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Early Morning Drive at Ximuwu Lodge

This is how a day starts at the Savana

The call of a Crested Francolin signals a new day. The horizon lightens, and the air is crisp on this early morning. The smell and warmth of freshly brewed coffee are heavenly. Join us on a early morning drive while the bush awakens and the sun starts to rise

 Setting Off on Safari

Excitement crackles as we climb onto the game viewer. Blankets and hot water bottles keep the chill at bay. We hear the unmistakable roar of a male lion. It echoes across the plain, announcing his presence.

 

Following the Roar

We head north, towards the lion’s roar. Turning onto the airstrip, we switch off the engine. In comfortable silence, we watch the sunrise paint the sky in vivid colors. It’s the perfect start to the day.

 

Encounter with the King

Another roar rolls across the bush. We start up and head towards the sound. Our senses are tuned, searching for the lion. The tracker signals, “Ngala over there!” We see the lion emerge into the morning light. He scent marks bushes along the roadside, proclaiming his territory.

 

Close Encounter

The lion walks straight past us, focused on tracking his pride. We hold our breath, amazed by his presence. We follow him and are treated to a full-throated roar. The steam from his breath visualizes the powerful sound. A lion’s roar is felt more than heard.

 

Continuing the Adventure

We continue our morning adventure as the lion falls asleep in the warmth of the sun. This is why we love morning safaris! Now it is about time you really join us on a early morning drive while the bush awakens and the sun starts to rise

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  • Seven guests in camp this week, complete privacy 🤩

With exclusive use of Ximuwu Safari Lodge, the day unfolds entirely on their terms — dining whenever the mood strikes, heading out on safari at their preferred time, favourite music setting the rhythm of a poolside celebration, and a team devoted to making every moment effortless.

And today, romance adds something extra.
Love is in the bush.
Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at Ximuwu. ❤️
  • Early December marked the arrival of impala lambing season, and suddenly the bush was filled with tiny, wobbly new legs staying close to their moms. Fast forward a few weeks and it’s unbelievable how quickly they’ve grown — many are already starting to look almost like young adults. 😇

The recent rains have turned the reserve beautifully green, and the wildlife is thriving. Full bellies, shiny coats, and little ones racing through the grass everywhere you look.
What a privilege to watch these youngsters grow up right in front of us 🍀✨
  • Strength, presence, and a moment that makes you pause.

The Sark Pride has roamed this area for as long as we can remember, and spending time with them never becomes ordinary. During a recent visit, @francoisfouriesafaris captured these lions with remarkable artistry – power in every look, stillness in between.

In @klaserieprivatenaturereserve ,part of the Greater Kruger, encounters remain wonderfully unhurried. There’s room to stop, to watch behaviour unfold, and to wait patiently for that perfect photographic opportunity while the pride moves at its own pace.

It’s a privilege that feels increasingly rare: the freedom to truly immerse yourself in the sighting and savour every second.
This is safari, just as it was meant to be.
  • Today we want to put a spotlight on someone who usually stays behind the scenes: our Sibu 🌿

If you’ve been to Ximuwu, you’ve admired our beautiful gardens — especially now, after all this wonderful rain, when everything is bursting with life. What you may not have seen is the person who lovingly takes care of it all. Sibu is always quietly hard at work, kind, dedicated, and often invisible… but absolutely essential.

We’re also very proud to share that Sibu recently passed his exam to become a butler. So on your next visit, don’t be surprised if you see him behind the bar, shaking cocktails instead of tending the garden.

Watching our team grow alongside the lodge is one of the things that makes Ximuwu so special. Well done, Sibu — we’re proud of you.
  • A  young elephants decided to put on a little show right in front of the lodge 🐘
Tail straight, full of attitude, probably slightly annoyed by our presence and clearly trying to impress us on his way back to mom — as youngsters so often do 😂

Now imagine this: you’re sitting on our patio, gin and tonic in hand, overlooking the open plains… and this unfolds right in front of you.
Life really doesn’t get much better than this at Ximuwu. See you soon!
  • As Ximuwu Lodge continues to grow, we’re opening our doors to new team members! 
If you believe you qualify for one of the following positions, please send your CV to:@management@ximuwu.com

- Strong maintenance-trained individual who will also need a tracker qualification to fill a dual position, relieving in both departments for set periods during the 3-week on, one week off cycle 

- Trained spa therapist/lodge anchor. This person will cover the spa for one week and the remaining two weeks will take up a leadership role in FOH, also covering management duties whilst the managers are on their leave cycles

- Junior sous chef

- Butler

Start dates will be April 1st.
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