Greater Kruger · South African resident rates

Thornybush Game Reserve

A Big Five private reserve on Hoedspruit's doorstep, with small lodges, private villas and South African resident rates you can book now.

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Live in Thornybush Game Reserve right now

All specials

Rates as at 12 October 2026: 10 South African resident specials live in Thornybush Game Reserve, from R6,800 pppns (Siviti), an average saving of 49% on the usual rate, up to 72% off. Conservation and park fees are extra unless stated.

Siviti, Thornybush: R6,800 pppns, usually R20,500, save 67%. Midweek 30 day rate, valid until 15 December 2026. Our take: “Under half price in Thornybush. Children of all ages welcome.”
Thornybush Game Lodge, Thornybush: R8,000 pppns, usually R19,800, save 60%. 30 Day Rate, valid until 18 December 2026. Our take: “Less than half the usual rate in Thornybush.”
Serondella Lodge, Thornybush: R9,000 pppns, usually R27,000, save 67%. 30 Day Rate, valid until 18 December 2026. Our take: “Well over half off in Thornybush. Just 7 rooms.”
Saseka Tented Camp, Thornybush: R10,500 pppns, usually R28,000, save 62%. 30 Day Rate, valid until 18 December 2026. Our take: “Well over half off in Thornybush. Just 8 rooms.”
Waterbuck Lodge, Thornybush: R10,500 pppns, usually R11,500, save 9%. South African residents · bookable now, valid until 15 December 2026. Our take: “9% off in Thornybush. Just 4 rooms.”
Shimungwe Lodge, Thornybush: R11,500 pppns. South African residents · bookable now, valid until 31 December 2026. Our take: “Resident rate in Thornybush. Just 4 rooms.”
Monwana Game Lodge, Thornybush: R12,250 pppns, usually R44,440, save 72%. 60 Day Rate, valid until 19 December 2026. Our take: “Less than half the usual rate in Thornybush. Just 7 rooms.”
Shumbalala Game Lodge, Thornybush: R18,800 pppns, usually R20,800, save 10%. South African residents · bookable now, valid until 15 December 2026. Our take: “10% off in Thornybush. Just 6 rooms.”
Kamara House Villa, Thornybush: R52,000 per night for the whole villa, usually R92,000, save 43%. 30 Day Rate, valid until 18 December 2026. Our take: “A third off in Thornybush. Just 1 rooms.”
Little Saseka, Thornybush: R64,000 per night for the whole villa, usually R120,000, save 47%. 30 Day Rate, valid until 18 December 2026. Our take: “Nearly half off. A private camp within Saseka, up to 3 tented suites, all yours.”

The short answer. Thornybush is the Big Five reserve for people who want a private reserve without a long transfer. It is close to Hoedspruit airport, its lodges are small, and it has private villas for families and friends travelling together. It is a malaria area.

What makes it different

Thornybush is a private reserve in the Greater Kruger, a short drive from Hoedspruit. Most of its lodges are small, some with just a handful of suites, so game drives are relaxed and you are rarely one of many vehicles at a sighting.

It has an unusually wide choice for its size: design-led tented suites at Saseka, classic family lodges, and whole villas such as Little Saseka and Kamara House, booked for your group alone with your own guide.

Who it suits

Short breaks. Fly into Hoedspruit and be on an afternoon drive the same day.
Couples. Saseka takes guests from 12.
Families and friends. Private villas give you the whole place, with your own vehicle and guide.

Getting there

By road Thornybush is about 6 hours from Johannesburg, through Hoedspruit. Scheduled flights land at Hoedspruit, and the transfer to most lodges is short. We live in Hoedspruit, about 40 minutes from many lodges here, so we know the road well.

When to go

From May to September the bush is dry and open, and animals come to the waterholes. From November to March it is green and hot, with young animals, migrant birds and afternoon storms. The quieter months are usually when resident rates are strongest.

Good to know

It is a malaria area. Speak to your doctor before you travel.
Reserve levies are usually extra unless the special says otherwise.
Villa rates on this page are for the whole villa per night, not per person.

Questions we are asked

How far is Thornybush from Hoedspruit airport?

It is a short transfer from Hoedspruit, which makes it one of the easiest private reserves to reach by air.

What is the difference between Saseka and Little Saseka?

Saseka is a small lodge with tented suites. Little Saseka is a private lodge within it, with up to 3 tented suites booked for your group alone.

Is Thornybush a Big Five reserve?

Yes. Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino all live here.