Thornybush Simbambilli Lodge

“Unforgettable & luxurious Safari experience”

My wife and I had the most pleasant stay at Shumbalala Lodge in February. We stayed for 4 nights total and had one - if not the best - holiday experiences ever. The location is beautiful, the rooms are spacious and have a nice view of the riverbed where elephants and other animals walk by. Every … more

My wife and I had the most pleasant stay at Shumbalala Lodge in February. We stayed for 4 nights total and had one - if not the best - holiday experiences ever. The location is beautiful, the rooms are spacious and have a nice view of the riverbed where elephants and other animals walk by. Every room has a private terrace and plunge pool. The food is amazing, the staff will give you many options for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. Drinks get served poolside and you might get visited by thirsty elephants drinking from the pool, too. The game drives are outstanding, with superb knowledge from the ranger & tracker - we were lucky enough to see all the big cats of the area, including their offspring. The coffe & sunset spots give you time to chat and just enjoy the lush greenery around. Most outstanding and memorable was the service and friendliness of the whole crew & staff, especially housekeeping did such a lovely job with a magical touch - everytime we returned to our room, it was not only tidy and neat, but some kind of surprise was always waiting. A big and honest thank you for making our stay so special.

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“Incredible”

Amazing place. The team couldn’t do enough for us. So welcoming and helpful. Our guide and tracker were incredible, we saw great sights, their knowledge was amazing and we had fun along the way. The food was delicious and we had a little surprise birthday cake and myself and another member of our … more

Amazing place. The team couldn’t do enough for us. So welcoming and helpful. Our guide and tracker were incredible, we saw great sights, their knowledge was amazing and we had fun along the way. The food was delicious and we had a little surprise birthday cake and myself and another member of our group were celebrating 🥳 it was so lovely. My parents and their friends surprised us by joining this part of our South African trip …. The team were in on it and help staged and film the surprise ! Great work all. I highly recommend this safari lodge, we have been twice and see a third visit in the coming years !

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“Great place to stay and enjoy safari”

We had the best time at Shumbalala Lodge, the location was perfect for safari and seeing the big 5. The atmosphere was relaxing and very chilled between drives. We stayed in the presidential suite and the rooms very stunning, including a bath and an indoor and outdoor shower. It's great value for m… more

We had the best time at Shumbalala Lodge, the location was perfect for safari and seeing the big 5. The atmosphere was relaxing and very chilled between drives. We stayed in the presidential suite and the rooms very stunning, including a bath and an indoor and outdoor shower. It's great value for money for the experiences you have on safari and it's all inclusive. Cleanliness was good, rooms were clean and tidy and so was the dining area, bar and pool. In the evening the bedroom was prepared with a lovely little bedtime story. Noise level was low and could enjoy listening to nature and animals that went to the watering hole. Everyone that works at Shumbalala were friendly and couldn't do enough for you, including hostesses, waiting staff, safari guide and tracker. We loved every minute of our 3 night staff and will definitely be going back!

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“Great Break at Shumbalala 🦁”

Shumbalala 🦁 – A Memorable Easter Weekend in Thornybush We enjoyed a truly special Easter weekend at Shumbalala Game Lodge, nestled in the heart of the beautiful Thornybush Game Reserve. While the experience had some standout highlights, there are areas that could benefit from refinement—especiall… more

Shumbalala 🦁 – A Memorable Easter Weekend in Thornybush We enjoyed a truly special Easter weekend at Shumbalala Game Lodge, nestled in the heart of the beautiful Thornybush Game Reserve. While the experience had some standout highlights, there are areas that could benefit from refinement—especially for a lodge positioned at this level. Rooms: Spacious and well-appointed, with plush oversized white towels and excellent amenities. The indoor and outdoor showers, large wooden deck, and private plunge pool elevate the experience. A stocked bar fridge, Nespresso machine, and generous packing space are thoughtful touches. Cons: The vanity basins are set too far back, making everyday use slightly inconvenient. Linen quality needs improvement—mattress toppers and upgraded mattresses would make a significant difference. Curtains feel dated, and vanity lighting is not ideal for makeup application. Housekeeping was inconsistent, with floors often left dirty—surprisingly the weakest we’ve experienced at a high-end lodge. Game Drives: Exceptional. The vehicles are among the best we’ve seen—immaculately maintained, with a maximum of just six guests per vehicle, which is a real luxury. The middle caddy stocked with Peaceful Sleep, sunscreen, and VORTEX binoculars is a standout feature. Rain jackets, quality blankets, and chilled refillable water bottles show great attention to detail. The bush snack setup is next level—professional, abundant, and thoughtfully executed. A special mention to Marcel and his assistant Fumani—an outstanding team. Knowledgeable, focused, and incredibly hardworking, they delivered phenomenal Big 5 sightings and made the safari experience truly unforgettable. The Property: The lodge leans toward a more traditional safari aesthetic—slightly old-fashioned but charming and appreciated by international guests. It is well maintained, with beautiful spaces including a wine cellar, library, rim-flow pool, and elevated viewing decks. The staff clearly take pride in the property. Food: A mixed experience. Breakfasts are excellent—fresh, hot, and made to order, with great coffee. However, the cold buffet is underwhelming. Lunch presents as creative on paper but lacks execution. Dinner is acceptable but falls short of exceptional, and for a lodge of this calibre, the kitchen needs noticeable improvement. The boma evening, often marketed as a highlight, didn’t quite deliver—salads lacked freshness and the braai selection was limited. Bread quality and desserts were particularly disappointing. Our server, Lilian, was warm, attentive, and highly professional. Wine: The inclusive wine selection is a major letdown and feels misaligned with the overall positioning of the lodge. Bringing our own wine significantly enhanced our experience—something worth reconsidering. ⸻ Final Thoughts: Would we return? With a few targeted improvements—absolutely. The Best: Marcel & Fumani – true safari superheroes The Mediocre: Cuisine The Worst: Inclusive wine selection A beautiful lodge with enormous potential—just a few refinements away from being exceptional.

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