5 Mins
Payments
Thornybush Game Reserve is a premium safari destination located in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. They partnered with TurnStay to go Borderless and improve their financial operations.
Founding & Heritage
Founded in 1961, Thornybush has spent over 60 years creating unforgettable safari experiences in South Africa’s Greater Kruger Park. With unfenced access to Kruger and 15,000 hectares of wilderness, guests enjoy exceptional Big Five sightings, luxury lodges, and warm, personal service—an experience known as “that Thornybush feeling.”
Mission & Offering
Thornybush's purpose as awakening the heart and soul to the wonders of safari and nature, offering guests the chance to wake to birdsong, sleep to the night sky, and be immersed in a wild but comfortable environment.
They combine luxury accommodation with expert guides, community engagement and conservation initiatives. The “Thornybush feeling”, as they call it, is built on hospitality, wilderness access, and meaningful experiences.
The Moment to Go Borderless
Thornybush partnered with TurnStay, the borderless finance platform crafted specifically for travel businesses in Africa.
The goal was clear: simplify payments, improve revenue flow, and provide guests with a smoother experience from the moment they book.
According to the Finance Director of Thornybush:
“Turnstay have streamlined our payment processing operation. The platform increases the currency options available to guests; decreased the payment failure rate; and saved us money with lower fees. We have been very impressed with the company from the off.”
With TurnStay powering their financial operations, Thornybush has unlocked faster payouts across markets, minimized failed transactions, and reduced the cost of getting paid. The result is a more scalable commercial model that supports their continued expansion of lodges and experiences.
Legacy Meets Innovation
Thornybush’s evolution demonstrates that even the most established safari brands benefit from future-ready digital infrastructure. They remain deeply committed to conservation, community upliftment, and delivering unforgettable luxury experiences. Now they have a payments partner that matches that commitment with speed, adaptability, and global reach.
Their story is one of innovation without compromise. A true example of a heritage hospitality brand going borderless to power the next chapter of growth.
Ready to Go Borderless?
Thornybush partnered closely with James, our travel payments expert, who tailored TurnStay to their unique operations — smarter routing, more currency options, fewer failures.
We understand how travel businesses scale across borders. Let us help you do the same.