Best hotels in Thornybush

The seasonal Monwana River is a central artery for startling volumes of wildlife that inhabit the area. There's something indescribably special about this lodge: it could be the stellar service and attention to detail; it could be the understated indulgence found in the accommodation, or it could be the invitation to immerse yourself in nature at such a close proximity to abundant wildlife. We suggest you do yourself a favour and find out.

Serondella Game Lodge, one of 12 lodges in the Thornybush Luxury Game Lodge Collection, lies within the 14,000-hectare Thornybush Private Game Reserve. A mere four suites accommodating a maximum of eight guests give Serondella a highly exclusive edge, while the pool and boma make it a great destination for a small group or a family. There are other plusses too – the near-perfect climate year round means you can visit at any time; its proximity to Johannesburg (it's an easy five-hour drive); and now that the fences between Thornybush and neighbouring Kruger have been removed, great sightings are almost guaranteed!

Wonderful exclusivity in the wilderness

Modern life has deemed it normal to always rush from one place to the next. At Royal Malewane Lodge, you'll learn the opposite. It's not only the luxuries, plush interiors and personal service that remind one of a bygone era, but also the pace of life. Its location in the Greater Kruger National Park makes this a truly remarkable place to see wildlife, and the highly qualified guides will take you out in search of the Big 5, cheetah and wild dog. This exclusive lodge is a meeting of modern facilities and old-fashioned hospitality.

The Farmstead at Royal Malewane is an exceptional new addition to the eclectic collection of lodges and hotels that fly the Royal Portfolio Collection banner. It occupies an elevated perch in the Thornybush Private Game Reserve, a wildlife sanctuary that shares an unfenced border with Kruger National Park, across which animals spill in great numbers. Just 12 kilometres away is Royal Malewane, one of the most prestigious lodges in the country. The Farmstead offers the very best in accommodation – perfect for honeymooners and visitors who can afford its exclusivity. Once you're there, expect five-star accommodation, cuisine, guiding and wildlife.

Set in Thornybush Private Game Reserve on the western edge of the Kruger Park, family-run Tangala Safari Camp's rustic charms have been augmented by the addition of a solar farm, which powers the lodge. It's an intimate camp that focuses on solid game viewing (great Big Five sightings!) and good hosting. And, despite the fact that Tangala is one of 12 lodges on this mid-sized (14,000-hectare) reserve, the landscape feels satisfyingly uncrowded and authentically wild. Just a five-hour drive from Johannesburg, Tangala is an easy weekend getaway for locals, or a good option for international travellers looking for a well-rounded safari experience.

Thornybush Nature Reserve is an exclusive private reserve in one of South Africa’s finest game viewing regions. This part of the country has a number of conservation areas and private concessions alongside the famous Kruger National Park, which provides a sanctuary for an incredible diversity of wildlife. Waterbuck Game Lodge is tucked away in the southern part of Thornybush, and with just four lavish guest suites, it offers an intimate safari experience, and excellent game viewing. A highlight here is its position overlooking a permanent waterhole, which attracts a constant stream of wildlife, particularly during the dry winter months.

Once a private residence reserved only for invited guests, Shimungwe remains one of the hidden gems of the Thornybush Nature Reserve. The stunning location, offering elevated views over the dry Timbavati riverbed, was hand-picked by the owners for its blissful, secluded nature and captivating array of wildlife ambling through the savanna's leafy marula and knobthorn trees. Beloved by all fortunate to visit in those early days, the decision was made to open up the magic of Shimungwe to the wider public in August 2022. Reborn as an intimate safari lodge, Shimungwe aims to retain its warm, family feel with an enchanting lounge, wooden walkways and an open-air bar and dining area encompassing the crystal-clear pool. Run by a passionate and close-knit team, our dream is to create an unforgettable home-away-from-home in the heart of the African wilderness.

Still, tranquil waters of the waterhole reflect sweeping blue skies, a backdrop to a grove of primal green fever trees, producing the perfect canvas for the calming elegance and colourful intrigue of Waterside at Royal Malewane. Waterside presents an immersive setting that will engage your senses, rest your mind and reawaken your soul. It is perfect for couples or families who value memorable experiences, personalised service and unrivalled game viewing. The lodge provides a bold new African context for Liz Biden’s opulent, bright and breath-taking designs. It draws on the timeless luxury that Royal Malewane has become synonymous with while adding thoughtful innovations to complement its own surroundings and anticipate every need of a modern luxury safari.