Skip to content
+256775218880 / +256753750983 info@gorillarwandasafaris.com

Thornybush Game Reserve

Thornybush Game Reserve tours, safaris, accommodations, activities, and other important information to help you plan your safari.

Thornybush Game Reserve Safari Tours

Reasons to Visit the Thornybush Game Reserve

Thornybush Game Reserve, located inside the Greater Kruger Park region, is a preferred location for numerous wildlife documentaries due to its expansive wildlife habitat. This premier safari destination features an unspoiled terrain of wide savannah, woodlands, and thorny thickets, teeming with a captivating array of species, including the Big Five.

Thornybush consistently excels in providing premier safari experiences in Southern Africa, complemented by an array of community-based and conservation initiatives that enhance your African adventure.

This 14,000-hectare reserve, characterized by several perennial rivers and diverse vegetation, attracts a significant amount of game, so drawing in predators as well. Thornybush, being a private reserve, offers an exclusive and uncrowded Big 5 safari experience.

Thornybush is engaged in various activities, including education, agriculture, adult skills development, and sustainable living, dedicated to uplifting, empowering, and investing in local communities, with opportunities for visitor participation. Visiting various community projects may be a transformational experience for both visitors and the community and environment.

Thornybush Game Reserve Map

Hotels and Lodges in Thornybush Game Reserve

More Information About Thornybush Game Reserve

How to get to Thornybush?

Multiple routes exist to access the reserve, each presenting distinct cost and convenience considerations. Daily flights are available from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Hoedspruit, which is just a 30-minute drive from the reserve. The lodges within the game reserve typically coordinate a transfer for your convenience. If not, our Travel Experts will arrange one for you. This is the most efficient route to the reserve.

The flight duration from Johannesburg is 60 minutes, whereas from Cape Town it exceeds two hours. We may also organize scheduled charter flights that will transport you directly to one of the airstrips at Thornybush Game Reserve.

If you have additional time, you may drive yourself to the reserve. The tarred road is well-maintained, featuring service stations along the way, and the journey from Johannesburg will take approximately six hours.

Depending on your selected lodge, schedule, and budget, our Travel Experts would be pleased to provide guidance on the optimal route to your chosen resort in the Thornybush Game Reserve.

What are the advantages of a safari in a private wildlife reserve?

Numerous private game reserves exist within the Greater Kruger National Park. Each of these features opulent, isolated lodges and provides intimate, uncrowded wildlife observation opportunities.

The primary distinctions between a public and private reserve are that a private reserve, such as Thornybush, permits off-road excursions, nocturnal drives, and guided bush walks. In public locations, one must adhere to designated routes, comply with established game drive schedules, and share the experience with numerous other game drive vehicles.

What is the optimal time to visit the Thornybush Game Reserve?

Similar to Kruger National Park, the Thornybush Game Reserve is a year-round destination, however it is still seasonal. This is what you may anticipate over the course of the year.

From November to December, the bush experiences summer, characterized by hot and humid weather, accompanied by afternoon thunderstorms. This period typically see a significant number of newborn animals emerging.

From January to March: These are the arid months characterized by extremely high temperatures. This period is also advantageous for birdwatchers, as the exquisite migratory birds make their annual appearance. Game drives are typically arranged for the early morning hours when temperatures are cooler.

April: In this autumn month, the foliage becomes increasingly sparse, and temperatures begin to decline, particularly at night. Occasional thunderstorms may still occur in the afternoons.

May to June: The onset of winter brings frigid temperatures, particularly during the nocturnal hours. Consequently, you should pack an ample supply of warm clothing. The vegetation is minimal, providing exceptional opportunities for game observation. The elephant herds exhibit considerable mobility at this period.From July to September, the bush experiences arid conditions with frigid temperatures during the night and early morning. Visibility is optimal for game drives, and animals typically gather around water sources.

September to October: Spring has commenced, also referred to as the arid season. Anticipate arid, warm breezes and desolate terrains. Due to the scarcity of water supplies, animals congregate in areas where they can access hydration, resulting in favorable game viewing conditions. The initial precipitation begins to occur around the conclusion of October.

What constitutes an average day on safari?

This is a general overview of what to anticipate on a Thornybush safari. This varies based on your location of residence.

05:00: Arise to commence your day!

05:30: Enjoy coffee with your ranger and tracker prior to embarking on a safari, often conducted in an open 4×4 vehicle.

09:30: Commence return to the resort for a delectable breakfast.

11:00: Depending on your accommodation and the season, you may frequently participate in a bushwalk accompanied by an armed tracker. This provides an opportunity to recognize the minor marvels of the bush.

13:00: Savor your lunch and relax.

16:00: Assemble for your afternoon safari.

16:30: The evening game drive offers distinct observations compared to the morning, when nocturnal animals emerge.

18:00: Observe the magnificent sunset while consuming a gin and tonic.

18:30: Utilize a spotlight to observe the lives of nocturnal wildlife.

19:30: Return and prepare for dinner.

20:00: Dine on dinner while your ranger narrates tales around the campfire.

Is Thornybush devoid of malaria?

Regrettably, no. We are not medical professionals; therefore, it is imperative to consult your physician on malaria prophylaxis before to travel. Nonetheless, it is absolutely feasible to enjoy a secure, malaria-free vacation in Africa by utilizing preventative medications.

Tip 1: Deter the Mosquitoes

The female mosquito that transmits malaria is a stealthy insect, necessitating effective repellent measures. They can attack at any hour, but are predominantly active during twilight and morning. Consistently apply repellant and don long-sleeved shirts and long pants during the morning and evening hours. Be advised that clothing alone will not provide protection, as they can penetrate the fabric. Most

of our lodges will feature screened windows and doors, air conditioning units, and mosquito netting for enhanced protection.

Recommendation 2: Consistently Administer Anti-Malaria Tablets

The fundamental action to safeguard oneself from malaria is the consumption of prophylactic tablets. It is imperative to see your physician prior to administering these pills to confirm the appropriate medication and dosage before entering a malaria-endemic region.

Tip 3: Monitor Symptoms and Complete Your Medication Regimen

Upon seeing any flu-like symptoms, it is imperative to have a malaria test to ensure safety and facilitate early detection, as malaria responds favorably to prompt treatment. Furthermore, do not discontinue your medication until the prescribed course is finished!

Guidelines for Safari Etiquette

The pinnacle of any safari in Kruger National Park is the exploration of the wilderness and its fauna during a game drive or bush walk. Experiencing remarkable species in their natural environment is extraordinary; but we strongly encourage you to adhere to the principles below to promote the long-term preservation of South Africa’s cherished Kruger Park.

Guidelines for Safari Etiquette

– Retrieve solely images and memories! Refrain from extracting natural things (rocks, flowers, plants, etc.) from Kruger Park or any of the reserves. It disturbs the local ecosystem.

– Refrain from attempting to capture the animals’ attention through sound imitation, clapping, object throwing, or any other methods.

– Refrain from provoking or cornering wild animals. This could elicit an erratic response and a possibly hazardous reaction.

– The flora in Kruger Park is highly delicate, and off-road driving induces erosion. Engage in off-road activities just with a ranger and never independently.

– Bear in mind that you are a guest in the animals’ natural environment; therefore, observe them quietly and with minimal disruption to their natural behaviors. Boisterous conversation on game drives will deter the animals.

– Refrain from littering! In addition to being unsightly, garbage discarded on the ground can suffocate or poison wildlife and avians.

– The African bush is arid, readily ignites, and wildfires can decimate numerous animals. Please refrain from smoking during game drives.

– Honor your driver/guide’s assessment regarding your distance from specific wildlife. Do not compel them to position the vehicle nearer for an improved image. A vehicle that approaches too closely can obstruct a hunt or compel animals to forsake a hard-earned meal.

– Consistently adhere to your guide’s counsel – they possess the expertise! Do not hesitate to inquire if you have any uncertainties.

– Avoid approaching wild animals on foot, particularly near your resort or campsite where they have become habituated to human presence.

Additional practical travel advice for Thornybush Game Reserve

Game drives provide a thrilling experience. Whether you awaken at dawn to observe the bushveld’s diurnal fauna or pursue nocturnal creatures with spotlights after dark, safari game drives in the African wilderness offer an unparalleled experience.

Private game reserves adjacent to the western border of Kruger National Park, such as Thornybush, provide the optimal game viewing experience. There is no barrier between Kruger and the reserves, allowing animals to traverse freely between them. Game watching in Kruger Park and adjacent reserves is fundamentally similar, however there are distinctions in the nature of the game drives offered.

The primary distinction between Kruger and the private reserves is that only closed vehicles are allowed in Kruger Park, whereas the private reserves provide open vehicle game drives. The benefit of open vehicles is that they provide enhanced visibility and a heightened sense of proximity to the wilderness and the experience. The ranger and tracker accompanying you on trips in the private reserves maintain communication with other cars during game drives, so enhancing your likelihood of encountering the creatures you desire to observe.

Off-road driving is prohibited in the Kruger, and nocturnal excursions may only be undertaken by park rangers in large park vehicles. Conversely, the private reserves provide nocturnal excursions each evening. They may also depart from the roadways to pursue animals into the bush, so enhancing opportunities to observe animal behavior and interactions.

Regardless of your location within the vicinity, the landscape of Kruger National Park is untamed, pristine, and stunningly magnificent. Embarking on a safari vehicle into untamed Africa, devoid of fences or artificial constructs, you a singular opportunity to experience the continent as you envisioned. Expansive grasslands are populated with wildlife, and watering holes are abundant with avian species, along with herds of elephants and buffalo. You may approach a pride of lions, observe giraffes feeding on treetops, or witness a cheetah in pursuit of prey. Leopards are more secretive creatures but can be observed often in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, near to Kruger National Park.

Your game drives will concentrate on species whose movements are influenced by seasonal changes and precipitation patterns. Most South African safari resorts provide a ranger and tracker for all game drives. They are highly skilled and knowledgeable, capable of providing valuable insights into the diverse ecosystems present in Kruger National Park. The presence of a skilled tracker enhances the likelihood of encountering something remarkable and exhilarating.

Each day on safari is distinct. One day, you may observe elephants drinking and bathing in silence, while the next day, you could be tracking a wild dog hunt off-road. Every encounter will undoubtedly be a distinctive experience, and your guides and trackers will readily address all of your inquiries. Sundowners are a longstanding safari custom, during which most game drives halt at sundown for a cocktail and a tranquil opportunity to absorb the piercing sounds of the bushveld.

Numerous game drives utilize open cars; therefore, it is advisable to bring sunscreen and a hat during the day throughout the year. Additionally, heavy clothing is necessary for the evenings during winter (May to August). Kruger National Park is among the largest wildlife reserves globally. Morning and sunset game drives provide remarkable views, sounds, and insights into the vegetation and species that constitute the extensive old African ecological network.

Related Destinations

Back To Top