Shumbalala Game Lodge

Shumbalala Game Lodge

Shumbalala is a haven of sophisticated style and unexpected luxury in the midst of lion country, close to the Kruger National Park.

This family-run lodge welcomes you into a warm and relaxed atmosphere enriched only by the professional service of dedicated hospitality staff, and field guides. It boasts a modern design under high thatched roofs which lends an undeniable African charm to the ambience of every space.

Meals are served as you like them, on the veranda overlooking the riverbed, around the fire in an open boma, or in the elegant dining room. The wine cellar, with a view over the waterhole, is the ultimate venue for a romantic dinner for two.

At Shumbalala, your daily routine entails twice-daily game drives blended with ample opportunity to relax in the lush surroundings of this unique space. Tranquillity and reflection are the order of the day as you soak up your surrounds while overlooking tranquil bushveld scenes or laze around the pool.

For the full experience, guests can engage in sightseeing excursions along the magnificent Panorama route, enjoy the Blyde Canyon boat cruise in the 3rd largest green canyon in the world, or participate in outings to visit local villages and nearby wildlife rehabilitation centres.

The truly adventurous simply must experience a helicopter flip with a picnic on top of Mariepskop mountain – part of the Drakensberg Mountain range, or a hot air balloon safari to witness the light of dawn rippling over the Drakensberg escarpment.

Shumbalala offers two plush lounges, a bar, a large patio, a look-out deck and a rim-flow swimming pool for guests’ enjoyment, and the exclusivity that comes with just five rooms, each with its own splash pool, comprising two different accommodation options.

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Location

Shumbalala Game Lodge holds pride of place on the banks of the seasonal Monwana River, in the heart of the prestigious 14 000 ha Thornybush Private Game Reserve, approximately 45 km from Hoedspruit.

This secluded private property is nestled in the Greater Kruger National Park area of South Africa’s Limpopo Province. The reserve is home to 147 mammal species and over 500 different types of birds, with no fences to hamper the free flow of wildlife from this world-famous destination.

Guests can travel to the reserve by road in a private car or a pre-booked transfer, whilst those who prefer not to waste a moment of their day can book a private charter from Johannesburg or Cape Town.

Charter flights land on the reserve where you will be met by your field guide who will transfer you to the lodge via a short game drive in an open safari vehicle.

Accommodation Options​

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Shumbalala Lodge offers personalised service in an intimate private setting, accommodating just 12 guests in a select number of suites. The location of each suite has been designed to offer privacy and seclusion with breathtaking views over the surrounding environment.

Inside, guests will find their every whim is accommodated. Percale cotton linen adorns the large comfortable beds, draped with mosquito netting in classic safari style.

The rooms are the ultimate setting for extra game viewing opportunities. Here, while lapping up the seclusion of your surroundings you can immerse yourself fully in the sights and sounds of this magical place.

Shumbalala Lodge offers four Superior Suites and one Presidential Suite for your exclusive enjoyment. While each suite boasts supreme privacy and personalised service, you can book the entire lodge for the exclusive use of your party if preferred.

Each suite offers a cosy haven of luxurious respite with an interior fireplace to drive away the evening chill and a recently added plunge pool for a cooling dip on the hottest days. One suite has been revamped to include the latest accessibility features in line with international standards and the entire lodge is wheelchair accessible.

Environment

By virtue of its location in a secure, managed wildlife habitat, Shumbalala Game Lodge forms an integral part of South Africa’s conservation efforts.

A portion of each guest’s accommodation fees go toward maintaining and preserving the local ecosystem and the lodge is also actively involved in community upliftment efforts in neighbouring villages.

Shumbalala aims to blend in seamlessly with this pristine environment and carries out all its operations with extreme consideration and care for the natural order of things.

Guests can rest assured that their visit to Shumbalala benefits rather than detracts from this undisturbed environment. 

Room Types

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Superior Suites

Superior Suites

Four 75m2 Superior Suites accommodate two guests in sublime comfort with views over a busy waterhole from a private wooden deck, shaded by indigenous riverine trees.

Each suite comprises every luxury one would expect from a safari lodge of this stature including daily housekeeping, room service, mini bar, beverage station, and air conditioning as well as a plunge pool for your private enjoyment

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Presidential Suite

Presidential Suite

Shumbalala’s Presidential Suite incorporates 224 m2 of swish interiors, including two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, for the enjoyment of four guests.

This one-of-a-kind suite is immaculately furnished and equipped to satisfy the tastes of the most discerning guests, with many unique features to add extra enjoyment and ease to their stay.

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Local Attractions

At Shumbalala, experienced, friendly, and accommodating field guides will lead you on exciting discoveries of all that Thornybush Private Nature Reserve has to offer on twice-daily game drives.

Guests can also embark on a host of exciting and informative adventures nearby, with captivating cultural tours, magical hot air balloon excursions, and insights into local wildlife rehabilitation efforts.

In between, you’ll while away the time relaxing over decadent meals and refreshing cocktails, alongside the pool or on your private deck.