This is an extraordinary place. The game drives with Grant and Simon were by far the best of our two week trip to Africa and never less than wonderful. We saw great wildlife and Grant was not only familiar with the wildlife but also the flora and fauna. Melanie, Grant and Melanie's staff and our wonderful server Glory made us feel so very welcome- like friends rather than patrons. The food and facilities were excellent. Everything was so thoughtfully considered. For example, properties always encourage reuse of towels for environmental reasons but elsewhere never have sufficient place to spread out towels to dry. By contrast Thornybush had great standalone racks to hang the large plush towels. Our "cabin" had a soaking tub and both an outdoor and an indoor shower. Dinner was served in a number of different locations under the stars on the vast property which was fun and much more interesting than at the same place night after night. We have been on other supposedly 5 star safaris in Africa and India and lots of 5 star resorts but nothing can compare with Thornybush. I originally thought that 4 nights might be too long for a stay but it was much, much too short- I didn't even manage to enjoy the pool or spa or take a bush walk. Even absent the game drives Thornybush would be superlative but of course the game drives are the main reason for visiting and just amazing and the combination is just stupendous!! Our stay was absolutely perfect in every way. Thank you so much!!!

Just completed our 3 day stay at the Game Lodge at Thornybush Game Reserve. We have really good things to say about our experience here.

Firstly the reserve is aptly named; there are a lot of thorny trees and bushes we encountered on all of our game drives. Dodging some of these was probably our only physical exercise during the stay.

Everything else was smooth as silk. The meals were always on time and we must have over eaten on every single occasion. Brekkie was fabulous all three days and the pan seared fish on the first night night's dinner was a masterpiece. On the 3rd night dinner in the wild was also a cool experience as was tasting impala meat. Their chef is really something, I must say.

The Chalet type rooms were nice and comfy. There is an open air shower for each chalet which is quite an experience.

The game drives were fabulous. We saw lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, rhinos and many other animals out in the reserve. On one such encounter one or two of the lion cubs were exceptionally close to our vehicle and looked like they would almost jump into the vehicle. That was a bit scary but a really cool experience.

Special mention for our ranger Hendrix and his tracker Simon who were absolutely fabulous. Although they must have done this a thousand times, they were always enthusiastic and indeed as keen to show us around the reserve as we were to explore.

All in all, this was a fabulous holiday and we wish the folks at Thornybush the very best

If one is seeking to go on a safari, this is the place to go, and the place to stay. The safari experience was extraordinarily wonderful. We saw all the wild animals we dreamed of seeing, and our rangers and trackers were amazing.

With regard to the lodge, it was fabulous. The management and staff were wonderful. They were friendly and efficient, and attended to our every need. The individual houses were quiet and comfortable with large bathrooms and the best showers we experienced on our trip, and four poster beds with mosquito netting. It was like living in a dream.

The food in the main lodge was absolutely delicious (breakfast, lunch and dinner), and the outdoor setting delightful. Baboons were ever present along with my favorites, the warthogs, and elephants just outside the perimeter fencing.

My wife and I could not recommend this place more highly. Five stars across the board.