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The River Lodge at Thornybush

5.0 star property
Luxury lodge in Thornybush Game Reserve with outdoor pool and restaurant

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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 | Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, free minibar, in-room safe
Reception
Royal Suite | Terrace/patio

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Bar
    Bar
  • Pool
    Pool
  • Airport transfer
    Airport transfer
  • Free breakfast
    Free breakfast
  • 24/7 front desk
    24/7 front desk
  • Laundry facilities
    Laundry facilities
Main amenities
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Restaurant and bar/lounge
  • Outdoor pool
  • Room service
  • Airport shuttle
  • Terrace
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Air conditioning
  • Garden
  • Library
  • Snack bar/deli
  • Laundry service
Feel at home
  • Refrigerator
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Separate sitting area
  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Daily housekeeping

Room options

Similar properties

Reception

Kapama Karula

Pool
Free breakfast
Spa
Airport transfer
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (16)
The price is $2,461
includes taxes & fees
$2,140 per night
Nov 30 - Dec 1
Kapama Karula
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About the neighborhood

Map
Road D1771, Orpen Road, Thornybush Game Reserve, Hoedspruit, Limpopo, 1380

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
  • 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 travelers like the room service.

Languages

English

At a glance

Hotel size

  • 4 rooms
  • Arranged over 1 level

Arriving/Leaving

  • Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 8:00 PM
  • Contactless check-in available
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
  • Check-out time is 10 AM
  • Contactless check-out available

Restrictions related to your trip

  • Check COVID-19 restrictions.

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

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

Children

  • No cribs (infant beds)

Pets

  • No pets or service animals allowed

Internet

  • Free WiFi in public areas
  • Free WiFi in rooms

Parking

  • Free onsite self parking
  • Free onsite valet parking

Transfers

  • Airport shuttle from 10 AM to 3 PM*

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 drapes/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 bathtub
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Designer toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels

Stay connected

  • Desk
  • Free WiFi
  • Phone

Food and drink

  • Refrigerator

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 check-out. 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 elevators.
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash.
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property. The policies listed are provided by the property.

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, pets and service animals aren't allowed.
Is parking offered on site at The River Lodge at Thornybush?
Yes, there's free self and valet parking.
Is 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 check-in 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 spa tubs?
Yes, each room has a deep soaking bathtub.
Does The River Lodge at Thornybush have any outdoor private spaces?
Yes, every room features a private plunge pool and a deck or patio.
What's the area around The River Lodge at Thornybush like?
The River Lodge at Thornybush is located a short 1-minute walk from Greater Kruger National Park.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Exceptional

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.
5-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

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, 4-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Verified Orbitz guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Great staff, location and game drives
Fantastic rooms, warm pool and beautiful outlook
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

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
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

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 !!!
Verified Hotels.com guest review

8/10 Very Good

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).
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

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
Verified Expedia guest review