A once-in-a-lifetime bushveld break for four at Thornybush
Escape to the magnificent Thornybush Private Nature Reserve in Limpopo for five nights on a fabulous, five-star bushveld break. Situated on 14 000 hectares of African bushveld in the heart of Big Five country and next to the Greater Kruger National Park, the lodge is surrounded by pristine open spaces and natural surroundings.
At the Thornybush Lodge, your private, luxury suites each have an outdoor shower and an exclusive deck overlooking the seasonal Monwana River with much activity around the waterhole. Daily early-morning and late-afternoon game drives in an open Land Rover are led by experienced rangers and trackers who will share their extensive knowledge of the bush with you. Tuck in to a delicious breakfast in the bush, at the riverbed or back at the lodge, before relaxing at the pool. Thornybush also offers guided bush walks, with Shangaan trackers to enthral you with stories of folklore and the medicinal uses of plants and trees. A buffet lunch is served on the deck at the lodge, while a gourmet three-course dinner can be enjoyed in the bush, the boma or back on deck, www.thornybush.co.za
The River Lodge at Thornybush
On your second day, you will be a guest at The River Lodge at Thornybush, on the banks of the Timbavati River in the Thornybush Private Game Reserve. It offers four private, luxurious, thatched suites, each with indoor and outdoor showers, a deep, free-standing bath overlooking your own piece of the Lowveld, and decks and splash pools. Two game drives a day, through the reserve that is home to over 300 species of birds and 100 species of mammals, including the endangered rhinos, will give you an unforgettable bush experience. www.thornybush-riverlodge.com
Khaya Ndlovu Manor House
Next stop is Khaya Ndiovu Manor House in the Blue Canyon Conservancy in nearby Hoedspruit, yet still within the Thornybush reserve. It’s known for the spectacular views of the Drakensberg. You’ll be accommodated in spacious, luxurious, colonial-style rooms, while the numerous activities include game drives, elephant rides and big cat walks. Khaya Ndiovu also features a tranquil, open spa where you can relax and luxuriate in a bush setting with animals wandering in the distance, www.khayandlovu.co.za
Sun Catchers Hot Air Ballooning
At sunrise your balloon departs from the Hoedspruit launch site for a magical one-hour flight over the scenic Lowveld section of the Blyde River. The terrain is a mixture of farmland and private nature reserves, www.suncatchers.co.za
Waterberg Zipline Adventures
This zipline tour takes you on an adrenaline-packed journey through the beautiful Waterberg where you will see an abundance of plant life and, if you’re lucky, exquisite bird species and even some wildlife. The tour involves two-and-a-half hours of sliding from one platform on what is called a zigzag ride. Experienced guides will assure your safety, and provide you with interesting facts about the area, www.waterbergzip.co.za
Avis Rent a Car
Avis is sponsoring a rental car for your bushveld holiday to the value of R5 000 (excluding fuel). Since 1962, its brand promise of ‘We try harder’ has been a driving force that has propelled the company to the forefront of technology, while focusing on exceptional customer service, employee care and community upliftment. Avis offers a total transport solution for business or recreation purposes, www.avis.co.za
The prize
• Thornyhush Private Nature Reserve – One night for 4 people, including all meals and game drives to the value of R20 000
• The River Lodge at Thornyhush – Two nights for 4 people, including all meals and two game drives per day to the value of R30 000
• Khaya Ndlovu Manor House – Two nights for 4 people, breakfast and dinner each day, two game drives and complimentary wine to the value of R17 000
• Khaya Ndlovu Spa – Two 30-minute back, neck and shoulder massages to the value of R300 each
• Sun Catchers Hot Air Ballooning – Two balloon rides valued at R6 498
• Waterberg Zipline Adventures – Ziplining for 4 to the value of R2 000
• Avis Rent a Car – Car rental for 7 days to the value of R5 000
Prize valid 1 Oct 2014 to 30 Sep 2015, subject to availability
For more information on how to enter see the September 2014 issue of Country Life Magazine. Competition closes on 30 September 2014.