A bush retreat is refreshingly simple — but a little preparation goes a long way. Pack right and you'll arrive relaxed, settle in immediately, and spend the weekend doing exactly what you came for.
Shona is fully self-catering and comes equipped with everything you need in the kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms. You don't need to bring towels, linen, or cleaning supplies. What you do need to bring is everything that makes the weekend feel like yours — the food, the drinks, the braai wood, and a sense of adventure.
The Essentials
Start with the basics and you won't go wrong. These are the non-negotiables for any bush weekend:
- Food and groceries — Shona has a fully equipped kitchen. Stock up before you leave the city. The nearest supermarket is in Thabazimbi, roughly 30 minutes from the estate.
- Braai meat and wood — the boma and braai are a highlight of any stay. Bring enough wood for at least two fires, or buy locally at the Engen garage on the N11.
- Drinks — wine for the patio, beer for the braai, something warm for the hot tub. The estate does not have a bar or shop.
- Snacks and a grazing platter — there is something about the bush that makes you want to sit outside with cheese, biltong, and a glass of wine at 4pm. Plan for it.
- Coffee and breakfast supplies — mornings at Shona deserve a proper coffee on the stoep. Don't skip this.
Clothing & Layers
Limpopo has a wide temperature range, especially in the dry winter months between April and September. Days can be warm and sunny, while evenings drop significantly once the sun goes down. Even in summer, nights near the bush can surprise you.
- Light, neutral-coloured clothing for daytime game drives — avoid bright colours
- A warm fleece or jacket for evenings — non-negotiable from May to August
- Comfortable walking shoes or trail runners
- A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses — the Limpopo sun is intense
- Swimwear — for the wood-fired hot tub, obviously
- Slippers or sandals for evenings indoors
Morning coffee on the stoep — one of the great rituals of a bush weekend.
Sun, Bugs & Outdoor Essentials
The Limpopo bushveld is beautiful but it is also an outdoor environment. A few small preparations make a big difference:
- Sunscreen — apply liberally, reapply often
- Insect repellent — especially for evenings around the boma and hot tub
- Binoculars — for game viewing and birding, these become essential within the first hour
- A torch or headlamp — for walking to the hot tub at night or checking out sounds from the stoep
- A camera — your phone will do, but if you have a camera, bring it
For the Game Viewer
The game viewer is included in your stay and is available for self-guided drives around the estate. To get the most out of it:
- Bring binoculars — it changes everything
- Wear layers in the morning — the open vehicle gets cold at speed
- Charge your camera the night before
- Go out at first light or in the late afternoon — these are the best times for wildlife
- Move slowly, stop often, and stay quiet
"The best game sightings happen when you're not in a hurry. Stop the vehicle, turn off the engine, and just listen."
For the Hot Tub
The wood-fired hot tub is one of the most talked-about features at Shona. To make the most of it:
- Light the fire about 1.5 to 2 hours before you plan to get in
- Bring a waterproof bluetooth speaker if music matters to you
- Have towels and warm clothes ready nearby — the walk back to the lodge is cold in winter
- A glass of something cold goes well with a hot tub under the stars
Medications & Personal Items
The nearest pharmacy is in Thabazimbi, about 30 minutes away. Bring everything you need for the duration of your stay:
- Any personal medications
- Malaria prophylaxis if you are prone — check current risk levels for the area
- Antihistamines — useful for insect bites or hay fever
- Basic first aid kit — the lodge has one, but having your own is sensible
- Personal toiletries — shampoo, conditioner, body wash
What Shona Already Provides
You don't need to bring: linen, towels, toilet paper, dishwashing liquid, kitchen cloths, basic spices and condiments, coffee maker and kettle, braai grid and tongs, or firewood for the boma (a starter supply is left for you).
A full house guide detailing everything provided is sent to you after booking confirmation.
What to Leave at Home
A bush retreat is a chance to simplify. A few things are worth leaving behind:
- Pets — no pets are permitted on the property or the estate
- Your work laptop — WiFi is available but this weekend is not for working
- Anything you'd be devastated to lose — the bush has a way of claiming sunglasses, hats, and good intentions
Pack light, pack smart, and arrive ready to slow down. Everything else Shona will take care of.