Shumbalala Game Lodge is nestled in the heart of Thornybush Private Nature Reserve, 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.

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 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 campgrounds 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 3:30 pm with a selection of 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 splendor 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 drink at the lodge at around 7:30 pm to freshen up for the evening's events. Fetched by your ranger in 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.