Thornybush Waterside Lodge

Overview

Thornybush is a private reserve set adjacent South Africa’s magnificent Kruger National Park, combining authentic African safari with the luxury of an exclusive reserve. The lakeshore accommodation at Waterside offers a tranquil haven surrounded by a natural wooded forest and lush manicured garden.

Follow the tracks of the lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino; spot herds of impala from a hot air balloon; or simply relax on the deck and take in the view. Whether you want to host a conference, plan a wedding or just get away from it all for a secluded bush break, this five-star lodge promises to treat you to an unforgettable experience of Africa’s Big Five country.

Children’s Program
Thornybush Luxury Game Lodge Collection prides itself on actively welcoming children of all ages at Thornybush Waterside Lodge
Kids at Thornybush Waterside Lodge have a special program prepared for them prior to their arrival
Some of the activities offered for kids include:
Educational walk with rangers
Treasure hunt
Baking
Face painting

Accommodation

Accommodation at Waterside Lodge comprises of 20 suites, designed in harmony with the natural surroundings but without lacking any of the modern amenities to ensure a comfortable stay.

Thatched suites are appointed with air-conditioning, en-suite bathrooms and crisp white linen and decks provide an opportunity to relax and take in the view from the privacy of your suite. Inter-leading family suites are available, perfect for families or larger groups.

Wildlife

Home to an abundance of wildlife species, Waterside hosts Africa’s famous Big Five as well as 147 species of mammals. Rarer species such as hyena and cheetah roam the 11 500 hectares of pristine wilderness that make up the Thornybush portfolio, together with 114 reptile and 507 bird species.

Woodlands supporting a variety of indigenous flora open onto sprawling savannah plains with a temperate year-round climate.

Conferences

A fully equipped conference facility caters for up to 60 guests, as well as offering wedding packages and accommodating arrangements for special occasions. Hosting a successful breakaway or conferencing function is about combining a dedicated venue with a relaxed atmosphere. Thornybush conference facilities are well-equipped and provide access to a range of exciting activities like the Amani Spa and balloon safaris, all surrounded by the tranquillity of the bush.

Facilities and Services

• White board
• Flip charts
• TV
• Video
• Overhead projector

Seating arrangements

• Theater Style – 60
• Classroom style – 40
• U – shape – 20

Additional Information

• Incentive options such as 4X4 Trails, Bush Orientation and Helicopter Rides are available.
• Extra equipment and a data projector can be hired at an additional cost.

More Info

Children
Children of all ages are welcome at Waterside Lodge, however, children younger than six years of age will not be permitted on safaris or bush walks.
Children 2 – 5 years of age are not permitted on game drive – lodges do offer babysitting facilities at an additional cost.
A special children’s program is available for younger guests staying at Thornybush Waterside Lodge – this is not a full day activity, time will be made during the day for the children.

Excludes:
Conservation Fee & TOMSA Levy

Directions

• BY AIR:

• O R Tambo Johannesburg International – Hoedspruit

• Cape Town International – Hoedspruit

• Transfers to lodge are available

• CHARTER FLIGHTS:

• Private charters on request

• BY ROAD:

From the South

• On the R40, coming from Bushbuckridge continue through Acornhoek towards Klaserie for about 7km.

• Turn right towards Hoedspruit just before Klaserie which remains the R40.

• Continue for 24km towards Hoedspruit and turn right at the Eastgate Airport sign / Argyle Road

• Continue for about 14km, tarred road, and turn right onto Guernsey Road (following the signs to Thornybush Reserve).

• Continue 9km on a gravel road.

From the North

• On the R40 at Hoedspruit take the R4000 South towards Bushbuckridge

• Continue 6km then turn left at the Eastgate Airport sign / Argyle Road.

• Continue 9km, gravel road, and turn left at the Thornybush gate.

From Johannesburg to Thornybush Waterside Lodge.

• Take the N12 to Witbank, where the N12 highway links up with the N4 highway.

• Continue on the N4 in the direction of Nelspruit for approximately 30km past Middleburg, take the R540 to your left and travel through the town of Belfast and Dullstroom to Lydenburg.

• Take the R36 (which becomes to R527) towards Hoedspruit, passing through Origstad and descending down the Able Erasmus Pass.

• At Hoedspruit take the R40 south towards Bushbuckridge and continue 6km then turn left at the Eastgate Airport sign / Argyle Road.

• Continue on Argyle Road for 14km, tarred road, and turn right onto Guernsey Road (following the signs to Thornybush Reserve).

• Continue 9km, gravel road, and turn left into the Thornybush Game Reserve gate.

• Continue a further 2km and turn left at Thornybush Waterside Lodge gate and continue directly to the lodge.

From Pretoria to Thornybush Waterside Lodge

• Take the N4 in the direction of Nelspruit.

• Approximately 30km past Middleburg take the R540 to your left.

• Travel through the town of Belfast and Dullstroom to Lydenburg.

• Take the R36, which becomes to R 527, towards Hoedspruit, passing through Origstad and descending down the Able Erasmus Pass.

• At Hoedspruit take the R40 South towards Bushbuckridge, continue 6km and turn left at the Eastgate Airport sign / Argyle Road, follow Argyle Road for 14km, tarred road, and turn right onto Guernsey Road (following the signs to Thornybush Reserve).

• Continue 9km, gravel road, and turn left into the Thornybush Game Reserve gate.

• Continue a further 2km and turn left at Thornybush Waterside Lodge gate and continue as directed to the Lodge.

From Swaziland to Thornybush Waterside Lodge

• From Jeppe’s Reef border post, follow the R570 North in the direction Malelane.

• Take the N4 highway in the direction of Nelspruit for 64km.

• On arrival in Nelspruit turn right on the R40 in the direction White River.

• Continue through White River, Hazyview and Bushbuckridge to Klaserie, 24 km after Klaserie turn off – turn right at the Eastgate Airport sign / Argyle Road.

• Continue 14km, tarred road, and turn right onto Guernsey Road, (following the signs to Thornybush Reserve).

• Continue 9km, gravel road, and turn left into the Thornybush Game Reserve gate.

Please note: You will need to pay a gate entrance fee of R160 per vehicle and R40 per person.The entrance fee can only be confirmed at the time of making your reservation (Prices subject to change)

GPS:  -24.431000 (latitude) 31.158330 (longitude)