Thornybush Game Reserve
The Shumbalala Game Lodge is a unique place where the African wild combines effortlessly with the quiet appreciation of guests being waited upon in the true tradition of Africa in their luxurious surroundings.
This exclusive 5* lodge is set under shady African trees lining the seasonal Monwana river in the Thornybush Game Reserve, which comprises of 14,500 hectares of prime game viewing territory, and is home to the Big 5 as well as a variety of other African wildlife.
Sumptuous meals are taken either on the lodge decks positioned to ensure scenic vistas or by candlelight in more formal surroundings in the main dining room accompanied by a crackling fire in winter.
Open air fire-side dinners are an occasion, and an opportunity to share your day's experience with fellow guests.
Good food is complimented by wines of excellence - select your own in the exclusive underground cellar in full view of the water hole.
Accommodation is in 4 luxury suites or the Presidential Suite. All the suites have overhead fans, air-conditioning, open fireplaces, and designer 'picture window' bathroom suites that includes an additional outside shower for the more adventurous and a private viewing deck.
The main lodge area has a game viewing deck and swimming pool, as well as a guest lounge, a curio shop and a library in which to relax between game drives.
Featured Special Offer saf-04829
Stay for 3 nights for the price of 2 at selected 'Premium Thornybush Collection' safari lodges in the Thornybush Game Reserve.
Valid: 14 October 2019 - 30 June 2020.
Prices On Request
| Our standard rates for a Superior Suite | ||||
| Dates | Price | Basis | Type | Nights |
| 13 October 2025 to 31 October 2025 | GBP 757 USD 1,037 ZAR 17,783 EUR 870 | per person sharing | Contracted Rate | 1+ nights |
| 13 October 2025 to 31 October 2025 | GBP 757 USD 1,037 ZAR 17,783 EUR 870 | per person sharing | Contracted Rate | 2+ nights |
| 13 October 2025 to 31 October 2025 | GBP 757 USD 1,037 ZAR 17,783 EUR 870 | per person sharing | Contracted Rate | 2 nights |
| 1 November 2025 to 12 December 2025 | GBP 757 USD 1,037 ZAR 17,783 EUR 870 | per person sharing | Contracted Rate | 2+ nights |
| 1 November 2025 to 12 December 2025 | GBP 692 USD 948 ZAR 16,269 EUR 796 | per person sharing | Contracted Rate - Back In Time Offer | 1+ nights |
| 1 November 2025 to 12 December 2025 | GBP 757 USD 1,037 ZAR 17,783 EUR 870 | per person sharing | Contracted Rate - Pay 3 Stay 4 | 4+ nights |
| 1 November 2025 to 12 December 2025 | GBP 757 USD 1,037 ZAR 17,783 EUR 870 | per person sharing | Contracted Rate | 1 to 3 nights |
| 1 November 2025 to 12 December 2025 | GBP 757 USD 1,037 ZAR 17,783 EUR 870 | per person sharing | Contracted Rate | 2 to 3 nights |
| 1 November 2025 to 12 December 2025 | GBP 692 USD 948 ZAR 16,269 EUR 796 | per person sharing | Contracted Rate - Back In Time Offer | 2 to 3 nights |
| 13 December 2025 to 15 December 2025 | GBP 692 USD 948 ZAR 16,269 EUR 796 | per person sharing | Contracted Rate - Back In Time Offer | 2+ nights |
| 13 December 2025 to 15 December 2025 | GBP 757 USD 1,037 ZAR 17,783 EUR 870 | per person sharing | Contracted Rate - Pay 3 Stay 4 | 4+ nights |
| 16 December 2025 to 31 December 2025 | GBP 757 USD 1,037 ZAR 17,783 EUR 870 | per person sharing | Contracted Rate | 2+ nights |
Prices are on a per person sharing basis (pps).
Special offers for longer stays or when booked as part of a longer itinerary may apply - details on request.Rates Include
Dawn and dusk shared safari game drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles; bushveld walks; all meals; tea/coffee; house wines, local beers and soft drinks; and snacks on game drives; the Thornybush Conservation fee; and the Tourism bed levy are included.
Children Policy
Children under the age of 12 can only be accommodated by special arrangement. Adult rates apply.
Children under the age of 16 years are not permitted on guided walks in the reserve.
Shumbalala Game Lodge Location.
Directions For Drivers
From Eastgate/Hoedspruit Airport: Turn left and proceed along this road. After about 14 km, turn right at the Thornybush signboard onto Guernsey Road. Continue for approximately 11 km and turn left into the Thornybush Game Reserve gate. Sign in at the Gate and follow the signs through the reserve to Shumbalala Game Lodge. The security guard at the Gate will notify the lodge that you are on your way.
Do not get out of your car until you reach Shumbalala Game Lodge. You may see some wildlife on your way - if you do, slow down and maintain a good distance. Do not drive off-road in any circumstances.
From Hazyview: Follow the R40 towards Klaserie. Continue through Klaserie, and about 6 km before you reach Hoedspruit itself, turn right at the signboard towards Eastgate Airport/Thornybush Reserve/Timbavati Reserve (Argyle Road). Go past the airport, continue along this road and follow the directions as above.
From Kruger National Park/Orpen Gate: Exit the Park, and continue along the R531. Turn right onto the R40, and follow the directions as above.
From Johannesburg/Pretoria: Take the N12 or N4 highway to Witbank/eMalahleni (from Johannesburg Airport, follow signs to Boksburg to find the N12). Follow the N4 highway past Middleburg (Toll Plaza), Belfast/eMakhazeni and Machadodorp (Toll Plaza). Follow the Schoemanskloof option on the N4 and then take the R36 to Lydenburg/Mashishing.
Follow the R36 to Ohrigstad, go through the Strydom Tunnel and take the R527 to Hoedspruit. Turn right onto the R40 towards Klaserie, and continue along this road until you see the turning off to the left for Eastgate Airport. Turn left here and follow the directions as above.
General Information For Guests
All rooms have air conditioning, mosquito netting, mini bar, Wi-Fi, hair dryer, fan and heater, tea/coffee making facilities, and a safe.
The 4 luxury suites also each have their own indoor fireplace, a private viewing deck, en-suite bathroom with stand alone Victorian bath and indoor and outdoor showers, and a private plunge pool.
The 225 square meter luxury Presidential Suite has 2 en-suite bedrooms (one double, one twin) making this suite perfect for families or 2 couples travelling together. The suite features a private dining room with butlers kitchen, minibar, separate lounge, indoor and outdoor fireplace, outdoor dining and each suite, a private plunge pool with a view of the waterhole.
The main guest areas include a curio shop, rim-flow pool, and a spa.
The camp is wheelchair friendly.
A laundry service is available (additional cost).
After breakfast, guests are offered a bush walk to suit their interests and fitness levels and are accompanied by an armed ranger and tracker.
Popular Alternatives to Shumbalala Game Lodge
These are the top properties booked by people who considered staying at Shumbalala Game Lodge, but for one reason or another booked a different property. It may have been that Shumbalala Game Lodge was not available on the nights they wanted to stay, or they decided that somewhere else was better suited to their budget or itinerary.
If you're not sure which place might be best for your own trip then either give us a call or get in touch via the website, and we'd be delighted to run through the options with you.
