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About Ximuwu
Where Ximuwu Began
Ximuwu was born from a personal experience, and a moment of recognition that changed everything.
Founders Patrick and Elly Suverein had been living on this property in Klaserie for several years, quietly building their connection to the bush, when a back operation left Patrick temporarily without mobility. They realised that every safari lodge they knew was inaccessible to people who use mobility aids, as though the possibility of a guest in a wheelchair had not been considered at all.
That experience became the design brief. Ximuwu was built from the ground up with the intention that every guest — regardless of mobility, ability, or physical need — would experience the African bush fully. Every pathway, every doorway, every suite, every game viewer was planned with that principle in mind. The result is a lodge where accessibility is invisible, because it is simply part of the design.
In May 2026, Ximuwu Lodge entered a new chapter with the acquisition of the property by Leaf Capital Investments, a family office investment firm, and members of the Leaf-Wright family. Paul and Astrid, and Hylton and Charmaine, represent the new shareholders — families with a lifelong passion for wildlife and a clear-eyed view of what Ximuwu represents. They were drawn to the lodge not only for its setting, but for its founding commitment: an inclusive safari experience that welcomes guests of all abilities without compromise.
The vision going forward is to grow and develop Ximuwu so that more guests from around the world can experience the wonders of the African bush — on their terms, at their pace, and in exceptional comfort.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE EXPERIENCE
Our Management
Ximuwu is led by Rudi and Melinda Hulshof, who bring a combined background from two of Africa’s most respected luxury safari lodges: Royal Malewane and Singita Lebombo.
Rudi’s guiding career spans decades. His expertise in tracking, wildlife behaviour, and bush interpretation is complemented by a calm, engaged presence that guests at Ximuwu respond to immediately. He understands the Klaserie’s rhythms and its individual animals.
Melinda’s background in senior operations means that every element of your stay — from the first enquiry to the last morning drive — is managed with considered attention.
Our Accommodation
An Intimate Setting
Ximuwu Lodge features four wheelchair-accessible private suites, accommodating up to eight guests. This intimate setup ensures a dream stay, tailored for your group.
In addition to our four suites, we also offer the Tluka Villa, which accommodates up to an additional six guests across three bedrooms. Instead of using the lodge’s shared spaces, the villa offers its own private pool, full kitchen, and living areas, as well as a dedicated chef, butler, ranger, and game viewing vehicle.
The Ximuwu Difference
Intimate Safaris
Explore over 60,000 hectares of Klaserie Private Nature Reserve. The reserve is unfenced on its Kruger boundary, meaning the animals you track and observe here move through the same landscape as the wildlife inside the national park.
What distinguishes Ximuwu’s approach to game viewing is a commitment to the old art of tracking: reading the ground, following the evidence, understanding what the environment is telling you. Guests are invited into this process, rather than simply observe from a distance. It’s a slower, more rewarding way to experience the bush.
Let us welcome you to
UNTAMED AFRICA
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