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Thornybush NKaya Game Lodge

Our rating

7/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Private lodge for no more than eight people
- Excellent game drives and optional guided walks
- Scenic location in the reserve

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Overview

NKaya Lodge is one of a dozen different properties that make up the Thornybush Collection. These properties are scattered throughout Thornybush Nature Reserve, a private game reserve that’s approximately 14,000 hectares in size and mostly consists of open savannah. NKaya Lodge is one of the more private options for those looking for overnight stays in the reserve because of its rather remote location and its small number of suites. It’s situated on a hill crest and looks out onto the spectacular Drakensberg mountain range. Those who stay here have plenty of chances to explore the reserve and see some of its abundant wildlife.

There are just four suites at the lodge. All of them can accommodate two people, so at any one time there are no more than eight guests at the lodge. This makes it much more peaceful and quiet than other places in the reserve; it’s an ideal choice for anyone after a more exclusive getaway. All of the suites have air conditioning and come with a private lounge, as well as an en-suite bathroom with both a shower and a bathtub. While the suites are designed to be four doubles, they can be arranged as eight singles on request.

For many, the highlight of staying at the lodge is the game drives. These are included in all rates and take place twice a day: there’s an early morning drive before breakfast and a mid-afternoon drive that can be extended into the evening if there’s a chance of some nocturnal animals being spotted. The drives are led by experienced, knowledgeable tour guides who are keen to make the drives as educational, engaging and worthwhile as possible. Thanks to the reserve’s favourable year-round climate, guests are able to enjoy high-quality game drive experiences at any time of the year. As well as game drives, guided walks are offered every morning after breakfast. While out on walks, guests can spot some of the reserve’s smaller animals and get a closer look at its diverse vegetation. The reserve has an unfenced border with Kruger National Park, with animals able to roam freely between the two protected areas. It’s home to nearly a hundred and fifty animal species (including the Big 5), over a hundred reptile species and more than five hundred species of birds.

When not out on walks or drives, guests are free to make use of the lodge's facilities. There’s a swimming pool with sun loungers, along with a well stocked bar, a public lounge and the main dining area where three meals are served daily. There’s also an outdoor boma area where guests can enjoy delicious meals and snacks by the campfire as the sun goes down.

Note that children aged five and under aren’t allowed on the game drives. There are no babysitting services available here.

What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 534 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”

    MissingLars B reviewing Best of South Africa for Families on 01 March 2024

  • It was certainly a holiday of a lifetime for us and we loved every minute!! The standard and location of each accommodation was excellent, as was the variety of each different accommodation type. Our schedule was perfect and we managed to achieve everything on our to-do task list. Your documents were also really helpful, as were the driving directions. We all thank you for making this such a wonderful holiday. Happy to leave a review publicly if you point me the right way. Best Steve

    MissingStephen H reviewing Classic Garden Route & Eastern Cape Safari on 01 September 2023

  • Hi Lisa, We had a fabulous time thank you. The accommodation and other ideation were all terrific - that’s so much for your help. The apartment in Cape Town was particularly good - we would never have found that: Boschendal was great as well and game lodge was superb. Thanks again, Alistair

    MissingAlistair A reviewing Cape Town, Garden Route and Kruger on 28 April 2023

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