• Where the lion sleeps
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.

Guest Reviews

  • Shumbalala-Amazing Africa

    "My wife and I stayed at Shumbalala for 6 unbelievable days . It was the most incredible 6 days that we will look back on fondly for many years to come. The overall experience was unbelievable, The food prepared by Liam and his team was fantastic and the variety was great. Dani and the lodge staff made sure we were looked after at all times from amazing gin cocktails... Read this review

    Michael Koster

  • Trip of a lifetime

    This was a most incredible experience. Can not say enough about the luxurious lodging, quality of food and the outstanding service. Everything was perfect. Memories of a lifetime. Saw the big five and then saw things like mating leopards, newly born elephant and packs of wild dogs. Incredible.

    Marta H

    South Carolina

  • Amazing Safari Lodge

    Such amazing service and wildlife sightings while travelling in the Kruger! Shumbalala is on point form the personalized details in the rooms, knowledgeable guides for safari - walking or driving and the most amazing food! Danielle and the team are 5star!!

    N Morris

  • Stunning!

    The place is amazing, the staff is excellent, lovely & friendly, walking the extra mile to make your stay even more comfortable!The knowledge of Edward and Pieter was beyond…. Thanks Danielle for your kind hosting, thanks Jeandra for making it happen.

    J Blaauwhof

    Netherlands

Latest News

Celebrating Women’s Day at Shumbalala Game Lodge

On 9 August 1956, over 20,000 women from diverse backgrounds marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria, standing up for their rights. This peaceful protest was organised by the Federation of South African Women (FSAW) and led by notable activists like Lillian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa, and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn. The women delivered petitions with over 100,000 signatures to the Prime Minister's office, standing in silence for 30 minutes and then...

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Meet Our Tango K9 Anti-Poaching Unit

Poachers beware; for these dogs, their bark isn’t nearly as bad as their bite! At Thornybush Nature Reserve, we have a formidable, expertly trained team of rangers and their dogs, known as the Tango K9 Anti-poaching Unit. Today, on World Ranger Day, we pay tribute to our K9 heroes and their handlers, who play a vital role in protecting vulnerable wildlife species in our reserve.

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Essential Tips for a Winter Safari in South Africa’s Greater Kruger

Welcome to winter in the Lowveld! Your daily forecast for months June through July is as follows: An icy morning chill from 5am, brisk spring freshness around 10am, glorious midday summer sunshine at 2pm, followed by a brisk autumn chill between 5 and 6pm. It’s a bit of a weather-y rollercoaster, but it’s easy to add and shed clothes as the temperatures rise and fall, and the predictability to our winter-time weather...

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