Let's help you plan

Joanna - Travel Consultant
Johnny - Travel Consultant
Eve - Travel Consultant
HeartHeartHeartHeartHeart
Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars on Feefo

4.9/5 (1000 reviews)

Shumbalala Game Lodge, Thornybush | Timbuktu Travel
Thornybush

Shumbalala Game Lodge

Travel and Leisure Worlds Best Awards for number 1 tour operator in the world 2024 and number 2 tour operator in the world 2025
We're one of the World's Best Tour Operators!
Named three years running in Travel+Leisure World's Best, including No.1 in 2024

About Shumbalala Game Lodge

A cool, private getaway in the heart of Limpopo's Big Five wilderness
Emerge from the cool, air-conditioned vehicles at the gate of Thornybush Private Game Reserve and board the vehicle that's waiting to transport you through the heat of the Lowveld to Shumbalala Game Lodge – your new Limpopo home. This exclusive thatched lodge, set on the banks of the seasonal Monwana River, offers sweeping views of the reserve, which borders Kruger National Park. The Big Five is here, and a proliferation of birds and other creatures, so there's plenty to inspire camera-ready travellers. Round your days off with cocktails beside the pool as evening descends, and enjoy five-star cuisine.
Thornybush , South Africa
From $1.3K per person/per night
Safari
5 Rooms
Open Map
Static map
Special offers
For Timbuktu Travelers

    Honeymoon Special

    Safari & Retreats Special

Property details

The property

For a lodge famous for its stellar game-viewing safaris, Shumbalala sure has one superb kitchen that dishes up delicious cuisine faster than a cheetah can catch its prey. And there's no shortage of places to dine. After an early-morning game drive, tuck into brunch on the veranda with views of the riverbed. Take high tea on the viewing deck overlooking the busy waterhole. End the day with a bona fide bonfire, a delicious meal and fine wines from the cellar.

The rooms

This is the place to go if you require exclusivity. With just four superior thatched suites and the two-bedroomed Presidential Suite, the lodge sleeps a maximum of 10. Each suite has a fireplace, overhead fans, air conditioning, a "picture window" bathroom, two showers (one outside), a private lounge and viewing deck. The beds are large and blissfully comfortable. The Presidential Suite, with its own pool and wraparound deck, is tough to top. Worth every cent...

Activities

If you can drag yourself away from the pool and the passing elephants, enjoy an adventure-packed day. Morning and evening game drives are only interrupted by high tea or sundowners in the bush, so you're able to spot both the early risers and the nocturnal members of the animal kingdom. Want to get a closer look at the smaller creatures and the rich birdlife? Take a guided bush walk for some exciting encounters.
Plan your stay

How to book Shumbalala Game Lodge

How do I book Shumbalala Game Lodge?

Shumbalala Game Lodge can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made South Africa trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended South Africa trips featuring Shumbalala Game Lodge or get advice and suggestions from one of our South Africa specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.

How much does it cost to stay at Shumbalala Game Lodge?

Stays at Shumbalala Game Lodge start from around $1.3K per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.

Shumbalala Game Lodge

South Africa

Thornybush

A sensational wilderness with unfenced wildlife routes and a selection of stellar properties to choose from.