Email us

904 Reviews

Enquire

Why book with us?

What are you looking for?

Shumbalala Game Lodge

Thornybush Game Reserve, South Africa

Home > Accommodation > Thornybush Game Reserve > South Africa > Shumbalala Game Lodge

Shumbalala Game Lodge

PROPERTY FACILITIES

Pool

Gym

Spa

Wi-Fi

Disabled Access

Library

Eco-Friendly

AVAILABLE SERVICES

Private Vehicle (At additional cost)

Room Service

Airport Transfer

COMFORT LEVEL/PRICE RANGE

Luxury

Ready to plan a tailor-made safari?

Enquire now and a Travel Expert will get back to you within 24 hours.

Lets start planning

Is the Shumbalala Game Lodge for Me?

Situated on the banks of the seasonal Monwana river the camp in the Thornybush Private Nature Reserve, is an unexpected oasis of luxury and comfort. It is here where you will find the exclusive Shumbalala Game Lodge.

The spacious private suites each comprise of a bedroom and lounge, en-suite bathroom, large glass sliding doors and private viewing decks with a view over the ever active water hole. Natural colours, wooden decks and thatched roofs compliment the bushveld surroundings.

The Presidential Suite, a total of 225sqm includes two full en-suite bedrooms, a private dining room, private lounge, fireplace, wrap around private deck with outside dining facilities, a private boma and private plunge pool.

This is a perfect lodge for a family with older children (over 10 years old), or a group of friends traveling together.

Shumbalala Game Lodge Photo Gallery

Shumbalala Game Lodge Rooms

The Shumbalala Game Lodge has 6 rooms. Select a room for more details.

Superior Suites

Intimate and exclusive, with only 4 stone-clad luxury suites to choose from, each with an indoor fire place and private viewing deck as well as indoor and outdoor showers and private plunge pools.

Presidential Suite

The 225 square meter luxury Presidential Suite boasts two en-suite bedrooms (one double, one twin) making this suite perfect for families (children on req.) or 2 couples travelling together.

The suite features a private dining room with butler’s kitchen, minibar, separate lounge, indoor and outdoor fireplace, outdoor dining and a private plunge pool

Room facilities

Coffee/Tea

En-Suite

Air Conditioning

Safe

Gowns

Television

Mini Bar

Mosquito Net

Lounge Area

Fan

Pure Cotton Linen

Activities offered by Shumbalala Game Lodge

Activities on site

Night Game Drives

Game Drives

Bird Watching

Activities off site

Boat Cruise

Scenic Flight

Cultural Tour

More about Shumbalala Game Lodge

Early morning and late afternoon game drives

The day starts as dawn breaks over the African bushveld. After an early morning wake-up call, coffee, tea and rusks are served on the main deck. Shortly after, depart in an open game viewing vehicle with experienced Rangers and Trackers who will share their extensive knowledge of the bush. These drives are undertaken at times best suited for game viewing which varies depending on the season but typically starts early morning. Where applicable you may be invited out of the vehicle to see tracks, examine certain plants and follow spoor.

The afternoon game drive is preceded by high tea and extends into the evening to view seldom seen nocturnal species by torchlight.

Guided Bush Walks

After a sumptuous Breakfast is served either back at the camp or in the riverbed or bush, guests are offered walks to suit their interests and fitness levels and are accompanied by an armed ranger and tracker.

Walks allow guests a better chance to see some of the smaller creatures of the bush as well as an opportunity to learn more about the flora and fauna of the region, and to have a chance to follow tracks in more detail.

Our Shangaan trackers will enthrall you with their explanations of the medicinal and other uses of the numerous plants and trees along with tales of traditional folklore.

Travelling spa - In room treatments

Guests accommodated at Shumbalala Game Lodge may make use of the services of a travelling Spa Guests can book the service up to one day in advance.

Treatments are done in the convenience of your own room using well known Godding & Godding products.

Hot Air Balloon Excursion

One-hour long flight over the scenic, Lowveld section of the Blyde River. As the sun rises, the landscape, the vegetation and, if you’re lucky, some wildlife will provide photo opportunities. Game spotting cannot be guaranteed but on most flights, we see plains game such as giraffe and wildebeest. Terms & Conditions apply – additional cost.

Blyde River Canyon Boat Cruize

The Blyde River Canyon is the third larges canyon in the world and the larges green canyon in the world. This is a world heritage site and not to be missed!

Enjoy a guided boat cruise and see the tufo waterfall and hippos or perhaps crocodiles!

Jabulani Elephant interaction

Interact with the largest land mammal on earth!

These gentle giants will steel your heart and invade your senses.

Totally worth it.

Afrikaans

English

Xhosa

Zulu

Why Book with us?

Our safari experts are with you at every step of your journey.

Personalised Advice

Plan your trip with experts who live in Africa and have first-hand experience of the places you dream about. With this knowledge, they’re able to tailor every detail of your safari to your interests.

Exceptional Value

Safaris planned around your comfort and budget, with industry-leading financial protection. From rustic camps that move with the herds to private-use villas for families, we'll find your ideal set-up.

Responsible Safaris

We plan journeys with care and only work with partners we trust so that your safari has a positive impact on local communities, economies, and conservation initiatives.

24/7 Support

Our team of safari experts (with over 60 years of collective experience) are with you every step of the way, from planning your trip to landing back home after the experience of a lifetime.

Family Safaris

Honeymoons in Africa

Big Five Safaris

View All Experiences

What Our Guests Have to Say?

Read recent reviews from travellers who have planned and booked their trips with us

"We really enjoyed our trip from South Africa to Botswana and Zimbabwe! Sometimes a lot of whether a trip is successful comes down to the logistics. In this case, Susan Veldman and the company took care of all details related to our accommodations, transitio..."

Martha Engber, United States•22 May 2026•

"Megan Warrington was amazing to work with. She was very informative and kept us up to date on everything. I found out that I would need to have surgery a few days after returning from the trip and asked Megan if she would be able to arrange for a wheelchair..."

Carla Novak, United States•09 Mar 2026•

"We had an amazing time, and loved every minute. The tour was very well planned, and dealt with the many changes we made with ease."

Eric van Lent, United States•22 Feb 2026•

"We had a wonderful safari experience, and Justin from Discover Africa made everything seamless from start to finish. Communication before the trip was clear and helpful, and we felt well supported throughout. Some truly special moments including the fant..."

Tim Curtis, Netherlands•18 Feb 2026•

"We had an amazing experience at Walkers Plains Camp. The wildlife viewing was superb from start to finish. Our guide Millie and tracker were super friendly, extremely knowledgeable and made the game drives an absolute pleasure. The camp was very luxuriou..."

Sue Panayiotes, United Kingdom•28 Dec 2025•

"What we appreciated was the effort in doing all the best to satisfy our requests! So everything was as expected.. the tented camp (everything was like at home),the game drive( we asked a private tour), the position of the camp ( very important for us, we sa..."

Silvia Del Giovane, Italy•12 Nov 2025•

View All Testimonials