Blog - Page 2

When you set off on a safari with Shumbalala Game Lodge in the heart of Thornybush Private Nature Reserve, you enter a realm where every sight and sound tells a story. You might wonder how our skilled guides and trackers seem to magically reveal incredible wildlife - it isn't down to sheer luck! It's a nuanced art form - a dialogue with nature that we are excited to share with you.

As Women’s Month is celebrated across South Africa, we at Shumbalala Game Lodge are overflowing with gratitude for the phenomenal women in our team. Whether they are ensuring our guests' comfort, whipping up culinary delights in the kitchen, or making our guests feel right at home in the bush, their roles are pivotal. When you get to know these remarkable women you learn that their life stories are full of perseverance, selfless kindness, and service to others. Despite the challenges they’ve faced, they’re still dancing optimistically through life, serving with a smile.

Every season in the African wilderness has its own rhythm, beauty, and magic, and is naturally spectacular in a unique way. No matter when you choose to visit Shumbalala Game Lodge, nestled in the heart of the Thornybush Private Nature Reserve, you'll find an immersive safari experience tailored to the specific season. In the winter months, the crisp, cool air brings clarity to the bushveld, with sparse foliage allowing for unobstructed views of wildlife congregating around precious water sources. Summer, in contrast, transforms the landscape into a verdant paradise, brimming with life and the awe-inspiring theatre of thunderstorms.

When embarking on a safari adventure, the anticipation of seeing the Big Five always gets our hearts racing. These majestic creatures hold a special allure, and spotting them is a rare and significant experience. And yet, we shouldn’t forget that the African bush is teeming with a multitude of other fascinating animals that often go unnoticed. A great example is the impala, a true gem of the wilderness.

There’s nothing quite like a break in the African bushveld to remind you how to breathe. I could feel it from the moment I entered the 14000 Ha Thornybush Private Nature Reserve, part of and open to the Kruger National Park. It’s as if there’s a sign at the gate saying, “No worries beyond this point.”