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The River Lodge at Thornybush

5.0 star property
Luxury lodge with free breakfast and free valet parking
your current months are February, 2025 and March, 2025.
February 2025
March 2025

Photo gallery for The River Lodge at Thornybush

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

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Bar
  • Breakfast included
  • Air conditioning
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping

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

A luxury stay in Thornybush Game Reserve awaits you at The River Lodge at Thornybush. You'll be 33 km (20.5 mi) from Kruger National Park. Highlights at this Colonial lodge include a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool and free daily breakfast. .The restaurant, The River Lodge Kitchen, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For a drink, you can stop by the lodge's own lounge bar. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi in public areas, a snack bar/deli and laundry facilities. Free full breakfast is available daily between 7 AM and 11 AM. There's also free valet parking, along with the convenience of an airport shuttle. .In proximity to this 5-property class Thornybush Game Reserve lodge you'll find Blyde River Canyon.
View more Lodges in Thornybush Game ReserveOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Mafunyani Cultural Village - 28 min drive
  • Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre - 39 min drive
  • Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre - 52 min drive
  • Orpen Gate - 52 min drive
  • Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate - 58 min drive

Getting around

  • Hoedspruit (HDS) - 86 min drive

About this property

The River Lodge at Thornybush

Luxury lodge with free breakfast and free valet parking
There's a restaurant on site, as well as a snack bar/deli. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Free breakfast is served daily. WiFi is free in public spaces.

An outdoor pool, a library, and a terrace are also featured at the luxury The River Lodge at Thornybush. An airport shuttle (available on request) is available for a fee. Free self parking and valet parking are available.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this Colonial Thornybush Game Reserve lodge.

  • 1 floor
  • 4 guestrooms or units
  • 8 buildings
  • Built in 2006
  • Full breakfast (free)
  • Deli
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Wedding services available
  • Library
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Television in lobby
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
The River Lodge at Thornybush offers 4 air-conditioned accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors, and features private plunge pools and fireplaces. This individually decorated and furnished accommodation has separate sitting areas. Beds feature Egyptian cotton sheets and premium bedding. Guests can make use of the in-room fridges, coffee/tea makers and free minibar items. Bathrooms include a separate bath and shower with a deep soaking bath and a rainfall showerhead. 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 telephones. Additionally, rooms include a hairdryer and blackout curtains. A nightly turndown service is provided and housekeeping is offered on a daily basis.

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

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

Food and drink

  • Free full breakfast available daily 7 AM to 11 AM
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant
  • Snack bar/deli

Restaurants on site

  • The River Lodge Kitchen

Things to do

  • Library
  • Outdoor pool
  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Private plunge pool
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Laundry facilities

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Turndown service
  • Wedding services

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • No lift

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Egyptian cotton sheets

Bathroom

  • Deep soaking bathtub
  • Designer toiletries
  • Dressing gowns
  • Hair dryer
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Slippers
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Private plunge pool

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Free stocked minibar
  • Refrigerator
  • Room service

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Fireplace
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Laptop workspace
  • Phone
  • Safe
  • Separate sitting area

Policies

Check-in

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

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Contactless check-out

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 any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Pets and service animals are not allowed at The River Lodge at Thornybush

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Destination fee: ZAR 495 per person, per night.

We've listed 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

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

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

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, debit cards and cash. Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed.

We should mention

  • Pets and service animals are not allowed on site.

National rating

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

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

Frequently asked questions

Is parking available at The River Lodge at Thornybush?

Yep, The River Lodge at Thornybush has a free self car park and free valet parking.

Does The River Lodge at Thornybush have a pool?

The River Lodge at Thornybush has an outdoor pool.

What makes The River Lodge at Thornybush a romantic place to stay?

Garden-view dining and a lounge bar, as well as private plunge pools and deep-soaking baths in the guestrooms, help set the scene for a romantic weekend at The River Lodge at Thornybush.

Are there hot tubs in the rooms at The River Lodge at Thornybush?

No, but there are deep-soaking baths and private plunge pools in the guestrooms.

Does The River Lodge at Thornybush serve breakfast?

You bet, free full breakfast is offered daily between 7 AM and 11 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at The River Lodge at Thornybush?

No, but there's an airport shuttle that runs from 10 AM - 3 PM on request for a fee.

Is there a bar or restaurant at The River Lodge at Thornybush?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and an onsite restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

What time are check-in & check-out at The River Lodge at Thornybush?

Check-in begins at 2 PM. Check-out time is 10 AM.

Are pets allowed at The River Lodge at Thornybush?

No, pets and service animals are not allowed.

The River Lodge at Thornybush Reviews

Reviews

10

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

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

10/10

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