Shumbalala Game Lodge is an unexpected oasis of luxury and comfort in the unforgiving heat of the African bushveld.
Nestled in the heart of the 14000ha Thornybush Reserve bordering the Kurger National Park lies Shumbalala Game Lodge which is situated on the banks of the seasonal Monwana river. The Lodge is 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.
Shumbalala Game Lodge Rates
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Accommodation
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 tranquillity, 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.
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 personalised 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!
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.
Excursions
Elephant Back Safaris
Share in the ultimate African experience. View tree tops, birds’ nests, and giraffes almost face to face. Sail high above the bushveld and feel part of the environment, instead of being just a passive observer. On elephant back, one is truly an integral part of the experience.
- Per Person – From R 1 950
- Estimated time – 2.5 hours
- Note: Very early morning excursion
Hot Air Baloon Safaris
Experience the magic of lighter-than-air flight near the foot of the Drakensberg Escarpment. A one-hour long flights offers beautiful scenic views over the Blyde River and other terrain of farmland, private nature reserves and wildlife estates. The mountains to the South and West provide shelter from the prevailing winds, thereby affording good flying weather on most days. As the sun rises, the landscape, the vegetation and, if you’re lucky, some wildlife will provide photo opportunities. Most flights will offer the chance to spot plains game like giraffe and wildebeest but this cannot be guaranteed.
- Per Person – From R 3 850
- Estimated time -3.5 hours
- Note – Very early morning excursion
- Weather dependant
Blyde Canyon Boat Cruise
Enjoy the splendour of the third largest Canyon in the world. Unquestionably being the largest ‘green canyon’ due to its lush subtropical foliage. A tour guide will take you to the rare living Kadishi Tufa waterfall – the second tallest tufa waterfall on earth and the Three Rondavels. An abundance of wildlife will keep you distracted while learning more about the natural history of the Blyde Canyon
- 2-4 Guests- From R 800
- 4+ Guests – From R 600
- Estimated time- 3.5 hours
- Note: Mid morning or late afternoon
Panorama Route
Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Abel Erasmus Pass, Graskop, God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Three Rondawels and other Panorama route attractions. Time is allowed to shop for curios at various excellent shops and local craft vendors along the way. This is one of the most scenic routes in the region. Return at approx. 17h00. Lunch is not included in the rate. Usual pick up time is around 09h00, but alternative pick up times can be arranged to suit guests needs.
- 2-4 Guests – From R 1 500
- 4+ Guests – From 900
- Est Time- 8 hours
Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre
Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre is known for its efforts in nursing sick, injured or poisoned animals back to health and releasing them again into their original habitat. However Moholoholo is often faced with the difficult decision of what to do with an injured or poisoned animal which will not be able to be released back into the wild. As a result, they have a number of ‘permanent residents’ that reside at the center and are used as ‘ambassadors’ for their species.
Guests are therefore able to get an ‘up close and personal’ experience of these incredible creatures, while having the opportunity to practically demonstrate the problems and the challenges associated with conservation and habitat protection.
- 2-4 Guests- From R 750
- 4+ Guest- From R 550
- Est time- 3.5 hours
- Note: Mid morning or late afternoon
Hlokomela Community Project
Shumbalala supports The HLOKOMELA community project encompassing local initiatives to provide services to the local communities suchas a Crèche for Young Children, Hospice Haven, Children’s Toy Library, Herb Garden, Glass Recycling Plant, Wellness Clinic, and Bavarian Sponsored Sewing Project. Your visit will include the Herb Garden, the Toy Library and Crèche and the Glass Recycling Project. You will also have the opportunity to meet some of the children and staff.
- Per person – From R 350
- Estimated time – 3 hours
Wine and Dine
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.
Safari
Game Drives
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.
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.
Contact us for a tailor-made package today!
Our travel consultants are on hand to put together an itinerary to suit your every travel need. Our quick response time means that you get the holiday of your dreams without the wait.