Monwana Game Lodge
Monwana Game Lodge offers a unique blend of luxury and wilderness. This secluded haven invites you to experience the raw beauty of Africa in unparalleled comfort.
Reasons to Visit Thornybush Game Reserve
- * Good wildlife viewing with all of the Big Five present * Part of the vast Greater Kruger ecosystem * Day and night drives and walking safaris available * Off-road driving in open vehicles * Lodges catering to different budgets * Lions are regularly seen
Thornybush Game Reserve Wildlife
Thornybush has dropped fences with Timbavati, which is open to Kruger Park and is, therefore, part of a large ecosystem. All of the Big Five are regularly seen as well as spotted hyena, cheetah and hippo. Wild dog sometimes passes through and viewing opportunities are especially good when they choose to den in the reserve.Thornybush has more than 280 bird species recorded. Although the focus tends to be more on mammals, Thornybush is a good birding destination. If you are a serious birder, sharing a vehicle with other guests might be frustrating. Therefore, it would be advisable to book private drives. Walking safaris and night drives both add to the bird-watching experience and increase the chances of seeing a variety of species. Migratory birds are present from November to April.
Black RhinoOccasional
BuffaloCommon
CheetahOccasional
ElephantCommon
GiraffeCommon
HippoCommon
HyenaCommon
LeopardOccasional
LionCommon
RhinoOccasional
Wild DogRare
WildebeestCommon
ZebraCommon
Wildlife Highlights
The usually very shy and secretive black rhino is spotted and tracked in Thornybush quite regularly. Night drives are excellent with possible sightings of genet, civet and caracal, as well as porcupine. Lion are easily seen, and the very rare white lion, from neighboring Timbavati, has also been spotted on several occasions.
Best Time to Visit Thornybush Game Reserve
Best Time to Visit
Best Weather
Worst Weather
May to September is the best time for wildlife viewing at Thornybush. These are the winter months, and they coincide with the Dry season. At this time wildlife gathers around permanent water sources and foliage recedes, making animals easier to spot. September is a particularly good time.
Low Season
- April to September (Prime wildlife viewing)
High Season
- October to March (Not overly crowded)
Thornybush Game Reserve Weather and Climate
Thornybush experiences its winter and summer at opposite times to those seasons in Europe and North America. Winter (May to September) is dry with mild temperatures, while summer (October to April) is wet, hot and humid. Be sure to pack warm clothing for morning and evening game drives. Thundershowers are typical during the Wet season, although rain rarely lasts long.
How to get to Thornybush Game Reserve
O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg is where visitors usually arrive from abroad. From here, Federal Air flies twice-daily to Thornybush.Alternatively, you can take a connecting flight from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit Airport (HDS). This airport is close to the reserve, and a transfer can easily be arranged.By Air
There are domestic flights to Hoedspruit Airport that allow you easy access to this region but people can also choose a self-drive option.By Road
Hiring a vehicle in Johannesburg and driving to the park is easy. Thornybush is situated on the R40 near Hoedspruit, to the west of Kruger National Park. The 450km/280mi drive will take about five hours.Where to stay in Thornybush Game Reserve
Thornybush Saseka Tented Camp
Imbued With Idyllic African Wilderness