An incredible, intimate, authentic experience with the most stunning wildlife on the planet in their natural habitat. You'll enjoy ultimate comfort in the bush, with all meals included, along with coffee stops and sundowners under the expert care of your skilled and knowledgeable guides. Take a moment to appreciate the little things — the scents of the bush, the sounds of birds chirping, the morning breeze on your skin, the crackling fire at night, and the brightest stars twinkling above.

Witness animals as they interact, hunt, and survive, in their most wild form, just as nature intended. Enjoy morning and evening game drives where you will have a great chance of seeing lions, elephants, giraffes, rhinos, hippos, antelope, buffalo, zebras, maybe even leopards, wild dogs, cheetahs if you are extra lucky… there is no telling what you’ll see on safari — Mama Africa always has surprises in store!

Shumbalala: “Where The Lion Sleeps”

LOCATION

📍 Thornybush Private Nature Reserve, Kruger National Park

Property Overview

Situated on the banks of the seasonal Monwana river, Shumbalala Game Lodge is an unexpected oasis of luxury and comfort in the 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. Read more about the cuisine and game drives that will make your Shumbalala stay extra memorable!

YOUR SUITE

Set under shady African trees lining the seasonal Monwana River, Shumbalala Game Lodge consists of a select number of superior suites with privacy and luxurious comfort in mind. To ensure absolute exclusivity and privacy, the lodge prides itself on giving personalized attention to a select number of guests at a time.

The spacious private suites comprise 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.

Standard amenities include overhead fans and air-conditioning providing welcome relief from the bushveld climate. Open fireplaces for the cooler winters, and designer "picture window" bathroom suites provides for an atmosphere that is Africa and romance at once. Features like the additional secluded outside showers cater to the more adventurous!

Comfortable beds with embroidered percale cotton linen lush duvets and a choice of pillows are romantically draped by mosquito netting. Relax in the lounge or on your private viewing deck, read a book or just soak up the tranquillity, smells and sounds of the bush that surround you!

Enjoy the unspoilt nature and African bushveld with its dramatic vistas in the comfort and luxury of your superior suite.

Room Facilities

• A choice of king or twin-bedded rooms

• Full En-Suite Bathroom including an additional Outside Shower

Inclusions

All meals, two daily game drives, bush walk, water, hot beverages, select local drinks & house wines, Wi-Fi

LOCATION

As part of the Sabi Sand Reserve and greater Kruger National Park, Arathusa is located in one of the world’s most abundant natural wilderness areas where hundreds of animal species roam free.

Including the much acclaimed Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo – the five most dangerous animal species to be hunted on foot). Leopards, in specific, are abundant in this region with perhaps the globe’s highest population. Arathusa prides itself on its leopard viewing. As these elusive cats are territorial, their regular appearance in the area enables us to plot their movements, and to observe their behaviour. Many of the animals become familiar and are easily recognised. Approximately 14 leopards are seen in the area in which Arathusa operates, six of which are seen on a regular basis.

There are also a number of different lion prides in the area, as well as a few nomadic males. Over 90% of guests will experience sightings of The Big Five – very often in one day, and sometimes on one drive! General “lowveld” game species are abundant in this section of the Sabi Sand Reserve, including giraffe, zebra, warthog, impala, and more.

PROPERTY OVERVIEW

Arathusa is an intimate environment and its open-plan design and natural décor means that it blends seamlessly with the African bush surroundings. The main living area is intended for comfort. Whether quietly reflecting on the view, reading a good book, or enjoying conversation with friends or fellow safari goers, the warmth and charm of the lodge environment is the foundation of the Arathusa safari experience.

The infinity swimming pool overlooks the waterhole, and is the perfect spot for wildlife viewing while cooling off on a warm African afternoon.

Facilities include two open-air lounges (one with a fireplace), bar, wine cellar, dining area, safari spa and curio shop.

INCLUSIONS

Luxury, air-conditioned accommodation, all meals, high Tea in the afternoon, 2 game drives daily in open safari vehicles (duration: 2.5 – 3 hours), guided bush walks, good selection of local house wines, beers, and spirits, free Wi-Fi in the public areas

SUITES

Arathusa hosts a selection of Water-facing and Bush-facing suites.

Each Suite is uniquely designed, with fresh interiors and a focus on light and space. Each has a bathroom en-suite, with shower, as well as a private outdoor shower and veranda. Amenities include a mini bar (stocked with a selection of beverages on request), an electronic safe, hairdryer, air conditioning, direct-dial telephone, mosquito net and tea/ coffee making facilities.

In keeping with the traditional natural safari experience, there are no televisions in the Suites at Arathusa. Guests are, however, able to connect to Wi-Fi in the bar/lounge areas with our compliments.