Shumbalala Lodge

The Lodge:

A feast for the senses, a journey for the soul….
 
Shumbalala Lodge has been described by many who have visited it as a feast for the senses and a journey for the soul. A place where the setting was designed by nature, the spirit supplied by the hosts and the comfort derived from the soft linen and fabrics.
 
This Lodge represents extraordinary style and taste and accredited by the star grading council with a five star rating.  Accommodation and tasteful public areas are home to a maximum of eight special guests.
 
All bedroom accommodation of the highest standard and space, culminating in the offering of and exclusive twin suited Presidential Suite, complete with private secluded pool, entertainment area, private Lounge and dining areas, warm exclusive open fireplace and unparalleled exclusivity.
 
A wine cellar fit for Kings and Princes to entertain lavishly are all part of what makes Shumbalala so uniquely special.

Accommodation

Four luxury suites – each with its own fireplace, picture window bathroom with in – and out – door showers, and private viewing decks have been carefully constructed along the Monwana riverbed to ensure that they are completely secluded from one another.

In addition to the four suites, there is a presidential suite that boasts an extra dining room and lounge. As an added thrill, try the presidential suite’s James-Bond-styled motorised deck pool that reveals itself from beneath the deck with a touch of a button.

One of the Shumbalala’s key attractions is its underground wine cellar in full view of the river. This unique facility is perfect for an intimate dinner for two or can be converted into a small conference room with added atmosphere.

Delightful delicacies are prepared by Shumbalala’s expert chef and these can be taken either in the comfort of your private deck or in more formal surroundings in the candle-lit dining room accompanied by a crackling fire in winter. Open-aired fireside dinners allow guests an opportunity to mingle and share their experiences of the day.

Shumbalala essentials:

• Rated five star by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa
• Four luxury suites and one presidential suite (Max 8 guests)
• Open air dining area and wine cellar
• Air-conditioned
• En-suite bathroom with outdoor shower
• Children under 12 by arrangement
• The presidential suite consists of two en-suite accommodations

Amani Spa

The Thornybush Collection and Amani Spa’s announce a half a million rand make-over at The Thornybush Game Lodge Spa Centre.
 
Amani Spa’s, operators of the Thornybush Game Lodge Spa Centre, have just completed  the  construction and renovation of existing Spa facilities at this flagship five star game lodge. The new centre, almost three times the size of the previous  operation and with two  full-time therapists,  will offer a full range of treatments for Thornybush Game Lodge guests, as well as satellite treatments to our guests at  Chapungu and  the group’s self catering camp, Nkelenga, both camps  located  a short distance from Thornybush Game Lodge.
 
Amani Spa’s,  operators of a number of successful wellness centres including Ivory Tree and Simbambili Game Lodges,  Walkersons in Dullstroom, bring proven expertise and well trained therapists,  as well as state of the art equipment and practices to this added value component of a relaxing break  within The Thornybush  Nature Reserve.

Your Safari

Shumbalala Game Lodge offers unique exclusive Safari experiences in both open Land Rovers, and on foot. The private reserve is home to an abundance of species: 147 mammals including the “Big Five”, 114 reptiles, 507 birds, 49 fish, 34 amphibians and 336 trees. The reserve is predominantly open savannah and with a near perfect year round climate, it is the ideal African safari holiday destination. 

A typical day 
 
The day starts as dawn breaks over the African bushveld. After your early morning wakeup call, coffee, tea & rusks are served on the main deck overlooking the riverbed. Shortly after, you depart in your open Land Rover with your experienced Rangers and Trackers who will share their extensive knowledge of the bush with you. These drives are undertaken at times best suited for game viewing which vary depending on the season but typically start early morning. Where applicable you may be invited out of the vehicle to see tracks, examine certain plants and follow spoor.
 
After an exhilarating hunt for tracks to see what the animals have been up to during the night, and tracking down whatever you find, you will stop somewhere out in the bush for a break of coffee & tea. Time to stretch your legs whilst having your sunglasses cleaned & indulge in cool towels in summer, and hot towels in winter. In winter, we keep our guests warm on the vehicle with hot water bottles & warm blankets.
 
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 & to have a chance to follow tracks in more detail.
 
Our Shangaan trackers will enthral you with their explanations of the medicinal and other uses of the numerous plants and trees along with tales of traditional folklore.
 
The rest of the day is spent at the discretion of the guest for other activities that we offer, with a delicious lunch being served around 1.30pm.
 
The afternoon game drive is preceded by high tea and extends into the evening to view seldom seen nocturnal species by torchlight.

Upon returning for a gourmet 3 course dinner, either in the boma, bush or lodge – guests can socialise with a cognac, single malt or cigar around the campfire or lounge before returning to bed for another day’s adventure.
 
Where possible, safaris will be tailored to suit individual preferences and interest. 

Weddings and honeymoons 

Imagine exchanging your vows in an African Dry River Bed at sunset, the bride being serenaded in by African dancers amidst tribal song…
 
Few experiences can be as personalized as a wedding and we therefore realize that each experience will require attention to the finest detail. We can promise you unrivalled big game viewing, complemented by exquisite accommodation and sublime cuisine and above all, a day you will never forget. Your safari style wedding will be a celebration of love, tradition and lasting memories.
 
We do recommend that you book the lodge on exclusive use, so the we can ensure that our full attention is devoted to your function…
 
Arrangements can be as glamorous or as understated, according to the bride your wishes. Considerations need to be given to weather conditions and the fact that we are in a nature reserve so certain restrictions do apply. Ministers from most denominations are easily accessible, as are photographers, cakes, hairdressers and florists. Special menus and dining venues can be set aside for the wedding party, when the lodge is booked exclusively.
 
All you need to do is sit back, relax and leave the wedding preparations up to someone else whilst you enjoy massages, sunset cocktails and game drives. Our wedding venues are renowned for their beauty and excellent service.

Honeymoon
 
The lodge is a fantastic romantic destination for honeymooners and your hosts will ensure that it is a romantic and unforgettable experience.
The honeymoon package that includes, an upgrade to a suite (subject to availability or supplement), special private deck dinners, honeymoon turndowns in the bedrooms.
 
Special occasions
 
For guests celebrating special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries or other milestones. This information needs to be communicated with your reservations consultant in order for the lodge to prepare for it. We will be delighted to work with you to plan something extra special for your celebration to make it memorable. Examples may include a special private dinner in an African River bed, Tribal dancers to present a cake, a hot air balloon with champagne breakfast etc.
 

Rates:
Validity: 01 January – 31 |December 09
Package Price PP Sharing Single Supplement Single Person  
Self drive: per night  R4 500.00pp  R2 250.00  R6 750.00 Book Now
1 Night Package  R9 875.00  R2 250.00  R14 600.00 Book Now
2 Nights Package  R16 850.00  R4 500.00  R25 300.00 Book Now
3 Nights Package  R19 625.00  R6 750.00  R32 250.00 Book Now

The entire camp can be booked at R30 000.00 per day maximum 8 px

Book a package for group of 4 or more and get a discount on transport fare.

The above rates include:

•Accommodation
•All meals, teas, coffees and snacks
•Dawn and dusk safaris in an open land rover and bush walks
•Sundowner local drinks
•Road transfer from Pretoria/ Johannesburg
•Panorama Route
 
The above rates exclude:

•Curios, telephone and Laundry expenses
•Reserve entrance fees 
•Bar

Road Transfer Rates only: Click on the rate to book
Road transfer From Johannesburg/Pretoria 1 – 3 Pax 4 – 7 Pax 8 – 13 pax
One way transfer, per vehicle (including entrance fees) R3 100pv R3 400pv R3 900pv
One way transfer, per vehicle (including entrance fees and Panorama Route) R4 300pv R4 600pv R5 500pv