Thornybush Reserve
The Thornybush Game Reserve consists of over 10,000 hectares of pristine African Bushveld. The reserve is home to Africa's big game. It offers prime game-viewing territory and opportunities to get up close to the wildlife.
Thornybush Game Reserve Highlights
Situated in the heart of the Lowveld and adjacent to the world-famous Kruger National Park is Thornybush Game Reserve; home to the Big 5 and a variety of other African wildlife species. Game viewing in Thornybush Game Reserve is of very high standard and compares with the best in the world.
The Thornybush Game Reserve consists of over 10,000 hectares of pristine African Bushveld. It is predominantly open savannah and with a near perfect year-round climate it is the ideal safari holiday destination.
Tracking animals is a speciality of Thornybush and during 'Art of Tracking' explorations you are taught how to read the spoor and follow animals without putting yourself in danger. There is no thrill quite like watching Africa's most dangerous animals, after you have personally tracked them.
Thornybush Game Reserve shares an unfenced border with the Timbavati and is a large game reserve and offers guests a superb Big 5 wildlife experience.
There are range of lodges to choose from, which are suitable for all budgets. We recommend 2 nights in the Thornybush and then combine that with two or three nights in one of the other private reserves like the Sabi Sand , Klaserie or Timbavati .
Thornybush is child-friendly, making it a superb destination for families travelling over the holidays. At some of the lodges there are children's activities especially in place to keep the little ones entertained.
Thornybush Game Reserve boasts abundant game numbers giving lucky guests an increased possibility of encountering the Big Five.
Chapungu Tented Camp offers guests a rare tented camping safari experience in the Kruger. The waterhole at Chapungu Camp is a major attraction with plenty of animals coming down for a drink.
Not far from Chapungu is Serondella Game Lodge , an excellent choice for families looking for a bush break. Serondella offers game drives in open Land Rovers and guided bush walks.
Royal Malewane is colonial chic at its best. This super luxurious safari lodge is ideal for the more discerning guest, accommodating with sheer opulence and touches of personalised charm.
Tangala Safari Camp is an intimate 5-roomed camp with the charms of being a personalised, owner-run operation. It means 'the place of the lion' and offers an authentic experience in this pristine bushveld.
How to Get There
There are daily flights from OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg International) to Hoedspruit Airport (also called Eastgate) and generally Sun Safaris agents will use this airport for guests visiting the Thornybush Game Reserve lodges.
Once guests arrive at the various airports they have a choice between, a car hire option (self-drive), a road transfer to the lodge where they will be staying or a short air transfer (flight hop) to the various lodges in the Thornybush Game Reserve.
All the Thornybush Game Reserve lodges are accessible via self drive with a sedan rental car from anywhere in South Africa.To self drive from Johannesburg will take approximately 6 hours.
All means of transportation will be booked and arranged by Sun Safaris.
Thornybush Game Reserve Game Viewing and Activities
Game viewing in Thornybush Game Reserve is of very high standard and compares with the best in the world. Thornybush is a renowned home for the Big 5 and hosts more than 60 species of wildlife, including lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino, hyena and cheetah, as well as a multitude of general game, antelope species, giraffe, zebra and incredible birdlife.
The reserve is a birdwatcher's paradise, where more than 280 bird species have been recorded. Expert rangers and trackers lead all game activities making for memorable and professional safari experiences on both vehicle and foot.
Thornybush is a family destination, with a suitable year-round climate. Children are catered for at many of the lodges with special childrens' activities, keeping the little ones engaged and entertained.
