Shambala Private Game Reserve
Shambala Private Game Reserve, Vaalwater 530 South Africa
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#18 of 48 hotels in Vaalwater
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Situated on 10,000 hectares in the Limpopo Province, a mere 2½ hour drive or 45 minute helicopter ride from Johannesburg, Shambala Private Game Reserve is set under the watchful guardianship of the picturesque, malaria-free Waterberg mountains, and the magnificent African bushveld is home to a variety of remarkable flora and fauna including The Big Five.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Free breakfast
Boating
Fishing
Airport transportation
Spa
Parking
Wifi
Pool with view
Heated pool
Plunge pool
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Outdoor dining area
Special diet menus
Wine / champagne
Poolside bar
Walking tours
Couples massage
Facial treatments
Foot bath
Foot massage
Full body massage
Hand massage
Manicure
Massage
Neck massage
Pedicure
Waxing services
24-hour security
BBQ facilities
Baggage storage
Concierge
Gift shop
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor fireplace
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
Sun deck
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun umbrellas
Butler service
Doorperson
First aid kit
Umbrella
24-hour check-in
24-hour front desk
Express check-in / check-out
Laundry service
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Room features
Bathrobes
Air conditioning
Desk
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Minibar
Refrigerator
Walk-in shower
Room service
Safe
Seating area
Telephone
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Bottled water
Laptop safe
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
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Room types
Mountain view
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Luxury
Languages Spoken
English
Location
Shambala Private Game Reserve, Vaalwater 530 South Africa
Getting there
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PassionwithaPassport ✨ Travel Blogger wrote a review Mar 2023
Toronto, Canada79 contributions78 helpful votes
I was so impressed with this safari experience. Everything was fantastic; the food, the staff, the guides, and even the wildlife! Whatever you need, you'll be taken care of. Everyone talks about Kruger, but this is so much more of an intimate experience all around. I would easily stay here again! Also, this property works with Pack with a Purpose. So bring a few extra items in your suitcase (ie. books, crayons, toothbrushes, etc.) to help local school children out. Such a fantastic program!
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Date of stay: December 2022Trip type: Travelled solo
Value
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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We’ve been lucky enough to enjoy many excellent safaris around the world in the last 30 years but our recent experience at the Zulu Camp, Shambala must rate as one of the best. There is always an element of luck but in all four of our drives we were treated to some magical interactions with the wildlife. A herd of elephants playing, lions eating a recently caught wildebeest, a rhinoceros and her young offspring, spotted hyenas and ‘Rocky’ a seriously hard rhino! The head warden Shaun was an amazing guide and his knowledge and enthusiasm was second to none. The camp setting, bordered with water berry trees filled with weaver bird nests and their constant efforts was entrancing. The staff perfect, the food excellent and whilst the gorgeous Zulu huts will be undergoing some renovations in the next few months they were still thoroughly charming and comfortable. Did I mention the sunset cruise on one of the biggest man made dams! That was magical. Thank you especially to Shaun, Brendan and Abram. We will be back and look forward to a fully working telescope to enjoy the night sky 😉…
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Date of stay: October 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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On arrival you know the Shambala is going to be special. We arrived by car from the Saxon Hotel in Johannesburg (2.5hrs) and transferred to a jeep with our guide for the stay. Even the drive from the main gate to the lodge is a stunning experience with amazing views and the first of many game drives. Our guide Gehardt, was engaging, entertaining and extremely knowledgable about everything from animal behaviour, local fauna, geology and even the stars. Everything from the lodge, food, and the staff was excellent. The entire stay was personalised to our needs and wants from the outset and Lwazi the lodge manager was routinely checking in with us to ensure everything was as it should be. He even delayed our departure as what we had booked was too early for our return flight from Johannesburg. During our stay we saw many varieties of animals including lion, elephant and rhino. We also learnt a lot about conservation, tracking animals as well as the problems caused by poaching and climate change. We always felt secure, both in the lodge (due to 24/7 security) and during our drives (due to the expertise of our guide). Our butler (Abram) was attentive, flexible and recommended some excellent SA wines during our stay and it must be noted that housekeeping attend the room FOUR times a day to ensure it remains spotless. The attention to detail at every level by all members of staff was evident. Please note this was all done in a low key and relaxed way that was at no point imposing. The feeling from all the staff was that you were here to relax, recharge and enjoy the location and the animals. I cannot recommend the Shambala enough and I genuinely mean this when I say will will return in the near futrue.…
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Date of stay: September 2022
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Lovely place and had a nice rest - but the management lied about the boat that was broken. Pretended it broke that day but staff confirmed that it has been broken for months. They still keep on advertising the sunset cruise as part of the package even though they know it’s not working. And then calmly lie about it. When I asked why they don’t just remove it from marketing and booking - they clearly stated that they are worried clients will not book. Left a bad taste on a nice trip
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Now I know how Her Majesty The Queen is treated! We arrived at Zulu Camp ( this is the part of the reserve that contains the chalets, restaurant, bar and spa) mid afternoon November 2019. While touring the camp I asked our manager Brendon where all the other guest were? He said there weren’t any other guest – you have the whole place to yourself. We stayed 3 nights in chalet number 2 which was beautifully appointed with full bath – separate tub and shower plus an additional outdoor shower overlooking the small creek running through the camp. Jan was our server, bartender & butler during our stay and truly made us feel special (like royalty). Our chef Matthew would inquire what our likes were for lunch and dinner and prepared several fabulous meals with his culinary flair. We had a game drive on the afternoon we arrived and two drives everyday: one early morning 06:30 and one in the afternoon around 15:00. They were all spectacular! One evening we had a sunset boat ride with our captain Tinus on the lake near the dam. Here we saw rhino and crocodile with wonderful cocktails and charcuterie. We did not use the spa however we did use the shooting range and Pieter and Dion were wonderful instructors (10 out of 10 at 100 yards .30-06 Springfield). By far the best part of our stay were the game drives. Our driver and guide Jacques did an outstanding job and we tip our hat to him. He really knows what he is talking about, is enthusiastic and answered all our questions. Shambala is owned by the same group that owns the Saxon Hotel in Johannesburg. See our review of the Saxon. As I mentioned in my Saxon review, everyone at Shambala is at the top of their game. We give 4.5 stars. My wife’s only slight complaint was no wifi. I loved being off the grid. We hope to return someday!…
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Date of stay: November 2019
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: CHalet 2 had an outdoor shower that overlooked the lake.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from GeorgeCohen, Managing Director at Shambala Private Game Reserve
Responded 12 Feb 2020
Dear NewZealandPatriot, Thank you so much for your wonderful review of your stay with us at Shambala Private Game Reserve! It is such a pleasure to receive this kind of feedback from a guest, especially regarding our valued team members.We do look forward to welcoming you back again in the future! Best regards, George Cohen
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
from the gate guard Simon..to the lodge manager Rhomello,our private butler Thabang..chef Dayne(thank you for the extra couple of pounds)..and the most fantastic Monnique,thank you all for making our engagement weekend unforgettable..even the game put their best foot forward..lions elephants,buffels,giraffes,and just for good measure a cheetah kill...monnique thanks for all the trouble with the extra flowers romantic rose pebble dinner.your alsways friendly and comforting gestures when i was nervous for asking the big question....guys this place is a must do for everyone
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Date of stay: October 2019
Value
Rooms
Service
Room Tip: we stayed in room 2 next to the waterdam
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from GeorgeCohen, Managing Director at Shambala Private Game Reserve
Responded 17 Oct 2019
Dear FILI V, Thank you for your review of your recent stay with us at Shambala Private Game Reserve - and also for choosing to spend such an important weekend with us. We are delighted to hear that you had such a wonderful time with us on the farm and we look forward to welcoming you back again soon. Best regards, George Cohen
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
If you want to be treated like royalty, feel relaxed and comfortable while experiencing all the magic of African wildlife then this is it. The staff was amazing, attentive, and knowledgeable. It was very private as there is only 8 chalets. These rooms are beautiful, well appointed and very comfortable. The sound of a rushing water stream ran next to our room. Exceptionally fine and customized non stop dining. The boat in the dam was icing on the cake. We saw hippos, rhinos, elephants, zebra, lions, leopards, hyenas, giraffe, and about 5 other varieties. We even fished. Grace at the spa was also wonderful. My husband and I took our 22 yr old daughter and my 74 yr old mother, perfect for all and we had the experience of a lifetime. If you like nature and luxury, then you must go! There was WiFi at the main lodges area.…
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Date of stay: September 2019
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: You might ask for chalet 4 or 5 or greater for some distance from the main area. But all are...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from GeorgeCohen, Managing Director at Shambala Private Game Reserve
Responded 16 Sept 2019
Dear snook60175, Thank you for your review of your stay with us at Shambala. We are delighted that you and your family enjoyed the time with us - and thank you for the compliments! We look forward to welcoming you back again in the future. Best regards, George Cohen
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
What an incredibly relaxing 25th wedding anniversary weekend and last minute decision to add our 16 and 7 year old to the booking! The food was sumptuous and personalised- vanilla cupcakes and fillet steak were made for my daughter on demand, while I loved the variety and preparation of the fresh vegetables from the garden. The game drives were funny and informative and were preceded by a soothing and bubbly wake up call, a perfect dry flat white, fires lighting and warming our path and a hot water bottle and a blanket on the vehicle each morning. Shaun, the ranger entertained, schooled and quizzed my daughters and my 7 year old's speech on Monday needed no preparation. Quad biking was fun and the spa was relaxing ( when we arrived my daughter's favourite beverage and snack were served-such thoughtful details) Roemelo is calm, quiet yet very observant and an exceptional manager. The rooms were luxurious with turn downs, petals, bubbles and bubbly while our kid's chalet was discreetly straightened up after each mess! My children rated this as one of their best weekends (with no TV, no wifi and no sea!).…
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Date of stay: August 2019
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from GeorgeCohen, Managing Director at Shambala Private Game Reserve
Responded 16 Sept 2019
Dear Debbie H, Thank you for your review of your recent stay with us at Shambala - and also for choosing to spend your 25th wedding anniversary with us - congratulations! It is always such a pleasure to read this kind of feedback - this is the experience we strive to provide to guests, and we are delighted that you and your family enjoyed it. We look forward to welcoming you back again in the future. Best regards, George Cohen
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
Just left our 4 day visit to shambala private game lodge, so sad to have gone but our time there was unforgettable. Thanks to all the staff especially Norman and Romelo who looked after us above and beyond. Special thanks go to Dane the chef food was amazing and what ever we asked for was always provided and tasted amazing. Of course massive thanks to Jacques our game guide, driver and provider of my fav bush coffees. He was full of amazing knowledge and a great tracker. Alex, Suzy and of course Leo our toy lion had an amazing time.
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Date of stay: August 2019Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from GeorgeCohen, Managing Director at Shambala Private Game Reserve
Responded 13 Aug 2019
Dear Suzy, Alex and Leo, Thank you for your review of your stay with us at Shambala Private Game Reserve. It is such a pleasure to receive this kind of feedback from a guest - especially concerning our team members! We strive to make guests' time with us unforgettable and we are delighted to hear that you experienced it as such. We do look forward to welcoming you back again in the future! Best regards, George Cohen
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We booked this high-end private Game Lodge as a last minute getaway. Given the timing, we also received the discounted rate which went towards Spa treatments. Arrival: The Lodge is clearly marked and directions are simple. The ablutions at the Main Gate are a delight and our ranger, Jacques was waiting with refreshments. Given the fact that this establishment is expensive, I expected a glass of Sparkling Wine or even some homemade lemonade, would have been a nice touch. Tins of cold drinks were offered with no glass or straws? The Viewing Vehicle: The Toyota van (not much of a petrol head) is exceptionally clean and comfortable. Every guest has an optimum viewing advantage and over and above the usual hot water bottles and fleece blankets (which are all clean!), there is good quality biltong, dry wors, trail mix, binoculars and sun-screen.Mineral water is also provided and sits snugly in convenient individual holders. The Game Ranger: Jacques is new to the Shambala family. He is very knowledgeable and can be commended on sincere manners and patience.He has a shy personality but I am sure that given some time within the team, he will shine! He worked extremely hard to show us what the farm had on offer although at times spent too long at regular viewings. He also had to be asked a few times to manouver the vehicle in order to get our camera setting in a prime position. Having said this, I am sure that, having more experience, this will improve. The Zulu Hut Accommodation: Shambala falls short here. The rooms are not perfectly positioned and one can hear noisy housekeeping staff cleaning units adjacent to others. The style of the room is dark and although possibly "Livingstone- Themed", it doesn't follow through with the cheap knotty-pine wall. The bed is super comfortable but could be bigger. Linen and towels are really excellent quality with one of the best quality sized towels, bath robes and cushions I have ever encountered at a hotel. Thank you! The room however is very dark and the lighting needs to be sorted. There are enough hangers and I loved the complimentary welcome vanity bag with goodies. The small deck outside is not entirely private and the chairs uncomfortable - one cannot sit and laze watching the view. I would recommend 2 recliner-type chairs with a decent sized table. The rigid chairs and small table were clearly an afterthought. Housekeeping is great with replenishing amenities and turning down the room although the air conditioner needs monitoring. We were also cold both nights - August is still chilly in the evenings, we wondered why no duvets or thicker blankets were provided in place of a thin blanket? The Bathroom: Very large but only a single basin in the vanity...disappointing. Lovely bath, but again the first night, luke warm water so an indulgence in the beautiful bath was cut very short. Great water pressure in the shower and steaming hot water on the second evening. Can't say I get overly-excited with Molten Brown amenities...this should be upgraded to L'occitaine or something more exotic.Separate toilet and a rustic outdoor shower, that I was told "has hot water". Bathroom is very dark as well with one not really able to apply make up early morning or in the evening - this needs to be attended to. Rooms are well kept, clean and adequate. I just feel a bit "cheated' since we have stayed in loads of beautiful game lodges and these rooms were rather boring decor wise, never smelt fresh (lemon verbena..?), or offered a wow factor for the cost. The pebbles directly outside our entrance door is noisy so one hears any guest or service provider walking past... The Food: Honest portions with the emphasis of freshness. Not terribly creative but the flavour was great.Lovely menus but at times heavy. Lunches are salad-based and light - my favourite. Breakfasts offer a mini buffet at one's table with the hot a la carte option. I found the breakfast to be "over kill' with cereals, pastries, muesli, fruit, cheese and cold meats - far too many options. The Parma ham was too thickly sliced and the quality of Continental meats and Cheeses were really not of a high standard. I would have prefered less commercial/industrial options but better farm-sourced quality. Fruit was great as was the quality of the coffee and chocolate cookies. The Braai night, although a good idea, was executed poorly. Serving vessels displayed around the bonfire were cold in the center and it was uncomfortably hot to dish up.The "chakalaka" was dismal - tasted like tinned tomatoes with little flavour and substance. This is a product that is hyped and foreigners are eager to taste - a big let down. The huge, square of Malva Pudding was poorly presented, too big and should have been served with the Vanilla Sauce separately ( a good product but really looked chunky). Meat on the braai was tasty and well-cooked. Quality wines are included in the package as are premium brands. This must be the first lodge that we have stayed in that we never had to upgrade our beverages - Thank you! Game Drives: This is NOT the Kruger Park so there is not an abundance of game. What you will see is special! We saw two spotted hyenas and their inquisitive cubs, did an impromptu bushwalk to see cheetahs in their habitat from a distance, loads of Impala, elephants, buffalo, white and black rhino and has two phenomenal encounters with lions. We saw hippos and crocodiles on an idyllic boat cruise with magical views and superb service. Again, the best personal preferred drinks are served at certain locations in beautiful glasses and well-presented garnish. The standard biltong, salted nuts and dried fried is on offer. Where they come short is that there is no skottle with bush braaied short ribs, kebabs, mini boerewors twists - or even just some savoury snacks...pity? The lodge manager, Roebella joined us at all breaks which was a nice touch. The Spa: Okay as far as Spas go - I would say expensive since they use Kalahari products which are local and really everage. The Spa is well-positioned with a lovely view but again the quality of towels and decor is drab. Massages are not anything special. Shambala is expensive. The quality of food is good, drinks are high end with lots of choice and the service is exceptional. The communal deck is relaxing although looks tired decor wise. I found the kiosk really drab with no effort in displaying what's available to purchase. Would I return? From a service perspective - Yes Thank you to a great team for a memorable getaway!!!…
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Date of stay: August 2019
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from GeorgeCohen, Managing Director at Shambala Private Game Reserve
Responded 13 Aug 2019
Dear Traveldelightbb, Thank you for your review of your stay with us at Shambala Private Game Reserve. We appreciate your feedback and I would like to continue this discussion with you. May I ask you to email me at managingdirector@saxon.co.za in order for us to do so. I look forward to hearing from you. Best regards, George Cohen
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LOCATION
South AfricaLimpopo ProvinceWaterbergVaalwater
NUMBER OF ROOMS
14
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Frequently Asked Questions about Shambala Private Game Reserve
What are some of the property amenities at Shambala Private Game Reserve?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a pool.
Which room amenities are available at Shambala Private Game Reserve?
Top room amenities include a minibar, air conditioning, and a refrigerator.
What food & drink options are available at Shambala Private Game Reserve?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Shambala Private Game Reserve?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Shambala Private Game Reserve?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does Shambala Private Game Reserve have airport transportation?
Yes, Shambala Private Game Reserve offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.