• Where the lion sleeps
Shumbalala Game Lodge is nestled in the heart of Thornybush Private Nature Reserve, Kruger National Park

Situated on the banks of the seasonal Monwana river the camp is an unexpected oasis of luxury and comfort in the unforgiving heat of the African bushveld. It is here where you will find the exclusive Shumbalala Game Lodge managed by a team with a friendly yet professional approach to their guests, also overseen by the family themselves.

Guest Reviews

  • Shumbalala-Amazing Africa

    "My wife and I stayed at Shumbalala for 6 unbelievable days . It was the most incredible 6 days that we will look back on fondly for many years to come. The overall experience was unbelievable, The food prepared by Liam and his team was fantastic and the variety was great. Dani and the lodge staff made sure we were looked after at all times from amazing gin cocktails... Read this review

    Michael Koster

  • Trip of a lifetime

    This was a most incredible experience. Can not say enough about the luxurious lodging, quality of food and the outstanding service. Everything was perfect. Memories of a lifetime. Saw the big five and then saw things like mating leopards, newly born elephant and packs of wild dogs. Incredible.

    Marta H

    South Carolina

  • Amazing Safari Lodge

    Such amazing service and wildlife sightings while travelling in the Kruger! Shumbalala is on point form the personalized details in the rooms, knowledgeable guides for safari - walking or driving and the most amazing food! Danielle and the team are 5star!!

    N Morris

  • Stunning!

    The place is amazing, the staff is excellent, lovely & friendly, walking the extra mile to make your stay even more comfortable!The knowledge of Edward and Pieter was beyond…. Thanks Danielle for your kind hosting, thanks Jeandra for making it happen.

    J Blaauwhof

    Netherlands

Latest News

Dung beetle
Our tiny heroes - Little creatures that make all the difference

South Africa boasts a rich diversity of amazing animals that are well-known and universally sought after by safari-goers. Some are unique, others are rare, many are simply beautiful to behold, and all play an important role in our natural ecosystem. But if we adjust our focus and turn our eyes to some of the smaller creatures that share our environment, we find a host of lesser known (and often unloved) species that...

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Game drive guide book
Five Must-Read Books for Wildlife and Safari Enthusiasts

In April, we celebrate World Book Day - a time to reflect on the pivotal role that books continue to play in enriching our lives. We particularly value how books can ignite incredible journeys and deepen our understanding of the environments and creatures we encounter on safari. Whether you’re preparing for your next South African adventure or simply dreaming of the wild from your living room, we’ve curated a list of five...

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Discover Five Timeless Trees of the Lowveld

Here in the Thornybush Private Nature Reserve, every tree tells a story of adaptation, survival, and ecological importance. At Shumbalala Game Lodge, we're excited to guide you through the remarkable features of five distinct trees that stand out for their unique contributions to the Lowveld ecosystem. From the towering heights of the largest tree to the subtle allure of the most fragrant one, these trees are not just part of the landscape;...

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