South African Lodges

KwaMbili Game Lodge Reviews & Information

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Restaurants

Dining at KwaMbili Game Lodge

Healthy and variety are what dining at the magnificent KwaMbili Game Lodge is all about.  Breakfast options include a full English breakfast as well as fresh seasonal fruit, yoghurt, cereals and toast.

Salads and home-made bread accompany a light lunch while dinner is a delicious three-course-dinner at the KwaMbili Game Lodge.  Guests can also enjoy tea and coffee throughout the day if they wish.

Activities, Sports & Leisure

Games drives

Guests have the choice of two game drives a day, one of which is available in the early morning and one in the late afternoon/evening which departs in the afternoon and returns after sunset and in time for dinner back to the lodge.

Both game drives are approximately three hours long and are conducted by rangers and trackers in open 4x4 vehicles.  The ranger-and-tracker-team track down a diverse range of animals, reptiles and birds and will share with you interesting tidbits regarding their habitat, feed and behaviors.

Observing wildlife from the hide

The hide at the KwaMbili Game Lodge overlooks a permanent waterhole, and a seasonal dam and guests have the incredible opportunity to watch wild animals and birds go about their daily activities.  The hide is in walking distance to the main lodge, and all public areas are connected with well laid out walkways.

Bush walks

Accompanied by an armed ranger, guests will find that experiencing the bush on foot is a unique and unusual way to sight the smaller wildlife not visible from the game drive.

The bush walks are approximately one hour each and take place after breakfast.  A longer, three-hour bush walk, is available for the more venturesome although these must be booked in advance and are subject to availability.

Swimming

A small swimming pool as well as deck chairs for those who just want to relax are available and beautifully situated in the garden.

Day Trips

KwaMbili’s perfect location means that it serves as the ideal base from which to explore the exciting and fascinating surrounding area.

Kruger National Park

The Kruger National Park is one of the oldest nature reserves in the world and certainly one of the most famous.  A day trip to this park will take you through some eco-zones and vegetation types.  Picnic lunches, a map and directions are provided by the lodge and will guide guests to remarkable natural sights.  Alternatively, a guided and catered tour can also be arranged.

Panorama Route, Mpumalanga

The Blyde River Canyon is the third largest canyon in the world and guests to the canyon will be able to explore the attractions of the Bourkes Luck Potholes, Gods Window as well as the rainforest on top of the mountain.  Other attractions include incredible waterfalls, for those adventurous on foot, as well as fantastic craft shops that are in the area.

 

Nearby Attractions

Some other attractions worth visiting in the area include the following:

  • Nyani Cultural Village - giving insight into the Shangaan culture
  • Moholoholo Animal Rehabilitation Centre
  • Khamai Reptile Park
  • Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre
  • Bombyx Mori Silk Farm
  • Hans Merensky Golf Course, Phalaborwa.

Facilities

Day Itinerary

Days in the bushveld start early with a steaming cup of coffee at sunrise followed by a swift departure on an exhilarating three-hour game drive. To keep you hydrated through the game drive, a coffee/tea stop will take place in a safe and secluded spot within the game rich Thornybush Game Reserve.

After enjoying an incredibly delicious breakfast, guests may wish to participate in a safari walk or enjoy a relaxing time in and next to the swimming pool. Haven’t had enough of the wildlife yet, then a visit to the hide is a good option.

A light lunch is served around 14h00, and then it’s time get ready for the afternoon game drive which departs about two hours before sunset. Although the trip lasts about three hours, a sundowner is enjoyed at sunset in the great safari tradition.

On return to the lodge, the tracker uses a spotlight to find the nocturnal animals ensuring that guests experience the full wildlife experience.

Once back at the KwaMbili Game Lodge and after a freshen up in your chalet or tent, dinner is served outside under the stars, and guest relaxes around the campfire while listening to the unique sounds of the wild African bush.

Services

Check in and Check Out Times
  • Check in: 14:00
  • Check out: 10:00
General Services
  • Airport transfers
  • Babysitting
  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping service
  • Safari drives
  • Wake-up call
  • Walking safaris
Children Policy
  • Children of all ages are welcome at the KwaMbili Game Lodge in the Thornybush Game Reserve of South Africa.  As the camp is not fenced, parents are kindly asked to keep an eye on their children at all times. 

    Kids under the age of six years old are not able to join game drives; this is for safety reasons and in the child’s best interest.  Older children may be able to go on trips, but this will be at the ranger’s discretion.  Babysitting services are available for those parents of small children who wish to participate in a game drive.

Available Rooms

Meru Safari Tent

Meru Safari Tent 1

Thatched chalets and large Meru-style safari tents provide comfortable and cozy accommodation at the KwaMbili Game Lodge in the Thornybush Game Reserve.  The chalets and tents are equipped with showers, toilets and electric power as well as private patios and mosquito nets are provided over the beds.

The air-conditioned chalets are situated close to the main building of KwaMbili and two of these attractive chalets are designed for families as they have inter-leading doors.

The safari tents offer open air showers and toilets although the tents themselves are under a thatched roof.  Tent flaps are provided so that these can be opened or closed according to the weather.

 

Meru Safari Tent 2

Thatched chalets and large Meru-style safari tents provide comfortable and cozy accommodation at the KwaMbili Game Lodge in the Thornybush Game Reserve.  The chalets and tents are equipped with showers, toilets and electric power as well as private patios and mosquito nets are provided over the beds.

The air-conditioned chalets are situated close to the main building of KwaMbili and two of these attractive chalets are designed for families as they have inter-leading doors.

The safari tents offer open air showers and toilets although the tents themselves are under a thatched roof.  Tent flaps are provided so that these can be opened or closed according to the weather.

 

Meru Safari Tent 3

Thatched chalets and large Meru-style safari tents provide comfortable and cozy accommodation at the KwaMbili Game Lodge in the Thornybush Game Reserve.  The chalets and tents are equipped with showers, toilets and electric power as well as private patios and mosquito nets are provided over the beds.

The air-conditioned chalets are situated close to the main building of KwaMbili and two of these attractive chalets are designed for families as they have inter-leading doors.

The safari tents offer open air showers and toilets although the tents themselves are under a thatched roof.  Tent flaps are provided so that these can be opened or closed according to the weather.

 

Thatch Chalet 2

Thatched chalets and large Meru-style safari tents provide comfortable and cozy accommodation at the KwaMbili Game Lodge in the Thornybush Game Reserve.  The chalets and tents are equipped with showers, toilets and electric power as well as private patios and mosquito nets are provided over the beds.

The air-conditioned chalets are situated close to the main building of KwaMbili and two of these attractive chalets are designed for families as they have inter-leading doors.

The safari tents offer open air showers and toilets although the tents themselves are under a thatched roof.  Tent flaps are provided so that these can be opened or closed according to the weather.
 

Thatch Chalet 3

Thatched chalets and large Meru-style safari tents provide comfortable and cozy accommodation at the KwaMbili Game Lodge in the Thornybush Game Reserve.  The chalets and tents are equipped with showers, toilets and electric power as well as private patios and mosquito nets are provided over the beds.

The air-conditioned chalets are situated close to the main building of KwaMbili and two of these attractive chalets are designed for families as they have inter-leading doors.

The safari tents offer open air showers and toilets although the tents themselves are under a thatched roof.  Tent flaps are provided so that these can be opened or closed according to the weather.

 

 

 

 

GPS Co-Ordinates

Latitude: -24.428336

Longitude: 31.157283

Directions

Directions to the KwaMbili Game Lodge from NELSPRUIT (158 km / 2 hours):

From Nelspruit take the R40 through White River and then onto HAZYVIEW.
Continue the R40 towards BUSHBUCK RIDGE.
Drive through BUSHBUCK RIDGE and on to ACORNHOEK, continue through ACORNHOEK towards KLASERIE, until you reach the turn-off towards HOEDSPRUIT / EASTGATE AIRPORT, turn right here (do not turn at the Orpen sign).
Drive 1 km and turn right towards GUERNSEY and pass through the GUERNSEY ACCESS CONTROL GATE (look out for the Thornybush Nature Reserve signs).
Drive 12 km and at the T-Junction, turn left towards THORNYBUSH MAIN GATE.
Drive 5 km and turn right into the THORNYBUSH GAME RESERVE.


Directions to the KwaMbili Game Lodge from Johannesburg / Pretoria (500 km about 5.5 to 6 hours):

From the airport drive towards Boksburg (R23) then turn onto the N12 towards Witbank.
Take N12 from Johannesburg to Witbank or take N4 from Pretoria to Witbank.
At Witbank, the N12 & N4 merge, continue on the N4 to BELFAST.
Turn off the N4 at BELFAST and drive into the town.
At 2nd Stop Street, turn right towards DULLSTROOM.
Continue this road, through DULLSTROOM and on to MASHISHING (formerly LYDENBURG).
Beware of this piece of road as there are sections with potholes.
In MASHISHING, follow signs for OHRIGSTAD (you will be turning left this is the most direct route), drive through OHRIGSTAD and continue along this road for another 97 km, until you reach the town of HOEDSPRUIT.
Drive through Hoedspruit - turn RIGHT at the 4th stop street, towards BUSHBUCKRIDGE/ BOSBOKRAND (R40).
Drive for 7 km, turn LEFT towards EASTGATE AIRPORT / TIMBAVATI and pass through the GUERNSEY ACCESS CONTROL GATE.
Drive for 17 km, turn RIGHT towards GUERNSEY (Look out for the Thornybush Main Lodge signs).
Drive for 11 km, turn LEFT into the THORNYBUSH GAME RESERVE.



Directions to the KwaMbili Game Lodge from ORPEN Gate - Kruger National Park (66 km about 45 minutes)

Drive approx 40kms towards KLASERIE until you reach a T-Junction and stop street, turn right, drive 2 km and turn right towards HOEDSPRUIT / EASTGATE AIRPORT.
Drive 1 km and turn right towards GUERNSEY and pass through the GUERNSEY ACCESS CONTROL GATE.
Look out for the large brown signs for Thornybush Nature reserve.
Drive 12 km and at the T-Junction, turn left towards THORNYBUSH MAIN GATE.
Drive 5 km and turn right into the THORNYBUSH GAME RESERVE (sign will read Thornybush Main Lodge).


Directions to the KwaMbili Game Lodge from TZANEEN (150 km / 2 hours):

Take the R71 from Tzaneen to GRAVELOTTE.
Continue on this road, past GRAVELOTTE, till you reach a T-Junction.
Turn right at the T-Junction towards MICA.
Stay on this road, past the small village of MICA for about 30km.
You will see a STOP SIGN/turn-off to HOEDSPRUIT.
Continue STRAIGHT PAST the stop sign on the road for another 7 km.
Turn LEFT at the sign TIMBAVATI and pass through the GUERNSEY ACCESS CONTROL GATE.
Drive for 17 km.
Turn RIGHT at the sign GUERNSEY (Look out for the Thornybush Main Lodge signs).
Drive for 11 km (on a gravel road) and turn left at the Thornybush Entrance Gate.


Directions to the KwaMbili Game Lodge from PHALABORWA (120 km / 1.5 hours):

Follow signs from Phalaborwa to LYDENBURG.
Once you have turned onto the R40, continue this road for approximately 80 km.
You will see a STOP SIGN/turn-off to HOEDSPRUIT.
Continue STRAIGHT PAST the stop sign on the road for another 7 km.
Turn LEFT at the sign TIMBAVATI and pass through the GUERNSEY ACCESS CONTROL GATE.
Drive for 17 km.
Turn RIGHT at the sign GUERNSEY (Look out for the Thornybush Main Lodge signs).
Drive for 11 km (on a gravel road) and turn left at the Thornybush Entrance Gate.

Parking

On site parking facilities are provided for guests.

Star Rating

4 Star

Awards

Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence, 2013