Shumbalala Game Reserve in Thornybush

Shumbalala Game Reserve … A feast for the senses, a journey for the soul…. Shumbalala has been described by many who have visited it as a feast for the senses and a journey for the soul. A place where the setting was designed by nature, the spirit supplied by the hosts and the comfort derived from the soft linen and fabrics.

This Lodge represents extraordinary style and taste and accredited by the star grading council with a five star rating. Accommodation and tasteful public areas are home to a maximum of eight special guests.

All bedroom accommodation of the highest standard and space, culminating in the offering of and exclusive twin suited Presidential Suite, complete with private secluded pool, entertainment area, private Lounge and dining areas, warm exclusive open fireplace and unparalleled exclusivity.

A wine cellar fit for Kings and Princes to entertain lavishly are all part of what makes Shumbalala so uniquely special.

Accommodation

Shumbalala Game Reserve has four luxury suites – each with its own fireplace, picture window bathroom with in – and out – door showers, and private viewing decks have been carefully constructed along the Monwana riverbed to ensure that they are completely secluded from one another.

In addition to the four suites, there is a presidential suite that boasts an extra dining room and lounge. As an added thrill, try the presidential suite’s James-Bond-styled motorised deck pool that reveals itself from beneath the deck with a touch of a button.

One of the Shumbalala’s key attractions is its underground wine cellar in full view of the river. This unique facility is perfect for an intimate dinner for two or can be converted into a small conference room with added atmosphere.

Delightful delicacies are prepared by Shumbalala’s expert chef and these can be taken either in the comfort of your private deck or in more formal surroundings in the candle-lit dining room accompanied by a crackling fire in winter. Open-aired fireside dinners allow guests an opportunity to mingle and share their experiences of the day.

Shumbalala essentials:

• Rated five star by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa
• Four luxury suites and one presidential suite (Max 8 guests)
• Open air dining area and wine cellar
• Air-conditioned
• En-suite bathroom with outdoor shower
• Children under 12 by arrangement
• The presidential suite consists of two en-suite accommodations

Shumbalala Game Viewing

Shumbalala Game Reserve offers unique exclusive Safari experiences in both open Land Rovers, and on foot. The private reserve is home to an abundance of species: 147 mammals including the “Big Five”, 114 reptiles, 507 birds, 49 fish, 34 amphibians and 336 trees. The reserve is predominantly open savannah and with a near perfect year round climate, it is the ideal African safari holiday destination.

A typical day

The day starts as dawn breaks over the African bushveld. After your early morning wakeup call. Shortly after, you depart in your open landrover with your experienced Rangers and Trackers who will share their extensive knowledge of the bush with you. These drives are undertaken at times best suited for game viewing which vary depending on the season but typically start early morning. Where applicable you may be invited out of the vehicle to see tracks, examine certain plants and follow spoor.

After an exhilarating hunt for tracks to see what the animals have been up to during the night, and tracking down whatever you find, you will stop somewhere out in the bush for a break of coffee & tea. Time to stretch your legs whilst having your sunglasses cleaned & indulge in cool towels in summer, and hot towels in winter. In winter, we keep our guests warm on the vehicle with hot water bottles & warm blankets.

After a sumptuous Breakfast is served either back at the camp or in the riverbed or bush, guests are offered walks to suit their interests and fitness levels and are accompanied by an armed ranger and tracker.

Walks allow guests a better chance to see some of the smaller creatures of the bush as well as an opportunity to learn more about the flora and fauna of the region & to have a chance to follow tracks in more detail.

Our Shangaan trackers will enthrall you with their explanations of the medicinal and other uses of the numerous plants and trees along with tales of traditional folklore.

The rest of the day is spent at the discretion of the guest for other activities that we offer, with a late lunch served around 3.00pm. Lunch is followed by the afternoon game drive and extends into the evening to view seldom seen nocturnal species by torchlight.

Once again, you will break somewhere out in the bush, in a remote, scenic spot to watch the sunset, where Sundowners and snacks are offered to guests whilst you once again stretch your legs.

Upon returning for a gourmet 3 course dinner, either in the boma, bush or lodge – guests can socialize with a cognac, single malt or cigar around the campfire or lounge before returning to bed for another day’s adventure at Shumbalala Game Reserve.

Where possible, safaris will be tailored to suit individual preferences and interest.