Where the Lion Sleeps
Just a short while ago, the word “Shumbalala” was non-existent in my family’s vocabulary and had no meaning in our lives. But all that has changed – and radically so! The word, the name, the place has moved right onto the centre stage of our world. This is one of those strange occurrences in life, where the previously unknown becomes dear and almost permanent in your universe.
From the moment we drove through the gates of Shumbalala Game Lodge in the Thornybush Private Game Reserve (next to the Kruger National Park), we seemed to be filled with a sense of freedom. We had heard that Shumbalala was an internationally renowned, five-star private bush lodge with the most gentle touch of personal and friendly service, but were wholly unprepared for the lengths to which the staff were prepared to go in order to make each minute feel like a day’s worth of relaxation.
The two game drives per day – and we ended up doing seven in total, as well as a nice long walk in the reserve – never had a dull moment. Whether we left in the early morning while the air was still nippy (with a blanket and hot water bottle to keep us warm), or headed out in the late afternoon to toast the sunset with a glass of wine and a snack, the experience filled us with a sense of beauty and privilege. Fascinating information about the animals, trees, birds, and nature was eagerly shared with us by both our game ranger and animal tracker, and was truly educational in every sense. The exchange of information was dealt with in a patient manner, and reflected their deep passion for this mystical place and its inhabitants.
Back at the lodge, the highly trained resident chef took a no holds barred approach to serving tantalising dishes in the most outstandingly decorative way. We also did not have a single meal in the same location. Each meal was served in a different spot, carefully selected to ensure that it was not only the taste, but also the environment within which it was served that would leave a lasting impression on our senses.
Like most travellers with an overdeveloped sense of duty and commitment to ensuring that business stays on track while away, I had enquired beforehand about the availability of mobile and 3G reception, and promptly packed my laptop to make sure I was not left out of the e-loop. To the amazement and wonder of my children, I did not switch on the laptop or use my cell phone for a record-breaking three days. Just for a short moment in time, they believed that I had miraculously been cured of my virtual addiction!
And then there are the rooms. Each spacious environment is user-friendly, and features tasteful African-inspired décor and incredible attention to detail. Of course – as is tradition on the continent for the adventurous traveller – no teenage boy could resist “testing” the outside shower, and no older sister could pass up the opportunity to capture the moment for posterity!
While staying at the lodge, many of the international visitors were keen to engage with us and learn more about South Africa. Each of the members of our family was probed (in the nicest possible way) about life in this beautiful and diverse country. Two weeks after our return from Shumbalala, I received an email from a fellow guest – the CEO of a US organisation – to let me know: “Those few days in the African bush at Shumbalala was the best holiday we have ever had.” During our few days together, I had learned that this man had travelled to a different country for his annual holiday for the last 20 years! This is indeed a compliment of the highest order, shared in sentiment by my family and myself.
Getting on the shuttle to return to Hoedspruit Airport was a sad occasion. We felt as if we were leaving behind our souls, as well as a sense of reconnecting with nature. Since that moment, we have been comforted by the knowledge that we take with us a memory, and a new name: Shumbalala. It is a word that has comfortably and permanently weaved its way into our family talk, and has only to be mentioned for the peace and joy of those four days to settle in the midst of our home.
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