There are several easy ways to reach your Thornybush lodge. Fly from Johannesburg or Cape Town, arrive by private charter, or enjoy the flexibility of a self-drive through the Lowveld. Below you’ll find everything you need to know before travelling to your lodge at Thornybush Nature Reserve or Sabi Sand Nature Reserve.
Our Thornybush lodges are set within the renowned Thornybush Nature Reserve and Sabi Sand Nature Reserve. Both lie along the western edge of the Kruger National Park, forming part of the Greater Kruger ecosystem.
Sabi Sand sits to the south, bordering Kruger along the Sabie River, while Thornybush is positioned slightly further north, adjacent to Kruger near Hoedspruit. Although they are separate private reserves, they are relatively close to one another and share the same open wilderness.
Recommended for most guests – quickest, most seamless option
Your international gateway. Most guests arrive at one of these two major hubs.
Multiple airlines operate scheduled daily services to HDS.
Flights are available with SA Airlink, CemAir or Safair. 2 scheduled departures daily.
Flights are available with SA Airlink, CemAir or Safair. 1 scheduled departure daily. Book early, seats fill fast.
We arrange transfers directly from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport to your lodge through stunning Lowveld scenery.
The most exclusive arrival — land right at the reserve.
Federal Air (FedAir) operates daily shuttle and private charter flights departing from their dedicated terminal at OR Tambo. Check-in opens from 07h00; latest check-in is 1 hour before departure.
Federal Air lands on Thornybush's own 1.2 km tarred airstrip, capable of accommodating up to 16-seat aircraft. Your vehicle meets you trackside; no transfer required. The lodge is just 2 minutes away.
A scenic option for those who enjoy the open road. Via the R40 near Hoedspruit, west of Kruger National Park. Approximately 450 km through sweeping Limpopo landscapes. Allow extra time for stops.
For the final approach, please follow our downloadable directions available below as your GPS may suggest the wrong reserve gate or unsuitable roads.
Recommended for most guests – quickest, most seamless option
Your international gateway. Most guests arrive at one of these two major hubs.
Multiple airlines operate scheduled daily services to HDS.
Flights are available with SA Airlink, CemAir or Safair. 2 scheduled departures daily.
Flights are available with SA Airlink, CemAir or Safair. 1 scheduled departure daily. Book early, seats fill fast.
We arrange transfers directly from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport to your lodge through stunning Lowveld scenery.
This is the preferred fly-in option for Simbambili guests, rather than landing at Hoedspruit and driving for nearly 2 hours.
OR Tambo is the primary hub for Sabi Sand-bound guests arriving internationally or from Cape Town.
Fly directly onto Arathusa Airstrip and be collected by the lodge in a game viewer, with the safari experience beginning almost immediately
A brief road transfer from Arathusa Airstrip brings you to the lodge.
Due to severe flooding experienced in January 2026, the road conditions leading to Simbambili Lodge have been adversely affected. To ensure a more comfortable and convenient journey, we recommend that guests consider flying into Arathusa Airstrip.
Head east on the N4 through Nelspruit, then south via the R538/R536 to the Paul Kruger Gate area and on to the Sabi Sand reserve entrance at Gowrie Gate. Approximately 480 km. Allow a full day and plan to arrive before dusk when gates close.
For the final approach, please follow our downloadable directions available below as your GPS may suggest the wrong reserve gate or unsuitable roads.
JNB ➔ Hoedspruit (HDS)
± 55 mins
HDS ➔ Lodge (Road)
± 30 mins
Federal Air ➔ Thornybush Airstrip
Direct, daily
Self-drive JNB ➔ Reserve
± 5 – 6 hrs
JNB ➔ Hoedspruit (HDS)
± 55 mins
HDS ➔ Lodge (Road)
± 30 mins
Federal Air ➔ Thornybush Airstrip
Direct, daily
Self-drive JNB ➔ Reserve
± 5 – 6 hrs
Our Thornybush lodges reservations team can arrange all flights, transfers and Federal Air bookings on your behalf. Contact us today and we’ll take care of everything for you to make your travels as seamless and convenient as possible.
