Shumbalala Game Lodge
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
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
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
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.
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.