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Thornybush Waterside Lodge

5.0 star property
Luxurious 5-star lodge with outdoor pool

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Photo gallery for Thornybush Waterside Lodge

Lobby lounge
Breakfast, lunch and dinner served
Property entrance
Exterior
Suite (11 & 12) | Minibar, in-room safe, free WiFi

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry

Explore the area

Map
Thornybush Game Reserve, Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, 1380
  • Jessica the Hippo
  • Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate
    ‪48 min drive‬
  • Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre
    ‪55 min drive‬
  • Hoedspruit (HDS)
    ‪38 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Suite

Suite | Minibar, in-room safe, free WiFi

Suite

  • 646 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Suite (11 & 12)

Suite (11 & 12) | Minibar, in-room safe, free WiFi

Suite (11 & 12)

  • 1292 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

About the neighborhood

Thornybush Game Reserve

Thornybush Game Reserve retreat .You'll be within 3 miles (5 km) of Selati Nature Reserve and 12 miles (20 km) of Nyani Cultural Village. Mafunyani Cultural Village and Tintswalo Hospital are also within 20 miles (32 km).
View more Lodges in Thornybush Game ReserveOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Selati Nature Reserve - 7 min drive - 2.1 miles
  • Nyani Cultural Village - 46 min drive - 14.2 miles
  • Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate - 48 min drive - 25.3 miles
  • Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre - 55 min drive - 30.3 miles

Getting around

  • Hoedspruit (HDS) - 115 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Bush Pub & Inn - ‬23 min drive
  • ‪Boma - ‬33 min drive

About this property

Thornybush Waterside Lodge

Luxurious 5-star lodge with outdoor pool
There's a restaurant on site, as well as a coffee shop/cafe. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Free breakfast is served daily. A computer station is on site and WiFi is available in public spaces for a fee.

Business amenities include a business center and a meeting room. An outdoor pool, spa services, and a library are also featured at the luxury Thornybush Waterside Lodge. Free self parking is available.

This 5-star Thornybush Game Reserve lodge is smoke free.

  • 20 guestrooms or units
  • Full breakfast (free)
  • Supervised kid's activities
  • Childcare (surcharge)
  • Conference center
  • Business facilities
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Concierge
  • Wedding services available
  • Library
  • Terrace
  • Elevator
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
  • Coffee shop
  • Dining venue
Thornybush Waterside Lodge offers 20 air-conditioned accommodations with safes and complimentary bottled water. Rooms open to balconies or patios. This Thornybush Game Reserve lodge provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Guests can make use of the in-room coffee/tea makers and minibars. Bathrooms include separate bathtubs and showers, bathrobes, slippers, and complimentary toiletries. Housekeeping is offered daily and hair dryers can be requested.
Guests can pamper themselves by indulging in the onsite spa services. Services include facials, body scrubs, body treatments, and manicures and pedicures. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy.

Languages

English

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  • Breakfast included
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Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Babysitting (surcharge)
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Supervised activities for children

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: WiFi (ZAR 80 per stay)

Parking and transportation

  • Roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Free full breakfast available daily
  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A restaurant

Things to do

  • Game drive
  • Game viewing
  • Library
  • Outdoor pool

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Elevator
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking

Room amenities

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Private bathroom
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Slippers
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Free bottled water
  • Limited room service
  • Minibar

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Phone
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Contactless check-in available
Late check-in subject to availability

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property ahead of time using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 5 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • Pets and service animals are not allowed at Thornybush Waterside Lodge

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for wireless internet in public areas: ZAR 80.00 per stay (rates may vary)

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property accepts Visa and Mastercard. Cash is not accepted.

Per property policy, children under 6 years old are not permitted on game drives.

We should mention

  • Pets and service animals are not allowed on site.

National rating

Quality Graded by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) – South Africa's official quality assurance organization.

Property is also known as

Thornybush Waterside Lodge Hoedspruit
Thornybush Waterside Hoedspruit
Thornybush Waterside
Thornybush Waterside Lodge Bushbuckridge
Thornybush Waterside Bushbuckridge
Lodge Thornybush Waterside Lodge Bushbuckridge
Bushbuckridge Thornybush Waterside Lodge Lodge
Thornybush Waterside
Lodge Thornybush Waterside Lodge
Thornybush Waterside
Thornybush Waterside Lodge Lodge
Thornybush Waterside Lodge Bushbuckridge
Thornybush Waterside Lodge Lodge Bushbuckridge

Frequently asked questions

How close is Thornybush Waterside Lodge to the airport?

Thornybush Waterside Lodge is 28.5 mi (115-min drive) away from the Hoedspruit (HDS) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does Thornybush Waterside Lodge have an airport shuttle?

Thornybush Waterside Lodge offers an airport shuttle.

Does Thornybush Waterside Lodge offer free breakfast?

Thornybush Waterside Lodge offers free full breakfast every day.

Is there a casino at Thornybush Waterside Lodge?

No, there is no casino at this lodge.

What time is check-in at Thornybush Waterside Lodge?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight.

Is there free parking at Thornybush Waterside Lodge?

This lodge offers free self parking.

Does Thornybush Waterside Lodge have a pool?

Thornybush Waterside Lodge features an outdoor pool.

Does Thornybush Waterside Lodge have a restaurant?

Yes, there is a restaurant on site.

Does Thornybush Waterside Lodge have a spa?

This lodge doesn't have a spa, but it does offer aromatherapy, facials, and body scrubs.

How close is Thornybush Waterside Lodge to downtown Thornybush Game Reserve?

Thornybush Waterside Lodge is 4.6 mi away from Thornybush Game Reserve.

Thornybush Waterside Lodge Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 16 out of 17 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 17 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 17 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 17 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 17 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Zelda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

K, Geneva Switzerland

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

couldn't find a fault

Incredible attention to detail from the moment we arrived until our departure. This is a beautiful, comfortable oasis with highly trained and professional staff. Rangers and trackers better than anywhere I've been before.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2018

10/10 Excellent

Vanessa, Australia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Exceeded All Expectations

Thornybush was perfect from beginning to end. The staff, accomodation, food and game drives all exceeded our expectations. Well done Thornybush, we will be back.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2018

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2017

10/10 Excellent

Lidia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

African Safari at its best

If you want to see African wild life and experience a luxury lodge, this is the place to go. We spent three nights at this fabulous resort. The facilities, meals and service are five star level. We enjoyed two safari outings per day with experienced and knowledgeable staff who made sure we were safe and comfortable all the time. We saw the big 5 plus many other animals, including beautiful birds. A great experience...I just wish we could go back every year,
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2017

10/10 Excellent

dierin, turks and caicos

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Best trip ever Great safaris Good food

We loved this trip everything was perfect but we thought the weather would be warmer Need to travel during their summer months Which is our winter We're from the Turks and caicos and not acclamaited to the cold We saw everything on the safaris Our guide Enoch was the best Fantastic accommodations and food
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2017

10/10 Excellent

Nicole

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Highly recommend

Our experience at Thornybush Waterside Lodge exceeded our expectations at every level!! The service, the food, the cleanliness and amenities of the property but most of all the people!!! I cannot say enough good things about this place. Just go!! What a fabulous vacation.

10/10 Excellent

cindy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Loved the safari drives everyday. The guides do a great job of making sure you get to see and take great pictures. Food was amazing and the room was very nice. Would highly recommend

8/10 Good

Julio, Dominican Republic

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great Safary Experience!

My wife and I spend 3 nights at Thornybush Waterside Lodge. It was a great experience!!! . Great game drives with very knowledgeable and attentive ranger and tracker!! Great experience! Very ralaxing ambiance with really attentive staff!! We enjoyed it a lot!! Will recommend it to others!

10/10 Excellent

Frank, NYC

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Best Safari Lodge

Amazing experience. Staff is great and lodge is amazing. Got to see all of the Big 5 and a TON of other animals. Ranger Jukula and tracker Abraham were very friendly and very devoted to providing the best experience possible.

10/10 Excellent

greg, calif.

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Thornybush Safari game lodge

From the time of our arrival we had the most amazing time… Game drive in the morning comeing back for lunch. Game drive in the evening come back for dinner .. First class all the way.. We were extremely lucky to find the Thornybush collection. We stayed at waterside lodge But The River Lodge was spectacular also. 5 people from So. California. Trip of a life time. But will be back next November.

10/10 Excellent

Andrew, Sydney

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Amazing Luxury Safari Experience for Honeymoon

If you like seeing wildlife, eating good food, and staying in luxurious surroundings then Thornybush is the place for you! When we arrived there was a problem with our booking due to a miscommunication between hotels.com and Thornybush. However, the Thornybush Group CEO personally contacted us, resolved the problem, and made sure our stay was amazing. We were blown away by the hospitality shown by the Thornybush team. We came here for our honeymoon, and they provided several romantic surprises for us during our stay. We saw the Big 5 and more every single day. We even saw leopards AND both black and white rhinos. You get a guide and a tracker - they work hard and in cooperation with the other guides in the private reserve to find wildlife for you. The food is amazing and plentiful. The service is great - you get a personal butler who looks after your needs every day. You'll want for nothing when you stay. We were really sad to leave in the end. This particular lodge overlooks a watering hole - we got to enjoy gin and tonics while watching hippos - nothing better! I recommend Thornybush to anyone who wants to see wildlife with a luxury safari experience.

10/10 Excellent

Tathiana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A experiência no Thornybush Waterlodge foi excelente! O staff é muito gentil e simpático, sempre muito prestativo. Os games são muito bem organizados, com ranger e tracker muito experientes. Altamente recomendado!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Carlos Eduardo , Brasil

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Lodge maravilhoso

Lodge com passeios de safari diários onde vimos quase todos os Big5 e foi muito emocionante. O quarto é muito grande e a decoração não contrasta com o parque. A área comum e o restaurante são muito bons. Tinha medo de ficar entendiado mas o tempo passou muito rápido e foi uma ótima esperiencia.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2017

10/10 Excellent

Aldo José

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Só se você quiser ter uma experiência unica

Perfeita
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2017

10/10 Excellent

Pedro, Sao Paulo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Excelente lodge

Lodge muito confortavel. quartos espaçosos e comida boa. conseguimos ver o big five. valeu muito a pena

10/10 Excellent

FREDERICO

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Hotel excelente

Excelente hotel, com equipe capacitada e muito atenciosa. Recomendo o hotel.