Where Footsteps Meet Pawprints — Guided Safaris & Bush Walks at Thorn Tree Bush Camp

There’s something about the African bush that humbles you — the ancient stillness of the thorn-veld, the thrill of a distant lion’s call, the quiet rustle of life all around. It’s the wild reminding you: you’re a visitor here. And what a privilege that is. For the past nine years, Thorn Tree Bush Camp, nestled within the renowned Dinokeng Game Reserve, has been more than just Rodney and Elzabé’s little dream — it’s become a place where people reconnect. With nature, with each other, and with the stories written in the dust and stars of Dinokeng.

At Thorn Tree Bush Camp, it’s more than just the wild that leaves an impression — it’s the people. Our small, passionate team isn’t just staff — they’re family, and the heart behind the Thorn Tree dream. From early mornings lighting the rocket boilers to late afternoons sharing stories around the fire, they pour pride and care into every corner of the camp. It’s their friendly smiles, bush knowledge, and love for this special place that turn an ordinary stay into an unforgettable experience — because here, we believe the real magic of the bush lies in its people… and in chasing a dream that brings nature and community together.

It’s also become a place where passionate young guides take their first steps into the world of conservation. Over the years, we’ve been lucky to play a small part in that journey — helping a few talented individuals earn their qualifications and gain priceless bush experience.

Our daughter Shana, along with her friends from the Eco Ranger Academy, would often bring fresh energy and enthusiasm to Thorn Tree Bush Camp during their holiday breaks, using the opportunity to do practical work and gain real experience in the bush. They’ve spent time learning, exploring, and sharing fireside stories with guests — all part of their journey to becoming the next generation of passionate guides. Some stayed on for years, creating unforgettable wildlife moments with our guests before moving on to chase even bigger dreams. It’s a privilege to be part of their journey — and we love watching them grow within South Africa’s guiding community.

Our nephew Michael’s journey into the guiding world also started right here at Thorn Tree Bush Camp. After completing his degree in Sports Science, he joined us during the uncertainty of the Covid years — a time when many were rethinking their path. With our support, he enrolled at Limpopo Field Guides and quickly found his true passion out in the bush. Michael guided for us for several years, sharing his knowledge, energy, and love for the wild with our guests. Today, we couldn’t be prouder to see him living his dream as Head Guide at Mapesu Private Reserve, continuing to inspire others and protect the wild spaces he’s come to love.

We’ve got no shortage of stories about Shana, her friends, and Michael — from their wide-eyed first encounters with the bush to the inevitable moments of youthful mischief and laughter that only life in the wild can stir up. Their adventures, lessons, and a few harmless blunders around camp have become some of our favourite fireside tales to share with guests. More about these latter.

Today we’ve partnered with Dinokeng Activities, a trusted team of passionate guides and operators, to bring our guests even more exciting, informative, and entertaining experiences. Whether you're exploring on foot with an experienced guide on a guided bush walk, or bouncing along bush tracks on a guided game drive, you're guaranteed more than just animal sightings — you're stepping into the rhythm of the wild.

More Than Just a Game Drive in Dinokeng Game Reserve

Our old faithful Mahindra game viewer, the very first of its kind in the Dinokeng Game Reserve, has carved its fair share of tracks through this landscape. We still smile when we spot another Mahindra viewer — back when ours arrived, it turned a few curious heads! But a game drive here is never just about the vehicle. It’s about slowing down, tuning in, and letting the bush surprise you. Maybe it’s the towering elephant bull emerging silently from the bush. The glint of a lion's golden eyes in the grass. Or the comical tumble of dung beetles, determined and unstoppable in their work of rolling a ball of dung.

And then there are our favorites — the sleek, elusive cheetahs, melting across the veld as effortlessly as shadows at sunset.

Your Safari, Your Way — Book It Private, Keep It Wild

At Thorn Tree Bush Camp, guests can elevate their experience with a Private Safari — your own exclusive adventure into the Dinokeng wilderness. Book the vehicle and guide for just you and your group, with no strangers on board, and enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace. Whether you want to linger at a lion sighting, focus on birding, or simply soak up the bush without a crowd, our private safaris offer an intimate, tailored experience where the day unfolds entirely around you.

Guided Bush Walks in Dinokeng — Walk the Wild

A guided bush walk strips away the noise. It’s just you, your guide, and the wilderness revealing its quiet secrets — tiny tracks, medicinal plants, bird calls layered with meaning. It’s exhilarating, grounding, and entirely unforgettable.

Dinokeng — More Than a Game Reserve

Dinokeng Game Reserve isn’t just a beautiful patch of wilderness on the outskirts of Gauteng — it’s a pioneering vision in action. As South Africa's only Big Five game reserve in a metro area, Dinokeng represents a unique partnership between private landowners, communities, and government. The name itself means 'Place of Rivers,' a nod to the waterways that nourish the land — and the life it holds.

More than just a safari destination, Dinokeng is a bold experiment in sustainable conservation, aiming to balance the protection of wildlife with responsible tourism and local community development. The reserve's long-term vision is to create a thriving, self-sustaining ecosystem where conservation, tourism, and community benefit go hand in hand — ensuring this landscape remains wild for generations to come. It’s a vision we’re proud to support here at Thorn Tree Bush Camp — not only through the guides we’ve mentored or the guests we host, but in the quiet, everyday ways we tread lightly on this land. Our self-catering bush camp offers private camping sites and comfortable tented accommodation for those seeking an authentic bush-veld experience.

An African Safari Experience You Shouldn’t Miss

A safari in Dinokeng isn’t just a box to tick — it’s a story to live. Whether it’s the whisper of a lion in the dark, the distant drumming of hooves, or the joy of spotting tiny wonders often overlooked, the bush will stay with you long after the dust settles.

And who knows — maybe that story starts right here at Thorn Tree Bush Camp… beneath the thorn trees, beside the fire, where the wild calls and memories are made.

Chat to us about booking a guided game drive or bush walk — we’ll help you plan your next African safari adventure in Dinokeng Game Reserve.