Thornybush Game Reserve

Limpopo Province , South Africa

Set against the backdrop of the majestic Drakensberg Mountains and lying adjacent to the Kruger National Park and Timbavati Nature Reserve (but separated by a fence line) is one of the Lowvelds premier private reserves – the Thornybush Game Reserve. The 11 500 hectare reserve was once part of a farming region which focused on livestock and agriculture however thanks to the foresight of certain individuals this was changed and the reserve was proclaimed in 1979.

The area is made up of mostly mixed woodland and open savannah which is bisected by a number of dry riverine tributaries. The northern section of the reserve is made up mostly of attractive open areas and small clearings whilst the south, which has a higher rainfall, is comprised of mixed veld and dense stands of large trees. Because of the variation in habitat types and ecosystems the biodiversity is quite high. The reserve is home to a diverse number of fauna and flora and the game viewing is excellent. Of the mammals here there is good general game, the Big Five including black and white rhino and cheetah. Temperatures are generally pleasant in Thornybush. Summers (rainy season) consist of hot days and warm evenings with occasional thunderstorms whilst winters (dry season) have pleasant days and mild to cold evenings. Species which can be seen are:

• Over 55 large mammal species
• 264 bird species
• Around 85 trees
• And 55 species of reptile.

There is a high density of camps and lodges in the reserve and the reserve. Most activities in Thornybush Game Reserve are based around safaris and the wildlife however there are other options. Game drives and walks are the most popular of these with skilled guides and trackers helping guests to experience the African bush as they seek out the local wildlife often tracking their spoor or by reading other signs of the bush. Other activities include hides, visits to the cheetah breeding project, local cultural tours, white water rafting and trips to the nearby Blyde River Canyon and the Drakensberg Escarpment.

Thornybush Camps and Lodges

There is a variety of accommodation in the Thornybush Game Reserve ranging from reasonably priced self catering camps to ultra luxurious lodges such as:

• Thornybush Game Lodge
• Waterbuck
• Nkaya
• Royal Malewane
• Shumbalala
• Nkelenga
• Serondella
• Chapungu

Thornybush Game Reserve is easily accessible by both road and air. The reserve is five to six hours drive from Johannesburg or an hour’s flight. The closest airport is the Eastgate Airport which is approximately thirty minutes drive away and transfers are available. Other airports which can be used but not as close are Phalaborwa and Kruger Mpumalanga International (Nelspruit). Some of the lodges have their own private airstrips which can be accessed by private charter.