This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Autumn leaves are falling in the Greater Kruger National Park, and the bush is glowing in golden hues; in this newsletter from Thornybush, they are embracing family bonds on safari. Discover how to indulge in the perfect safari getaway with your loved ones. Thornybush have been creating an experience suitable for young and old at an enjoyable and mindful pace. They’re very excited to share our carefully crafted Family Safari magic with you.
Founded in the early 1990s, Andy Payne and Richard Napier have built a family legacy fuelled by a shared passion for the wilderness. Spanning generations, the business has remained a family affair, with Andy Payne’s father playing a pivotal role until his retirement. This is a true testament to the collective efforts of all who have contributed to the business’s success.
Another growing legacy this season is our Sabi Sands safari lodge, Simbambili Game Lodge. The Thornybush Collection’s intimate couple-run lodge is closed for construction as it gets a beautiful glow-up. We are excited to see this refreshed look when it reopens in June 2024.
Thornybush are celebrating many brand achievements and garnering more global recognition because of their amazingly dedicated teams, commitment to the planet, and unparalleled luxury offerings.
IMPORTANT NOTES ON BOOKING THORNYBUSH! A private vehicle should be booked (subject to availability) at an additional cost to guarantee a game drive for children.
*£659 / $856 per day. The private vehicle can only be booked 24 – 48 hours before arrival. (For children not staying at Kamara House or Little Saseka, where a private vehicle is already included).
NEWS FLASH! Simbambili Game Lodge
– The lodge is currently closed as a refurbishment is underway and will be completed in mid-June 2024
What to expect: Refreshed Simbambili Game Lodge
– The main area will be renovated with a new thatch roof, doors installed to provide warmer dining space in winter, a two-level deck, and a fire pit. Soft furnishings will be new, and a newly designed bar area will be added.
– A new wellness centre: renovations of the old conference room and gym will create a new-look spa with two treatment rooms, a modernised gym, and a new library area with an outside deck and swimming pool. This space will also provide an additional dining area for the lodge, with a deck covered with a weatherproof pergola.
– Boma upgrade with a guest bathroom nearby.
– A refresh of the suite interiors
– A replacement of all the suite decks, the private swimming pools resurfaced, and the outside sala beds get new pergola roofs.
All very exciting news yet another reason to book your trip to South Africa soon – South Africa is far busier than other destinations where we recommend booking 1 year in advance, for South Africa (especially in the school holidays) if you can give yourself 18 months in advance then you’ll have the ultimate flexibility and choice, also don’t panic, we do very well for our last minute enquiries too!