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Thornybush Waterside Lodge

5.0 star property

Photo gallery for Thornybush Waterside Lodge

Breakfast, lunch and dinner served
Suite (11 & 12)
Lobby sitting area
Lake
Exterior

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Spa
  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Restaurant

Explore the area

View map
Thornybush Game Reserve, Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, 1380
  • Place, Selati Nature Reserve
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Place, Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate
    ‪45 min drive‬
  • Place, Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre
    ‪53 min drive‬
  • Airport, Hoedspruit (HDS)
    ‪40 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Suite

Suite

Suite

  • Garden view
  • 60 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed OR 2 Single Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Suite (11 & 12)

Suite (11 & 12)

Suite (11 & 12)

  • Garden view
  • 120 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

About the area

Thornybush Game Reserve

A luxury stay in Thornybush Game Reserve awaits you at Thornybush Waterside Lodge. You'll be 4 km (2.5 mi) from Selati Nature Reserve and 18.6 km (11.6 mi) from Nyani Cultural Village. Highlights at this lodge include a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool and free daily breakfast. .A day of pampering can include massages and body scrubs along with aromatherapy and mani/pedis. For a drink, you can stop by the lodge's own lounge bar. Enjoy access to a wildlife and game drive and game viewing. Plus you'll find Wi-Fi in public areas, a conference centre and a coffee shop/cafe. Each morning free breakfast is served. There's also free self parking, along with the convenience of an airport shuttle. .With a stay at this 5-property class Thornybush Game Reserve lodge, you'll be 26.6 km (16.5 mi) from Mafunyani Cultural Village and 27.2 km (16.9 mi) from Tintswalo Hospital.
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What's nearby

  • Selati Nature Reserve - 9 min drive - 4.1 km
  • Timbavati Private Nature Reserve - 36 min drive - 27.6 km
  • Nyani Cultural Village - 43 min drive - 22.8 km
  • Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate - 45 min drive - 41.4 km
  • Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre - 53 min drive - 50.3 km

Getting around

  • Hoedspruit (HDS) - 115 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Bush Pub & Inn - ‬23 min drive
  • ‪Kapama Southern Camp Restaurant - ‬41 min drive
  • ‪Boma - ‬38 min drive

About this property

Thornybush Waterside Lodge

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 centre 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 centre
  • Business facilities
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Concierge
  • Wedding services available
  • Library
  • Terrace
  • Lift
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
  • Coffee shop
  • Dining venue
Thornybush Waterside Lodge offers 20 air-conditioned accommodations with a safe and complimentary bottles of 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 a separate bath and shower, bathrobes, slippers and complimentary toiletries. Housekeeping is offered on a daily basis and hairdryers can be requested.
Guests can pamper themselves by indulging in the on-site spa services. Services include facials, body scrubs, body treatments and manicures and pedicures. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy.

Similar properties

View from property
Tomo Safari Lodge
Hoedspruit
  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • All-inclusive
  • Parking included
4.9 out of 5, Exceptional, 20 reviews
Tomo Safari Lodge

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • Return airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking
  • 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

Family friendly

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

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • Business centre
  • Computer station
  • Conference centre
  • Meeting room

Outdoors

  • In a national park
  • Terrace

Spa

  • Aromatherapy
  • Body scrubs
  • Facials
  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Massage

Accessibility

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

More

  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bathroom

  • Dressing gowns
  • 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 and check-out are available
Late check-in subject to availability

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Contactless check-out

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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

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.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

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.

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 organisation.

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

Is parking available at Thornybush Waterside Lodge?

Yep, Thornybush Waterside Lodge has a free self car park.

Is there a spa on site at Thornybush Waterside Lodge?

There's no onsite spa, but this property does offer services like body scrubs and facials.

Does Thornybush Waterside Lodge have a pool?

Thornybush Waterside Lodge has an outdoor pool.

What makes Thornybush Waterside Lodge a romantic place to stay?

A lounge bar, plus private balconies in the guestrooms, help set the scene for a romantic weekend at Thornybush Waterside Lodge.

Is Thornybush Waterside Lodge family-friendly?

You bet! With amenities such as babysitting services, laundry facilities and an outdoor pool, it's no surprise that Thornybush Waterside Lodge is a hit with families.

Does Thornybush Waterside Lodge serve breakfast?

Sure does, complimentary full breakfast is on offer daily.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Thornybush Waterside Lodge?

No, but there's an airport shuttle for a fee.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Thornybush Waterside Lodge?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and an onsite restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

What time are check-in & check-out at Thornybush Waterside Lodge?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM. Check-out time is 10 AM.

Are pets allowed at Thornybush Waterside Lodge?

No, pets and service animals are not allowed.

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

Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

K

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Vanessa

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carlos Eduardo

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
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

dierin

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
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Pedro

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
Verified

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.
Verified

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.
Verified

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
Verified

8/10 Good

Julio

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!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Frank

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.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

greg

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.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

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.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Zelda

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

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

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