Shona
A private self-catering bush lodge near Bela-Bela, Limpopo
Your own piece of
the bushveld
Shona is a private, self-catering bush lodge set inside the secure Shona Langa Nature Estate in Limpopo. Designed for couples, small families, and anyone who simply needs space to breathe, it offers the rare combination of genuine comfort and complete immersion in nature.
From the wrap-around views of untouched bushveld to the wood-fired hot tub under an open sky, every element of Shona has been chosen with care. The result is a retreat that feels like home — just a better version of it, surrounded by giraffe, kudu, and the kind of silence that reminds you how rare it is.
Owner-hosted by Mariska Rupping, who is hands-on from the moment you enquire to the moment you leave.
WhatsApp MariskaAt a Glance
The rooms & bathrooms
Two beautifully furnished bedrooms, two modern bathrooms, and a living space that opens onto uninterrupted bush views.
The Queen Room
The main bedroom is dressed simply and comfortably, with a queen bed, quality linen, and direct views into the bush. The room is air-conditioned and designed for restful sleep after long days in nature.
- Queen bed
- Air conditioning
- Bush-facing views
- Quality linen provided
- En-suite bathroom with shower
The Twin Room
The second bedroom can be configured as either twin beds or a king, making it ideal for couples, friends, or family. Speak to Mariska when booking to arrange your preferred configuration.
- Twin or king configuration (your choice)
- Air conditioning
- Quality linen provided
- En-suite bathroom with bath
- Up to 2 extra guests on stretchers (R250 each a night)
The Shower Room
A modern, well-appointed bathroom with a walk-in shower. Clean lines, quality fittings, fresh towels.
- Walk-in shower
- Modern fittings
- Towels provided
The Bath Room
A bathroom with a full bathtub — perfect for a long soak after a day in the bush. Run the bath, pour a glass of something cold, and let the quietness do the rest.
- Full bathtub
- Modern fittings
- Towels provided
What's at
the lodge
All included in the rate. No upsells, no surprises.
Wood-Fired Hot Tub
Soak under the stars as the fire crackles and the bush falls quiet around you.
Private Boma & Braai
Built-in braai, firepit, and long evenings with nothing competing for your attention.
Game Viewer Included
Explore the estate at your own pace. No guide fees, no booking required.
Self-Catering Kitchen
Pots, pans, dishwasher, the lot. Bring the food; we've got the rest.
Two Bedrooms
Queen room plus flexible twin or king. Sleeps up to four guests comfortably.
Secure Estate
Access control and patrolling security. The lodge itself is completely private.
Free WiFi
Stay connected when you need to. Disconnect when you don't.
Air Conditioning
Both bedrooms and the living area, climate controlled. Comfortable whatever the season.
Shona Langa
Nature Estate
Shona is located inside the Shona Langa Nature Estate in Limpopo, near Bela-Bela — a 2,000-hectare malaria-free wildlife estate surrounded by pristine bushveld. The estate is secure and gated, with no Big Five and no predators, so nothing will hunt you — guests can walk and cycle freely. It's still the bushveld, with snakes and spiders (not many snakes), so the one rule is: if you see a snake, turn around and walk away, and never touch it. Shona is about 2.5 hours from Pretoria and Johannesburg, making it the perfect weekend escape without the long drive.
The route is mostly tar road, with approximately 9 km of government-maintained gravel road at the end. Suitable for all normal cars — no 4x4 required.
Your booking confirmation, directions and access instructions are sent after booking is confirmed. Show the confirmation at the estate gate.
Respect the bush.
Respect the retreat.
Shona is a private home in a nature estate. These guidelines exist to protect the property, your fellow guests, and the wildlife around you. We keep them simple and ask that all guests read them before arriving.
A full house guide including all arrival details, appliance instructions, emergency contacts, and house rules will be sent to you once your booking is confirmed.
- No pets allowed on the property or estate
- No parties, events, or large gatherings
- No loud music — please respect the peace of the bush
- Quiet hours: 9:00 PM to 7:00 AM
- No smoking inside any indoor areas
- Children must be supervised at all times — especially around the hot tub, braai, boma, and outdoors
- Respect the wildlife — do not feed or approach animals
- No open fires outside the designated braai and boma areas
- Never leave fires unattended
- Only confirmed booked guests may stay overnight unless arranged in advance with the host
- Please leave the property in a clean and tidy condition
Simple, honest pricing
No hidden extras.
No surprises.
Everything below is included in the rate — nothing extra to add at check-in.
Included at no extra charge- Game viewer use
- Boma and a starter supply of firewood
- Final cleaning
- WiFi
- Air conditioning
- No breakage deposit
- Kitchen essentials
Extra people on the stretchers, child or adult, pay R250 each a night; babies under 2 are free.
Check dates & book online or send an enquiryFrom R2,650
per night
Minimum 2-night stay
Later check-out possible by arrangement with Mariska.
Common questions
What is included in the rate at Shona?
The rate includes use of the game viewing vehicle, a starter supply of firewood for the boma and braai (bring extra — it's never enough), final cleaning, WiFi, air conditioning in both bedrooms and the living area, and a fully equipped self-catering kitchen. There are no hidden extras.
How does the wood-fired hot tub work?
The hot tub is heated by a wood fire that you light yourself. A supply of firewood is left out for you, but it's never enough for a full stay, so bring extra. From cold, the water takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to reach a comfortable temperature. Full instructions are in the house guide at the lodge.
Can the lodge be booked for a single night?
There's a minimum two-night stay on every booking, weekdays and weekends.
What if we run out of firewood?
A starter supply is left out for you, but bring extra too. You can also buy wood from roadside sellers on the way.