Shumbalala at Thornybush Game Reserve
‘Lavish Luxury in the African Bushveld’
At the heart of the 14,000 hectare Thornybush Reserve bordering the Kruger National Park and sitting along the banks of the seasonal Monwana river this camp provides the sort of luxury that is rarely found in the African bushveld. Accommodation is opulent and tranquil and being in a ‘camp’ in this instance does not mean any loss of luxury amenities; suites include privacy, air conditioning, sumptuous furnishings and some have private plunge pools. Game drives and viewing opportunities are second to none here and your experienced and knowledgeable rangers will welcome you into their world of wildlife with enthusiasm. Dining at Shumbalala is a sumptuous affair served indoors in elegance, outside in an open boma with roaring fire, by a riverbed at high tea time or even romantically in a specially designed cellar overlooking the water hole
In Our Opinion
‘The height of decadence in the African bush; enjoy the ultimate luxury safari with the best of every world’
Services
• Library with internet station
• Lounge with fireplace
• Wifi enabled public areas (complimentary)
• Underground cellar
• Outside Boma
• Laundry service
• Airstrip on the reserve
Safari
Shumbalala Game Lodge offers unique, exclusive Safari experiences in both open Land Rovers and on foot; the private reserve is home to 147 mammals including the "Big Five", 114 reptiles, 507 birds, 49 fish, 34 amphibians and 336 trees. The reserve is predominantly open savannah and it enjoys a near perfect year round climate
A typical day
• The day starts as dawn breaks over the African bushveld.
• Early morning wakeup call, coffee, tea & rusks served on the main deck
• Depart in your open Land Rover with your experienced Rangers and Trackers who will share their extensive knowledge of the bush with you
• Hunt for tracks & follow, observe overnight activity
• Stop in the bush for a break of coffee & tea
• Sumptuous breakfast served back at the camp/in the riverbed or bush
• Walks to suit your interests/fitness levels accompanied by an armed ranger and tracker
• Optional activities up to lunch time
• Lunch at around 13.30
• Optional activities up to high tea
• Afternoon game drive extending into evening to see nocturnal species by torchlight
• Return for gourmet 3 course dinner in the boma, bush or lodge / opportunity to socialise with drinks around the campfire or lounge
During your drive
• These drives are undertaken at times best suited for game viewing
• Where applicable you may be invited out of the vehicle to see tracks, examine certain plants and follow spoor
• You will have time to stretch your legs, have your sunglasses cleaned.
• Indulge in cool towels in summer and hot towels in winter
• In winter there are hot water bottles & warm blankets
• Walks provide a better chance to see smaller creatures of the bush and learn more about the flora and fauna of the region
• Shangaan trackers will offer enthralling explanations of the medicinal and other uses of the numerous plants and trees
• Where possible, safaris will be tailored to suit individual preferences and interest
Day excursions
• Panorama Tour – Abel Erasmus Pass, Graskop, God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Three Rondawels
• Cheetah Breeding Project – visit to one of the country’s leading private research & breeding facilities
• Balloon Experience – early morning flight across the landscape weather permitting
• Flight of the Dragon – light aircraft or helicopter flight over the Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window with stop at a private mountain stream for a swim & picnic lunch
• Horse Riding Safaris & elephant back safaris
Room Options
Location
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