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"We must use time wisely and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right"
...Nelson Mandela

Thornybush Game Lodge

Adjacent to the Greater Kruger National Park lies 10 000 hectares of pristine African bushveld, which is the 'Thornybush Game Reserve'. With an abundance of bird and mammal species including the 'Big 5', it is also home to five exclusive lodges.

Diverse accomodation caters for most guest's needs from rustic understated comfort to luxury of the finest order. All lodges have sparkling swimming pools and offer exciting dawn and dusk safaris from open landrovers with fully qualified rangers and trackers, and bush walks for the more adventurous.

Thornybush Game Reserve's exclusive Main Lodge with stylish air-conditioned suites and extensive living areas over looks the seasonal Monwana River. From within the suites, each with full ensuite facilities, outdoor shower and private decks, sweeping vistas can be enjoyed over the savannah and ever active water hole.

This lodge has been rated as 5 star by the South African Tourism Grading Council.

Between exciting safaris take a moment to browse in the intimate library or simply relax at the pool with your favourite cocktail as you bask in Africa's glorious sunshine.

Thornybush Main Lodge where attention to detail and highly personalised service make for a memorable stay awaits discovery by the discerning traveller.

A new inclusion at Main Lodge is the development of the new safari suites, both of which are significantly larger and feature private plunge pools. The safari suite option attracts a surcharge, which includes all beverages excluding imported spirits, malts and export wines. A private butler is available to attend to your every need and the option of private dining is intended to provide the most intimate experience.

Tastefully decorated in warm earthy tones and indigenous woods, n'Kaya combines luxury with natural simplicity. The 4 spacious double suites each with private lounges and twin ensuite facilities ensures optimal space for the discerning guest.

n'Kaya pan, the camps own waterhole within sight of the lounge and bar, attracts many species of game, as well as prolific bird life. After evening safaris, guests gather round the huge open-hearth fireplace and share exciting safari experiences over coffee and liquers.

Suspended wooden walkways link treetop hides to luxuriously appointed suites set along the meandering Monwana tributary. The lodge is flanked by two waterholes, here guests can enjoy an abundance of big game and birdlife from spectacular viewing decks.

Mother nature herself had a hand in setting out the camp. Nestled under magnificent trees on the bank of a river bed over looking an active water hole lie four suites and two superior suites with plunge pool.

This lodge has been rated as 5 star by the South African Tourism Grading Council.

Accommodating a maximum of eight guests, exclusivity and personalised service are hall marks of this intimate camp. Sublime cuisine and walk-in underground wine celler compliment the informal atmosphere. Exciting dawn and dusk safaris, walks are also a must for the more adventurous.

Shumbalala is the ultimate in luxury and service from arrival to departure.

INFORMATION SHEET

5 STAR GRADING:
Thornybush Main Lodge, Simbambiili and Shumbalala have all received a five star rating from the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.

Rate inclusions

All meals, teas, coffees and snacks.
Accommodation.
Dawn and dusk safaris in open landrovers and bushveld walks.

Rate exclusions:

Airport transfers except where chartered flights land at Thornybush.
Bar, curio, telephone and laundry expenses.

Safari Suites at Thornybush Main Lodge
Two safari suites are available at Main Lodge each features a lounge area and private plunge pool.

Local airport:
Eastgate Airport is approximately a one-hour flight from Johannesburg and approximately two hours from Cape Town. These routes are serviced by South African Express Airways in pressurised turbine and jet aircraft, the booking code for this destination is HDS. The airport is located outside Hoedspruit and is approximately 25 minutes drive from Thornybush Game Reserve and approximately 2 hours from Simbambili Game Lodge.

Road transfers from the local airport:
Transfers in air-conditioned mini buses are available and can be booked through the central reservations office.

Eastgate Airport (HDS) - Thornybush Game Reserve
Cost per person - one way R132 (2003) R145 (from Dec 03 to Nov 04)
Cost per person - return R264 (2003) R290 (from Dec 03 to Nov 04)

Air charter:
Thornybush Game Reserve has its own 1, 2 km tarred runway, which accommodates a wide variety of aircraft. Private charters can be arranged through the central reservations office from all major Southern African centres.

Thornybush Game Reserve Fact Sheet
Location / Airstrip / Transfers

Thornybush Game Reserve is an 11h500 Ha reserve situated adjacent to the Greater Kruger National Park.
Eastgate Airport: The reserve is 20km or a 25-minute transfer from this our closest airport. Transfers are arranged by Thornybush and are charged for.
Daily flights by South African Express Airways link Eastgate Airport to Johannesburg, Sun City and Cape Town.
Charter: Thornybush has two landing strips on the reserve, the bigger of the two is a 1,2 km tarred runway and is able to accommodate up to a 16 seat aircraft.
Thornybush is always happy to assist with the booking of a charter flight.

Thornybush Exclusive Lodges

Thornybush Main Lodge:
(Rated 5 star by the Tourism Grading council of South Africa)
18 suites & 2 family suites / safari suites (40 guests)

Luxury suites line the banks of the seasonal Monwana River; all suites have spectacular views of the active water hole. Spaciously appointed, each glass fronted suite has mini bar fridge, telephones, in and outdoor showers, air conditioners and generous decks.

Pool
Guerlain Spa
Library
Boma
Unique incentive options including the 'Thornybush Challenge' are highly recommended
A fully equipped conference facility (60 delegates)
Curio Shop
Children under 12 welcome

Shumbalala Lodge:
(Rated 5 star by the Tourism Grading council of South Africa)
4 Suites, 2 Superior suites (8 guests)

Shumbalala is the ultimate in luxury and exclusivity.
All suites line the banks of the seasonal Monwana riverbed.

Pool
Conference facility and curio shop
Elevated viewing decks and cantilever deck for superior suite
Open air dining area and wine cellar
Air-conditioned
En suite bathroom with outdoor shower facility.

Serondella Lodge:
3 suites and 1 family suite with 3 rooms (8 guests)

Serondella is luxuriously appointed with all suites lining the banks of a dry riverbed.

Pool
Curio Shop
Elevated viewing hides
Family suite available on request
Boma
Air-conditioned suites
En suite bath and shower

n'Kaya Lodge:
4 suites. (8 guests)

n'Kaya is set on the crest of a hill. Double suites have two en suite facilities one with bath and one with shower. n'Kaya has the ability to accommodate 8 singles.

Pool
Boma
Air-conditioned suites
En suite bath and shower
Conference facility

Chapungu Lodge:
5 Luxury Tents One Suite (10 guests)

Chapungu lodge comprises of 5 en-suite luxury tents and one Suite.

Overhead ceiling fans and air-conditioners in all tents and suite
Rock pool
Elevated viewing deck at lodge water hole
Curio shop, Boma, and dining area

Jackalberry Lodge:
7 rooms, including 1 suite (16 guests)

Jackalberry is a 4 star luxury game lodge with spectacular views of the Drakensberg Mountain range.

Pool
Curio Shop
En suite showers, (suite has bath)
Boma
Children under 12 welcome
Air-conditioned rooms

Sabi Sand Reserve

Simbambili Game Lodge
(Rated 5 star by the Tourism Grading council of South Africa)
(Maximum 12 guests)

Situated in the world renowned Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Simbambili has become the flagship of the Thornybush Portfolio and boasts 8 luxury suites each with private plunge pool and elevated sala.

Private plunge pools
Private salas
Curio Shop
En suite indoor / outdoor bath and shower
Boma
Air-conditioned
Mini Bars
Library / meeting room

Safaris and walks & general information:

Morning and evening safaris in open landrovers are conducted by qualified rangers and trackers from all lodges, with walks encouraged for the more adventurous. Children under the age of 6 are not permitted on safaris or walks. Children between the age of 6 and 12 will be permitted at the sole discretion of lodge management.

Transfers by air and road can be arranged to suit the client's requirements.

Thornybush Game Reserve and Simbambili Game Lodge are situated in a malaria area, prophylactic measures are recommended.

HOW TO GET THERE

A scenic five hour drive through picturesque Dullstroom over the Escarpment into the Lowveld

Eastbound out of Johannesburg take the N4 to Witbank, bypass Middelburg and then turn left off the N4 to Belfast - proceed to Dullstroom & Lydenburg - R36 to Ohrigstad and Strijdom Tunnel - R531/R527 to and through Hoedspruit to junction. Turn right, Klaserie direction. After 6 km, turn left into Argyle Road and follow Thornybush signboards to Thornybush Game Reserve.

South African Express Airways provide daily flights from Cape Town and Johannesburg to Hoedspruit (Eastgate airport). Please contact your local agent to confirm availability and flight times. Transfers between the reserve and Eastgate airport are booked by Thornybush for which there is an extra charge.