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The River Lodge at Thornybush

5.0 star property
your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for The River Lodge at Thornybush

Interior
Royal Suite | Terrace/patio
Deluxe Suite
Reception
Royal Suite | Terrace/patio

Reviews

9.8 out of 10

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Bar
    Bar
  • Pool
    Pool
  • Breakfast included
    Breakfast included
  • Room service
    Room service
  • Housekeeping
    Housekeeping
  • 24/7 front desk
    24/7 front desk

Explore the area

Map
Road D1771, Orpen Road, Thornybush Game Reserve, Hoedspruit, Limpopo, 1380
  • Greater Kruger National Park
    1 min walk
  • Mafunyani Cultural Village
    28 min drive
  • Andover Nature Reserve
    37 min drive
  • Hoedspruit (HDS)
    86 min drive

Room options

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About the area

Thornybush Game Reserve

When you stay at The River Lodge at Thornybush in Thornybush Game Reserve, you'll be steps from Greater Kruger National Park. .This luxury lodge is 20.5 mi (33 km) from Kruger National Park and 5.4 mi (8.6 km) from Mafunyani Cultural Village.
View more Lodges in Thornybush Game ReserveOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Andover Nature Reserve - 37 min drive - 17.8 km
  • Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre - 39 min drive - 19.7 km
  • Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre - 52 min drive - 32.0 km
  • Orpen Gate - 52 min drive - 33.1 km
  • Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate - 58 min drive - 40.2 km

Getting around

  • Hoedspruit (HDS) - 86 min drive

About this property

The River Lodge at Thornybush

Luxury lodge with free breakfast and free valet parking
The River Lodge at Thornybush offers 4 air-conditioned accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors and feature private plunge pools and fireplaces. These individually decorated and furnished accommodations have separate sitting areas. Beds feature Egyptian cotton sheets and premium bedding. Guests can make use of the in-room refrigerators, coffee/tea makers, and free minibar items. Bathrooms include separate bathtubs and showers with deep soaking bathtubs and rainfall showerheads. Bathrooms are also outfitted with bathrobes, slippers, and designer toiletries.

This Thornybush Game Reserve lodge provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks, safes, and phones. Additionally, rooms include hair dryers and blackout drapes/curtains. A nightly turndown service is provided and housekeeping is offered daily.

Recreational amenities at the lodge include an outdoor pool.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Treat yourself to a stay in one of the 4 individually decorated guestrooms, featuring fireplaces and private plunge pools. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected. Bathrooms with separate bathtubs and showers feature deep soaking bathtubs and rainfall showerheads. Conveniences include phones, as well as safes and desks.
Take advantage of recreation opportunities such as an outdoor pool or take in the view from a terrace and a garden. This Colonial lodge also features complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and wedding services.
Grab a bite to eat at the The River Lodge Kitchen, a restaurant where you can take in the garden view, or stay in and take advantage of room service. Wrap up your day with a drink at the bar/lounge. A complimentary full breakfast is served daily from 7 AM to 11 AM.
Featured amenities include dry cleaning/laundry services, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. A roundtrip airport shuttle is provided for a surcharge (available on request), and free valet parking is available onsite.
A complimentary full breakfast is served each morning between 7 AM and 11 AM.
The River Lodge Kitchen - Overlooking the garden, this restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Room service is available.

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and public transport

  • Free self-parking on site
  • Free valet parking on site
  • Return airport shuttle (surcharge) from 10 AM to 3 PM
  • Airport shuttle on request

Food and drink

  • Free full breakfast available daily 7 AM–11 AM
  • 1 restaurant
  • 1 bar
  • Room service available

Restaurants on site

  • The River Lodge Kitchen

Things to do

  • Outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Fridge
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • Library

Guest services

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Concierge services
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Dry-cleaning service
  • Laundry facilities
  • Tour/ticket assistance
  • Turndown service
  • Wedding services

Outdoors

  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Garden
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • This property does not have any lifts

More

  • Designated smoking areas
  • TV in lobby

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Air conditioning
  • Bed sheets
  • Blackout drapes/curtains
  • Egyptian cotton sheets
  • Heating
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Dressing gowns
  • Deep-soaking bath
  • Designer toiletries
  • Hairdryer
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Separate bath and shower
  • Towels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Free minibar
  • Fridge

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Desk
  • Fireplace
  • Individually decorated
  • Individually furnished
  • Laptop-friendly workspace
  • Phone
  • Private plunge pool
  • Safe
  • Separate sitting area
  • Slippers
  • Turndown service

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 8:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; your host will greet you
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
For more details, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

No pets or service animals allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Destination fee: ZAR 495 per person, per night

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

This property's mandatory destination/conservation and tourism fees are collected in advance of arrival to ensure access to the property.

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle fee: ZAR 600 per person (one-way)
  • Airport shuttle fee per child: ZAR 600 (one-way), (from 1 to 8 years old)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property

National rating

Quality Graded by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) – South Africa's official quality assurance organization.

Property is also known as

River Lodge Thornybush
River Lodge Thornybush Hoedspruit
River Thornybush
River Thornybush Hoedspruit
Thornybush River Lodge
The River At Thornybush
The River Lodge at Thornybush Lodge
The River Lodge at Thornybush Hoedspruit
The River Lodge at Thornybush Lodge Hoedspruit

The River Lodge at Thornybush Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 10 out of 11 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 11 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 11 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 11 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 11 reviews" "

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Business traveller, Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We stayed at River Lodge in May 2019 ( Royal suite). Very comfortable spacious accommodations with mix of XIX century and modern styles. Staff is professional: respectful of the guests privacy and available to assist when needed. There are only 6 suits and, therefore, just a few guests around; so you’d get to enjoy the nature unaffected by human noise. Chefs: Anna and Nomi were excellent and their cooking was very enjoyable. Ranger team ( Darryn and Abed) were always able to find an exciting scene for us. We had two games every day and they were never old or repetitive. Saw all big 5 within 2 days. There is no 24h room service; so if you think you might need something at night( we were quite affected by the jet lag), make sure to ask in advance. In the evening Anna always left us an early (4am) snack for us to enjoy before 6am game. Mornings are chilly in May ; so bring a warm hat:) there was a pool , but we were way more excited to see an elegant drinking from it than swim ourselves. How to get there: Lodge will pick you up from Hoedspruit airport( about40min drive). Highly recommend. Lovely place.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Sheila, Charlotte

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
There are no words....
...that do this "experience" justice! I love to travel and have been blessed to be able to do so, but this, BY FAR was the most treasured experience of my 54 year old life! The Service was impeccable starting off with their beautiful greeting, the tour of the accommodations all the way to your warm loving send off- Truly people who love what they do and are anxious to share their love for Kruger Natational Park and South Africa. The culinary master pieces Thulani and Anna delivered were something to look forward to every day. We started asking for our favorites and they eagerly wanted to deliver excellence on anything we asked for. The Malva Pudding was my personal favorite but everything I had at The River Lodge @ Thornybush was Top Shelf! Safaris w/ Roux and Jeremy will be treasured forever. What I found amazingly different about this daily activity is that even though we did this up to twice a day I looked forward to it as if it were the first time-they worked hard and made sure each outing stood on its own to be unique with a touch of the divine.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2017

10/10 Excellent

corey, ogunquit, me

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Outstanding hotel and staff. Safari+++
The staff and accommodation a were great! Huge private villa with your own deep patio pool. 2 game drives per day that were top notch. It was pricier than other options, but we were extremely happy that we chose this option.

10/10 Excellent

Karen, Hong kong

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great staff, location and game drives
Fantastic rooms, warm pool and beautiful outlook

10/10 Excellent

Nicky, Auckland, NZ

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Safari experience deluxe
We were blown away by the safari adventure, food, scenery and friendly knowledgeable staff at the River Lodge @ Thornybush. We saw most of the big 5 in our first game drive! This cosy and personal lodge will not disappoint

10/10 Excellent

Alex, Kansas City, MO, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing experience in a super-friendly atmosphere
We had an amazing time at the Riverlodge. The accomodation was very clean and well-maintained, the rooms were luxurious and elegant and the overall atmosphere verycomforting and relaxing. The game drives very well-organized and diverse - we saw all big 5 animals on our 4 excursions, but we also spend time looking at and learning about the smaller things: insects, birds, vegatation, which was very interesting. My favorite thing were the meals, though: we sat together with our hosts and shared stories about the park, the animals and also South Africa in general. It was very much like a family setting, very comfortable, inviting and also fun. I definitely recommend this place and already want to go back. One thing to note: we called in advance about airport pick-up from Hoedspruit airport and must have reached a wrong number via our expedia booking confirmation. We were told that there is no pick-up and we had to rent a rental car from the airport, which is not true: the lodge can offer pick-up and I recommend contacting the correct number on their website to arrange it.

10/10 Excellent

Isabela

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Exelente !!!!
gostaria de dizer sobre a minha excelente estadia no hotel, foi tudo maravilhoso , muito melhor do que eu poderia imaginar ! Hotel lindo com uma linda vista , nosso quarto era excelente , grande e com tudo que precisávamos para uma excelente estadia , com muitos animais, inclusive elefantes passando na frente para nos fazer uma visita ! Gostaríamos de agradecer ao excelente atendimento de todos do hotel , toda equipe foi oque fez nossa estadia ser ainda melhor . Os safáris foram muito bom Com nosso Rager Stanley nos explicando e tirando todas as dúvidas que tínhamos ! Obrigada a todos por tornar nossa lua de mel ainda mais inesquecível !!!

8/10 Good

I + R, Österreich

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Direkt im Park mit viel Komfort uv
Die Anfahrt muss neu erklärt werden, sonst kein Ankommen möglich; Bungalows riesig, aber nicht besonders sauber, Christin kocht für alle (Max. 8 Gäste) täglich frisch, aber nicht abwechslungsreich, gemütliches Beisammensein nach den Drives an einem gemeinsamen Tisch, super! Wasser kommt aus dem nahe gelegenen Fluss direkt aus dem Grundwasser (Achtung, darauf weist niemand hin).

10/10 Excellent

Sandra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

10/10 Excellent

Chong, Voorburg

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Place to go for game drives in private setting
With only 4 rooms max 8 people this private game resort is the place to go if you really want to enjoy luxury at your own pace and to your own like. The setting of this lodge is perfect, you really enjoy safari as it should be with almost all the animals passing through right at your door step! With their highly dedicated serviced minded friendly staff making your stay to something you will never forget. Game drives are perfectly tuned to your wishes and everything possibly is done to make your wishes come through by their highly professional and passioned rangers.

10/10 Excellent

Ruth, Bayern

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Versteckter Juwel
Die Lodge, wenn auch sehr schwierig zu finden, ist ein Traum. Alles perfekt! Das Team vor Ort ist sehr aufmerksam und zuvorkommend. Die angebotenen Safaris waren perfekt organisiert und mit viel Liebe zum Tier und der Natur aufbereitet. Zum Sonnenuntergang gabs eine kleine Pause mit Wein und Snack. Unser Guide war sehr aufmerksam und schaffte es dass wir schon am ersten Abend drei der "big 5" aus nächster Nähe und in aller Ruhe beobachten, den restlichen 2 begegneten wir in der Morgensafari und natürlich viele, viele mehr. Erholung pur nach den Safaris im eigenem Pool und mit Blick auf vorbeiziehende Elefanten. Gnus, Affen und Impalas sind ständige Gäste an der Lodge. Das Essen, vor allem das Frühstück war abwechslungsreich und sehr landestypisch-lecker. Schade, 2 Tage waren einfach zu kurz