Thornybush

Thornybush Thornybush offers a truly authentic safari experience in the Greater Kruger National Park.
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Thornybush sits on 14 000 hectares of pristine, untouched bushveld - adjacent to the Kruger National Park. 12 Luxury lodges and tented camps offer visitors the opportunity to experience a safari in stylish, unpretentious comfort. If you're looking for a true safari experience, in a Big 5 reserve, then Thornybush is the perfect choice. We offer the full safari experience, from morning game drives t

o guided bush walks and sunset drives, with the main event being the incredible diversity of wildlife. We have both 4 and 5-star lodges, some of which are quite intimate, accommodating only 8 guests, and others which are bigger, accommodating up to 40 people. We also have conferencing facilities and wedding infrastructure for events which are truly unforgettable. If you're planning a Southern Africa safari, then make sure you choose Thornybush!

It’s World Conservation Day!Every stay helps protect something bigger.Swipe to see how. Protecting wildlife takes many ...
28/07/2026

It’s World Conservation Day!

Every stay helps protect something bigger.

Swipe to see how.


Protecting wildlife takes many forms.
🦏 Rhino Rewilding Project
🐕 Anti-Poaching & K9 Unit

From returning rhinos to protected landscapes to supporting the teams safeguarding them every day.


Conservation goes beyond the Big Five.
🐦 Southern Ground Hornbill Project
🪽 European Roller Monitoring

Helping protect threatened species and contributing to long-term ecological research across the Greater Kruger.


Your safari has an impact.

When you stay at Thornybush:
• Your conservation levy directly supports reserve initiatives.
• Your visit contributes to protecting over 14,000 hectares of wilderness connected to the Greater Kruger ecosystem.

Together, we help ensure these landscapes remain wild for generations to come.

Thank you for being part of the story.

We are Hiring!Thornybush Community is looking for a Financial Accountant, who will provide strategic and operational fin...
27/07/2026

We are Hiring!

Thornybush Community is looking for a Financial Accountant, who will provide strategic and operational financial oversight, including donor & grant management.

Requirements:
- Degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field
- Minimum 2 years’ experience in financial management and/or financial consulting within an NGO or donor-funded environment
- Experience using Pastel and/or Xero accounting software
- Strong knowledge of donor compliance and grant management
- Understanding of NGO governance and accountability
- Clear criminal record

Applications must be sent to [email protected] with “Community Financial Accountant” in the subject line.
Or
Candidates can visit the careers website for more information on the position: https://www.thornybush.com/vacancy/financial-accountant-thornybush-community/

We are Hiring!Prep Chef - Thornybush Game LodgeAs our Prep Chef, you will work with the kitchen team at Thornybush Game ...
27/07/2026

We are Hiring!

Prep Chef - Thornybush Game Lodge

As our Prep Chef, you will work with the kitchen team at Thornybush Game Lodge to develop and deliver memorable dining experiences to our guests.

Requirements:
- Minimum 3 years’ experience as a Prep Chef (or similar role)
- Experience in a high-end luxury safari lodge (5* lodge experience is preferred)
- Grade 12 | Matric (completed)
- Relevant culinary qualification (advantageous)
- Proficient in the English language
- Clear criminal record

We cannot wait to receive your application!
Send your CV to [email protected] with “TGL Prep Chef” in the subject line.
Or
Candidates can visit the careers website for more information on the position: https://www.thornybush.com/vacancy/prep-chef/
Please do not send any other additional information.

20/07/2026

Viewer discretion advised.

Visceral sounds cutting through the night air led our guides and trackers off-road and into one of the most intense sightings.

The Evoca Breakaways had brought down a buffalo, but the battle was far from over. As the lions attempted to feed and keep their kill secure, a determined clan of hyenas closed in, testing the pride at every opportunity.

As we left them, the struggle for survival continued long into the night.

Nature can be beautiful. It can also be raw, unforgiving, and utterly captivating.

📹: Ranger Sarah

When your guide gives the sighting two thumbs up… you know it’s a good one. Guide Zander, tracker Elliot, and their gues...
16/07/2026

When your guide gives the sighting two thumbs up… you know it’s a good one.

Guide Zander, tracker Elliot, and their guests enjoying one of those sightings that reminds you why you set the alarm for an early morning game drive.

This time, it was the Makkepies Pride that stole the show.

📷: Kaden Maasch

We are hiring!Captain – Thornybush Air ServicesAs the Captain for Thornybush Air Services you will be responsible for le...
15/07/2026

We are hiring!

Captain – Thornybush Air Services

As the Captain for Thornybush Air Services you will be responsible for leading safe and efficient charter flights for Thornybush. You will work with your First Officer, the Commercial Team, and the Aviation Manager.

Requirements:

•Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with an Instrument Rating (IR)
•Valid SACAA Class 1 Medical Certificate
•A minimum of 750 hours Total Time
•A minimum of 100 hours Turbine Hours
•A minimum of 100 hours on Type
•A minimum of 100 hours as Pilot in Command
•Valid ICAO English Language Proficiency (ELP) Level 4 or higher
•Familiar with Aviation terminology
•Exposure to airport and aircraft movements
•Must have expertise in the application of safety standards and safe operating practices
•Detailed knowledge and understanding of national and international aviation regulations such as CAA, ICAO, IATA, FAA, and EASA
•Knowledge of all legal regulations for the piloting/aviation profession in the South African and international regulatory environment

We cannot wait to receive your application!

Send your CV to [email protected] with “Captain” in the subject line.

or

Candidates can visit the careers website for more information on the positions: https://www.thornybush.com/vacancy/front-of-house-2-2-3-2/

Please do not send any other additional information.

We are Hiring!Front of House & Relief ReceptionAs our Front of House & Relief Reception, you will be responsible for wor...
15/07/2026

We are Hiring!

Front of House & Relief Reception

As our Front of House & Relief Reception, you will be responsible for working with the Lodge Managers and the Front of House team to ensure a world-class guest experience.

Requirements:

•Minimum 3 – 5 years’ experience in Front of House (or a similar •guest facing role)
•Experience in a high-end luxury safari lodge (5* lodge •experience is preferred)
•Grade 12 | Matric (completed)
•Relevant hospitality qualification (advantageous)
•Proficient in the English language
•Driver’s license
•Clear criminal record

We cannot wait to receive your application!

Send your CV to [email protected] with “TGL Front of House” in the subject line.

or

Candidates can visit the careers website for more information on the positions: https://www.thornybush.com/vacancy/front-of-house-2-2/

Please do not send any other additional information.

12/07/2026

One of the most fascinating leopard sightings we’ve witnessed in a while.

Thornybush guide Sarah talks us through this remarkable encounter and the behaviours she observed as it unfolded.

Nature never stops surprising us. Let us know your thoughts on this incredible sighting!

There’s a reason some guests return to Thornybush Game Lodge again and again.Perhaps it’s the elephants wandering past d...
08/07/2026

There’s a reason some guests return to Thornybush Game Lodge again and again.

Perhaps it’s the elephants wandering past during lunch. The crackling fires and star-filled skies. The familiar faces welcoming you home after every game drive.

Or perhaps it’s simply the feeling.

As one of the industry’s oldest safari lodges, Thornybush Game Lodge has been welcoming guests to the bush for decades, combining timeless safari charm, incredible wildlife, and genuine hospitality to create an experience that keeps people coming back.

The day’s sightings are over.The storytelling is just getting started.At the heart of many African safaris is the boma, ...
05/07/2026

The day’s sightings are over.
The storytelling is just getting started.
At the heart of many African safaris is the boma, an open-air dining space where guests gather around the fire to share a meal, swap stories from the day’s game drive, and settle in beneath a sky full of stars.

Address

Thornybush Nature Reserve
Hoedspruit
1380

Telephone

+27112536500

Website

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