Kwa Mbili, meaning “Two Reflections” in the local Shangaan language, symbolizes the harmony between people and wildlife — a perfect representation of this intimate and authentic safari lodge..
Welcome to Waterbuck Private Camp, an exclusive-use safari villa offering complete privacy, comfort, and unforgettable wildlife experiences for families. Located in the prestigious Thornybush Private Game Reserve..
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..
Where Untamed Wilderness Meets Five-Star Luxury
Nestled within the Greater Kruger National Park ecosystem, Thornybush Game Reserve offers one of South Africa’s most celebrated safari experiences. This privately owned reserve, covering over 14,000 hectares of pristine bushveld, shares open borders with Kruger National Park and Timbavati Nature Reserve, allowing the Big Five and countless other species to roam freely.
With Africa Moja Tours & Safaris, you can immerse yourself in an unforgettable journey that combines world-class hospitality, thrilling wildlife encounters, and a deep sense of African authenticity.
Thornybush is a jewel of the Greater Kruger region, located near Hoedspruit in the Limpopo Province. The reserve is renowned for its exceptional Big Five sightings, passionate guiding teams, and luxurious lodges that blend seamlessly into the wilderness.
Thanks to its open borders with the Kruger National Park, Thornybush offers guests the same level of biodiversity and wildlife intensity, but with the added benefits of privacy and exclusivity.
Here, the experience is personal — from close-up encounters with lions and leopards to bush dinners under the stars and morning coffee shared with elephants at the waterhole.
Africa Moja Tours & Safaris partners with a collection of exceptional lodges inside the reserve, offering everything from ultra-luxury retreats to family-friendly bush lodges.
1. Thornybush Game Lodge
The flagship property and one of South Africa’s most iconic safari lodges, Thornybush Game Lodge combines classic safari style with contemporary luxury.
2. Saseka Tented Camp
Saseka redefines modern luxury with its glass-fronted tented suites and river-facing views. The design balances sophistication with immersion in nature.
3. Simbambili Game Lodge (Sabi Sands Border)
Situated on the border between Thornybush and Sabi Sands, Simbambili Game Lodge offers a refined, romantic atmosphere with spectacular leopard viewing.
4. Chapungu Tented Bush Camp
For guests seeking a more classic and adventurous experience, Chapungu Tented Camp delivers old-world safari charm.
5. Waterbuck Private Camp
A private villa-style lodge ideal for families or small groups.
Thornybush is a true Big Five destination, boasting high densities of lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffaloes. Sightings are consistent and intimate, thanks to expert trackers and off-road driving privileges.
In addition to the Big Five, the reserve is home to:
Guests enjoy two game drives daily (morning and afternoon), guided bush walks, and optional photographic safaris — all in open 4×4 safari vehicles.
Thornybush is easily accessible from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS), with daily flights from Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban.
From the airport, Africa Moja Tours & Safaris provides a private 30-minute road transfer to your lodge.
Self-drive guests can also reach the reserve via the R40 route from Hoedspruit or Phalaborwa.
Thornybush is a year-round safari destination, but each season offers something special:
