Blog

On 24 September, South Africans celebrate Heritage Day — a day dedicated to the cultures, traditions and languages that make this country unlike anywhere else. It’s a moment to reflect on our roots, celebrate our shared identity, and enjoy the diversity that connects us all.

At Shumbalala Game Lodge, heritage is not celebrated once a year — it is part of daily life. You taste it in the meals shared around the fire, hear it in the stories of our guides, and experience it out on game drives and in everyday conversations. A safari here is about more than wildlife alone; it is also about connecting with the culture and people who bring the bush to life.

When’s the best time to visit Shumbalala Game Lodge? The truth is — there’s no single answer. Every month in the bush brings its own atmosphere, wildlife activity, and small touches that can make your stay unforgettable.

In summer, the reserve is lush and alive with newborn animals and colourful birdlife. Autumn brings golden light and mild days, perfect for long drives. Winter offers crisp mornings, clear skies, and exceptional game viewing — often followed by evenings beside a glowing fire. Spring blooms with fresh greenery, warm breezes, and the promise of rare sightings.

But it’s not just the weather that shapes your visit — it’s the experiences. The sight of elephants drinking from the infinity pool in the midday heat. A private wine cellar dinner as hippos surface just beyond the glass. Fires lit in your suite so it’s warm when you return from your evening drive.

Rather than simply telling you, we’ve turned to the people who know it best — our guests. Drawing on Tripadvisor reviews from the past year, here’s your month-by-month guide to what you can expect in every season at Shumbalala Game Lodge — from the wildlife to the weather, and all the magical moments in between.

31 July marks World Ranger Day, a time to acknowledge the people working every day to protect the world’s natural spaces — often quietly, often out of sight. These are the people who respond when something feels out of place, who track the subtle signs left behind in the bush, and who take on long hours and difficult terrain because they believe in what they’re protecting.

At Shumbalala Game Lodge, inside the Thornybush Private Nature Reserve, we’ve come to know just how much this work matters — not only to wildlife, but to everyone who visits. The safety of the reserve, the wellbeing of its animals, and the quality of the experience we offer all rely on the steady presence of people behind the scenes.

There’s a certain rhythm to life in the bush — one that can’t be rushed or predicted. And for many guests at Shumbalala Game Lodge, the most meaningful moments aren’t always the ones that make it onto Instagram.

A real safari is about more than ticking animals off a list. It’s about the process — the waiting, the watching, the wondering.

If you’re planning your honeymoon and find yourself torn between golden beaches and something a little different, you’re not alone. The beach is a classic choice — but we’re here to let you in on a little secret:

A honeymoon in the bush is something magical.

And at Shumbalala Game Lodge, in the heart of the Thornybush Private Nature Reserve, it might just be the most romantic escape you never knew you needed.

Here’s why.