Vaalwater Accommodation / Shibula Lodge and Bush Spa Vaalwater Accommodation / Game Lodge in Welgevonden Game Reserve

Shibula Lodge and Bush Spa has been a five star accredited lodge since 2001. Situated in the heart of the 36 000ha Welgevonden Private Game Reserve visitors to the lodge can relax and enjoy the pleasurable comforts of luxury in this malaria-free environment. Shibula boasts not only a highly-acclaimed game lodge but also a popular bush spa for guest wanting to feel revitalized and rejuvenated.

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.

The name “Shibula” meaning ‘Wild Lady”, was given to a Black Rhino who was reclaimed from an European Zoo, brought back to South Africa and became the world’s first rhino to have calves after her return to the wild. The lodge was designed with a theme for a lady in the bush with sophisticated elegance in all its interiors and exteriors.

Home to the Big 5 and more than 350 species of bird, this magnificent reserve offers travelers a genuine African safari experience in the untamed bush. Whether guests desire a place to unwind and experience peace of mind, body and soul, or feel exhilarated outdoors, Shibula’s friendly staff is there to provide the guest with excellent service.

Accommodation

• Eight luxurious suites each decorated in its own individual style with special features
• All suites have its own Victorian bath, separate toilet, inside and outside shower (in an enclosed area), double wash basin, mini bar and private patio
• All the suites are equipped with air conditioning
• Luxury Units 1, 4 and Executive Suite 5 are fitted with a Jacuzzi
• Royal Suite 6 & 7 are designed for families with it’s inter- leading lounge area and fireplace. It also has its own private pool
• Honeymoon Suite 8 has its own separate lounge area with a fireplace. In this suite a single bed can be arranged for a child
• Satellite television is available in Luxury Suite 3 and in the lounge area of Royal Suite 6 & 7 and Honeymoon Suite 8

Facilities and activities

Shibula prides itself in offering its guests an extensive choice of diverse activities and facilities. For bush enthusiasts, morning and evening game drives are organized. For relaxation and rejuvenation, the resident beauty therapist offers full beauty treatments at the bush spa. For the fitness fanatic, the lodge boasts its own gym in the natural surroundings.

Guests will thoroughly enjoy the choice of pools and Jacuzzis to cool off in. For the wine connoisseur, a wine tasting can be arranged in Shibula’s wine cellar. For the shopper and browser, the lodge’s own library and curio shop will keep guests occupied for hours on end.

Cuisine

Shibula offers the guest a choice of what and where to dine. Guests can indulge in Shibula’s gourmet cuisine in the dining area or savour their meal under a star-studded sky in the boma.

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. Accommodation can be arranged for up to 10 guests at neighbouring lodges

Location and Accessibility

• Located within the Welgevonden Private Game Reserve, Limpopo Province, South Africa
• Malaria-free, Big 5 Game Reserve
• Three hours self drive from OR Tambo Airport or 2.5 hours from Lanseria Airport.
• Fly- in transfers can easily be arranged to the Western airstrip located 3 km from Shibula
• A Shibula game drive vehicle will pick up guests who arrive at either the main gate or Western airstrip and transport them to the Lodge

ACCREDITATIONS (as claimed by the establishment)