Thornybush | Set within the greater Kruger National Park

The Thornybush Collection is an owner-run portfolio of luxury safari lodges and private villas located in South Africa’s Greater Kruger National Park ecosystem. Originally established in 1961 with the opening of its flagship property, the collection operates across the Thornybush Nature Reserve and the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve. Both reserves share unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park, allowing the Big Five and other wildlife to roam freely.

They have worked on a variety of wildlife projects over the past few decades, including the first relocation of an entire elephant herd from Kruger, one of the first leopard introductions onto a private reserve, in-depth research on the critically endangered pangolin, and the first release of a black rhino onto a lowveld private nature reserve. Their attempts to improve the local community, including their extremely successful “Thousand Herbs and Vegetable Garden” initiative, which consists of two small farms maintained by local businesses and provides the lodges with fresh produce, are part of their solid dedication to sustainable travel principles.

The goal of the Thornybush collection is to create memorable, immersive, and transformative experiences. Every safari directly and positively affects both people and the ecosystem. These lodges offer the best service, delectable food, and professional guides, making them the ideal retreat for discovering the Greater Kruger’s amazing wildlife.

Thornybush Collection Safaris

The Safari Experience

Guests experience a classic African safari routine blended with luxury hospitality:

Game Drives: Twice-daily safaris at dawn and dusk led by expert rangers and trackers.

Bush Walks: Guided walking safaris offering an up-close look at the flora, birds, and tracking footprints.

Dining: Harvest lunches, lantern-lit à la carte dinners, and traditional outdoor boma experiences around a fire pit.

Wellness: An on-site wellness center offering professional spa treatments inspired by the African bush.

Browse through our suggested safaris and tours, each of which includes a stay at a five-star lodge run by the Thornybush collection, or get in touch with the Bespoke African Safari Co. Expert for help creating the ideal custom itinerary.

Thornybush Collection Properties

The Lodges & Villas

The collection includes distinctive luxury properties tailored for different types of travellers, ranging from couples to multigenerational families:

Thornybush Game Lodge: The legendary flagship lodge featuring 15 luxury suites with private decks and indoor/outdoor showers overlooking a seasonal riverbed and active waterhole.

Saseka Tented Camp: A contemporary, high-end camp with 8 luxury tented suites featuring private plunge pools along the Monwana River.

Kamara House: An exclusive-use, three-bedroom private villa located at the main Game Lodge, fully staffed with a private guide, tracker, vehicle, and chef.

Little Saseka: An ultra-luxury, exclusive-use private villa option at Saseka Tented Camp that accommodates up to six guests.

Simbambili Game Lodge: Situated in the northern region of the prestigious Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, known for exceptional leopard sightings.

Each lodge in the Thornybush collection is in a prime location and places a strong emphasis on authentic experiences and an eco-conscious way of living. Plan your Thornybush adventure by perusing the collection below or getting in touch with us.

Thornybush Collection Reviews

Thornybush’s mission is to introduce you to the magic of safari and the unspoiled splendor of the Greater Kruger Park. You may sleep to the sounds of nature while the stars silently dance in the night sky, and you can wake up with the birds as the sun warms the ground.

Whether on a honeymoon or a family vacation, our guests will never forget their time in the bush thanks to the wide variety of animals they will encounter and the high standard of accommodation at our luxury safari lodges.