Thornybush Game Reserve

Big 5 Private Reserve in the Kruger Area

Sharing a fenceless border with the equally famous Timbavati Game Reserve, Thornybush Private Game Reserve is 11 500 hectares of prime big game habitat: open savannah woodland with patches of tangled thicket and thorny scrub. Game viewing in the reserve ranks as some of the best in Southern Africa and visitors to Thornybush are virtually guaranteed the Big 5 within a day or two.

Staying in Thornybush

You’ll be heading out on dawn and late afternoon game drives in the company of dedicated and highly knowledgeable rangers and trackers. And the fact that Thornybush is a private Kruger reserve means that guests can enjoy activities not normally permitted in the Kruger Park itself. Your ranger will go off road for close-up views of special sightings and once darkness falls, you’ll be treated to thrilling spot-lit night drives in search of rare nocturnal creatures and big cats on the move. Guided nature walks complete the spectrum of safari activities.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Thornybush depends on what you want to experience. The cool and dry winter months of May to October offer the easiest, most hassle-free game viewing though the October – November build-up to the rainy season sees soaring temperatures and humidity levels but also amazing game viewing at water sources. The summer rains between December and April mean beautiful green scenery, fantastic bird watching and plenty of baby animals, which increases your chances of seeing predators on your South Africa safari.

Accommodation in Thornybush

There are fantastic privately owned luxury lodges in the reserve, affording the discerning safari traveller a range of accommodation to match their requirements. Chat to one of our African Safari Experts to find out which one is best for you – some lodges are family-friendly while others specialise in exclusive romance and honeymoons. But whichever lodge you choose, you’ll find that the level of comfort is very high and the standard of service and cuisine excellent.

Getting to Thornybush Private Reserve

Close to the local airport at Hoedspruit and within a half-day’s drive of Johannesburg, Thornybush is also accessible via scheduled flights from Cape Town and Vilanculos, the gateway to Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago. This makes Thornybush an excellent choice for an unforgettable safari and beach holiday combination – ask us for more details.