Please note Serondella is found within the Thornybush Game Reserve which forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park as all fences have been taken down to allow the wildlife to roam free.
Just like elephants, Serondella is big on family. If you don’t bring along yours, you’ll immediately be part of theirs and feel instantly at home. That’s the distinct feeling there, of being home – only better. The lodge has carefully considered children throughout, with activities and programmes specifically for young guests and family suites thoughtfully designed with spacious outdoor living areas and pools.
The newly renovated Serondella – which means ‘place of elephants’ – is simply beautiful. It envelopes one of Thornybush’s most active waterholes, deep in the Greater Kruger, so wildlife viewing here is both world class and very personal. You will see many an elephant drinking at the waterhole before you, while sipping your morning coffee. And you’ll feel closely connected with your natural surroundings and all that lives there. That’s exactly what Serondella aspires to.
It’s echoed in the décor too, with individually decorated suites reflecting muted earth tones and splashes of stylized animal print. Thoroughly five star, Serondella may be family-orientated but it’s also magnificently private and tranquil. Here you’ll sleep deeply and completely refresh body and mind.
Whether you choose game drives or walks, guiding is superb. In fact, the Safari Guide of the Year for 2021 is resident at Serondella. There are also those evocative bush breakfasts and dinners to enjoy, and sundowners par excellence doused in golden light. And if you choose to stay in, there’s a gym and a spa where you can soak al fresco in a bush bath. Or simply game watch from the pool. The lodge is safely fenced to keep elephant at bay, but wildlife is still all around. So close sometimes, you’ll be thoroughly captivated.
What we love!
- The lodge runs on an ethos of giving back: to community and conservation. Guests also have an opportunity to experience community and conservation projects.
- Old world thatch and contemporary design and décor blend seamlessly, which is ever so refreshing.
- You can sit comfortably and watch game at the waterhole all day.
Need to know…
- Children of all ages are welcome.
- Getting there: daily flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Hoedspruit, then a 60-minute drive to the lodge. One can also take the daily scheduled flight, or charter a plane to Thornybush Main Airstrip and a 30-minute transfer to the lodge. It’s 6.5 hours self-driving from Johannesburg.
Reviewed by Keri Harvey