Luxury Hotels Atlas / Places / South Africa / Thornybush Nature Reserve / Thornybush Game Lodge
Thornybush Game Lodge
Thornybush Nature Reserve, South Africa · Independent · Core Luxury
This is the original lodge on Thornybush Nature Reserve, open since 1961, with 15 suites looking onto a waterhole along the Monwana riverbed. Kamara House, a three-bedroom villa inside the same camp, adds a private pool and a personal chef for families. Caline Williams-Wynn of Artichoke redid the lodge during a seven-week closure, and architects Lankers & Fry shaped the new house. The reserve is private Greater Kruger country, and the drives go out for the Big Five. Condé Nast Traveller readers placed the lodge tenth in the 2025 Readers' Choice Awards.
- 15 rooms
- Opened 1961
- Neighborhood: Greater Kruger
- Interiors: Caline Williams-Wynn (Artichoke)
About Thornybush Game Lodge
- Thornybush Game Lodge was the first lodge in the reserve when it opened in 1961, and the collection still treats it as the original.
- Fifteen suites each have a private deck plus an indoor shower and an outdoor shower, set along the Monwana riverbed toward a waterhole.
- Kamara House is a three-bedroom villa inside the lodge, with a private pool and a personal chef, for families who want the camp's guides and their own table.
- Caline Williams-Wynn of Artichoke led a refurbishment that closed the lodge for seven weeks. Architects Lankers & Fry worked with her on Kamara House.
- Condé Nast Traveller readers placed the lodge tenth in the 2025 Readers' Choice Awards. Game drives leave from the lodge into private Greater Kruger bush.
History
Thornybush Game Lodge opened in 1961 as the first lodge in Thornybush Nature Reserve, in the Greater Kruger. The house now has 15 suites, each with a private deck and an outdoor shower, set toward a waterhole on the Monwana riverbed.
Kamara House, a three-bedroom villa with a private pool and a personal chef, sits inside the same camp. During a seven-week closure the interiors were redone by Caline Williams-Wynn of Artichoke. Architects Lankers & Fry worked with her on Kamara House.
Experiences
- Big Five Safaris — Guided game drives in search of Africa's iconic wildlife and incredible sightings.
- Safari Activities — Game drives, guided bush walks and more.
- Impact Safari — An immersive safari where wildlife conservation, cultural connection and authentic safari adventure come together.
- Family Safaris — Shared adventures and memorable moments, with experiences designed for all ages.
- Honeymoon Safaris — A romantic escape filled with privacy and special moments.
- Solo Safaris — Safari at your own pace, with time to explore, reflect, and unwind.
Amenities
- Wedding venue, ceremony and reception setup included
- Locally sourced bridal bouquet and groom's buttonhole
- Officiant coordination and ceremony arrangement support
- On-site lodge representative to assist with planning
- Wedding planning support from first conversations through to final celebration
Awards
- Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Choice Awards (2025)
Open Thornybush Game Lodge in the atlas for live weekend rates, photos, and the full folio.