At Thornybush The River Lodge, patrons are accommodated in four luxurious suites overlooking the seasonal Monwana River, discreetly positioned to ensure a personalised and private experience for every guest.

Each suite is spacious and decorated in sophisticated African chic, flowing out on to an elevated deck with private plunge pool and magnificent views.  High-lofted thatched roofs add to the ambience, and the bathrooms feature floor-to-ceiling glass doors which open to allow the outdoors in, for ultimate relaxation overlooking spectacular views while you soak in the bathtub.  An outside shower completes the experience. At Thornybush The River Lodge you can look forward to restful slumber in supremely comfortable beds, swamped in mosquito nets and air-conditioned comfort, along with the kind of service that dreams are made of.

Room amenities

• Air Conditioning.
• Swimming pool.
• Lounge area.
• Beautiful elevated deck.
• Outside showers.
• Cotton Linen.
• Serviced Daily.
• Bar Fridge Freezer.
• Coffee Station.
• Wireless Internet – at an additional cost.

The River Lodge offers unique exclusive Safari experiences in both open Land Rovers, and on foot. The private reserve is home to an abundance of species: 147 mammals including the “Big Five”, 114 reptiles, 507 birds, 49 fish, 34 amphibians and 336 trees. The reserve is predominantly open savannah and with a near perfect year round climate, it is the ideal African safari holiday destination.

A typical day

The day starts as dawn breaks over the African bushveld. After your early morning wakeup call, coffee, tea & rusks are served on the main deck overlooking the riverbed. Shortly after, you depart in your open Land Rover with your experienced Rangers and Trackers who will share their extensive knowledge of the bush with you. These drives are undertaken at times best suited for game viewing which vary depending on the season but typically start early morning. Where applicable you may be invited out of the vehicle to see tracks, examine certain plants and follow spoor.

Our Shangaan trackers will enthral you with their explanations of the medicinal and other uses of the numerous plants and trees along with tales of traditional folklore. The rest of the day is spent at the discretion of the guest for other activities that we offer, with a delicious lunch being served around 1.30pm. The afternoon game drive is preceded by high tea and extends into the evening to view seldom seen nocturnal species by torchlight. Upon returning for a gourmet 3 course dinner, either in the boma, bush or lodge – guests can socialise with a cognac, single malt or cigar around the campfire or lounge before returning to bed for another day’s adventure. Where possible, safaris will be tailored to suit individual preferences and interest.