Escape to The River Lodge at Thornybush, where luxury and nature blend seamlessly. Enjoy a full breakfast, unwind by the outdoor pool or explore the garden and library. With in-room WiFi, dry cleaning services, barbecue grills, a 24-hour front desk and valet parking available.
Road D1771, Orpen Road, Thornybush Game Reserve, Hoedspruit, Limpopo, 1380
Getting around
Hoedspruit (HDS) - 86 min drive
Mala Mala (AAM) - 178 min drive
Airport shuttle (surcharge)
About this property
The River Lodge at Thornybush
When visiting Thornybush Game Reserve, The River Lodge at Thornybush is a great choice to consider. Guests can take a dip in the outdoor pool or grab a bite to eat at The River Lodge Kitchen, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. A bar/lounge, a snack bar/deli and a terrace are other highlights at this luxurious lodge. Fellow travellers like the room service.
Languages
English
At a glance
DONE
Hotel size
4 rooms
Arranged over 1 level
DONE
Arriving/Leaving
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 time is 10 AM
Contactless check-out
DONE
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
DONE
Required at check-in
Credit card, debit card or cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
DONE
Children
No cots (infant beds)
DONE
Pets
No pets or service animals allowed
WIFI
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING
Parking
Free on-site self-parking
Free on-site valet parking
DONE
Transfers
Airport shuttle from 10 AM to 3 PM*
DONE
Other information
Designated smoking areas
Property amenities
Food and drink
Free full breakfast each morning 7 AM–11 AM
Restaurant
Bar/lounge
Barbecue grills
Room service
Snack bar/deli
What to do
Safari nearby
Services
24-hour front desk
Concierge services
Tour/ticket assistance
Dry cleaning/laundry services
Wedding services
Facilities
8 buildings/towers
Built in 2006
Garden
Terrace
Library
Television in common areas
An outdoor pool
Colonial architecture
Room amenities
Home comfort
Air conditioning and heating
Free stocked minibar
Coffee/tea maker
Bathrobes and slippers
Sleep well
Blackout curtains
Turndown service
Premium bedding
What to enjoy
Private plunge pool
Deck or patio
Fireplace
Individually furnished and decorated
Separate sitting area
Freshen up
Deep-soaking bath
Separate bath and shower
Rainfall shower heads
Designer toiletries
Hairdryer
Towels
Stay connected
Desk
Free WiFi
Phone
Food and drink
Fridge
More
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
Access via exterior corridors
Special features
Dining
The River Lodge Kitchen – Overlooking the garden, this restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Fees & policies
Mandatory fees
You'll be asked to pay the following charges by the property at check-in or checkout. Fees may include applicable taxes:
Destination fee: ZAR 495 per person, per night
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 service is offered for an extra charge of ZAR 600 per person (one-way)
Children & extra beds
Airport shuttle for children between the ages of 1 and 8 costs ZAR 600 (one-way)
Policies
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed.
This property does not have lifts.
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property. The policies listed are provided by the property.
National rating
Quality graded by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) – South Africa's official quality assurance organisation.
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 there a pool at The River Lodge at Thornybush?
Yes, there's an outdoor pool.
Are pets allowed at The River Lodge at Thornybush?
Sorry, neither pets nor service animals are allowed.
Is parking offered on site at The River Lodge at Thornybush?
Yes, there's free self and valet parking.
Is an airport shuttle service offered by The River Lodge at Thornybush?
Yes, an airport shuttle is available from 10 AM to 3 PM on request. The charge is ZAR 600 per person one-way.
What are the check-in and check-out times at The River Lodge at Thornybush?
Check-in start time: 2 PM; check-in end time: 8:00 PM. Check-out time is 10 AM. Contactless social distancing and check-out are available.
What is there to do at The River Lodge at Thornybush and nearby?
The River Lodge at Thornybush has private plunge pools and a garden.
Are there restaurants at or near The River Lodge at Thornybush?
Yes, The River Lodge Kitchen offers garden views.
Does The River Lodge at Thornybush have rooms with private hot tubs?
Yes, each room has a deep-soaking bath.
Does The River Lodge at Thornybush have any outdoor private spaces?
Yes, every room features a private plunge pool and a deck or patio.
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The River Lodge at Thornybush Reviews
Reviews
10
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
9.6/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Staff & service
10/10
Amenities
10/10
Property conditions & facilities
Reviews
10/10 Exceptional
7 March 2017
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.
corey
10/10 Exceptional
20 May 2019
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.
Verified traveller
5-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
24 February 2018
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 !!!
Isabela
10/10 Exceptional
30 July 2017
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.
Sheila
Sheila, 4-night trip
8/10 Very good
7 May 2014
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).
I + R
10/10 Exceptional
9 April 2014
Sandra
10/10 Exceptional
1 April 2014
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.
Chong
10/10 Exceptional
26 March 2014
Great staff, location and game drives
Fantastic rooms, warm pool and beautiful outlook
Karen
10/10 Exceptional
23 March 2014
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
Nicky
10/10 Exceptional
17 March 2014
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
Ruth
10/10 Exceptional
3 March 2014
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.