Meyrick Bowker Safaris – Thronkloof Lodge – Best Hunts in Africa

About Meyrick Bowker Safaris

Meyrick Bowker  Safaris is renowned for offering exclusive, family-only hunting safaris through Bowker Safaris. When you hunt with Meyrick, your group has the entire camp to yourselves—no other hunters, no shared lodges, and no competing agendas.

This private approach ensures complete focus from your Professional Hunter, fully personalized planning, and a relaxed, distraction-free atmosphere where you can shape each day of your safari exactly as you wish.

Working closely with Nick Bowker Hunting, Meyrick Bowker Safaris provides hunters with an even broader range of opportunities, including exclusive Bowker Safaris packages.

Meyrick Bowker Safaris

Address:
Thrornkloof Lodge
Grahamstown,
Eastern Cape
6140
South Africa
Secondary phone: +27 72 939 7902
URL: https://bowkerafricanhunts.com/locations/meyrick-bowker-safaris-thronkloof
Opening Hours:
Monday : 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday : 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday : 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday : 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday : 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday : 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday : 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Hunting Specialties

Meyrick specializes in:

  • Family plains game hunts
  • Dangerous game safaris: buffalo, leopard, lion, elephant, and rhino
  • Bow hunting safaris
  • World-class wing shooting

Meyrick’s International Hunting Experience

Between 1996 and 2000, Meyrick broadened his expertise internationally, guiding hunts across North America’s premier destinations. In Montana, Wyoming, and South Dakota, he successfully led clients in pursuit of elk, whitetail deer, mule deer, and pronghorn antelope, refining his understanding of species-specific behavior and adapting to rugged, varied terrain. His experience also extended to Hawai‘i, Georgia, and Texas, where he honed his skills across diverse landscapes.

Beyond the United States, Meyrick has hunted dangerous game throughout South Africa’s provinces, as well as in Zimbabwe and Mozambique, cementing his reputation as a skilled and versatile professional hunter.

View Meyrick Bowker Safaris on Google Earth

View Meyrick Bowker Safaris on Google Maps

Accommodation at Thornkloof Hunting Lodge

Thornkloof is more than just a hunting destination—it is a place steeped in Bowker family history. First settled in the early 1800s, the property’s two original homesteads have been lovingly restored to blend pioneer heritage with modern comfort. Today, the Settlers’ Cottage and Big House offer guests a memorable stay in the heart of the Eastern Cape wilderness.

Thornkloof lodge garden and swimming pool at Meyrick Bowker Safaris

Settlers’ Cottage (Built 1840s)

The Settlers’ Cottage is the original Bowker family home, carefully preserved while updated with modern amenities.

  • Family Room Suite – Two interleading bedrooms with a shared bathroom:
    • Bedroom 1: Queen bed
    • Bedroom 2: Twin beds
    • Bathroom: Shower, toilet, hand basin
      Perfect for families with children or small groups.
  • Queen Room – Queen bed with private bathroom (bath, shower, toilet, basin).
  • Twin Room – Two single beds with en-suite bathroom (shower, toilet, basin).

The Big House (Built 1860s)

The Big House offers larger, more spacious accommodation with high ceilings, historic architecture, and classic farmstead views—elegant yet welcoming.

  • Master Bedroom Suite – Queen bed with adjoining office space (also suitable as a nursery, cot available on request). En-suite bathroom with bath, shower, basin, toilet.
  • Twin Rooms – Two spacious twin bedrooms with:
    • Shared bathroom: Bath, shower, basin
    • Separate toilet for added convenience
  • Living Areas – Two lounges:
    • One with sweeping garden views
    • One opening onto a private plunge pool
  • Kitchen & Dining – Fully equipped kitchen facilities for comfort and convenience.

Wildlife Management & Sustainability

Wildlife is carefully managed by local farmers, each with a vested interest in maintaining healthy populations. Landowners own the game on their property, including transient animals that roam freely between conservancies. This sustainable approach supports thriving ecosystems, preserves balance, and ensures exceptional trophy quality.

Fair-Chase, Free-Range Hunting

Your safari is a true fair-chase hunt in a free-range African environment. We do not hunt behind high fences, except where required for certain species. This guarantees authentic stalking, natural animal movements, and a rewarding hunting experience.

Safety & Professionalism

The Eastern Cape is one of the safest hunting regions in Africa. In decades of professional hunting, we have never experienced a security incident. From arrival to departure, your safety, comfort, and enjoyment are top priorities. Meyrick will personally be with you throughout your safari—from your pickup at Port Elizabeth Airport to your drop-off at the end of the adventure.

First-Time Hunters Welcome

Whether it’s your first African safari or a return visit, we’ll guide you every step of the way. From planning and preparation to the field, our mission is to deliver an unforgettable, stress-free hunting experience.


Ownership & Structure

Bowker African Hunts (Pty) Ltd owns the Bowker African Hunts website and trademarks. The company is wholly owned by Robert (Rob) Bowker, who also serves as a director.

Through Bowker African Hunts, Robert manages all inquiries and bookings, connecting clients with the right hunting operation:

  • Nick Bowker Hunting – Co-owned by Robert Bowker and Nick Bowker, specializing in free-range plains game hunting in South Africa’s Eastern Cape.
  • Bowker Safaris – Independently owned by Meyrick Bowker, focusing on dangerous game safaris, bird hunting, and family-oriented safari packages.

This structure ensures that all bookings are professionally coordinated by Robert Bowker, while hunters benefit from the expertise of Nick Bowker and Meyrick Bowker in their respective operations.


About Rob Bowker

Rob Bowker is the owner and founder of Bowker Hunting. Drawing on his international business background and passion for the outdoors, Rob ensures that every guest enjoys a personalized African safari, from the first inquiry to the completion of their hunt.


The Bowker Hunting Experience

Turn your dream of an African hunting safari into reality—it’s more affordable than you might think. With Bowker Hunting, you’ll enjoy fair-chase, free-range African hunting adventures, from the excitement of dangerous game to world-class plains game.

We specialize in plains game hunting safaris, offering unforgettable experiences for first-time hunters, seasoned African hunters, and returning guests. Every hunt is designed to be ethical, exciting, and truly authentic—delivering not just trophies but memories that last a lifetime.

Come join us in Africa with Bowker Hunting and experience the thrill of a lifetime as you hunt with Nick and Meyrick Bowker. Discover the very best of African hunting while exploring


By Robert Bowker

Robert Bowker is the owner of Bowker African Hunts, trading as Bowker Hunting. Passionate about Africa, the outdoors, and hunting. Through Bowker Hunting, Robert provides hunters from around the world with authentic, ethical, and unforgettable African safaris.