had a better time at Thornybush. The accommodations are excellent, the staff are professional, helpful and make us feel welcome and special. The food is very good. The game drives are extraordinary and our ranger Clement and tracker John the Best were superb. I highly recommend Thornybush.

Was this review helpful? Yes 3
Monwana Game Lodge
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Thornybush Private Game Reserve, Kruger National Park
5 of 5 stars 67 Reviews
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Additional Information about Thornybush Game Lodge

Address: Thornybush Private Nature Reserve, Kruger National Park 1380, South Africa
Region: South Africa > Kruger National Park > Thornybush Private Game Reserve
Amenities:
Bar/Lounge Business Centre Free Breakfast Free Parking Children Activities Restaurant Suites Swimming Pool
Hotel Style:
Ranked #3 of 11 Speciality lodging in Thornybush Private Game Reserve
Price range (per night): S$816 - 839
Hotel Class:4.5 star (4.5*)
Official Description (provided by the hotel):
Thornybush Game Lodge (Graded 5 star by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa)- 18 luxury suites & 2 family suites (40 guests). Nestled in the heart of Big 5 country adjacent to the Greater Kruger National Park, with a huge diversity of mammal and bird species, lies 11 500 hectares of pristine African Bushveld, this is the Thornybush Nature Reserve. The elegant and exclusive Thornybush Game Lodge awaits discovery by the discerning traveller. Unrivaled big game viewing is complemented by exquisite accommodation and sublime cuisine. Thornybush Game Lodge boasts 18 stylish air-conditioned luxury suites and 2 family suites, all with extensive living areas overlooking the seasonal Monwana River. From within the luxurious suites, each with full en-suite facilities and private decks, sweeping vistas can be enjoyed over the savannah and an ever-active water hole. Superb attention to detail and highly personalised service make for a memorable stay. Enjoy exciting dawn and dusk safaris in open Land Rovers and on walking safaris, take a moment to browse in the intimate library or simply enjoy a treatment in the Beauty Spa or relax at the pool with your favourite cocktail as you bask in Africa’s glorious sunshine. An African safari can be a life-changing experience. ... more   less 

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