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A Unique Celebration in the African Bush

Paralympian celebrates birthday in the bush. Anjali Forber-Pratt, a wheelchair racer and former world record holder in the 200 meters, celebrated her 40th birthday adventurously. She invited three close friends to join her on an African safari at Ximuwu Safari Lodge, a wheelchair-friendly lodge in the Greater Kruger area.

Journey to Ximuwu Safari Lodge

They flew in from different parts of the US and began their adventure. Despite Margaret’s flight delay, they arrived captivated by the African bush’s beauty. They enjoyed two daily game drives, spotting the Big Five and newborn animals. Highlights included a young giraffe and an elephant calf visiting the lodge’s waterhole.

Memorable Bush Dinner and Night on the Deck

Their third night was magical. They had a bush dinner at the scenic Ximuwu dam, a haven for animals during the dry season. Stephanie spent a night on the lodge’s sleep-out deck, enjoying the nocturnal bush sounds. She awoke to see Impalas drinking water, creating a serene and memorable moment.

Helicopter Ride and Relaxation

The next morning, they took an exhilarating helicopter ride over the park, viewing vast landscapes and large elephant herds. During the day’s heat, they relaxed by the lodge’s heated pool. Anjali could swim comfortably, thanks to the lodge’s pool lift. Each friend enjoyed the spa, indulging in facials and massages.

Accessibility and Comfort at Ximuwu

Anjali was impressed by the lodge’s accessibility. She could easily navigate her suite and the main building. The thoughtful design allowed her to enjoy her stay without any hindrance.

Meeting Nobu and Reflecting on the Adventure

They met Nobu, the lodge’s friendly mascot dog, who loved joining game drives. After five days of fun and countless animal sightings, they prepared to return home. They agreed the holiday exceeded their expectations and promised to share their experience with their clients.

 A Unique and Accessible Safari Experience

Ximuwu Safari Lodge offers a unique and accessible safari experience. Anjali and her friends created memories that would last a lifetime. They left with a renewed appreciation for the African wilderness.

 Learn More

For more information about Anjali Forber-Pratt and her career, visit:
– Anjali Forber-Pratt’s Official Website
– Anjali Forber-Pratt on Wikipedia

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The Latest from Instagram

  • 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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