//
you're reading...

News

What Happens at Shumbalala Game Lodge?

shumbalala_heading

It’s a vast, wild place where the lions roam at Shumbalala Game Lodge, deep in the Thornybush Game Reserve, one of the country’s great tracts of untamed game-viewing. Set as it is in a dry, singeing savanna of Mopane, Acacias and Umbrella thorns, quartered by easterly-flowing rivers densely shrouded in giant figs, fever trees and phoenix palms, the land is an ancient tapestry of natural wonder.

Over-head, Loeries call their sharp warning while horn-bills swoop in an ungainly ballet between trees and vultures elevate on thermals portending an electric storm.

As you push on through the bush, it is the serendipity of nature that amazes most, as your vehicle skirts art deco zebra, dozy giraffe, bright eyed bush babies, wildebeest (made, it is said, by the committee of left-over parts) and the rest Africa has to offer.

It is even more of an adventure when you stumble upon a leopard lazing in the V of a Jackalberry tree or; a hyena giving you a lazy yellow eye in the gathering dusk; a majestic bull elephant crashing its way through the riverine thicket in search of sweet reeds or; a surprise sunrise encounter with a lion pride on the prowl.

Contact us for tours and pricing 1.888.927.5255 or email us. 

Typical Day

shumbalala

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”.

Contact us for tours and pricing 1.888.927.5255 or email us. 

 

Superior Suites

shumbalala

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 with
  • Pure Cotton Percale Linnen with a choice of pillows
  • Mosquito NettingPrivate Boma with outside fireplace
  • Private Dining Room
  • Private Lounge
  • Pirvate Plunge Pool
  • Butlers Kitchen
  • Private Service Available
  • Individual Air-conditioning
  • Overhead Fans
  • Mini-BarSafe in room
  • Tea & Coffee Making Facilities
  • Direct Dial Telephone
  • Cellphone Reception (3G)
  • Fireplace
  • Full En-Suite Bathrooms including:     – Shaver Plugs     – Additional Outside Shower     – Hairdryer     – Full range of amenities

Lodge Facilities:

  • Pool
  • Library with Internet Station
  • Lounge with Fireplace
  • Wi-Fi Enabled Public Areas (Complimentary)
  • Underground Cellar
  • Outside Boma
  • Laundry Service
  • Transfers
  • Airstrip (on the Reserve)

Contact us for tours and pricing 1.888.927.5255 or email us. 

 

Relax & Enjoy

shumbalala

 

Nestled in the heart of the 14000ha Thornybush Reserve bordering the Kurger National Park lies Shumbalala Game Lodge. 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.

Welcomed by management, staff and rangers at this intimate and exclusive lodge guests experience a professional yet relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
The lodge consists of a select number of Superior Suites and the exclusive Presidential Suite.

In addition to the game viewing activities guests have time to relax and enjoy the surroundings on the game viewing decks overlooking the water hole frequented by game. There are two welcoming lounges inviting you to sit back and enjoy the pampering.

Spend lazy afternoons at the pool, reading in our private library with a selection of wildlife books, select a prized African gift in our curio shop, bird watching or just relax in the comfort of your suite.

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.

For those who need to stay in touch with the outside world the lodge has a complimentary internet station as well as complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the lounges and library areas as well as cellphone coverage (3G enabled) throughout the camp.

Come home to the welcome of the luxurious Shumbalala Game Lodge after an uplifting experience in the bush, your senses inspired by all that is natural.

Contact us for tours and pricing 1.888.927.5255 or email us