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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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  • Happy New Year from all of us at Ximuwu Safari Lodge ✨

We welcomed the new year the true bush way – celebrating quietly under the African sky, both at the lodge and at our hideaway villa. A glass of Veuve Clicquot enjoyed on bush time, knowing that the alarm would ring early… because game drive waits for no one. At 5:30 this morning we were back out in the wild, starting the first day of the new year exactly how we love it.

Thank you to all our wonderful guests who shared this special moment with us, and to everyone who has been part of our journey. We wish you a happy, healthy and adventurous new year, filled with beautiful moments and wild memories 🥂
We hope to welcome you back to the bush soon.
  • Looking back at 2025, it’s the golden moments that stand out.

The first light of the morning, painting the bush in soft, fresh colours.
The last light of the day, casting everything in a warm, peaceful glow.
From early morning game drives to sunsets on the deck, these were the moments that made this year unforgettable at Ximuwu.

A heartfelt thank you to all our guests who stayed with us in 2025 – you made this year truly special. Here’s to more golden days ahead!
  • Lunch on the deck, with a little Italian twist 🍕

Homemade pizzas prepared by our chefs, topped just the way you like them. A bit of bruschetta to start, a fresh Italian salad on the side, and plenty of time to simply sit back and enjoy. All of this while the bush unfolds in front of you, with the occasional animal wandering past as if it’s just another normal lunch spot.
It’s one of those Ximuwu moments we love so much. No schedule, no rush, just really good food, great views and the feeling that nowhere else in the world could quite compare. An Italian-style lunch, right in the heart of the African bush.
  • Sometimes you look out from the deck and think… do we really need to go on a game drive today? 

Zebra, wildebeest and giraffe casually strolling along the airstrip, the view stretching out forever, and you sitting back with your favourite cocktail in hand. After a big Christmas lunch, this feels like the perfect safari plan.
Front-row seats to the bush, zero effort required. The hardest decision? Another drink or a little nap.

Do we see you on the deck soon? 🍹
  • Merry Christmas from all of us at Ximuwu Safari Lodge 🎄

The bush is alive and vibrant at this time of year, full of colour, new life, and summer energy, and we’re feeling incredibly grateful. Grateful for our wonderful guests, our dedicated team, and the privilege of sharing this special place with people from all over the world.
May your day be filled with warmth, joy, and a little bit of wild magic. Wherever you are celebrating, we hope the spirit of the African bush is not too far from your heart.

We look forward to welcoming you back to Ximuwu soon. Merry Christmas and festive wishes from the bush 🌿✨
  • We can’t get over how beautiful the bush is at the moment. Everything is so lush and green, and this time of year always fills us with gratitude for the follow-up rains and the new life they bring. From fresh greenery to newborn animals and dramatic skies, the bush feels truly alive right now.

Just a small glimpse of what Ximuwu has been all about over the past week — nature at its very best.

Happy Sunday from all of us at Ximuwu. Do we see you soon? 🌿
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