Considered to be one of the best-kept secrets in the Thornybush Nature Reserve, The River Lodge offers an intimate safari experience that's ideal for special occasions.
Thornybush is one of the original nature reserves in the Greater Kruger National Park, with the first lodge opening its doors in 1961. Since then, Thornybush has added 11 more lodges to its collection and now operates in both the Thornybush and Sabi Sand Private Nature Reserves.
Along the way, we’ve been involved in a range of wildlife projects such as the first translocation of an entire elephant herd from Kruger, one of the first leopard introductions onto a private reserve, extensive studies of pangolins and the first release of a black rhino onto a private nature reserve in the Lowveld.
In 2017, Thornybush dropped its fences adjoining the world-famous Kruger National Park, allowing for new herds of wildlife to roam freely across the 14,000-hectare reserve and realise our full potential as a private nature reserve.
Each of the five suites at The River Lodge are separated to ensure extra privacy and are extremely spacious. The honeymoon suite is slightly larger than the others, while the Royal Suite combines two suites with a central area to accommodate a large family or four adults.
These elegant suites have double beds, lounges, fireplaces and open-plan bathrooms. The expansive outside decks were purposefully built below tall trees to ensure shade and have a private swimming pool and an outdoor shower for added luxury.
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.
For more info, check out Thornybush River Lodge