High times for luxe safaris in Thornybush

A wonderfully indulgent exclusive-use bush villa that promises an abundance of privacy

11 June 2024 - 10:04 By Richard Holmes
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Kamara House offers privacy and easy access to the facilities of the original Thornybush lodge.
Kamara House offers privacy and easy access to the facilities of the original Thornybush lodge.
Image: Supplied

Amid the patchwork of private conservancies strung out along the western border of the Kruger National Park, a handful stand out as icons. The likes of Sabi Sand, Timbavati and, of course, Thornybush Nature Reserve.

The last has been synonymous with luxurious five-star safaris for more than 50 years, with the original Thornybush Game Lodge welcoming its first guests as far back as 1961.

Lately there’s been a flurry of activity among the lodges that share the 15,000ha property. In 2022, The Royal Portfolio opened Waterside, a riot of colour and whimsical style carrying all the trademark touches of hotelier Liz Biden. Monwana Game Lodge recently joined the MORE Family Collection portfolio, offering a second premium luxury safari property alongside Lion Sands Ivory Lodge to the south, while Thornybush Game Lodge has enjoyed a major refurbishment, bringing an updated look and feel to the classic safari camp.

It has been joined by Kamara House, a wonderfully indulgent exclusive-use bush villa that promises an abundance of privacy while offering easy access to the facilities of the original lodge.

Kamara House sleeps up to six guests in three spacious suites.
Kamara House sleeps up to six guests in three spacious suites.
Image: Supplied

Kamara House is aimed squarely at small groups and multigenerational families. The villa, which stretches across 251m², sleeps up to six guests in three spacious suites, with a seamless flow out onto a large deck overlooking a small riverbed. There is, of course, a private pool to enjoy too.

Indoors the two main suites lead off a spacious communal lounge and dining area, with a third interleading suite to ensure younger children can be easily and safely accommodated. A dedicated butler takes care of guests throughout their stay, with a private chef on hand to create a highly individualised dining experience. Kamara House also comes with its own guide, tracker and private vehicle, allowing for maximum flexibility in curating the daily safari schedule of drives and walks in the reserve.

If you can be tempted to leave, that is.

Interior design studio Artichoke, together with architects Lankers & Fry, have created a gloriously contemporary space that is the perfect counterpoint to the more traditional main lodge. While retaining the sense of timeless safari that has long been a hallmark of Thornybush, with striking Ardmore wallpapers and signature pieces throughout, “our aim was to create a sense of tranquillity by combining classic and modern design elements,” said Artichoke’s Caline Williams-Wynn.

“We have made sure not to overdesign the spaces, which allows for a sense of comfort and relaxation throughout, allowing the beautiful open spaces to speak for themselves.”

A bathroom in one of the suites in Kamara House.
A bathroom in one of the suites in Kamara House.
Image: Supplied
The suites in Kamara House are aimed at small groups and multi-generational families.
The suites in Kamara House are aimed at small groups and multi-generational families.
Image: Supplied

While it’s tempting to cocoon yourself away amid the comforts of Kamara House, aside from the remarkable game drives — this is prime leopard country, after all — it’s well worth stepping out to discover “The Library”. This new addition to the main Thornybush lodge offers an immersive space filled with reference tomes, artworks and cabinets filled with curiosities intended to offer new insights into the bushveld.

“Our aim is to nurture the guests’ curiosity about the flora and fauna of the area. They are encouraged to rifle through the library cupboards exploring specimens that have been collected in the Thornybush area,” explained curator Gina Waldman of Waldman Studios.

The private pool at Kamara House.
The private pool at Kamara House.
Image: Supplied

“This experience is very different from viewing live animals in the wild. It’s exciting to pick up a giraffe bone and feel the weight of this, or look at how thick a giraffe tail hair is up close, enhancing the game viewing experience. The idea is the collection will be a growing library and will evolve yearly.”

There’s more evolution to come for the lodge too, with a new wellness spa and fitness centre opening in late-June, just in case you needed one more reason to book a winter safari break at Thornybush Nature Reserve.

Wanted


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