Our founder, Danielle, and her husband Mike recently spent three unforgettable nights at Thornybush Game Lodge. Here she shares her personal experience of the lodge, the wildlife sightings, and what makes this place so special.
I had the pleasure of spending three unforgettable nights at Thornybush Game Lodge, and it truly exceeded every expectation. As part of the Thornybush collection, this lodge is the larger and more family-friendly property within their collection, but what surprised me most was how incredibly personal the experience still feels. From the moment you arrive, you are welcomed with genuine warmth and thoughtful touches, including a dedicated butler and beautiful handwritten notes waiting in your room.
The game viewing during my stay was simply out of this world. Every drive felt magical and completely different from the last. Our ranger and tracker were exceptional, not only incredibly knowledgeable, but also wonderfully entertaining, passionate, and deeply connected to the bush. What I loved most was how they did not only focus on the big sightings, but also shared the smaller, often overlooked details that make the African wilderness so fascinating.
During our three nights we experienced some truly special sightings. We had more than three incredibly close encounters with both leopards and lions, including a powerful moment hearing a lion roar up close, one of those spine-tingling sounds that reminds you just how wild and alive the bush really is! Another memorable sightings was watching two leopards interacting, something that always feels rare and incredibly special to witness. We also spent beautiful moments with elephants and buffalo, along with many other wonderful sightings throughout the reserve.
As keen bird lovers, we particularly appreciated how our ranger and tracker pointed out the incredible birdlife, as well as fascinating details like different spoors in the sand, insects, flowers and grasses. It made each drive feel like a true learning experience and gave us a deeper appreciation for the complexity and beauty of the ecosystem.
Back at the lodge, the food was honestly exceptional, truly some of the best lodge cuisine I have experienced. You are incredibly well looked after here, and it feels like there is always something delicious appearing. From generous breakfasts after the morning drive, to beautifully prepared lunches, indulgent high teas before heading out again, and wonderful dinners under the African sky, every meal is bursting with flavour, variety and freshness!
The spa was another serious highlight of the stay, and one I would highly recommend making time for. It is such a peaceful, beautifully designed space, and the treatments were absolutely incredible. It was the perfect way to unwind between game drives and soak in the serenity of the surrounding bush.
The rooms are beautifully decorated and incredibly comfortable. The beds are wonderfully plush, and each room has a lovely deck where you can sit quietly and listen to the sounds of the bush around you. The bathrooms are spacious and elegant, and the well-stocked coffee and tea station is a thoughtful touch for those early mornings before heading out on safari.
Thornybush Game Lodge strikes a beautiful balance between luxury, warmth and authentic safari experiences. It is welcoming and relaxed, yet still delivers truly exceptional wildlife viewing and hospitality. Whether travelling as a couple, with friends or as a family, it is a lodge that leaves you with unforgettable memories and a very strong desire to return.
If Thornybush Game Lodge feels like the kind of safari experience you have been dreaming of, I would absolutely love to help you plan your stay. Please feel free to get in touch with us at Undiscovered Africa, and we will take care of every detail to create a truly unforgettable safari.