Gameviewing in Thornybush Private Game Reserve
Shumbalala and Greater Kruger Safari Extension
Overview
A stay at Shumbalala Game Lodge, in the Thornybush Reserve bordering Kruger National Park, South Africa, is an ideal way to experience additional game viewing while enjoying the amenities of a deluxe wildlife lodge. Set on the banks of the Monwana River, Shumbalala is an oasis of luxurious comfort in the heart of the African bushveld. Activities include morning and late afternoon game drives in search of the Big Five, bush walks in the company of an expert ranger and tracker, or simply relaxing on decks overlooking a waterhole where animals frequently congregate. The lodge caters to a maximum of eight guests in four suites, each with its own fireplace and spacious bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers.
Arrive: Thornybush Game Reserve, South Africa
Depart: Johannesburg, South Africa
Highlights
- Safari from Shumbalala Game Lodge in the Thornybush Private Game Reserve
- Morning and afternoon game drives, guided bush walks
Itinerary
Upon arrival at the Hoedspruit airport, transfer by 4WD vehicle to beautiful Shumbalala Game Lodge, deep in the Thornybush Private Game Reserve, for close-range sightings of leopard, rhino, lion, elephant, buffalo (the “Big Five”), cheetah, blue wildebeest, the elusive wild dog, and more. This is prime gameviewing territory, and a wonderful complement to the environment at Sabi Sand. In addition to game drives, bush walks in the company of an expert ranger and tracker are also possible. Overnights at lodge...BLD each day
Afternoon flight to Johannesburg, connecting with homeward-bound flights...B
A visa is not required for U.S. citizens visting South Africa.
Pricing
Trip Extensions can be added on to Small Group Adventures or Private Journeys, to lengthen and customize your trip. Prices are per person and not guaranteed until services are confirmed. Contact us for availability, questions, or to book your adventure!Included
Not Included
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
Book your trip today
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
- Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
- Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
- Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.