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Private safari journey · South Africa

5-Day Luxury Big Five Safari in South Africa’s Thornybush Game Reserve

Track Big Five wildlife in Thornybush Private Nature Reserve, pairing Thornybush Game Lodge’s riverbed setting with Saseka Tented Camp’s private plunge pools.

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Duration
5 days
3 stops
Stays
2 stays
Matched to published ALE properties
Guide price
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for current package pricing
Best for
Luxury tour
Private tour

The journey

Journey overview

This immersive safari takes you to two stylish lodges within the Thornybush Private Nature Reserve, part of the Greater Kruger ecosystem. Start with classic comfort and warm hospitality at Thornybush Game Lodge, followed by a more contemporary and luxurious tented experience at Saseka. Both offer excellent game viewing with experienced guides, tracking Big Five wildlife and a variety of other species in a private setting.

  • Activities: game drives
  • Game drives: open-sided 4x4 vehicle
  • Getting around: air transfer International flights can be arranged A transfer from and back to the airport is included
  • Luxury tour
  • Private tour
  • Can start any day
  • Can be customized
  • Not for solo travelers
  • Minimum age of 12 years

Start with feasibility

Check the complete journey

We check all 2 stays as one itinerary before planning the details.

Listing last checked on 28 Aug 2026

Journey route

Route

The map and list follow the published journey from start to finish.

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Day by day

The complete itinerary.

The route and every source itinerary day remain intact; exact timing and rooms are confirmed for your dates.

01Day 1

Day 1

Fly to the Greater Kruger area

Your trip starts from Johannesburg airport, where you check in for your flight to Hoedspruit. On arrival, you are met and transferred to the lodge. After a warm welcome at Thornybush Game Lodge, settle into your spacious suite overlooking the riverbed. Head out on your first afternoon game drive with sundowners in the bush, followed by dinner under the stars.
  • Luxury lodge located inside Thornybush GR (Greater Kruger)
  • Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
  • All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)
02Day 2

Day 2

Fantastic game viewing

Enjoy a full day of safari activities. Begin with an early morning drive, followed by a leisurely breakfast back at the lodge. Spend the midday hours relaxing on the deck or at the pool before heading out for another afternoon drive. The lodge’s open-plan design and attentive service create a relaxed, authentic safari feel.
  • Luxury lodge located inside Thornybush GR (Greater Kruger)
  • All meals included
  • All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)
03Day 3

Day 3

Hop to Saseka Tented Camp

After a final morning game drive and breakfast, transfer to Saseka — an elegant camp that blends modern design with natural surroundings. Each tented suite features indoor-outdoor living spaces and a private plunge pool. Enjoy lunch and relax before heading out for your first game drive in this new area of the reserve.
  • Luxury tented camp located inside Thornybush GR (Greater Kruger)
  • All meals included
  • All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)
04Day 4

Day 4

Game viewing

Experience the rhythm of the bush with morning and afternoon drives led by expert guides. Saseka offers a slightly more contemporary, refined feel, ideal for those who want something stylish yet still close to nature. End the day with a quiet dinner in the boma or your suite.
  • Luxury tented camp located inside Thornybush GR (Greater Kruger)
  • All meals included
  • All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)
05Day 5

Day 5

Fly to Johannesburg

After a final morning game drive and breakfast, transfer to the Hoedspruit airport for the flight back to Johannesburg. You can also extend the safari with a few days in Mozambique, or fly to Cape Town, or Victoria Falls.
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Stays

Where you will stay

We confirm the complete stay sequence for your dates before planning begins.

Thornybush Game Lodge Days 1 to 2 · 2 nights

Thornybush Game Lodge

Thornybush Game Reserve

Luxury lodge inside Thornybush GR (Greater Kruger)

2 nights Room confirmed with quote
View lodge
Saseka Tented Camp Days 3 to 4 · 2 nights

Saseka Tented Camp

Thornybush Game Reserve

Luxury tented camp inside Thornybush GR (Greater Kruger)

2 nights Room confirmed with quote
View lodge

What’s included

The exact inclusion list is confirmed for your dates before you commit.

Included in this journey

  1. Park fees (For non-residents)
  2. All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
  3. All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
  4. A professional driver/guide
  5. All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
  6. All flights during the tour
  7. All Taxes/VAT
  8. Roundtrip airport transfer
  9. Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
  10. Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)

Not included

  • International flights (From/to home)
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
  • Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
  • Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)

Rates and dates

Choose your dates and party

Use the published options below as a guide. We reconfirm the exact rate and availability before booking.

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Package prices appear only where published and are reconfirmed for your dates and party before booking.

Before you plan

What is fixed, and what we confirm.

Best for

Luxury tour

Private tour

Journey pace

2 stays

4 nights across 5 days, following the source itinerary.

Rooms

Confirmed with the quote

No room category is assumed from the package copy.

Source freshness

28 Aug 2026

Rates, timing and lodge availability are checked again for your dates.

Experiences on this journey

Big 5 Safari

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Make 5-Day Luxury Big Five Safari in South Africa’s Thornybush Game Reserve your own

Share your dates and party. We will verify the complete stay sequence, then plan it directly or with the tour operator, keeping the published journey intact unless availability requires a change.

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