FAQs

Monwana Game Lodge is located in Thornybush Nature Reserve, which shares an unfenced border with Greater Kruger National Park in South Africa's Limpopo Province. The reserve covers 14 000 hectares of pristine wilderness with free-roaming Big Five wildlife.

Fly into Hoedspruit Airport (HDS), 45 minutes from the lodge. Daily scheduled flights operate from Johannesburg and Cape Town. Federal Air also offers shuttle flights from other game reserves. Complimentary airport transfers are provided.

Year-round. Thornybush's wildlife is non-migratory, meaning Big Five sightings happen in every season. Summer (October-April) brings lush landscapes and birdwatching. Winter (May-September) offers clearer views as vegetation thins and animals gather at waterholes.

Yes, Thornybush is in a low-risk malaria area. We recommend consulting your doctor about prophylactics before travelling. The lodge provides mosquito nets, fans, and air conditioning in all rooms.

We recommend booking 6-12 months ahead, especially for busy seasons (July-October, December-January) and if you're interested in the exclusive-use Residence.

Suites welcome children aged 10 and over. Family Suites accommodate up to five guests (2 adults, 3 children aged 10+). Monwana Residence welcomes children of all ages and sleeps up to six guests.

Maximum 24 guests across six suites and the Residence, ensuring an intimate, uncrowded experience. The Residence operates as an exclusive-use home for your family or group.

Yes. Contact our reservations team to arrange exclusive use of the entire lodge for groups, celebrations, or corporate retreats.

Thornybush is known for Big Five sightings - lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo. The area is particularly known for leopard sightings. You'll also encounter giraffe, zebra, hippo, hyena, wild dog and over 350 bird species.

Twice-daily game drives depart at dawn and late afternoon when wildlife is most active. Each drive lasts 2-3 hours in open safari vehicles with a maximum of six guests per vehicle. Your FGASA-accredited field guide and tracker work as a team to find wildlife and interpret behaviour. Drives include coffee stops at sunrise or sundowners at sunset. Residence guests have a private safari vehicle and field guide, with complete flexibility to schedule game drives.

Children aged 10 and over can join game drives in Lodge and Family Suites. Monwana Residence welcomes children of all ages on their private vehicle. Bush walks require guests to be 16+ as per reserve policy. The Mosaba Rangers programme offers age-appropriate activities for younger guests between drives.

No experience necessary. Your field guide tailors each drive and walk to your interests and knowledge level, whether you're a first-timer or seasoned safari-goer.

Yes. Monwana operates almost entirely off-grid using solar power, innovative water-based heating and cooling systems, and reverse osmosis water filtration. We source from sustainable South African suppliers and continuously work to reduce our environmental footprint. Sustainability tours show guests our systems firsthand.