Thornybush Game Lodge

19 reviews

• X

  Xiaolu

  SG · young couple · Jan 2025

  10/10

  Great romantic game drives

  Spacious, good facilities, friendly staff

  The food was a a but rich. Probably too much butter in it haha

• C

  Chloe

  GB · young couple · Nov 2024

  2/10

  Very poor

  Mixed Feelings About Waterbuck Lodge We recently stayed at Waterbuck Lodge as part of our honeymoon, and while there were some highlights, unfortunately, our experience fell short of expectations, especially considering the cost. First, the positives: the game drives were absolutely fantastic! The team was warm, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable, making the wildlife experience the highlight of our trip.

  However, given that this was our most expensive stay (approximately £3,000 for four nights or R17,331 per night), we were expecting a top-tier experience. Sadly, several aspects did not meet even basic standards for a 4-star property. Room and Cleanliness: The property itself felt quite basic. Our room had noticeable marks on the walls, chipped plaster, and damaged blinds, which gave it a worn appearance. Throughout our stay, the room was not cleaned, meaning dirt from our boots remained on the floor, and the towels were not replaced, leaving us with damp ones. For a property at this price point, this was disappointing. Amenities: We were surprised by the lack of amenities. The pool was unheated, there was no gym, and the WiFi was down for much of our stay. This was particularly frustrating as we couldn’t contact our family for several days, which caused unnecessary worry. While we understand the challenges of being in a remote location, these issues were unexpected given the cost. Food and Drink: The biggest letdown was the food and drink. Breakfast was underwhelming, with no pastries, fresh juices, or freshly brewed coffee—just instant coffee and basic cold eggs and bacon. Dinner was lovely, but there were no snacks available throughout the day, and there was no minibar in the room. Lunch was served at 3:30 PM, meaning there was a long gap between meals, and my husband often found himself hungry. Many guests shared similar frustrations about the service and limited options. Overall: This was a very special trip for us, and while the game drives and the efforts of the staff were appreciated, the overall experience was not in line with the high cost or the advertised standards. We’ve shared our feedback directly with the lodge, but they were very dismissive, which only added to our disappointment.

• M

  Melissa

  SG · family with young children · Sep 2024

  10/10

  Lovely stay, with really excellent service

  There’s some warmth to it and understated luxury. We like coming back after each game drive and just relax, while we wait for mealtimes. Feels private, with only 4 rooms /other guests. Overall we had a wonderful experience- the ranger (Marnus) and tracker (Aubrey) gave their best in every game drive, everything was well organised and taken care of, service was excellent, we like the refreshments at sunset in the middle of the drive ;) there was a nice touch to everything. Rooms were very clean and spacious! Food was good too

  I wish there was brewed coffee at breakfast and not out of Nescafe instant packets. I would have liked the rooms to be stocked of water each day. Safe box wasn’t working. Everything else was perfect.

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  Michelle

  SG · young couple · Aug 2024

  9/10

  Amazing experience

  Beautiful lodge with a swimming pool and bar, nice seating area for lounging. Love the boma dining every night. The rooms are spacious and beautiful, has an outdoor rain shower. Love the sunset bush bar during the evening game drives.

  I did not know that only one of the rooms (room 4) faces the waterhole. There should be freshly brewed coffee for breakfast instead of instant Nescafe coffee We thought there will be a bush walk as part of the stay but was made aware this needs to be communicated on first day of arrival.

• D

  Deborah

  Feb 2024

  10/10

  Home in the bush

  Waterbuck Lodge is a small, intimate lodge with only four rooms. Our room was beautifully appointed. The bedroom is sizeable, with a very large comfortable bed. There is plenty of storage space (both hanging and shelving), a dressing table and an armchair. There is a small safe in the wardrobe to keep your valuables secure. A ‘drinks station’ with a kettle, tea and coffee is provided, almond with yummy home made biscuits and rusks. There is also a fridge to store your choice of drinks in the room. The bathroom has both indoor and outdoor showers, a fabulous deep double ended bath and a ‘loo with a view’. The food was excellent. Breakfast, served after game drive, consisted of a buffet of cereal, fruit, yoghurt ,cold meats and cheeses. A hot portion was then cooked to order, usually consisting of your choice of eggs, bacon, sausage, tomatoes and mushrooms. Afternoon tea was served at 3:30, just before the afternoon game drive, and usually included a couple of savoury and salad choices and a sweet selection. Evening meals were varied and tasty three course affairs. In ten days we never had the same menu twice. The game drives utilise both ranger and tracker on the vehicle, and Marnus and Solly are extremely knowledgeable and friendly. The lovely staff are not always visible at the lodge during the day. They have an ‘honesty bar’ system, where you mark down drinks you have had in a ledger. If you want ‘Butler service’ go elsewhere - otherwise, come here!