The River
Lodge
Considered to be one of the best-kept secrets in the Thornybush Nature Reserve, The River Lodge offers an intimate safari experience that’s ideal for special occasions. This is made possible by Bongs the butler, Anna and Nomsa who go out of their way to ensure a homely yet sophisticated stay.
Previously an owners private lodge, The River Lodge was converted into luxury accommodation with five freestanding villa-style suites, and is now a firm favorite with guests for its unpretentious style, intimate connection with wildlife and peaceful setting.
ACCOMODATION AT THE RIVER LODGE
Each of the five suites at The River Lodge are separated to ensure extra privacy and are extremely spacious. The honeymoon suite is slightly larger than the others, while the Royal Suite combines two suites with a central area to accommodate a large family or four adults.
Personal Ambience
MAJESTIC VIEWS
OF THE TIMBAVATI RIVER
The River Lodge at Thornybush is located just 20 km from Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre. Kruger National Park’s Orpen Gate is 40 km away Hoedspruit Airport is 50 km from the lodge.
INSIDE THE THORNYBUSH NATURE RESERVE
Thornybush is a 14,000-hectare private nature reserve that shares a fenceless border with the famous Kruger National Park in South Africa. Big 5 encounters are the standout experiences for our guests, with visitors particularly impressed with the lion and leopard sightings. It’s the vast diversity of wildlife, however, that has seen Thornybush emerge as a leading safari destination. With our passionate and expert guide-and-tracker teams leading the way, our guests leave with a genuine understanding of our entire ecosystem and the enthralling cast of animals.
Overview
The Restaurant
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are inclusive and are served at the restaurant.
LUXURY SUITE
These elegant suites have double beds, lounges, fireplaces and open-plan bathrooms. The expansive outside decks were purposefully built below tall trees to ensure shade and have a private swimming pool and an outdoor shower for added luxury.
HONEYMOON SUITE
This elegant suite is slightly larger than the Luxury Suites and has a double bed, lunge, fireplace and open-plan bathroom. The expansive outside decks were purposefully built below tall trees to ensure shade and have a private swimming pool and an outdoor shower.
ROYAL SUITE
The Royal Suite is setup to cater for small groups or families as it combines two suites and has even more space to enjoy private dinners in different areas. As with the other suites, the expansive outside decks were purposefully built below tall trees to ensure shade and have a private swimming pool and outdoor shower.
BIG 5 GAME DRIVES
Get the real feel for the African bushveld by going on a morning or evening game drive. Driving in an open safari vehicle, along with a qualified guide – experience the Big 5 territory of the Pilanesberg Game Reserve. Please Note: No children under the age of 6 allowed on game drives.
LIVE MUSIC
Get your feel for Africa through a culture experience under a starlit sky, alongside a percussion band and interactive drumming circles to ensure guests have a full and joyous evening around the campfire.
HOT AIR BALLOON
Experience the only Hot Air Balloon operation in South Africa to launch from within a National Park, we offer a truly unique flying experience.
AMANI SPA
You can also enjoy holistic rejuvenating spa rituals, massages, facials and even more luxurious beauty treatments. For a more intimate experience, try out the couple’s treatment room with its own hydro bath.
WEDDINGS AT RIVER LODGE
Your marriage made in heaven awaits at River Lodge. Take your vows in the glow of a golden sunset as you exchange rings against a beautiful bushveld backdrop; or say “I do” in an opulent lodge ceremony, surrounded by the warmth of the people who matter.
Whatever You Need
Dear Guest,
Thank you for choosing River Lodge to spend your holidays.
Our dedicated Online Concierge team has listed some activities and services for you to enjoy a worry-free vacation.
We invite you to submit your reservation dates and time before your arrival.
However, should you need anything that is not listed herewith, kindly fill in the ‘special request’ section.
While our intent is to reply as quickly as possible, some requests may involve additional time.
In all cases, we will respond to you within 48hours.
Thank you for using our Online Concierge Service.
THE MANAGEMENT