Blog - Page 2

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:

Welcome to South Africa, where warm hospitality, rich cultures, and stunning safari landscapes await you. From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel the friendliness and openness that South Africans are known for, helping you feel right at home. Visiting here is all about immersing yourself in a wonderful blend of languages, traditions, and the unique experience of a safari in nature.

Nestled in the heart of Thornybush Nature Reserve within the renowned Greater Kruger, Shumbalala Game Lodge offers more than just ticking off the Big Five. It’s a place to truly immerse yourself in the African bush and experience both iconic and lesser-known species thriving in their natural habitat.

While sightings are never guaranteed, the unique landscape of Thornybush Nature Reserve makes it likely that your stay at Shumbalala Game Lodge will include some or all of these five signature wildlife encounters:

Heritage Day in South Africa is all about embracing the diverse cultures, languages, and traditions that make our nation so unique. What better way to honour this day than by indulging in a dish that’s as rich in South African history as it is in flavour? Enter the bunny chow - a classic South African meal with humble roots.

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 singing a powerful freedom song with the famous phrase, “Wathint' abafazi, Strijdom! Wathint' imbokodo, uza kufa!” (“You strike a woman, you strike a rock, you will be crushed!”). This slogan has since become a symbol of women's strength and resilience in South Africa.