3 Days Thornybush Tented Safari South Africa
A 3-day Thornybush safari from Johannesburg with Big Five game drives and a guided bush walk
Overview
3-day Thornybush safari
Thornybush, bordering the Greater Kruger, is where this 3-day Thornybush safari pairs Big Five game drives with a guided bush walk.
An intimate and personal experience awaits you at Tangala Safari Camp, located in the heart of the world-renowned Thornybush big 5 Game Reserve bordering the Greater Kruger. The camp boasts sweeping views overlooking an expansive and active waterhole, with the majestic Drakensberg Mountain Range forming an impressive backdrop. With our eco-friendly camp, great hosting, comfortable accommodation, and thrilling game drives, guests are assured with an unforgettable experience.
Travel logistics
Start / Finish
Start
- Johannesburg
- JNBO. R. Tambo International Airport
Finish
- Johannesburg
- JNBO. R. Tambo International Airport
Highlights
What Makes This Safari Special
Big Five game viewing
Guided walking safari
Panorama Route sightseeing
Game drives with a professional guide
Explore Kruger National Park
Explore Thornybush
Day by Day
3-day Thornybush safari itinerary
A professional driver who will pick you up in Johannesburg on the morning of your departure. All transfers are done in a luxury air-conditioned vehicle, where you will be transported via the Panorama Route to Thorny Bush. Panorama route includes God’s Window, Lisbon Falls and Graskop and all entrance fees are included in the package. There are numerous stops along the way for comfort breaks and photo moments.
Arriving at Tangala Safari Camp, you will be greeted by the friendly lodge staff and have time to settle in and rest before embarking on the afternoon game drive.
A well-known destination for local and international visitors Thornybush has earned its reputation as one of the country’s finest bush experiences. Situated within 14 000 hectares of pristine wilderness, adjacent to the Kruger National Park, the Thornybush Nature Reserve is a true escape from the madness of city life. This haven, which is just over 5 hours’ drive from Johannesburg has scooped numerous world firsts, both for conservation and hospitality. Thornybush has evolved over the years into a visitor’s paradise.
Late afternoon and into the evenings is a great time to spot wildlife, after which you will make your way to the lodge for dinner and an opportunity to have a relaxed evening.
You will be greeted with a cup of coffee before heading off for the morning game drive in a 4x4 safari vehicle, hopefully with an opportunity to spot the Big Five waking and roaming in your path. There is an alternative to go on a morning bush walk rather than the drive if you so prefer.
Upon return from your safari, you will be served a leisurely breakfast and have the remainder of the morning at the lodge to catch up on sleep or resting at the pool. Lunch will be served and there will be some more time to unwind before returning for an afternoon/sunset safari drive with your guide.
Sunset will be spent in the bush, after which you will be returned to the lodge for dinner and the evening at your leisure.
Early in the morning, rise again to head out for your morning game drive to spot the animals that have been eluding you on your safari experience. Return to the lodge for breakfast and check out, where our driver will be waiting to transfer you back to Johannesburg via Nelspruit.
Should you want to fly in and out of Nelspruit (KMIA), rather than be transferred from and to Johannesburg, this can be arranged. The drive time is roughly two and a half hours to Nelspruit from the lodge or about six hours to Johannesburg.
Gallery
Photographs
Where You Stay
Handpicked
Retreats
Every lodge and camp is chosen for its location, character and comfort, so the place you rest is as memorable as the adventure itself.
What's Included
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
- A professional driver/guide
- All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
Not Included
- Tips (tipping guideline US$20.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Services not mentioned in the program
- Travel insurance and medical repatriation
- Items of a personal nature
Questions
Frequently Asked
The price covers all activities (unless labeled as optional); all accommodation as stated in the itinerary; a professional driver/guide; all Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section). Budget separately for tips (tipping guideline US$20.00 pp per day); personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.); services not mentioned in the program. Your personalized quote confirms the full breakdown line by line.
The prime months for this itinerary are May, June, July, August and September. That said, South Africa rewards visitors in every season. Tell us your travel dates and we'll advise exactly what to expect.
This is a private, tailor-made safari for your own party of 2 to 12 guests. You won't be grouped with strangers. The itinerary, vehicle and guide are yours alone.
You'll stay at Tangala Safari Camp, as laid out in the day-by-day itinerary. If availability requires it, we substitute properties of a similar or better standard and always confirm before you travel.
Send an inquiry through the form on this page and our safari experts will come back with a personalized quote within 24 hours, free and with no obligation. Once the plan feels right, we lock in your dates and lodges.
Absolutely. Treat the 3-day program as a starting point. We can adjust the pace, upgrade or change lodges, add days, or combine it with other destinations. Tell us what your ideal trip looks like and we'll shape it around you.
Ready?
Start Your
Safari Journey
Fill out the form and our safari experts will craft a personalized quote within 24 hours. Free, no obligation.
Want different lodges, more days, or another route?
Opens the trip planner with this itinerary loaded, day by day.
Explore More
Continue Your
Adventure
Each safari tells a different story. Discover journeys that share the same spirit: new landscapes, fresh encounters, and the thrill of the wild waiting just beyond the horizon.