No part of Africa is without mystery; it has captured the imagination of the world and thrills us with its untold secrets! Thornybush Nature Reserve is no exception. Situated in the lush bushveld of the Lowveld, the private reserve has a fascinating history dating back to 1955, when the original Thornybush farm measured just 1640 hectares.

Today the Thornybush Game Reserve forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park after the northeastern boundary fence was removed in 2017.  This has allowed for natural wildlife migration patterns to resume, which has resulted in a supreme game-viewing experience. It’s not unusual to witness some of the great Kruger tuskers exploring new Thornybush territories, as well as the rare white lions of the Timbavati.  

Both the critically endangered black and white rhino call Thornybush home, whilst the iconic leopard and cheetah are regular sightings.  Painted Wild dogs; also listed as threatened, make regular trips to Thornybush adding to the excitement of a safari at Thornybush. 

The Reserve is constantly undergoing various research projects focused on the many wildlife species found in the area. Nature conservation is prioritized on the Reserve.

Thornybush was the first recipient ever of an entire elephant herd from the Kruger National Park.  

It fiercely defends its rhino population with a strong counter-poaching presence on the ground. Thornybush also captured the first recording of a white wildebeest born in the wild and is the home of many wildlife documentaries that have aired on international television stations.

The Lodge

• Sleeps 12 guests in total
• 4 x 2 sleeper suites
• 1 x 4 sleeper suite (Royal Suite)
• The main pool is available for use for guests, and each suite has its own private plunge pool
• There is a television with satellite available in the main lounge
• Mini-bar, snack baskets, and a cell phone are provided in the rooms
• All suites have air conditioners
• WIFI is available throughout the lodge and suites.
• All major credit cards are accepted
• We do not provide guide accommodation
• International adapters are available for charging equipment
• The River Lodge is situated in a Big-5 game reserve. Although an elephant fence assists in preventing elephants from gaining access into the lodge grounds, they and other wildlife do pass through. Please exercise caution at all times and listen to guides and lodge staff.
• The lodge is situated in a medium risk malaria area. Please consult your doctor for the correct prophylaxis before travel.
• Private vehicles are to be requested in advance and are subject to availability and an extra charge.

The Reserve

• Situated in the wildlife-rich Thornybush Private Nature Reserve.
• The Thornybush Game Reserve forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park.
• The Greater Kruger National Park is 22,000 square kilometres in size making it South Africa’s largest reserve.
• It is located in the Limpopo Province and the closest town is Hoedspruit.
• A total of 147 mammal species occur in the area, including the famous Big 5 (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino, and Buffalo)
• A whopping 517 bird species can be found in the park.
• The Thornybush Game Reserve is an eco-tourism reserve.​
• The habitat is made up of open savannah woodland with areas of tangled thickets and thorny scrub, hence the name.
• Game viewing at Thornybush Game Reserve ranks as some of the best in Southern Africa.

• Sunblock
• Insect Repellent (common brands are provided in our suites)
• Avoid bright colours and make sure clothes are comfortable
• Binoculars
• Camera
• Charging cables and extra memory cards
• Sun hat
• Sunglasses
• Lip balm
• Swimming costume
• Waterproof jackets (September – April)
• Warm jackets, fleeces, beanies, and gloves recommended for the winter months. Hot water bottles and fleece blankets are provided on game drives in the winter months.
• Comfortable closed shoes for bush walks
• Anti-malaria medication
• Chronic medication

The River Lodge at Thornybush is situated in the Lowveld Region of South Africa. The Lowveld spans over two provinces; namely Mpumalanga and Limpopo. The lodge is in close proximity to the border between these two provinces; the heart of the Lowveld.

The Lowveld has a tropical climate, with warm sub-tropical temperatures and experiences high summer rainfalls.

Between the months of September and March, this area receives an approximate rainfall of 620mm.

The average temperature in summer can reach the high 30℃’s or 100°F’s with beautiful and spectacular thunderstorms in the evenings.

Winters are mild and dry at an average temperature of 5℃ or 40°F in the evenings and up to highs of around 30℃’s or 80°F’s, with beautiful clear skies.

However, always keep a rain-coat or jersey handy, as the weather can be unpredictable and remarkable!

By road

From the South on the R 40 (from Bushbuckridge)

• On the R40 from Bushbuckridge
• From Acornhoek drive approx. 5km and turn right onto the R531, towards Orpen Gate, Kruger National Park
• Drive 12.5km on the R531 and there will a sign for The River Lodge/ Avoca /Ilkley
• Turn left and go through the control gate which is 50 meters after the turn-off
• You will go through a routine security check by the reserve’s security staff. Once you have been given access, go straight for 500m and turn left at the sign indicating Thornybush River Lodge.
• The security gate is manned Monday – Friday from 7 am – 4 pm. If you should arrive outside of this time frame, please kindly call the lodge directly so they can open the gate for you. +27 72 806 8489.
• Follow the signs to The River Lodge (approximately 10 mins) and remember that you are driving in Big-5 territory where all animals have the right of way.

​From the North on the R 40 (from Hoedspruit)

• At Hoedspruit take the R 40 south towards Bushbuckridge
• Continue on this road for approx. 22.5 km until you reach a T-junction
• Turn left which is still the R40 towards Bushbuckridge and White River
• After approx. 2 km, turn left onto the R531 towards Orpen Gate, Kruger National Park
• Drive 12.5km on the R531 and there will a sign for The River Lodge/ Avoca/Ilkley
• Turn left and go through the control gate which is 50 meters after the turn-off
• You will go through a routine security check by the reserve’s security staff. Once you have been given access, go straight for 500m and turn left at the sign indicating Thornybush River Lodge.
• The security gate is manned Monday – Friday from 7am – 4pm. If you should arrive outside of this time frame, please kindly call the lodge directly so they can open the gate for you. +27 72 806 8489.
• Follow the signs to The River Lodge (approximately 10 mins) and remember that you are driving in Big-5 territory where all animals have the right of way.

From Johannesburg to Thornybush River Lodge Via Klaserie (recommended)

• The N12 to Emalahleni (Witbank), where the N12 highway links up with the N4 highway. Continue with the N4 in the direction Mbombela (Nelspruit).
• Approximately 60 km past Middleburg, take the R 540 to your left. Travel through the towns of eMakhazeni (Belfast) and eMnotweni (Dullstroom) to Mashishing (Lydenburg).
• Take the R 36 (which becomes the R 527) towards Hoedspruit, passing through Ohrigstad and descending down the Able Erasmus Pass.
• Continue on until you get to the Khamai Reptile Park on your left. Here you turn right on to the R531 towards Orpen.
• Continue straight for 32km until you get to the R531/Orpen road turnoff to your left, which you will take.
• Drive 12.5km on the R531 and there will a sign for The River Lodge/ Avoca/Ilkley.
• Turn left and go through the control gate which is 50 meters after the turn-off.
• You will go through a routine security check by the reserve’s security staff. Once you have been given access, go straight for 500m and turn left at the sign indicating Thornybush River Lodge.
• The security gate is manned Monday – Friday from 7am – 4pm. If you arrive outside of this time frame, please kindly call the lodge directly so they can open the gate for you. +27 72 806 8489.
• Follow the signs to The River Lodge (approximately 10 mins) and remember that you are driving in Big-5 territory where all animals have the right of way.

By Air​

• There are multiple daily scheduled flights by SA Express Airways and Cemair from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport.
• Road/Helicopter transfers can be arranged at an additional charge. It is approximately a 35-minute drive / 15-minute helicopter flight to The River Lodge.
• Federal Airlines also offers a shuttle service from Johannesburg to an airstrip on the Thornybush Nature Reserve, which is in close proximity to The River Lodge. You will be collected by a River Lodge representative.