THORNYBUSH RIVER LODGE CHANGED ITS NAME TO "SIVITI PRIVATE LODGE"

Thornybush River Lodge - Kruger National Park

Thornybush River Lodge is an intimate luxury escape into one of the most sought places in Africa. Wrapped in luxury amidst the untamed African bush, you will experience unsurpassed game viewing opportunities in the Thornybush Private Nature Reserve, open to the greater Kruger National Park. Big Five experiences blend seamlessly with 5-star service and amenities.​

With just six rooms, including the superb two- bedroom Royal Suite, the luxurious accommodation is limited to 12 guests ensuring a personalized wilderness experience, where the opportunity to reserve the entire camp for exclusive use is possible. The public areas are elegantly furnished and comfortable, with a relaxing lounge and dining area.  To complement the wonderful weather, a sparkling rim-flow swimming pool overlooking a covert waterhole is on hand for a refreshing dip, an amenity often shared by thirsty groups of Elephants.

The lavish accommodation at Thornybush River Lodge is limited to 12 guests, ensuring a personalized wilderness experience, where the opportunity to reserve the entire camp for exclusive use, is a reality. The Honeymoon Suite is tactfully situated alongside a busy elephant trail and nestled amongst the Combretum trees on the elevated banks of the Timbavati River, the new and spacious 100 square meter Honeymoon Suite at Thornybush River Lodge surpasses all expectations!

Natural light filters through the shadows cast by the Magic Guarris trees rooted within the teak deck; home to an infinity swimming pool where hours can be spent watching the wildlife go by. An indoor fireplace adds to the romantic ambiance of the suite, which offers all the luxuries of the others; just more so!

Sabi Sands Lodges Reviews

Sabisandlodges has been amazing in…  

Sabisandlodges has been amazing in creating a dream holiday!!! They were attentive, quick to respond and arranged everything for us


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September 23, 2026 GB Website
Sabisandlodges has been amazing in…  
Annelize Taylor    September 23, 2026   GB    Website   
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Sabisandlodges has been amazing in creating a dream holiday!!! They were attentive, quick to respond and arranged everything for us in great detail!!

Thank you so much for arranging all our travel - Ulusaba, amazing. The pick ups were great - through vumba tours!!
The La Rochelle tours were fantastic too. Drivers were helpful, friendly and professional.

Really enjoyed our experiences and everyone involved made it even better!!!!

Thank you Max for your recommendation and great service.  

Our experience with Max from Sabi Sands Lodges was brilliant. His recommendation and attention to details were excellent. We highly

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September 23, 2026 ZA Website
Thank you Max for your recommendation and great service.  
Andrew W.    September 23, 2026   ZA    Website   
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Our experience with Max from Sabi Sands Lodges was brilliant. His recommendation and attention to details were excellent. We highly recommend booking with Sabi Sands Lodges as it saved us time & effort. Experience counts and Max's knowledge was invaluable.

The best safari oasis  

We’ve have just come back from a 3 night stay at earth lodge. One word incredible. We got to see

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August 19, 2026 Cardiff, UK Website
The best safari oasis  
Mandy H    August 19, 2026   Cardiff, UK    Website   
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We’ve have just come back from a 3 night stay at earth lodge. One word incredible. We got to see the big 5 and a lot more animals. The game drives were amazing. The Knowledge of the tracker (Donald) and our guide (Helen) was exceptional and they ensured we were able to see everything. We seen leopards, cheetahs and lions. You stop for a morning coffee out in the bush and sundowners in the evening, this was also excellently organised. The rooms are absolutely stunning with the biggest mini bar I’ve ever seen. The drink options are fantastic. Super comfortable rooms and luxurious. Food was superb. Each evening there was a different location for dinner excellently curated by the team at the hotel, with food prepared to a very high standard. We also used the gym facilities which were great. The service and operational standards at this hotel are exceptional. I would 100% stay at this lodge again it was such an incredible experience

100% Recommended  

Recommendations were great and all the arrangements worked smoothly. Andy was always reachable and receptive to requests and modification. 100%

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July 26, 2026 CL Website
100% Recommended  
Sven Gysling    July 26, 2026   CL    Website   
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Recommendations were great and all the arrangements worked smoothly. Andy was always reachable and receptive to requests and modification. 100% recommended.

Best in the bushes  

What a memorable stay.
Our experience was perfect from start to finish. Booking the experience through Andy set the tone

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May 6, 2026 ZA Website
Best in the bushes  
Candice Tehini    May 6, 2026   ZA    Website   
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What a memorable stay.
Our experience was perfect from start to finish. Booking the experience through Andy set the tone for the stress-free bush experience.

From the vanilla scented towels, to the delicious food, exciting game drives and phenomenal staff, our stay at Shiduli was magical from the second we arrived and lives in our hearts long after we left.

Your helpful staff greeted us as we arrived and and were with us every step of the way... literally. We were escorted to our private villa by Gary, who my children absolutely adored. Richard, in the bar was on form and Gogo Dorris had faith that we would see lions... which we did.

Thandy and Karen were friendly, professional and made us feel like old friends. We will definitely be back and will bring our friends and family so they can share in this beautiful gem.


Thornybush River Lodge - Image Gallery

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Thornybush The River Lodge Special Rates and Bookings BREAKFAST DINING
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QUICK FACTS

  • The Lodge Sleeps 12 guests in total
  • 4 x 2 sleeper suites & 1 x 4 sleeper suite (Royal Suite)
  • The main pool is available for use for guests, and each suite has its own private plunge pool
  • There is a television with satellite available in the main lounge
  • A mini-bar fridge is provided in each suite and we will more than happily stock it with drinks of your preference.
  • All suites have air conditioners & WIFI is available throughout the lodge and suites.
  • International adapters are available for charging equipment
  • The River Lodge is situated in a Big-5 game reserve. Although an elephant fence assists in preventing elephants from gaining access into the lodge grounds, they and other wildlife do pass through. Please exercise caution at all times and listen to guides and lodge staff.
  • The lodge is situated in a low-risk malaria area. Please consult your doctor for the correct prophylaxis before travel.
  • Private vehicles are to be requested in advance and are subject to availability and an extra charge.

Thornybush River Lodge - Video

Thornybush Game Reserve

No part of Africa is without mystery; it has captured the imagination of the world and thrills us with its untold secrets! Thornybush Nature Reserve is no exception. Situated in the lush bushveld of the Lowveld, the private reserve has a fascinating history dating back to 1955, when the original Thornybush farm measured just 1640 hectares.

Today the Thornybush Game Reserve forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park after the north-eastern boundary fence was removed in 2017.  This has allowed for natural wildlife migration patterns to resume, which has resulted in a supreme game-viewing experience. It’s not unusual to witness some of the great Kruger tuskers exploring new Thornybush territories, as well as the rare white lions of the Timbavati. Both the critically endangered black and white rhino call Thornybush home, whilst the iconic leopard and cheetah are regular sightings.  Painted Wild dogs; also listed as threatened, make regular trips to Thornybush adding to the excitement of a safari at Thornybush. 

The Reserve is constantly undergoing various research projects focused on the many wildlife species found in the area. Nature conservation is prioritized on the Reserve. Thornybush was the first recipient ever of an entire elephant herd from the Kruger National Park.  It fiercely defends its rhino population with a strong counter-poaching presence on the ground. Thornybush also captured the first recording of a white wildebeest born in the wild and is the home of many wildlife documentaries that have aired on international television stations.

Thornybush - Wildlife Gallery

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ENQUIRE FORM - THORNYBUSH RIVER LODGE