Shumbalala Game Lodge | Thornybush Game Reserve | South Africa

Thornybush Private Game Reserve

Property Description

Shumbalala Game Lodge is nestled in the heart of the 14000ha Thornybush Reserve which is now part of the Greater Kruger National Park Situated on the banks of the seasonal Monwana river the camp is an unexpected oasis of luxury and comfort in the unforgiving heat of the African bushveld. It is here where you will find the exclusive Shumbalala Game Lodge managed by a team with a friendly yet professional approach to their guests, also overseen by the family themselves. After having the privilege to acquire Shumbalala Game Lodge as a close knit family some years ago the owners rebuilt the original lodge to cater for discerning travelers in true luxury whilst keeping in line with timeless Africa. Since then continuous renovations and improvements ensures that guests needs and expectations of high quality are catered for at all times. As owners it is our pleasure to share this blessing and absolute gem with you whilst realizing the responsibility and importance of our conservation and our eco system alike. We welcome you to Shumbalala Game Lodge – a Journey for the Soul and a Feast for the Senses.

The Lodge: 

Welcomed by management, staff and rangers at this intimate and exclusive lodge guests experience a professional yet relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Dinner is a sumptuous affair prepared by our in-house chef catering for your specific preferences. Depending on the weather, meals are served at a variety of locations for your enjoyment. Enjoy brunch on the veranda overlooking the riverbed, high tea on the viewing deck overlooking the water hole; enjoy the open air boma with fireplace at night time where dinner is also served. In addition there is an elegant dining room for the cooler evenings with it’s inviting lounge and fireplace. Enjoy your interaction with other guests at this time sharing the experiences of a different kind. A romantic dinner in our specially designed cellar with a view over the water hole is not to be missed during your stay. It boasts an impressive selection of local and foreign wines for your enjoyment.

Superior Suites – Set under shady African trees lining the seasonal Monwana River, Shumbalala Game Lodge comprise of a select number of superior suites with privacy and luxurious comfort in mind. To ensure absolute exclusivity and privacy, the lodge prides itself in giving personalized attention to a select number of guests at a time.  The spacious private suites each comprise of a bedroom and lounge, en-suite bathroom, large glass sliding doors and private viewing decks with a view over the ever active water hole. Natural colours, wooden decks and thatched roofs compliment the bushveld surroundings. Standard amenities include overhead fans and air-conditioning providing welcome relief from the bushveld climate. Open fireplaces for the cooler winters, and designer “picture window” bathroom suites provides for an atmosphere that is Africa and romance at once. Features like the additional secluded outside showers cater for the more adventurous! Comfortable beds with embroided percale cotton linen with lush duvets and choice of pillows is romantically draped by mosquito netting. Relax in the lounge or on your private viewing deck, read a book or just soak up the tranquility, smells and sounds of the bush that surround you! Enjoy the unspoilt nature and African bushveld with it’s dramatic vistas in the comfort and luxury of your superior suite. 
Room Facilities: 
  • A choice of king or twin bedded rooms 
  • Full En-Suite Bathroom including an additional Outside Shower
 
Presidential Suite – In addition to the Superior Suites our Presidential Suite is a true haven of opulence and space offering unexpected luxury and exclusivity in the African bush. The Presidential Suite, a total of 225sqm includes two full en-suite bedrooms, a private dining room, private lounge, fireplace, wrap around private deck with outside dining facilities, a private boma and private plunge pool . The understated décor is African modern while the expansive wooden decking around the suite provides a perfect platform from which to experience the spectacularly wild african game and bush. If you prefer, meals can be enjoyed in the comfort of your own suite either in the private dining room next to the fireplace or outside next to a roaring open boma fire during the hot summer evenings. All complimented by friendly and professional service. The spacious private suites each comprise of a bedroom and lounge, en-suite bathroom, large glass sliding doors and private viewing decks with a view over the ever active water hole. Natural colours, wooden decks and thatched roofs compliment the bushveld surroundings. Standard amenities include overhead fans and air-conditioning providing welcome relief from the bushveld climate. Open fireplaces for the cooler winters, and designer “picture window” bathroom suites provide for an atmosphere that is Africa and romance at once. Features like additional secluded outside shower cater for the more adventurous! Comfortable beds with embroided percale cotton linen with lush duvets and choice of pillows is romantically draped by mosquito netting. Relax in the in-room lounge or on your private viewing deck, read a book or just soak up the tranquility, smells and sound of the bush that surround you! Enjoy the unspoilt nature and Africna bushveld with it’s dramatic vistas in the comfort and luxury of your suite. 
Room Facilities: 
  • Two en-suite bedrooms, king and twin bedded  
  • Private Dining Room 
  • Private Lounge 
  • Private Plunge Pool 
  • Butlers Kitchen 
  • Full En-Suite Bathrooms including an additional Outside Shower

 

The Experience

Thornybush Private Nature Reserve, has dropped their fences in February 2017 on the borders of the Timbavati. The adjacent reserve is unfenced on its Kruger boundary which means that the 14,500 hectare wilderness of Thornybush is now a part of the Greater Kruger National Park. Shumbalala is found in the centre of the Thornybush Nature Reserve. Situated on the banks of the seasonal Monwana river the camp is an unexpected oasis of luxury and comfort in the unforgiving heat of the African bushveld. 
 
Not accessible by private vehicles guests are collected by the rangers of Shumbalala Game Lodge and transferred on a short game drive to the camp situated unexpectedly in the lush bushveld surroundings. The Shumbalala Game Lodge camp is a unique place where the African wild is spoiled only by the quiet appreciation of guests being waited upon in the true tradition of Africa in their luxurious surroundings. There is an immediate sense of tranquility, opulence and space complimented by the camp’s custom designed buildings with it’s African décor, high thatched roofs and attention to the finest detail.
 
A Day In The Bush – A typical day in the bush starts off at around 5:30 am (depending on the time of year) with a wake-up call by your ranger after which follows early morning tea/coffee before you set off on your game adventure for the day. An informative and professional game drive with the excitement of tracking down the untamed game and big 5 is interrupted by a stop over in the bush for tea or coffee with a light snack. The adventure continues and you return back to camp at around 9:30 am to freshen up. This is followed by a sumptuous brunch with a choice of continental and hot breakfast. Following brunch the possibility of a bush walk lures the more adventurous or young at heart offering unexpected insight and knowledge of the eco-system to learn more about the fauna & flora unique to the area. You then have time to rest or relax at the pool, browse our curio shop, visit our library or sit on your private or the lodge deck enjoying the sounds and smells unique to the African bushveld. You are most likely to encounter wild animals browsing the camp grounds or a herd of elephants at the water hole directly in front of the lodge. 
 
This is also a unique time for bird lovers to indulge their passion in the abundance of the species found. Afternoon high tea is a time to interact with other guests and is served at around 3:30pm with a selection salty and sweet treats. Following directly thereafter you are off to an afternoon & evening game drive adventure with a stop-over in the bush for sundowners watching the splendour of the African sun setting over the mountains. Drinks are accompanied by snacks and some South African specialties. You return after dark to be welcomed with a sherry at the lodge at around 7:30 pm to freshen up for the evening’s events. Fetched by your ranger at your room (Shumbalala is not fenced so it is unwise to walk around by yourself after dark) for a drink at the bar or to select your wine from our wide selection in our underground cellar. Dinner is a five course affair prepared by our in-house chef with fresh ingredients. Dinner is served at various settings – around the fire, by candle light in the dining room, on the lodge deck, in the underground cellar or even in your suite for a more romantic affair! You will retire to your bedroom prepared for the evening (including a roaring log fire if it is cold) after a long but refreshing and fulfilling day in Africa – our staff are renowned for their pampering of guests who almost always depart as friends with a tear in their eyes. We are looking forward to welcoming you at “where the lion sleeps”.
 
Please remember the following when visiting Shumbalala Game Lodge:  
  • Your camera and video camera – you are welcome to take as many photos as you wish during game drives. 
  • A pair of binoculars are provided for you in each suite for your enjoyment. 
  • Walking Shoes should you wish to go on a game walk. 
  • Sunscreen and bathing suit during the summer months is essential. Some guests also enjoy the poolside during other seasons as temperature remain moderate throughout the year. 
  • Clothing – please refer to our suggested clothing for the different seasons in the weather summary below. 
  • Malaria is found in the Lowveld of Mpumalanga and Limpopo and thus includes the vicinity you will be visiting. Malaria is not much of a risk in the winter months. Although the incidence of malaria is rare, it would be best to take adequate precautions if you choose to visit these areas. We do however stress that Thornybush Reserve is a low risk malaria area and incidents are very rare. 
  • The cheapest, safest and most effective measures against malaria are physical barriers, such as a mosquito net, (which is provided in your suite) and the use of a good insect repellent (also provided). If you decide to take malaria prophylaxis, it is essential that you take the drugs according to the directions on the package insert. It is advisable to consult a medical professional first – please also take note that expectant mothers should avoid malaria medication.
 
Game Viewing – Your knowledgeable and experienced ranger conducts professional early morning and later afternoon / evening game drives in an informative and relaxed fashion. Fully equipped custom built game viewing vehicles offer all the comfort and luxury for our guests. Your qualified ranger will be happy to share all their knowledge of the bush – from the prized big five (leopard, lion, buffalo, elephant, rhino) to the smaller game, plants, trees, insects and more. Two game drives are conducted at the best suited times of the day to maximize the number of sightings. An early morning game drive start directly after morning coffee at approximately 5h30 in the morning (and a half an hour later in the winter). The excitement and rush of the adventure is interrupted by a stop over in the open bush for tea or coffee with a light snack – often with a view over nearby game. The adventure continues and you return back to camp at around 9:30 am to freshen up before brunch. Following afternoon high tea the afternoon game drives start at approximately 16h00 (and half and hour earlier in the winter) and continues into the night. 
 
The game drives are again interrupted by a stop-over in the bush for sundowners watching the splendour of the African sun setting over the mountains. The game viewing at night offers the opportunity to view the nocturnal animals including the possibility of lions out on the prowl. You return after dark to be welcomed with a sherry at the lodge at around 7:30 pm to freshen up for the evening’s events. Generally game drives return 3-4 hours after departure. Whilst there is an emphasis on showing our guests the renowned big five, our rangers realize the importance of all fauna & flora and is dedicated to ensuring your utmost enjoyment of all aspects of the bush. Amongst many other expect sightings at close range of abundant game including but not limited to Leopard, White Rhino, Black Rhino, Buffalo, Lion, Elephant, Cheetah, Zebra, Impala, Giraffe, Hippo, Waterbuck, Nyala, Warthogs, Eland, Baboons, Monkeys, Kudu, Hayena, Blue Wildebeest, various smaller game, birds of prey, smaller birds and nocturnal animals. The Thornybush Reserve is blessed with an abundance of species which includes: 
 
Game Walks –  Following brunch guests are welcome to enjoy the relaxing facilities at the camp but for the more adventurous informative bush walks are offered. This is one of the best ways to experience detail of the bush that would not be possible by vehicle. These walks are conducted by your knowledgeable and experienced ranger accompanied by his tracker – both there to ensure the walks are done professionally and safely. 
 
Wildlife Photography, Birding and Special Interests –  For the birding and photography enthusiasts the reserve has plenty to offer and game are encountered at close range. Rangers are trained to consider your special interests during game drives and walks. In addition their knowledge of the finer things within the eco-system, bush and plants as well as astronomy offers an insight into more than just the extraordinary wildlife. “Close encounters of a different kind” are the experiences that will linger in your memory long after your visit to Shumbalala Game Lodge – an African Safari not to be missed.
 
Weather  
Due to the location and average temperatures of the area Shumbalala Game Lodge can be visited throughout the year. Although winters could be cooler during game drives it has the added advantage of more successful game viewing (as the bush is not that dense). In contrast the summer months with its lush green bush and hot temperatures is a privilege to endure!
Amenities
FEATURES
  • Overhead Fans 
  • Direct Dial Telephone 
  • Fireplace 
  • Mini bar 
  • Individual Air-conditioning 
  • Safe in room 
  • Shaver Plugs 
  • Tea & Coffee Making Facilities 
  • Private Service Available 
  • Mosquito Netting 
  • Hairdryer 
  • Pure Cotton Percale Linen with a choice of pillows 
  • Private Boma with outside fireplace

 

Excursions
  • Hot Air Baloon Safaris
  • Blyde Canyon Boat Cruise
  • Panorama Route
  • Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre
  • Hlokomela Community Project
Basic Details
Property Type : Lodge
Listing Type : Vacation Rental

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Please contact us for availability and pricing details