Shumbalala
Game Lodge
Shumbalala Game Lodge at Thornybush Game Reserve is set on the banks of the Monwana river, boasting incredible game viewing from the lodge deck and private viewing decks. The lodge features 4 Superior suites and 1 Presidential suite, allowing for an intimate safari experience of pure luxury and close attention to every guest’s needs. Elegantly integrated into the natural surround with stone, timber, and thatch materials, the main lodge provides a sparkling pool, dining deck, cozy wine cellar, and communal lounge. Each of the 5 five suites at Shumbalala Game Lodge ensure exclusive privacy, gorgeous bushveld views, and luxurious spacious interiors.
Thornybush is a private game reserve sharing unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park. Known for 14 000 hectares of open savannah woodland with patches of thicket, its superior Big 5 habitat boasts some of the best game viewing in South Africa. Here a full Big 5 sighting within the first 2 days of your safari is very likely. With limited reserve lodges and guests, you can be assured of uncrowded safari sightings and great photographic opportunities.
Passionate guides and trackers at Shumbalala Game Lodge strive to connect the dots on each game drive, explaining the ecosystem and how the smallest of insects correlate to the largest mammals. This makes for an intriguing understanding of the wild and makes every sighting even more spectacular. Get up-close to nature during a guided bushwalk or take a night-time safari in search of rare nocturnal animals and big cats with a spotlight. Thornybush Game Reserve offers an abundance of exciting experiences and wildlife activities.
Gallery
Wildlife
- High concentration of Big 5 with large herds of elephant and buffalo, as well as large lion prides.
- Other wildlife include but are not limited to the hippopotamus, giraffe, zebra, cheetah, African wild dog, hyaena, warthog and many other cat and antelope species.
- Large antelope herds support the populations of predators in the reserve.
- Over 500 bird species have been recorded in the region. Many can be seen in the reserve.
Game Drives
- Game drives take place twice a day in the early mornings and afternoons for a duration of 3-4 hours.
- Game drives are led by an experienced guide and tracker team.
- Vehicles are allowed to go off road to track and follow the wildlife.
- Strict traverse rules are in place and vehicle numbers are limited in each reserve. A maximum of two vehicles are allowed at any sighting.
- Night drives and guided bushwalks are permitted.
Activities & Facilities
- Game drives
- Guided bushwalks
- Stargazing
- Birdwatching
- Swimming Pool
- Restaurant
- Open-air African Boma
- Viewing deck
- Bar & lounges
Highlights
- Set on the banks of the seasonal Monwana River.
- Endless views over the river and reserve.
- Accommodation nestled beneath the shady African trees that line the seasonal Monwana River.
- Each suite features private viewing decks with plunge pools.
- The two-bedroom Presidential Suite features a private dining room, lounge, deck with private Boma, and a plunge pool.
- Viewing deck overlooking a waterhole frequently visited by wildlife.
- Dinners in the open-air African Boma at night.
- Exciting Big-5 game drives with game rangers and trackers.
- Renowned for close up sightings of the Big-5.
Location
- Situated on the western boundary of the Greater Kruger and Kapama Game Reserve. It is located close to the Timbavati Game Reserve and the Kruger National Park.
- The Kruger National Park is almost 2 million hectares and lies in the north-eastern corner of South Africa in the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces.
Getting There
- Thonrybush private airstrip is the closet airstrip, two daily chartered flights from Johannesburg are operated by Federal Airlines.
- Hoedspruit (HDS) is the closet commercial airport to Shumbalala Game Lodge, daily flights operate from Johannesburg and Cape Town.
- Flight time from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit or private airstrip: 60 minutes.
- Flight time from Cape Town to Hoedspruit: 2 hours 30 minutes.
- Road transfers from Hoedspruit to Shumbalala Game Lodge take 60 minutes.
Child Policy
- Shumbalala Game Lodge welcomes children over 10 years.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- Included: 2 x Game drives per day, guided bush walks, all meals, soft drinks, selected alcoholic beverages, and private airstrip transfers.
- Excluded: Premium branded drinks, conservation levies, commercial airport transfers, and anything of personal nature.
Rates
- The updated rates are displayed for each room category below.
- Rates are charged per person, per night.
- Single supplement of 50% applicable.
- Rates displayed are valid until 31 December 2026.
Can't Find What You Looking For?
Visiting such a diverse country necessitates some expertise to determine which area, lodge and transport will suit you best. Whether you are a family, couple or traveling solo, we’ll guide you to the perfect place for an incredible safari experience
Superior Suites
These enchanting thatch suites feature private timber decks with plunge pools and sunlounges overlooking an active waterhole. Superior Suites feature en-suite bathrooms with bush views, outdoor showers, and elegant décor Read more and furnishings throughout. Read Less
| Price | $ 1,273per person per night |
|---|
Presidential Suite
The Presidential Suite is a luxurious 225m2 space including two full en-suite bedrooms with a shared space to enjoy private dinners and relax around a fireplace. A wrap-around private deck features an outside dining area, private Read more plunge pool and boma. Read Less
| Price | $ 1,592per person per night |
|---|
Ready to start planning?
Contact Us
