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The River Lodge at Thornybush

5.0 star property
Colonial lodge with free breakfast and free valet parking

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Photo gallery for The River Lodge at Thornybush

Interior
Royal Suite | Terrace/patio
Lobby lounge
Deluxe Suite | 1 bedroom, Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, free minibar
Reception

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Room service
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

Map
Road D1771, Orpen Road, Thornybush Game Reserve, Hoedspruit, Limpopo, 1380
  • Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre
  • Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate
  • Mafunyani Cultural Village
  • Hoedspruit (HDS)

Room options

About the neighborhood

Thornybush Game Reserve

The River Lodge at Thornybush places you 5.4 mi (8.6 km) from Mafunyani Cultural Village and 8.5 mi (13.6 km) from Ehlanzeni Collage. This 4-room, 5-star lodge has private in-room plunge pools along with an outdoor pool and free in-room WiFi.
View more Lodges in Thornybush Game ReserveOpens in a new window

Getting around

  • Hoedspruit (HDS) - 86 min drive

About this property

The River Lodge at Thornybush

Colonial lodge with free breakfast and free valet parking
Guests of The River Lodge at Thornybush enjoy features like an outdoor pool, free WiFi in public areas, and a library. Free valet and self parking are available, or if you're not driving, take the airport shuttle (available on request) for ZAR 600 per person one-way. The 24-hour front desk has staff standing by to help with concierge services and dry cleaning/laundry. Other amenities at this luxury lodge include a terrace, laundry facilities, and a garden.
Guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Beds are dressed in Egyptian cotton sheets and bathrooms offer deep soaking tubs, rainfall showers, hair dryers, and designer toiletries. Other standard amenities include private plunge pools, fireplaces, and free minibar items.
Recreational amenities at the lodge include an outdoor pool.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Languages

English

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge) from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on request
  • Free self parking on site
  • Free valet parking on site

Food and drink

  • Free full breakfast available daily 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant
  • Snack bar/deli

Restaurants on site

  • The River Lodge Kitchen

Things to do

  • Library
  • Outdoor pool
  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Private plunge pool
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Laundry facilities

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Turndown service
  • Wedding services

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • 1 floor
  • 8 buildings
  • Built in 2006
  • Colonial architecture
  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Egyptian cotton sheets

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Deep soaking bathtub
  • Designer toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Slippers
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Private plunge pool

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Free stocked minibar
  • Refrigerator
  • Room service

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Fireplace
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Laptop workspace
  • Phone
  • Safe
  • Separate sitting area

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 8:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; your host will greet you
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets or service animals

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

  • Destination fee: ZAR 495 per person, per night

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

This property's mandatory destination/conservation and tourism fees are collected in advance of arrival to ensure access to the property.

Optional extras

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

  • Airport shuttle fee: ZAR 600 per person (one-way)
  • Airport shuttle fee per child: ZAR 600 (one-way), (from 1 to 8 years old)

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

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, debit cards, and cash
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
  • Check-in: 2 PM
  • Check-out: 10 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is open 24 hours a day. For convenient arrivals and departures, you can take advantage of the airport shuttle (available during limited hours), which is offered for a fee. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • Noise-free rooms can't be guaranteed.

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

River Lodge Thornybush
River Lodge Thornybush Hoedspruit
River Thornybush
River Thornybush Hoedspruit
Thornybush River Lodge
The River At Thornybush
The River Lodge at Thornybush Lodge
The River Lodge at Thornybush Hoedspruit
The River Lodge at Thornybush Lodge Hoedspruit

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do close to The River Lodge at Thornybush?

This lodge is located in Thornybush Game Reserve, close to Mafunyani Cultural Village.

Is there parking available at The River Lodge at Thornybush?

Yes, valet parking and self parking are offered for free at the lodge.

Does The River Lodge at Thornybush include a casino?

No, The River Lodge at Thornybush doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at The River Lodge at Thornybush?

No, this lodge doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is an outdoor pool.

What amenities will couples enjoy at The River Lodge at Thornybush?

There are many amenities for couples at this lodge, including a private plunge pool and a fireplace in each guestroom with some featuring river views.

Does The River Lodge at Thornybush have a hot tub?

No, this lodge doesn't have a spa tub.

Does The River Lodge at Thornybush feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

Yes, The River Lodge at Thornybush serves free full breakfasts at The River Lodge Kitchen each morning.

Will The River Lodge at Thornybush allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets and service animals aren't allowed at The River Lodge at Thornybush.

Does The River Lodge at Thornybush have connecting rooms?

No, this lodge doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

How far is the airport from The River Lodge at Thornybush?

The closest major airport to The River Lodge at Thornybush is Hoedspruit (HDS), which is about 13.3 mi away.

Are there rooms with balconies at The River Lodge at Thornybush?

Yes, every guestroom at The River Lodge at Thornybush comes with a deck with some featuring river views.

Does The River Lodge at Thornybush offer wedding services?

If you plan to exchange vows during your trip, consider the wedding services available at The River Lodge at Thornybush.

The River Lodge at Thornybush Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 10 out of 11 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 11 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 11 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 11 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 11 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Business traveler, Traveled with partner
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We stayed at River Lodge in May 2019 ( Royal suite). Very comfortable spacious accommodations with mix of XIX century and modern styles. Staff is professional: respectful of the guests privacy and available to assist when needed. There are only 6 suits and, therefore, just a few guests around; so you’d get to enjoy the nature unaffected by human noise. Chefs: Anna and Nomi were excellent and their cooking was very enjoyable. Ranger team ( Darryn and Abed) were always able to find an exciting scene for us. We had two games every day and they were never old or repetitive. Saw all big 5 within 2 days. There is no 24h room service; so if you think you might need something at night( we were quite affected by the jet lag), make sure to ask in advance. In the evening Anna always left us an early (4am) snack for us to enjoy before 6am game. Mornings are chilly in May ; so bring a warm hat:) there was a pool , but we were way more excited to see an elegant drinking from it than swim ourselves. How to get there: Lodge will pick you up from Hoedspruit airport( about40min drive). Highly recommend. Lovely place.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Sheila, Charlotte

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

There are no words....

...that do this "experience" justice! I love to travel and have been blessed to be able to do so, but this, BY FAR was the most treasured experience of my 54 year old life! The Service was impeccable starting off with their beautiful greeting, the tour of the accommodations all the way to your warm loving send off- Truly people who love what they do and are anxious to share their love for Kruger Natational Park and South Africa. The culinary master pieces Thulani and Anna delivered were something to look forward to every day. We started asking for our favorites and they eagerly wanted to deliver excellence on anything we asked for. The Malva Pudding was my personal favorite but everything I had at The River Lodge @ Thornybush was Top Shelf! Safaris w/ Roux and Jeremy will be treasured forever. What I found amazingly different about this daily activity is that even though we did this up to twice a day I looked forward to it as if it were the first time-they worked hard and made sure each outing stood on its own to be unique with a touch of the divine.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2017

10/10 Excellent

corey, ogunquit, me

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

Outstanding hotel and staff. Safari+++

The staff and accommodation a were great! Huge private villa with your own deep patio pool. 2 game drives per day that were top notch. It was pricier than other options, but we were extremely happy that we chose this option.

10/10 Excellent

Karen, Hong kong

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

Great staff, location and game drives

Fantastic rooms, warm pool and beautiful outlook

10/10 Excellent

Nicky, Auckland, NZ

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

Safari experience deluxe

We were blown away by the safari adventure, food, scenery and friendly knowledgeable staff at the River Lodge @ Thornybush. We saw most of the big 5 in our first game drive! This cosy and personal lodge will not disappoint

10/10 Excellent

Alex, Kansas City, MO, USA

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

Amazing experience in a super-friendly atmosphere

We had an amazing time at the Riverlodge. The accomodation was very clean and well-maintained, the rooms were luxurious and elegant and the overall atmosphere verycomforting and relaxing. The game drives very well-organized and diverse - we saw all big 5 animals on our 4 excursions, but we also spend time looking at and learning about the smaller things: insects, birds, vegatation, which was very interesting. My favorite thing were the meals, though: we sat together with our hosts and shared stories about the park, the animals and also South Africa in general. It was very much like a family setting, very comfortable, inviting and also fun. I definitely recommend this place and already want to go back. One thing to note: we called in advance about airport pick-up from Hoedspruit airport and must have reached a wrong number via our expedia booking confirmation. We were told that there is no pick-up and we had to rent a rental car from the airport, which is not true: the lodge can offer pick-up and I recommend contacting the correct number on their website to arrange it.

10/10 Excellent

Isabela

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

Exelente !!!!

gostaria de dizer sobre a minha excelente estadia no hotel, foi tudo maravilhoso , muito melhor do que eu poderia imaginar ! Hotel lindo com uma linda vista , nosso quarto era excelente , grande e com tudo que precisávamos para uma excelente estadia , com muitos animais, inclusive elefantes passando na frente para nos fazer uma visita ! Gostaríamos de agradecer ao excelente atendimento de todos do hotel , toda equipe foi oque fez nossa estadia ser ainda melhor . Os safáris foram muito bom Com nosso Rager Stanley nos explicando e tirando todas as dúvidas que tínhamos ! Obrigada a todos por tornar nossa lua de mel ainda mais inesquecível !!!

8/10 Good

I + R, Österreich

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Direkt im Park mit viel Komfort uv

Die Anfahrt muss neu erklärt werden, sonst kein Ankommen möglich; Bungalows riesig, aber nicht besonders sauber, Christin kocht für alle (Max. 8 Gäste) täglich frisch, aber nicht abwechslungsreich, gemütliches Beisammensein nach den Drives an einem gemeinsamen Tisch, super! Wasser kommt aus dem nahe gelegenen Fluss direkt aus dem Grundwasser (Achtung, darauf weist niemand hin).

10/10 Excellent

Sandra

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

10/10 Excellent

Chong, Voorburg

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

Place to go for game drives in private setting

With only 4 rooms max 8 people this private game resort is the place to go if you really want to enjoy luxury at your own pace and to your own like. The setting of this lodge is perfect, you really enjoy safari as it should be with almost all the animals passing through right at your door step! With their highly dedicated serviced minded friendly staff making your stay to something you will never forget. Game drives are perfectly tuned to your wishes and everything possibly is done to make your wishes come through by their highly professional and passioned rangers.

10/10 Excellent

Ruth, Bayern

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

Versteckter Juwel

Die Lodge, wenn auch sehr schwierig zu finden, ist ein Traum. Alles perfekt! Das Team vor Ort ist sehr aufmerksam und zuvorkommend. Die angebotenen Safaris waren perfekt organisiert und mit viel Liebe zum Tier und der Natur aufbereitet. Zum Sonnenuntergang gabs eine kleine Pause mit Wein und Snack. Unser Guide war sehr aufmerksam und schaffte es dass wir schon am ersten Abend drei der "big 5" aus nächster Nähe und in aller Ruhe beobachten, den restlichen 2 begegneten wir in der Morgensafari und natürlich viele, viele mehr. Erholung pur nach den Safaris im eigenem Pool und mit Blick auf vorbeiziehende Elefanten. Gnus, Affen und Impalas sind ständige Gäste an der Lodge. Das Essen, vor allem das Frühstück war abwechslungsreich und sehr landestypisch-lecker. Schade, 2 Tage waren einfach zu kurz

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