Jackalberry Lodge
Understated Perfection
- Grading: 4 Star
Address: Thornybush Private Game Reserve, Limpopo Province
Children: All ages welcome
Bed capacity: 7 chalets (16 guests)
Location
In Southern Africa, which is thought of as the origin of mankind, instils a longing in all of us. We long for the quiet beauty, yet fierce survival instincts of Africa and the wild. We long to see the magnificent animals in their glorious habitat, the way Africa is thought of in dreams. We long to feel the cool breeze on our skin as we witness the breath-taking sunset over the pristine vista of Southern Africa.
The serene Thornybush Game Reserve is located within 14 000 hectares of untamed African bush and finds itself adjacent to the world renowned Kruger National Park. The landscape itself is populated by a variety of African fauna and flora, including the magnificent big five. Thornybush is authentically wild, whilst ensuring absolute serenity in luxurious surrounds. Because of this, Thornybush has been renowned as one of the most excellent bush experiences in the world.
The Lodge
Jackalberry Lodge is situated within Thornybush Game Reserve. The Lodge itself is teeming with wildlife from regal giraffes to energetic bushveld birds. It is a magical place where every moment of the day and night is filled with the glorious, yet tranquil sounds of African wildlife.
The seven thatched chalets are understated, yet provide the utmost luxury and comfort. Jackalberry Lodge is perfect for the guest looking for a perfect balance between resting in comfort and adventurous exploration of the bush.
- Buffet meals
- Open-air dining area
- Boma and fire
- Swimming Pool
- Curio Shop
- Library
- Satellite TV and internet
- Laundry and babysitting services at additional cost
- Check in 14:00
- Check out 11:00
Accommodation
Accommodation is offered in:
- Chalets
- Family Chalet
- Luxury Suite
The Chalets
Understated thatch chalets against the backdrop of the African bush create a perfect balance between indulgent luxury and the wild savannahs. Guests can walk out of their comfortable chalets onto their private patio and breathe in the fresh air that they share with the abundant game and wild birds. All chalets have air-conditioned bedrooms with overhead fans and mosquito nets. The luxurious rooms have soft, downy twin, or kingsize beds at request. All the chalets are fitted with luxurious en-suite bathrooms with both an indoor and outdoor shower, double basins and a corner-bath. The bathrooms contain a hairdryer, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and body lotion and towels. Each chalet has a wonderful private patio where our guests can take in the serene bushveld surrounds.
The family chalet is perfect for a family with children; it has two bedrooms with the second room containing two single beds. This chalet has a family lounge, ensuring the family has somewhere to sit together for quality time on their relaxing getaway.
The Luxury Suite is perfect for couples on their honeymoon - extra attention is paid to detail to ensure an unforgettable time that young newly-weds will carry in their hearts for the rest of their lives.
- Air-conditioning
- Mini-bar
- Overhead fans
- Safe and amenities
- Tea and coffee station
- Umbrella, torch, candles and matches, as well as telephone in chalets
Game Safaris
As dawn is starting to warm the African earth, you will receive a wake-up call. You will get into the open-top Land Rover and your accompanying rangers and trackers will take you on an adventure. The times of departure are planned to suit the optimal time for wildlife viewing and this is normally in the early morning. In summertime a morning tea is served at 5:30 and game drives depart at 5:45 and again at 16:00 after lunch. In wintertime, morning tea is served at 6:00 and game drives depart at 6:15 and again after lunch at 15:30. Everything that your rangers and trackers know about the landscape, the animals and the vegetation, will be shared with you. Thornybush Game Reserve is home to 147 mammals including the "Big Five", 114 reptiles, 507 birds, 49 fish, 34 amphibians and 336 trees, which you can experience on the drive. After some time, the Land Rover will stop and break for coffee and tea. You can stretch your legs and breathe in the crisp, fresh air. You will be treated with a cold towel in summer and a hot towel in winter. You will also be kept warm and cosy with hot water-bottles and blankets on the vehicle in winter. The game drive will then continue. After the drive, a scrumptious breakfast will be served back at the lodge, the riverbed, or the bush.
After a day filled with walks, or relaxation and a lovely late lunch, you will be taken on an afternoon game drive into the bush to view rarely-seen nocturnal animals by torchlight. As the sun begins to set over the sweeping savannahs, you will get out at a remote, scenic spot and watch the enigmatic sunset over cocktails and snacks, allowing you to savour a truly magnificent sight. You will then return to the lodge to enjoy a 3 course plated and buffet dinner.
- Walks depart daily at 8:00 as part of the game drive and after breakfast. Visitors are accompanied by an extremely knowledgeable armed ranger and tracker.
- Jackalberry Lodge is teeming with life, including 507 species of birds which visitors can watch from the game drives, walks, or their own patio.
- Breakfast From 9:00 or 9:30 depending on seasons
- Winter After Breakfast From 10:00
- Lunch From 15:15 or 15:00 depending on seasons
- Dinner From 19:30 or 20:00 depending on seasons
Rates
Please contact us for our latest rates and availability.
Lodges offer varied rates which change from time to time. Rates depend on service levels, the type of lodge or hotel, number and age of guests, the time of year, location and any specials which may apply at time of enquiry.
- Rates are quoted in South African Rand (ZAR) and are inclusive of VAT
- Rates are subject to change without prior notice
Children:
- Children of all ages are welcome at Jackalberry Lodge
- Children of 6 years and above are welcome on game drives
Rate Inclusions & Exclusions
- Accommodation
- All meals, teas, coffees and snacks
- Dawn and dusk safaris in open Land Rovers and bushveld walks
- Bar
- Curio shop, laundry, telephone and baby-sitting expenses
Weddings and Honeymoons
Can you imagine your dream wedding? Does it include the fresh African terrain, traditional African dancers serenading you whilst you romantically exchange your vows at sunset? We offer this and have many other visions for your perfect wedding. Attention to the finest detail, the breath taking surroundings, luxurious accommodation and the divine cuisine will ensure that your wedding day will be absolutely thrilling and unforgettable. Your experience will be unique and beautiful at the Thornybush Game Lodge along the Manyeleti River and the natural African environment.
After your enchanted wedding, you and your partner can get swept away in the peaceful, yet adventurous tranquility of Jackalberry Lodge for a romantic getaway honeymoon. Comfort in the romantic Honeymoon Suite and the adventure of the game drives and hikes will ensure an unforgettable honeymoon.
