Blog

At Shumbalala Game Lodge, some mornings come with coffee and a view. Others come with coffee and elephants. You never quite know which — and that’s part of the magic.

The birds are calling, the air is crisp, and the day begins slowly, just as it should in the bush. Then, through the thickets, the unmistakable sound of movement. A soft crackle of leaves, the low rustle of branches — and then, the first glimpse of grey.

A herd of elephants is on its way to the waterhole. Their steps are steady and purposeful, but also full of energy, especially the little ones, who often trot ahead with ears flapping and trunks swinging, barely able to contain their excitement. You can feel it in the way they move: playful, eager, and entirely at ease.

Whether it’s your first time seeing them or your fiftieth, their arrival always brings a sense of wonder. A stillness settles as you watch.

Autumn in the Southern Hemisphere is one of the most rewarding times to experience Shumbalala Game Lodge in the Thornybush Nature Reserve. Within just a few weeks, the landscape begins to shift - what was once lush and dense after the summer rains softens into warm golden hues. April and May offer the perfect balance: the last gentle showers of the season keep the bush vibrant, while the cooler temperatures and thinning vegetation make wildlife sightings even more rewarding.

While East Africa enters its heaviest rainy season, South Africa steps into one of its best-kept safari secrets - a time of abundance, energy, and breathtaking scenery, just before the peak winter months begin.

Sometimes, in the rush of daily life, we forget to look up. Our attention is drawn to screens and schedules, keeping our focus on what’s directly in front of us. But the night sky has always been a source of wonder. For centuries, civilisations have used the stars to navigate, tell stories, and mark the passing of time.

Out here, in the African wilderness, the sky at night is as enchanting as it has always been. Far from artificial lights, Shumbalala Game Lodge offers a front-row seat to the vast expanse above - where the Milky Way glows, planets shimmer, and constellations trace their ancient paths.

There’s something truly unique about exploring the African bush on foot. A walking safari awakens a deep connection to nature - something that can’t be fully experienced from a safari vehicle. With each careful step, you tune into the sights, sounds, and textures around you, uncovering a world teeming with life and wonder.

At Shumbalala Game Lodge, this immersive experience is a chance to slow down, appreciate the small wonders of the bushveld, and connect with the natural world in a way that stays with you long after your journey ends.

At Shumbalala Game Lodge, located in the heart of Thornybush Nature Reserve, we’re fortunate to encounter a diverse range of wildlife. While the “Big Five” often take centre stage, there’s another group of animals that might not win beauty contests but are equally fascinating. They all play a crucial role in maintaining the delicate balance of nature.

Meet the “Ugly Five”: the warthog, hyena, vulture, wildebeest, and marabou stork.

There’s an Afrikaans saying: “Mooi van lelikheid,” which translates to “beautiful because of its ugliness.” It describes something that doesn’t conform to traditional beauty standards but has a unique charm or appeal that makes it endearing. Each of these animals embodies this idea, contributing their own kind of beauty to the bush.

Let’s get to know them better: