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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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The Latest from Instagram

  • Look who we found at Ximuwu! 🦁🐢

A playful lion cub discovered a tortoise and decided it was the perfect new toy… and don’t worry, the tortoise got away unscathed!
No crowds. No vehicles in line. Just you, your guide, your tracker… and the freedom to watch this little bush adventure unfold at your own pace.

This is what safari magic looks like up close.

📷 @janet.templeton
  • Today we’re celebrating International Wheelchair Day — a moment to honour mobility, inclusion, and the freedom that accessible spaces give so many around the world.

At Ximuwu Safari Lodge we designed and built our space with guests with limited mobility in mind, but that doesn’t take away from the beauty, luxury, and wild spirit of your stay. Our accessible paths, game viewers, suites, and vehicles are all integrated in a way that feels natural and seamless, so everyone can enjoy the magic of the bush without barriers.

Whether you’re young, old, travelling with family members who need extra comfort, part of a multigeneration group where the oldest wants easy access, or just want to enjoy the luxury and private experience we offer — Ximuwu brings luxury and accessibility together beautifully. 💛

Here’s to designing experiences where everyone can feel welcome, comfortable, and free to explore. Happy International Wheelchair Day! 🌿✨
  • Are you ready for a beautiful weekend on safari?🦁
Come explore the beauty of Klaserie Private Nature Reserve with us.

📷 Patrick Suverein
  • Our recent guests have shared their thoughts, and we couldn’t be happier. We’re grateful for every kind word and for being part of your safari journey:

“What a stunning lodge with the most amazing team running it.

We have just spent 8 days at this lodge. We have done numerous safaris in South Africa and elsewhere in Africa. This lodge is fabulous.

Every part was wonderful from the game drives, the staff, the spa, the food and the actual lodge itself. The view from the deck and pool area is the best game viewing I have ever experienced from a lodge without leaving for a drive. We had cheetah, leopard (brief glimpse before it ran away from the hyena) and hyena with the stolen kill on our first morning. On another night we had wild dogs. On every single night we had hyenas, impalas, zebra and jackals.

Aside from the great game on the drives and the decking, we enjoyed the spa facilities, the people and the best food - without doubt we have ever experienced in a safari lodge. The chefs are unbelievably talented and offer foods I’ve never had on safari from every continent. The staff are second to none-we struggled to say goodbye. We had fun with them and they are all so professional. Love the fact they promote young talent who are trying to make a career in hospitality giving young people in South Africa a chance of a future.

The experience of the staff overseeing them is so vast you are in very good hands. Our guide, Rudi, was THE most knowledgeable I’ve ever had in my 20 years on safaring and | learnt new facts but also felt we were in massively safe hands. He is like an elephant whisperer! Every single member of the team are wonderful from the hosts, Rudi and Melinda to the unsung heroes who take care of you behind the scenes.

We met the owners several times during our stay here too - really welcoming, genuinely nice couple.

Would I go back again - 100%. Amazing place. Book it!! “

 ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
  • Happy Monday from the bush 😁

After their morning game drive, our guests were relaxing by the pool when a beautiful elephant bull wandered in for a drink at the waterhole. Calm, majestic, and completely unbothered, he made for a perfect moment to soak in the magic of the bush.

There’s no better way to ease into the week than with a surprise like this at Ximuwu 🐘
  • We feel it’s only fair to warn future guests…

A stay at Ximuwu may result in serious side effects: loosened belts, extra dessert orders, and the sudden belief that calories don’t count on safari.
Between sunrise coffees, bush breakfasts, long lazy lunches, and dinners under the stars, our chefs seem determined to “ruin” every diet plan that arrives at the lodge. We receive regular complaints that the food is just too good and that guests leave a little heavier than when they arrived. We sincerely apologise… but not really 😉

A superior safari is about more than wildlife. It’s about eating beautifully, drinking well, and enjoying every single moment at the table as much as on game drive.

Come hungry. Leave happy. 🥂🍴
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