Masterfully located within the Thornybush Nature Reserve, Monwana Game Lodge brings an African experience at its most authentic and rewarding display. Adjacent to the Greater Kruger National Park lies 11 500 hectares of pristine African bushveld, this is the Thornybush Game Reserve. 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 has scooped numerous world firsts, both for conservation and hospitality. Thornybush Game Reserve has evolved over the years into a visitor’s paradise.
Map of Kruger National Park and surrounding areas.
The Lodge Experience
Capture the ever-changing moods of the wilderness at Monwana Game Lodge. Dew clinging to spider webs as dawn creeps across the sky. The swaying gold-tipped grass disturbed by the pride on the move. Glowing firelight as guests socialize under a breathtaking carpet of stars.
The main lodge has double volume vertical space, massive cathedral windows and doors that open wide so one feels part of the bush. The main lodge is designed as a space to socialise or find a spot to call your own, whatever is preferred. We know how magical the atmosphere is and have created spaces for you to enjoy it. Take a look around related locations.
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Accommodation
Monwana’s environment is always intimate and private. Each of the rooms occupies its own unique space in the African bush, where you will feel as if it’s just you in this vast natural habitat. The lodge will now encompass eight luxury accommodation offerings, each with their own private viewing deck plunge pool and outdoor shower. All Suites have their own private shaded deck, with an incredible bush view that can be enjoyed from the temperature-controlled plunge pool and outdoor shower.
There is central air-conditioning and overhead ceiling fans to ward off the summer heat, while underfloor heating and heated towel rails in the bathroom take the edge off a chilly winter’s evening. The lodge offers Suites perfect for couples as well as Family Suites.
Exterior view of Monwana Lodge with pool area.
Suites
Relax in Monwana’s elegant Suites, a secluded haven for two. Privacy and seclusion are key attributes of the suites with your private shaded deck and heated plunge pool. Fine linens, deluxe amenities and thoughtful touches complete a pampering experience that transcends a cozy retreat after a rewarding day in the African bushveld.
Family Suites
Find your family’s natural rhythm in Monwana’s spacious Family Suites, thoughtfully designed for up to five guests. The 2 Two-Bedroom Family Suites are ideal for those with older children (from 10 years) with a second bedroom featuring twin beds, and a third optional extra bed.
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Monwana Residence
Or if you would prefer your own exclusive getaway serviced by a dedicated team, then the private Monwana Residence is for you. Monwana Residence is self-contained with a kitchen, lounge, dining room, braai area, heated pool and fire deck, along with two en-suite bedrooms accommodating four to five guests with twin bed options and an extra bed for a third older child.
Monwana Residence is a large, exclusive-use living space with sweeping views over the bushveld, with two en-suite bedrooms that cater for four adults and two children. The Residence includes a fully equipped interactive kitchen, lounge, and dining area. The wide deck, barbecue area, and fire deck are perfect for relaxing after a fantastic day in nature.
There is a dedicated team that includes a private chef and residence butler, plus a private game viewing vehicle and a dedicated field guide team, making for a memorable African adventure experience.
#SouthAfrica 🇿🇦 #KrugerPark Monwana Game Lodge | full hotel video tour.
Safari Activities
Game drives are led by knowledgeable and experienced Guides. Upfront of the vehicle, Trackers assist by performing the ancient art of tracking either by form of spoor or in the thickets of the surrounding bush. Game drives are set around the best suited times of the day to maximize the number of sightings. The early morning adventure starts directly after enjoying a cup of tea or coffee on the deck.
For the more adventurous, a bush walk after breakfast / brunch allows guests to walk among the Big-5 in carefully set out trails. The ultimate connect, up-close-and-personal with the African bushveld on foot in search of the finer details not always visible from the safari vehicle. Only children age 12 and over are permitted to stay at Monwana Lodge.
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Bush walks offer a unique perspective on the African bushveld.
Game Drives
Head out each day at sunrise and again in the late afternoon, in the company of expert field guides and trackers in search of the famed ‘Big 5’ and countless many species of large mammals.
Bush Walks
Being on foot is an altogether different experience of the wild that energizes the senses. Hear the stones beneath your feet, feel the wild grass against your skin, smell the scent of rain in the air, taste the leaves of medicinal plants and appreciate the full scale of nature around you.
Stargazing
During evening game drives or bush dinners (weather permitting), the field guides will share insights into the skies.
The Thornybush Reserve
Monwana Game Lodge occupies its own space in the Thornybush Game Reserve, part of the Greater Kruger ecosystem, where a short journey from the airport provides your first introduction to safari. Thornybush Nature Reserve is part of the Greater Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s oldest and richest protected wilderness areas. It is home to the famed Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo), and countless other beautiful creatures in their natural habitats.
Being part of a private 14,000-hectare reserve means that guests enjoy personal, uncrowded, unrushed, and close contact sightings. The reserve is home to an abundance of species - 147 mammals including the "Big Five", 114 reptiles, 507 birds, 49 fish, 34 amphibians and 336 trees.The classic bush landscape both absorbs and comforts you as if you’ve happened upon an old friend.
The reserve has many species of large mammals and is well-known for the quality and quantity of its sightings of Africa’s most elusive cat - the leopard. Morning and afternoon game drives and our guided bush walks bring our guests closer to this amazing natural world.
Best Time to Visit
Safari in the Kruger area is much more seasonal than most people would lead you to believe.
- Cool transition : Apr/May This is a period of transition between the hot wet summer and the cool dry winter, with wildlife viewing continuing to improve as the foliage dies back. Day length, temperatures and humidities are all in the middle of their ranges.
- Cool dry winter : Jun/Jul/Aug This period is characterised by a cool dry winter which is generally considered to be the best time for wildlife viewing, although day length is relatively short and nights can get very cold.
- Hot dry : Sep/Oct This is the start of the hot wet summer. Wildlife viewing is usually very strong, but temperatures and humidities can become uncomfortably high in advance of the first rains, which usually arrive mid November to cool things down. This coincides with a usually pleasant spring season in Cape Town.
- Hot wet summer : Nov/Dec/Jan/Feb/Mar This period is characterised by a hot wet summer, which is generally considered to be the most challenging time for wildlife viewing, although sightings should remain reliable in the premium areas. Day length is nice and long, but temperatures and humidities can become uncomfortably high and rain can be a major issue.
The average maximum temperatures range from 24°C/75°F in July to 33°C/90°F in January, with the lowest average minimum occurring in July at 8°C/46°F. The average annual rainfall is 350mm (14in), most of which occurs during midsummer (December - February).
MORE Collection
MORE Collection owns and manages a collection of luxury safari lodges, boutique hotels, and exclusive-use residences in South Africa, offering seamless itineraries between our properties. Led by custodian and CEO Robert More, ours is a fourth-generation family business - our origin dates to 1933 when our great-grandfather Guy Aubrey Chalkley purchased the land that Lion Sands Game Reserve was later established on. Our footprint is in four unique safari reserves - Sabi Sand, Kruger, Thornybush, and Marakele - and our hotel is in the vicinity of one of the Natural Wonders of the World, Table Mountain. Our properties include Lion Sands Game Reserve (Mpumulanga), Marataba Game Lodges and Monwana Game Lodge (Limpopo), and Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel (Western Cape).
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