About This Property
Serondella sits in the Thornybush Game Reserve on the western edge of the Greater Kruger, and takes a maximum of 14 guests. That number is the whole proposition: a guide and tracker per vehicle, no queue at a sighting, and a lodge that never fills up.
The suites are arranged beneath mature trees along the Inyoni Pan waterhole, with outdoor baths and showers and a choice of king or twin configuration. Family Suites pair two en-suite bedrooms around a private lounge, and an exclusive-use villa is available for groups taking the whole property.
A heated infinity pool looks directly over the pan, so game viewing continues through the middle of the day. There is also the Matlakusa Spa, a gym, a wine cellar and a library. Rates are fully inclusive of all meals and selected beverages.
Why We Love It
Fourteen guests in Thornybush is a genuinely different experience from the larger lodges nearby. It changes the drives, it changes dinner, and it is the reason to pay the premium.
The infinity pool over Inyoni Pan is the second reason. Heated, so it works in July, and positioned where the game actually comes to drink, which is a rarer combination than it sounds.
Rooms & Details
Luxury Suites
Set beneath mature trees along the waterhole, the suites combine contemporary interiors with natural textures and outdoor baths and showers. King or twin configurations are available.
Family Suites
Two en-suite bedrooms linked by a private lounge give families shared space without shared sleeping arrangements. Each has its own outdoor areas and a star bath.
Star Baths and Outdoor Showers
The outdoor star bath is the signature detail and works best on a clear winter night. Indoor bathrooms and fireplaces cover the rest of the year.
Infinity Pool over Inyoni Pan
The heated infinity pool looks straight over the waterhole, so the middle of the day is still game viewing. A gym and the Matlakusa Spa sit alongside.
Dining, Wine Cellar and Library
Meals move between the lodge, bush breakfasts and dinners out in the reserve, matched with a considered wine list. A library and wine cellar round out the communal spaces.
Amenities & Features
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation terms follow the lodge's booking conditions and are stricter over peak dates and for exclusive-use bookings. Request the current terms in writing before paying a deposit.
Photo Gallery
Rates
Prices start from $1,615 per night. Final pricing depends on season, room type, and availability. Check current rates on our booking partner's site for the most accurate pricing.
Rates from USD 1,615 per person per night sharing, fully inclusive, for the 8 January 2026 to 7 January 2027 season, listed by Go2Africa at around R27,000. Prices checked August 2026 and subject to change and availability. Single supplements may apply.
What's Included
- All meals included
- Selected beverages included
- Bush breakfasts
- Dinners out in the reserve
- Wine cellar and curated list
- Twice-daily game drives with guide and tracker
- Night drives
- Seasonal bush walks
- Bird watching
- Helicopter flights
- Spa treatments
- Conservation projects
- Children's activities
Fully inclusive rates cover accommodation, all meals, selected beverages and scheduled safari activities. Helicopter flights, spa treatments, premium wines, conservation levies where not stated, flights, gratuities and travel insurance are typically excluded.
Location
How to Get There
Fly into Hoedspruit Eastgate (HDS) from Johannesburg or Cape Town and transfer by road, which takes well under an hour. Thornybush is also served by its own airstrip and the lodge has a heli-pad.
Thornybush combines naturally with Cape Town or the Winelands at the other end of a trip, and with the Panorama Route on the way through.
Nearby Attractions
The Kruger National Park and the neighbouring Timbavati and Klaserie reserves, plus the Panorama Route and Blyde River Canyon inland from Hoedspruit.
Things to Do
Twice-daily drives run with a field guide and tracker, supported by night drives and seasonal bush walks. Helicopter flights and conservation projects can be arranged.
Bush breakfasts, sundowners and star gazing structure the days at either end, and children’s activities are available for families.
Good to Know
Rates are fully inclusive of all meals and selected beverages. The lodge takes 14 guests at most, so availability is tight and booking well ahead is sensible.
Family suites and an exclusive-use villa suit groups travelling together. The Greater Kruger is a low-risk malaria area, so take the usual precautions and speak to your doctor before travelling.
Who It's For
Couples and families who want a small, service-led lodge in prime Greater Kruger country, and groups looking to take a whole property.
Best Time to Visit
May to September is the dry season, when game concentrates at the pan and the viewing is at its most reliable. Summer is green, hot and good for birding. General guidance, confirm for your dates.
