Overview
Thornybush's finest
Saseka – meaning beautiful in Tsonga – is the jewel in the Thornybush crown, a refreshingly contemporary take on a luxury safari camp found in a scenic bend along the Monwana River.
Its nine tented suites allow nature to filter in through floor-to-ceiling sliding doors, opening out onto wrap-around statement decks overlooking the sand bed, a private plunge pool and an outdoor shower. The Leadwood Tented Villa operates as an intimate, camp-within-a-camp with its own lounge and dining area. This can be extended to include the tents for groups.
At Saseka’s heart find the wood and stone-clad main area with a large, tiered deck with a broad view of the riverbed, a handsome space for meals, a drink and to socialise. Outside, explore Thornybush Nature Reserve’s14,000 private hectares on drives and walks. Sharing a fenceless border with the famous Kruger National Park, the area is renowned for ‘Big Five’ encounters.
Facts
At a glance
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Nine tents with private plunge pools
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Leadwood villa
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Lodge area with lounge, bar and dining space
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Spa treatments available
Experiences
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![Thornybush Nature Reserve 1]()
Game drives
Hop aboard an open Land Cruiser with experienced guides and trackers who will share their extensive knowledge of the bush. These drives are undertaken at times best suited for game viewing, typically early morning and late afternoon, and you can look forward to spotting the reserve's incredible wildlife.
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![Waterbuck lodge]()
Nature walks
Join an armed guide and tracker for a walk in the bush. Being on foot gives you a better chance to see some of the smaller creatures as well as an opportunity to learn more about the flora and fauna of the region.
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![Tb community 1000 herbs veg garden fr 002]()
Community project
Guests are invited to visit to the community project encompassing local initiatives to provide services to the local communities.
Community & Culture
The philosophy at Thornybush is ‘Unity is Strength’ so many of their projects are designed to empower people and small businesses by providing them with tools to build a sustainable life. The lodge participates in many community projects including supporting local schools and programs.
Wild Shots Outreach aims to engage young people from disadvantaged communities in wildlife and wild places through photography. It teaches new skills, provides an introduction to the natural world and raises the aspirations of these learners – the conservationists of tomorrow.
Hlokomela is a well-run project close to Hoedspruit, which aims to take care of farm workers with HIV/Aids- and TB-related illnesses. They also provide daycare to the children of farm workers, while their parents are being treated.
Conservation
The reserve is constantly undergoing various research projects centered on the various wildlife species residing in the area. Nature conservation is a priority to the reserve as efforts are being made to keep the wilderness as unharmed as possible. The reserve was the recipient of the first-ever translocation of lion and an entire elephant herd from the Kruger National Park. The reserve also supports the fight against rhino poaching and is the first reserve in the Lowveld to do rhino horn treatments.
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
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Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
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Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
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Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
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Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.
