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Thornhill Safari Lodge
144 Guernsey Rd, Hoedspruit, 1380, South Africa
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Tu
Review №1

Absolutely brilliant. Love the staff the, especially the host named David. You better came really prepared. Divine food as well.

Gi
Review №2

Such an incredible experience at Thornhill Safari Lodge! David got sure we received the best possible service. All staff were super polite, friendly and competent, but especially a big kudos for being super child friendly! My kids loved it there. Some wildlife come around to visit the lodge, our highlight was Lady Gaga the ostrich. The pool was renovated and the sundowner deck was perfect.The food was excellent with a very good variety, even catered for vegetarians. Thanks for the lovely experience!

Lo
Review №3

Thornhill Safari Lodge is a beautiful, peaceful place in the middle of the Bush.The best place to recharge, declutter and restore your soul. The service is excellent, the chef meals are mouth watering.

An
Review №4

The review came a bit late as I had a few more travels after my South Africa trip. However at the back of my mind, I never forget to do it as I really appreciated the couple owners, Merle and Sean, and their staff during our stay.Their hospitality was received the moment I booked the Safari lodge. Upon booking, Merle sent me a message on the driving directions from Johannesburg, and later on gave me a guide on things to do at the region. What we haven’t expected was we lost our way during our drive to the lodge in the Guernsey Nature Reserve after nightfall, and our car was stuck on a sandpile. Not knowing what we could do, I gave a call to the lodge, and immediately Merle sent Sean, and a staff to assist us. They used their car to pull our car out of the sandpile, and guided us to the lodge. That was a great relief for my boyfriend and I as both of us are city dwellers and being stuck at night in the nature wasn’t very easy for us.The moment we reached the lodge, all the staff and guests welcomed us and waited for us to start dinner. Dinner was an impressive experience as we all sat surrounding a wood fire while the chef gave an introduction of the dinner he dedicatedly prepared for us every night. First impression of local food was amazing. Merle also gave us a complimentary room upgrade since we were going to stay there for 3 nights and she would like us to be more comfortable.Throughout the stay, Sean and Merle took care of us and tried to accommodate to our requests including our unusual request to have a bit of a self-drive experience in the National Park. Sean went the extra mile to check out the feasibility of the driving route and advised us to enter from one end to the other end of Manyeleti Game Reserve to head to our next destination. This is not a popular driving route so the extra help was again appreciated.The morning bushwalk was a first experience for us when we saw up close impalas, kudus, and zebras. There was also a giraffe that came very close to the sunset viewing deck.Overall, we had a very great experience and would like to share this with the potential guests and are very grateful towards the Thornhill team for giving us a wonderful travel memory.

Ja
Review №5

Hospitality excellent. Food unbeatable.

Si
Review №6

Beautiful lodge close to Kruger National Park and the Panorama route. Everything breathtakingly beautiful and clean. The viewon the lodge is beautiful and tranquil. The owners and their stuff are so friendly that you feel like your really at home,every need or want is anticipated and catered for. The food...Dont even get me started on the food

Ja
Review №7

Management and staff was awesome! Food was great and everything clean .Negatives was the access road to the lodge was poor and need vehicle with at least 200 ground clearance.The other lodges are also nearby and one could hear their staff .Also one needs to go out of the reserve to go and view wildlife at kruger.

No
Review №8

If you have ever wanted to visit south Africa put this place as your place to stay, only a short drive to the Kruger park gate, this hidden gem is a must stay. The food and the staff are simply amazing we try to head here every year. you will not be disappointed

Ho
Review №9

My Husband and I stayed here for three nights as part of our travelling honeymoon around South Africa. We stayed in the honeymoon suite and it was beautiful. Very clean with a lovely bath and outdoor shower. All the staff at the lodge are very welcoming and friendly and they are there to help at any time. The food was amazing and very tasty. We had a great drive in the Kruger and a private reserve with wonderful guides who are very knowledgeable. I highly recommend this lodge as the owners and their staff went above and beyond to make our stay one to remember forever.

Lu
Review №10

Our stay in Thornhill was absolutely lovely. We were greeted with a lot of love from the start by the manager, Vincent who is very helpful and will try his best to make your stay as good as possible. The whole staff is really good, the barman Connor is a very fun to talk guy and makes really good cocktails, he was also very helpful! The Chefs are really amazing as well the food was amazing with a lot of variety and a very unique combination of spices and flavours and served by a bonfire in a rustic setting that made the experience even more magical. The guides, Lambs (hope I wrote it right ) and Goodman are very knowledgeable, friendly and funny, both have many years of experience in the industry and will definitely make all the activities you do with them even better.Everybody helped us a lot and made our experience even greater. The place in itself is magical, with animals surrounding the lodge, Zebras, Impalas, Giraffes, Ostriches, Gnus, you name it. One night we actually had a herd of Zebras and Impalas pass just behind our room. The room is very comfortable and very well cleaned and tidy. The lodge also has a sunset deck that gives you a nice view and a cool place to relax and have a drink when you arrive from the activities. The barman, Connor regularly goes up there to get drink orders when there are people there, making it even better.The lodge offers all the activities you would get in the area and even more. Like a Village Tour, organised by Goodman where he will take you to HIS village and show you exactly how the people live in the area and give you a wholesome experience.All of this with a price that is great for the region.Definitely will be staying here when we come back. Thanks a lot for everyone that made our time so lovely!

Ma
Review №11

Super clean, excellent food and very nice people.

Be
Review №12

I need more than 5 stars! Wonderful human beings run this lodge - my family of four left Huntsville, Alabama to go to the Kruger National Park in South Africa. We did not know what to expect from Thornhill. Without exception, and we travel a lot, we have never had such phenomenal customer service, attention to detail, and flawless interaction with staff, guides, cooks, drivers, lecturers, maids, service people, etc. I am stunned that you get this much value for the money you spend. Book the lodge directly... we went through two agencies to wind up here... but contact them directly. They will get you to every tour, have a home cooked meal waiting for you, wake you up with traditional African drumming, and provide a sensational, comfortable venue - with every convenience - but you still have a camp feel. Dinners with top-notch guests of the lodge in a family style setting are very comfortable, and a tremendous added value. Also - the quality of the human beings that run the place... Cannot say enough. Amazing Amazing, Amazing... I promise I have no connection to the place other than being a paying customer... but these folks are family now! WOW! HURRY UP AND BOOK!

Ch
Review №13

Thornhill Safari Lodge is a privately owned and owner run lodge compared to big international companies.Its a well run place with good friendly staff and offer excellent service.We stayed at this lodge for four nights and we loved it. It has a pool, a sky deck and great atmosphere where travellers come together at breakfast - lunch - dinner and share their day and what they saw on their adventures during the day.Manager Charmaine will try to accommodate you with any request you may have.Overall highly recommended lodge for your stay in Kruger National Park.

An
Review №14

Staff are awesome here. So friendly and helpful. The viewing deck is awesome.. unobstructed views over the bush to the mountains. Great for sundowners.

Ja
Review №15

We stayed in this lodge 2 nights and the staff was super friendly and professional. The first diner was a bbq and buffet and was served outside with entertainment. Super evening. Second night diner served in bar area (we were the only guests). Breakfast was good, lunch also good but no starter or dessert. Our game walk and game drive in the Manyeti Game Reserve (nearby) was wonderful and due to our guide Simon we saw a young lion. The last part of the road to this lodge is an experience on his own. It was dry, no rainfall the days before and we drove an Nissan Qashqai. In case there was or is rainfall a 4x4 car is perhaps a good idea.

Er
Review №16

We now have family in South Africa! At least thats how it feels after an incredible trip of a lifetime with Thornhill Safari Lodge. Charmaine, Lee Ann, Curteis, Daniel and the staff poured their passion for South Africas wildlife and culture into our vacation.They worked from before sunrise to hours after sunset to make our dreams come true of seeing beautiful wild animals on safari to taking in the beautiful panoramic sights.I highly recommend Thornhill Safari lodge for a family. Thornhill hosted people from all across the globe during our 9 day stay. The local staff cooked homemade South African meals and had them ready for us early in the morning, held them late or packed them picnic style for us as we went on safari. We enjoyed meals by the campfire or the other beautiful settings on the property with the other visitors which made for interesting conversation and new friendships. I suggest booking directly through Thornhill since they can take care of your accommodations, safaris, meals and any excursions you can dream of. What a memorable family trip. Well never forget you, Thornhill friends!

Ke
Review №17

Amazing experience!! Definitely recommend staying here. Loved all 5 days. The staff is the best, the food is great, the place is clean and the rooms are very nice

el
Review №18

We stayed there in January 2014 and had an amazing experience. Great people. Great place. The pool was lovely after long days in bush. Fantastic games drives. Rustic and affordable too. 100% would stay again.

Ma
Review №19

Perfect small lodge in the middle of a private reservate. Staff is really kind and helpful. They take their time for you!We had a perfect stay. Just two nights.... too short! I loved the sundeck with an outstanding view over the park. And dinner round the fireplace.... great!

Ja
Review №20

A wonderful accomodation in a Nature Reserve with direct contact to wild animals. Very friendly and helpful staff. Next time in SA I would stay there again

Su
Review №21

Most amazing lodge ever! Really nice hosts and the food was delicious. Very personal approach and there are lots of activities possible.

Ma
Review №22

Great service, great staff and lovely place to stay! Meals and drinks are really good and made fresh by chef Vincent! Thanks for a lovely stay!

Ar
Review №23

We really enjoyed our 2-night stay here. Every morning and evening you can see the sunrise/sunset on their sun-terrace. The wild animals are all over the place! We witnessed an ostridge drinking from the pool!Every night dinner is at 8pm. During wintertime this was a little on the late side for us...The good thing is that the owners brief you about next days planning after dinner every day.

So
Review №24

My partner and I stayed here for 5 days in July for his 30th birthday. The accommodation was comfortable and very clean. I cant say enough good things about the family and staff that run this lodge, they are friendly, full of knowledge and instantly made us feel at home. I especially like how everyone in the lodge gathers around the fire on an evening to sit and have tea and get to know one another. I would just like to say thank you to Leanne, Curtis, Daniel, Hein, Bart and the cooks and cleaners for taking amazing care of us and helping us plan our free day -The endangered species centre and night safari really made our holiday that more special and we wouldnt have even known about them if you hadnt mentioned and then booked it for us, thank you. Would highly recommend.

Er
Review №25

Fantastic place, excellent staff and food. A small slice of heaven

ka
Review №26

Staff are so friendly, relaxed and very knowledgeable. Delicious food. Nice quiet stay

Pa
Review №27

Wonderful place. Ostriches and zebras came visiting the lodge in the morning and evening. Good food and hospitality. Try to book one of the honeymoon rooms - you wont regret!

Da
Review №28

Cannot wait to go here once lockdown is over!

St
Review №29

Liked the environment, but you are a bit locked in the park. Saw zebras at the gate. Very nice people who know the area very good. Good food, good excursions, had a great time.

La
Review №30

Amazing place & the staff are just the most friendly people. Definitely 100% will visit again.

Ma
Review №31

Amazing accommodations and view of Kruger. Friendly and helpful staff, made my entire experience once in a lifetime.

Ke
Review №32

Lovely and welcoming staff, clean and a place called home

De
Review №33

A private owned lodge in the middle of wildlife. Compared to Kruger its heaven! It is small the staff is friendly and the location cool (but hard to find)Once you are there you are welcomed with a smile. The wifi is amazing. Yes you have have to pay for it. But it is the fastest wifi we have seen in Africa. So money well spend.The pool and rooms are cozy and nice. The people at the check in friendly and service minded.It is in the middle of the wildlife so you have to stay within the camp as soon as it gets dark. Don’t feel surprised if you see giraffes or leopards around the camp. They are walking freely in the surrounding.The bar is amazing and offers all you need. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and icecold beer.We are in ❤️

Sh
Review №34

Very warm, welcoming staff. Only drawback is that you have to buy water....for a family of 5 that adds up!

le
Review №35

Budget accommodation in nature reserve. Ok but not great

Vi
Review №36

Good food .good staff

Th
Review №37

Beautiful place with lovely people. A gorgeous view from the tree house.

Wo
Review №38

Nice and remote location

fr
Review №39

Totally amazing!!

Si
Review №40

Peaceful

Re
Review №41

Great experience

Lo
Review №42

Wonderful

Mi
Review №43

When you hear drums, dinner is ready. Delicious meals !!Bushwalk was canceled unfortunately, buffalo injured. We did receive good tips for an alternative program.Great food, breakfast, hot lunch (spaghetti), dinner.at 2 pm safari, 3 hours long. Spotted a lot of animals.They dont take the times too seriously, 7:30 breakfast is always 8 am, so we were always late for our outings ... but no big problem.Had a wonderful stay, beds are good. Beautiful lodges. beautiful viewpoint. Zebras and wardhogs just walk the grounds.

Pr
Review №44

Stay including delicious meals. Morning walk in own game park. Seen a whole family of giraffes.

Pe
Review №45

Very nice! Early in the morning to go for a nice walk with the guide. You can also sit comfortably in the tree house!

Wi
Review №46

Fine reception, nice stay and beautiful surroundings

Be
Review №47

Once you have passed the bumpy route, a super cozy lodge awaits you. Recommended!

El
Review №48

Wonderful and suggestive place. Vincent and George and the excellent cook, support the living room and make you feel at home

Do
Review №49

It was very good. Great place and accommodation. We were only scared when we learned that we paid for the Wi-Fi and did not pick up at most of the places we stayed.

ju
Review №50

The Thornhill Safari Lodge was by far the best lodge on our 2-week tour of South Africa. Everything is just right here!Due to the beautiful location in the Guernsey Nature Reserve, you have giraffes, zebras & Co. right in front of the door. The Orpen Gate of the Kruger NP is only about 45 minutes away.The lodge offers various game drives in the Kruger NP and in the Manyaleti Game Reserve. I can recommend both game drives because of the great guides. (Unfortunately, we experienced that very differently in South Africa). The Big 5 Tour has the advantage that the guide can also drive off-road in the Manyaleti Game Reserve. This way you can get even closer to the animals. We were very lucky to see a whole pride of lions while eating a giraffe.The lodge itself has a very nice and well-kept area. There is a small pool and a terrace where you can enjoy the sunset with a cocktail.We had booked the honeymoon suite. The room was relatively large, clean, with a mosquito net and a great bathroom.In the morning, at noon and in the evening you are called to eat together with a bush drum. Depending on the weather, dinner takes place in the boma with a fireplace or covered in front of a fireplace. The food was really great every day - many thanks to the chef.All the staff are just great. Everyone is super personable, friendly and helpful. You just feel good straight away.With Lambs we had our first bushwalk and our first game drive in the Kruger NP.Thanks to him, this day was an unforgettable experience for us. Lambs was super motivated and tried to show us as many animals as possible despite the relatively bad weather (very windy). He told us a lot about flora and fauna and we were lucky enough to see one of the few rhinos in the Kruger NP.Many thanks to Lambs, Vincent, George, Connor, Douglas, Merle, Sean and the entire team at Thornhill Safari Lodge.We liked it so much that we are already planning our next stay.

Pe
Review №51

Hello has been here several times.New management all great, they take great care of the guestsI would love to come back

Na
Review №52

Resort near the Kruger Safari. Very clean and quiet. I strongly recommend it

Ku
Review №53

A gorgeous lodge with a viewing platform to enjoy the sunset in the bush. On the same day of arrival we booked the safaris. We were taken and picked up again. The owners were very friendly and incredibly helpful! We enjoyed the stay very much. On the last evening there was a dinner for two for my wife and me as a surprise.

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53 Comments
4.8 Rating
  • Address:144 Guernsey Rd, Hoedspruit, 1380, South Africa
  • Site:http://www.thornhillsafarilodge.com/
  • Phone:+27 15 004 1117
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