Thornybush

Set in the famous Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Simbambili has world-class game viewing opportunities. The managers, Mike and Tania, have been at Simbambili for over 10 years and ensure the lodge has a comfortable, sophisticated feel. We recently renovated the suites, which have been elegantly designed to blend in with the dense stands of knobthorn and jackalberry trees along the meandering Manyeleti River.

Massive decks and the shaded sala beds are a guest favourite. We’re also extremely proud of our guides and trackers whose wealth of knowledge and passionate for what they do, continuously leave lasting impressions.

At the lodge, our guests are made to feel at home through the personal touches and calming nature of the setting, with many an hour spent on the main deck keeping an eye on the large waterhole and its ever-changing visitors just below.

Saseka feels very much like a shining jewel in our Thornybush crown. After years of coming to this bend in the Monwana River to celebrate special occasions we finally decided to build something as remarkable as the setting feels.

With visionary designers, Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens, leading the way we’ve managed to create a lodge that has a strikingly unique layout and finds a superb balance between cutting-edge design, classical style and feeling connected to the outside environment.

The main area has a large, tiered deck with a broad view of the riverbed and a cleverly designed roof that mimics the dappled light of a tree canopy. This is where we love to meet with our guests for a drink or a meal, share stories and listen to the afternoon breeze bringing the surrounding trees to life.

Away from the soothing tones of the main area, our guests stay in nine luxurious tented suites with stylish interiors, sweeping decks, private pools and uninterrupted views of the seasonal Monwana riverbed. The Leadwood Villa offers a sole-use option within the lodge, perfect for small groups and families.

Experience the ultimate intimacy of the Leadwood Villa. As a sole-use option, this space grants you the privacy of staying at your own lodge within the magnificent grounds of Saseka Tented Camp, overlooking the seasonal Monwana riverbed.

Embrace the privacy of this exclusive-use accommodation for your whole family or small group. The main villa includes a tented suite, sunken outdoor lounge and fire pit, and an indoor lounge area.

With space for up to six people, accommodated in adjacent tented suites, you’re able to experience the luxury of the bush in a prime setting.

The Game Lodge was the first of its kind in the Thornybush Nature Reserve, opening its doors back in 1961. As the original establishment, it put Thornybush on the map and established our reputation for world-class game-viewing.

Now, with a note of sophistication in the design and layout, our thatched main area overlooks a waterhole and riverbed frequently visited by elephants, buffalo and other large game at the Thornybush Lodge. The classic lower deck flows between the open dining area and a beautiful bar.

Sunbirds, attracted to the many aloes which surround the main deck, are just some of the many small delights you can expect on your stay at Thornybush Game Lodge.

The warm-hearted staff, riverbed setting and legacy of excellence are standout features. Meals, when taken at the lodge, are Ottolenghi-style buffets prepared by Solly, the legendary master bush chef! Bush dinners are a firm favorite with our guests, where you get to enjoy a hearty meal, surrounded by lanterns, candles and the sound of the African wilderness.

There’s just something about the location that makes you happy to sit back at our Jackalberry Lodge, listen to the sounds of the bush on a quiet afternoon and watch the light slowly change on the northern escarpment of the Drankensberg mountain range.

Nataly and Natasja will make you feel right at home, while Ocean’s infectious laugh rings throughout the Jackalberry lodge while also impressing you with his exhaustive knowledge of bird calls.

Jackalberry is a place to slow down and unwind while also mixing in the thrill of world-class game viewing. Overlook a nearby waterhole often visited by elephants (one of the big 5 safari animals) and antelope, guests can enjoy wildlife sightings, without having to leave the comfort of the main area.

Our hacienda has mottled shade for long, relaxed lunches, while our pool and firepit are also firm favorites with guests. Combined, all these elements create a special feeling at Jackalberry, that keep guests coming back time and again.