4 Days
Age 4+
All Month
Availability 10
Introduction
Discover the pristine wilderness of the Thornybush Game Reserve — a private, Big Five
safari destination bordering the legendary Kruger National Park. With Africa Moja Tours
you’ll stay at the iconic Thornybush Game Lodge, experience morning and afternoon game
drives, luxury accommodations and seamless transfers from Johannesburg or Hoedspruit.
Tour Highlights
- Located in the Thornybush Game Reserve, adjoining Kruger National Park
- Consistent Big Five sightings including lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo
- Two open-vehicle drives per day with expert guides
- Luxury accommodation at Thornybush Game Lodge with deck waterhole views
- Relaxation time in between drives: pool, spa, luxurious lodge environment
Itinerary
- Day 1 – Arrival & First Afternoon Game Drive
- Depart Johannesburg early in the morning (or fly directly to Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport).
- Upon arrival, our Africa Moja Tours representative will greet you and transfer you to Thornybush Game Lodge, located inside the Thornybush Private Nature Reserve.
- Enjoy a welcome drink as you check into your elegant suite overlooking the riverbed or waterhole.
- Afternoon Safari:
After high tea, depart on your first open-vehicle game drive, guided by expert rangers and Shangaan trackers.
Spot lions resting in the shade, elephants crossing the river, and perhaps a leopard emerging at dusk. - Return to the lodge for pre-dinner drinks, followed by a gourmet dinner under the African stars in the boma.
Overnight: Thornybush Game Lodge
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
- Day 2 – Full Day Safari & Relaxation
- Wake before sunrise for coffee and rusks, then set off on your early-morning safari when predators are most active.
Capture stunning photos as the golden light spills across the savannah. - Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast and some leisure time. Relax at the pool deck, unwind with a spa treatment, or simply watch wildlife wandering past your suite.
- Afternoon Safari:
After lunch and high tea, embark on your second game drive. As the day cools, animals emerge to drink — the perfect chance to see herds of buffalo, rhinos, and elephants.
Pause for sundowners in the bush, then continue your drive with a spotlight, revealing nocturnal animals like civets, genets, and hyenas. - Dinner is served around a fire, with fine South African wine and authentic bush-veld cuisine.
Overnight: Thornybush Game Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Day 3 – Final Morning Safari & Departure
- Rise for your final sunrise game drive, perhaps catching a last glimpse of lions or the elusive leopard.
- Enjoy a leisurely breakfast back at the lodge and some time to soak in the scenery before check-out.
- After breakfast, transfer back to Hoedspruit Airport for your return flight to Johannesburg or Cape Town — ending your unforgettable Thornybush safari with Africa Moja Tours.
Meals: Breakfast
Departure
Depart Johannesburg early in the morning (or fly directly to Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport)
Departure Time
9:30
Return Time
Approximately 20:30
Included
- 2 nights’ luxury accommodation at Thornybush Game Lodge
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Two daily game drives in open 4×4 vehicles
- Complimentary tea, coffee & light refreshments
- Return transfers from Hoedspruit Airport or Johannesburg
- Services of professional ranger and tracker
Not Included
- Flights to/from Johannesburg or Cape Town
- Premium drinks & bar purchases
- Optional spa treatments and extras
- Gratuities and personal expenses
Frequently Asked Questions
Thornybush Game Lodge is situated in the Thornybush Game Reserve, part of the Greater Kruger National Park in South Africa, near Hoedspruit.
You can fly from Johannesburg or Cape Town to Hoedspruit (HDS Airport). Africa Moja Tours provides convenient transfers directly to the lodge.
Expect to encounter the Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo — along with cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and diverse birdlife.
Yes, all game drives are conducted in open 4×4 vehicles with experienced rangers and trackers for the best photographic opportunities.
The dry season (May to October) offers excellent game viewing, while the green season (November to April) features lush scenery and birdlife.
Absolutely — Africa Moja Tours can create custom packages combining Thornybush, Kruger Park, the Panorama Route, or Victoria Falls.
