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Monwana

Thornybush Game Reserve, South Africa

Home > Accommodation > South Africa > Kruger National Park > Monwana

Monwana

PROPERTY FACILITIES

Pool

Gym

Spa

Wi-Fi

AVAILABLE SERVICES

Laundry Service

COMFORT LEVEL/PRICE RANGE

Luxury

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Is the Monwana for Me?

Monwana is located in the private 14,000-hectare Thornybush Game Reserve – part of the Greater Kruger National Park – a natural ecosystem of almost 2 million hectares. Enjoy an unhurried Big 5 safari – personal and uncrowded, with close contact animal encounters in the safe hands of expert guides and trackers during game drives and guided bush walks.

This is a lodge to be lived in, where the outside is invited in. Double volume vertical space, massive cathedral windows, and doors that open wide mean that you are part of the bush wherever you may be.

The lodge’s facilities include a lounge, bar, wine cellar, wraparound wooden deck, pool area, gym, spa, and safari boutique.

With never more than 8 rooms occupied, with a maximum of 16 guests, guests have the choice between Suites, Residences (Woodland and Savannah), and the exclusive Monwana Villa.

Experiences include private dining (including wine tasting in the cellar, a dinner for two under the stars, or a personal picnic), or revitalising body, mind, and spirit in the spa.

Monwana Photo Gallery

Monwana Rooms

The Monwana has 7 rooms. Select a room for more details.

Suites

2 spacious Suites accommodating 2 guests. The 90m2 under-cover suites are fully centralized air-conditioned and include ceiling fans. Suites feature a walk-in dressing room, lounge area and a drinks station comprising of both hot and cold beverages, en-suite bathroom with heated flooring and heated towel rails, separate bath and double showers as well as an outdoor shower. The outdoor deck area includes a heated plunge pool.

Savannah Residence

2 Savannah Residence, with 1 Suite having the capacity of accommodating 2 adults and 2 children between the ages of 12 – 16 years in 2 separate en-suite bedrooms. The 2nd Suite features a separate lounge area.

These 118m2 under-cover centralized air-conditioned suites including ceiling fans and 1 walk-in dressing room, lounge area and a drinks station comprising of both hot and cold beverages. Bathrooms offer heated flooring and heated towel rails with the master bathroom affording a separate bath and double shower with an outdoor shower. The second bathroom includes a shower and water closet only. Outdoor deck areas include heated plunge pools.

Woodland Residence

There are 2 spacious Woodland Residence accommodating 2 guests in each. The 118m2 under-cover suites are fully air-conditioned and include a ceiling fan and walk-in dressing room as well as a separate lounge area with drinks stations comprising of both hot and cold beverages. The lounge area may be closed off from the bedroom area by means of cavity slider doors. The en-suite bathrooms offer heated flooring and heated towel rails and include a separate bath and double shower as well as an outdoor shower. Outdoor deck areas include a private heated plunge pool.

Monwana Villa

The magnificent internal 310m2 fully air-conditioned Monwana Villa offers 2 en-suite bedrooms each with a private entrance and including a lounge area with a drinks station affording both hot and cold beverages, ceiling fans and a walk-in dressing room. The en-suite bathrooms include separate bath and double shower, heated flooring and heated towel rails as well as outdoor showers. Both suites open to individual private deck areas with a heated plunge pool.

The Villa’s main entrance is flanked by 2 stunning water features with bedrooms separated by a communal lounge with a fireplace and dining area which leads to the 210m2 outdoor informal lounge and dining terrace with the standout firepit and larger heated plunge pool.

Room facilities

Coffee/Tea

En-Suite

Air Conditioning

Safe

Gowns

Mini Bar

Mosquito Net

Outside Shower

Balcony

Plunge Pool

Deck

Fan

Activities offered by Monwana

Activities on site

Game Drives

Bird Watching

Activities off site

Scenic Flight

Cultural Tour

Canopy Tours

Hot-Air Balloon

More about Monwana

Early morning and late afternoon game drives

The day starts as dawn breaks over the African bushveld. After an early morning wake-up call, coffee, tea and rusks are served on the main deck. Shortly after, depart in an open Land Rover with experienced Rangers and Trackers who will share their extensive knowledge of the bush. These drives are undertaken at times best suited for game viewing which varies depending on the season but typically starts early morning. Where applicable you may be invited out of the vehicle to see tracks, examine certain plants and follow spoor.

The afternoon game drive is preceded by high tea and extends into the evening to view seldom seen nocturnal species by torchlight.

Guided Bushveld Walks

After a sumptuous Breakfast is served either back at the camp or in the riverbed or bush, guests are offered walks to suit their interests and fitness levels and are accompanied by an armed ranger and tracker.

Walks allow guests a better chance to see some of the smaller creatures of the bush as well as an opportunity to learn more about the flora and fauna of the region, and to have a chance to follow tracks in more detail.

Monwana Spa

The Spa at Monwana is the very essence of nature and tranquility. A fresh breeze from the bush blows across the pond through sheer linen curtains; the sound of birdsong is a sweet accent to running water; and the sensual fragrance and texture of omumbiri, baobab and kigelia gives expression to Africa’s regenerative natural ingredients. Walls of glass let the outside in, and the combination of light, tarnished copper and timber set a tone of peace. The enchanting presence of water is felt everywhere –
be that in the wrap-around reflection pool, cascading over metal, or in a beautiful copper slipper bath with its own view of the surrounding bush.

Each one of our treatments begins with a foot and scent ritual, followed by a short meditative exercise.
African foot ritual is an invigorating yet relaxing foot ritual to activate tired legs after a long travel or a full day out in nature – the perfect way to start your treatment.

Hot Air Balloon Excursion

One-hour long flight over the scenic, Lowveld section of the Blyde River. As the sun rises, the landscape, the vegetation and, if you’re lucky, some wildlife will provide photo opportunities. Game spotting cannot be guaranteed but on most flights, we see plains game such giraffe and wildebeest. Terms & Conditions apply – additional cost.

English

Why Book with us?

Our safari experts are with you at every step of your journey.

Personalised Advice

Plan your trip with experts who live in Africa and have first-hand experience of the places you dream about. With this knowledge, they’re able to tailor every detail of your safari to your interests.

Exceptional Value

Safaris planned around your comfort and budget, with industry-leading financial protection. From rustic camps that move with the herds to private-use villas for families, we'll find your ideal set-up.

Responsible Safaris

We plan journeys with care and only work with partners we trust so that your safari has a positive impact on local communities, economies, and conservation initiatives.

24/7 Support

Our team of safari experts (with over 60 years of collective experience) are with you every step of the way, from planning your trip to landing back home after the experience of a lifetime.

What Our Guests Have to Say?

Read recent reviews from travellers who have planned and booked their trips with us

"I researched many Africa tours but could not find an itinerary that did exactly what I wanted to do. I contacted Discover Africa to see if they might be able to help. Bianca was terrific. She listened to what I wanted to do and put together a perfect itiner..."

Bryan Dunnivant, United States•13 Jul 2026•

"We had an amazing time at our safari place(Kapama Karula) organized by Susan from Discover Africa! She is very professional and gave us unforgettable time in South Africa! I highly recommend Susan and discover Africa!"

Luana, Brazil•21 Apr 2026•

"This was my 6th trip to South Africa and Botswana and, as always, Matthys van Aswegen made it a happy, safe, and exciting experience! My roommate, Glenna, and I thoroughly enjoyed the trip to South Africa's Boulders Beach to visit the African Penguin Reserv..."

JJ Towler, United States•02 Apr 2026•

"Chrizaan Troch of Discover Africa helped us organize a recent safari in Chobe National Park. She was great to deal with - listened to what we wanted, and also offered other suggestions. She was very efficient, and always replied promptly to our questions. ..."

Celia Schroeder, Canada•03 Dec 2025•

"This was a well organized trip that smoothly transitioned us from one adventure to the next. All our transfers from hotels to airport to safari lodges were professional, courteous, and timely. We loved the places that were recommended and felt the pace of o..."

Jeanne Bryan, United States•22 Nov 2025•

"We booked our safari through Chrizaan and the whole experience was absolutely fantastic. From the very beginning, communication was smooth and easy – both via email and WhatsApp – which made the planning process stress-free. Despite our limited availabil..."

Alejandro Martínez Hernández, Spain•03 Sep 2025•

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