Shibula Lodge & Bush Spa

Voted by Getaway Travel Magazine as “one of the top 10 most romantic destinations in South Africa”, by Elle as one of the "Pick of the Best Bush Lodges” and by Sarie as “Elegant in the bush”,  Shibula is a wonderful sanctuary in the bush.

Shibula Lodge has been a five star accredited lodge since 2001. The name “Shibula” meaning ‘Wild Lady” in one of our indigenous languages, was given to a Black Rhino which was reclaimed from an European Zoo and brought back to South Africa. She became the world’s first rhino to have calves after her return to the wild. To celebrate this success story and true to its theme, the lodge was designed with care, sophistication and elegance in all its interiors and exteriors to depict a real ‘lady in the bush’.

The reserve is home to the big 5 and numerous antelope species. Bird watching close to Shibula is excellent and the Lodge is situated in an area with the largest concentration of leopard in the reserve.

Locality and accessibility:

A mere 3 hours self-drive from OR Tambo airport or 2.5 hours from Lanseria airport, a Shibula game drive vehicle will pick up guests who arrive at the main gate and transport them to the lodge. The drive takes about 45 minutes which allows for game viewing along the way. Fly-in transfers can easily be arranged to the Western airstrip located 3 km from Shibula. A Shibula game drive vehicle will be waiting on arrival to transport guests to the lodge.

Accommodation:

• 8 luxurious suites each decorated in its own individual style with special features.
• All suites have their own Victorian bath, separate toilet, inside and outside shower (in an enclosed area), double wash basin, mini bar and private patio.
• All suites are equipped with air conditioning.
• Luxury units 1, 4 & Executive Suite 5 are fitted with a Jacuzzi. Royal Suites 6 & 7 have a private solar heated pool.
• Royal suite 6 & 7 are designed for families with inter-leading lounge area and fireplace.
• Luxury suite 3, Executive suite 5 and Honeymoon suite 8 have their own separate lounge area with a fireplace. An extra bed can be arranged for a child sharing with adults in any of these suites.
• Satellite television is available in Luxury Suite 3 and in the lounge area of Royal Suite 6 & 7 and Honeymoon Suite 8.
  

Lodge facilities include:

• Swimming pool.
• Wi-fi internet access.
• An intimate lounge area is situated on the wooden deck overlooking a water hole.
• Formal dining area in the main Lodge area and outdoor dining in the boma.
• African curio shop.
• Wine cellar. (Wine tasting on request)
• Health Spa. Treatments range from neck, back, foot & leg, hand, hot stone to full body massages. TheraNaka products are used to soothe your senses.
  Three treatment rooms:
  1. Couples treatment room.
  2. Individual treatment room.
  3. Aqua treatment room.
• Bush Conference facilities (see below).
• Fitness facility.

Activities:

• Morning and afternoon game drives in an open safari vehicle.
• Visit to Bushmen paintings.
• Stargazing.
• Experienced “Sky Rangers”, are available on request.

Conference and Weddings:

• The Conference area seats 16 people.
• Larger conferencing for up to 26 guests can be arranged with neighbouring lodges.
• Basic conference equipment is available.
• Any special equipment required can be arranged with our reservations office.
• Wedding ceremonies at Shibula can cater for up to 26 people. Additional accommodation can be arranged for up to 10 guests at neighbouring lodges.

Cuisine:

•  Gourmet meals are served in the main dining area or under a star-studded sky in the boma.
•  All dietary requirements are catered for.

Marketing and Reservations:

We are associated with the internationally acclaimed Gatsby Hotels and Resort Group to support Shibula marketing. In our reservations office, Adel du Plessis and Lize-Marie Barnard will assist any guest enquiries.

Lodge management/ Staff guest ratio:

Our lodge management couple is Carl and Suzette Vorster. At Shibula Lodge, we proud ourselves of having between 14-16 staff available for 16 guests at all times, which allows us to render the standard of individual attention and quality service for a 5 star lodge.

What people are saying:

“It was probably the best bush experience ever”. Anonymous, South Africa, SafariNow.com, May 2010.
“It was excellent the guests will remember this weekend for many years, they were blown away with the experience. We WILL be back!!” (M. Kingham, May 2010)
“Shibula is for the romantic who wants nothing less than the perfect 10”, Marie Clair magazine.