Shimungwe Lodge

Shimungwe Lodge Welcome to our intimate, 4* safari lodge nestled on the Timbavati River in the Greater Kruger

12/06/2026

When you're a world class hunter but the fly still has the upper hand.

This wild dog spent a good few minutes trying to catch an unexpected snack, with mixed success.

Proof that life in the bush isn't always about dramatic sightings. Sometimes it's just about enjoying the little moments that make us smile.

Behind every memorable stay at Shimungwe are the people who make guests feel genuinely at home.Meet Risana Siwela, one o...
10/06/2026

Behind every memorable stay at Shimungwe are the people who make guests feel genuinely at home.

Meet Risana Siwela, one of our dedicated housekeepers, who has been part of the Shimungwe family for the past year.

When asked what she loves most about working here, her answer was simple:

“I can’t put one thing above the other. I love everything about Shimungwe and our team. ”

Risana is also passionate about wildlife, and her favourite animals are the leopard and the lion.

It’s the warmth, care and genuine connection of people like Risana that help create the welcoming atmosphere our guests experience every day. We are grateful to have her as part of our team.

One of the things we love most about Prince is that he never takes himself too seriously.Before explaining his carefully...
08/06/2026

One of the things we love most about Prince is that he never takes himself too seriously.

Before explaining his carefully prepared sundowner setup, he couldn’t help but have a good laugh at himself first. And honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Behind every memorable safari are the people who make it special. The personalities, the stories, the laughter, and those moments that can’t be scripted.

Then, of course, comes the reward. A beautiful bush sundowner shared with good company as another day in the wilderness draws to a close.

As winter settles over the African bush, the landscape begins to change.The vegetation thins, the mornings arrive crisp ...
05/06/2026

As winter settles over the African bush, the landscape begins to change.

The vegetation thins, the mornings arrive crisp and clear, and wildlife becomes easier to spot as animals gather around permanent water sources. For many seasoned safari travellers, this is one of the most rewarding times to be in the bush.

Dust hangs golden in the morning light. Elephant herds emerge from the thickets. Lions spend longer hours basking in the warmth of the winter sun. Every game drive feels a little more intimate, a little more revealing.

At Shimungwe, winter is a season of stillness and exceptional sightings. Wrapped in a blanket on an early morning drive, coffee in hand, there is something deeply restorative about experiencing the wilderness at this time of year.

The bush may be quieter, but its stories become easier to find.

SoulfulSafari PrivateSafariHome

Not every queen announces her presence.Sometimes she simply watches.Hidden amongst the foliage, this lioness sat quietly...
03/06/2026

Not every queen announces her presence.

Sometimes she simply watches.

Hidden amongst the foliage, this lioness sat quietly in the dappled morning light, her amber eyes fixed on the world beyond. There was no movement, no urgency, just a calm confidence that needed no introduction.

Moments like these remind us that the African bush is not only about what we see, but what we feel. The anticipation, the stillness, and the privilege of sharing space with one of Africa’s most iconic predators in her natural world.

These are the encounters that stay with us long after the game drive ends.

The story of Shimungwe begins long before the first guest arrived.Nestled beneath ancient trees and overlooking a quiet ...
01/06/2026

The story of Shimungwe begins long before the first guest arrived.

Nestled beneath ancient trees and overlooking a quiet riverbed, our intimate safari home carries a name deeply connected to this landscape and the people who have called it home.

In our latest blog, we share the story behind the name “Shimungwe” and what it represents today, a place of meaningful connection, genuine authenticity, and a deep respect for the wild spaces that surround us.

For us, Shimungwe has always been more than a lodge. It is a feeling of belonging, of slowing down, and of becoming immersed in the rhythm of the African bush.

Read the full story - https://www.shimungwe.com/naming-shimungwe-lodge-thornybush-greater-kruger/ (LINK IN BIO)



Come for the Big Five.... Stay for everything else this expansive wilderness has to offer 🌿From majestic kudu tip-toeing...
28/05/2026

Come for the Big Five.... Stay for everything else this expansive wilderness has to offer 🌿

From majestic kudu tip-toeing between the trees to giant owls and cheeky mongooses - there's so much to see and discover on every game drive.

Though lions and elephants might be the main attraction, many guests are surprised at just how enchanting these "smaller" things can be.

Want to experience authentic Africa? Join our passionate and experienced guides as they explore the wilds of the Greater Kruger!

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26/05/2026

A slightly more eventful elephant encounter at the lodge this week 😮🐘

Guest captured these two bulls having a stand-off that eventually led to a heated fight of clashing tusks!

The older, larger elephant stood his ground, making the challenger soon realise the error of his ways....

Why do elephants do this? Most likely there is a female in the area in oestrus - causing males to gather from far in order to fight for the chance to mate with her (female elephants only come into oestrus for a few days every four years - so it's a big event!)

Elephants are not territorial animals so do not typically fight over other resources like space or food.

What a fantastic moment for our guests 🙌💚

Gather them in the wild 🐘Some celebrations deserve more than a restaurant table or a gathering hall. They deserve elepha...
22/05/2026

Gather them in the wild 🐘

Some celebrations deserve more than a restaurant table or a gathering hall. They deserve elephants at the waterhole, stories shared around the fire, and three generations discovering the wild together.

Our latest blog explores the magic of multi-generational safaris and why exclusive use bookings at Shimungwe have become such a special way to celebrate milestone birthdays, family reunions, anniversaries, and precious time together.

With just four suites, private use of the lodge, and experiences tailored around your family, it becomes less of a holiday and more of a shared adventure. From children learning tracks in the dust to grandparents watching the bush come alive at sunset, these are the moments that stay with you long after everyone goes home.

Read the full story and discover why families are choosing the African bush for their biggest celebrations ✨

https://www.shimungwe.com/multi-generation-family-celebration-exclusive-use/

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Not just for show 🐾Unlike dogs, hyenas, and cheetahs, lions keep their claws protected inside a sheath of skin and fur a...
20/05/2026

Not just for show 🐾

Unlike dogs, hyenas, and cheetahs, lions keep their claws protected inside a sheath of skin and fur above their paw pads. This stops them from wearing down as they walk - and ensures they stay deadly sharp for catching prey!

Just like a domestic cat, they will also scratch them on trees in their territory - acting as a visual and scent marker for their presence whilst also keeping their claws in tip top condition by removing dead outer layers.

Who knows which other big cat in South Africa does this? 👀

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Address

Thornybush Private Nature Reserve
Hoedspruit

Telephone

+27732853656

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