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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

  • Happy Friday from Ximuwu!
  • When the lodge goes quiet at night, the waterhole doesn’t!

We set up a camera in the hide and left it running, just to see who would come by for a drink after dark. And as always, the waterhole did what it does best — steady movement, quiet arrivals, and a constant sense that there is always something just beyond the light.
It’s simple, natural, and always different from one night to the next.

Still… it does make you wonder
who would swap their beautiful suite for a night in the hide? 😇

📷 @michcochrane
  • A slow drive, a bit of scanning… and then suddenly all eyes in one direction.

A leopard stretched out in a tree, completely relaxed, while we watch from the vehicle below. It’s one of those sightings that instantly changes the energy on the vehicle.

For many guests, this is right at the top of the wishlist. And when it happens, it never disappoints.
One of many beautiful sightings we were fortunate to enjoy at Ximuwu last week 🐆
  • Wildebeest cross Ximuwu airstrip in the soft light of the setting sun. The plains are bathed in a warm glow, and there’s a peaceful calm that settles over the bush as day slowly turns to night ✨
  • Yesterday on our viewing deck, we witnessed a truly unforgettable moment. Ger asked Debby to marry him—and she said yes! 💍 

Their journey together has been a long one, filled with love, challenges, and triumphs. A few years ago, Debby suffered a stroke that changed their lives, and they faced some very difficult times. But through it all, their love and determination never wavered. Today, Debby is thriving and they’re back to chasing adventures together.

A safari had long been on their wish list, but as a wheelchair user, Debby thought it might never happen. Then they found Ximuwu. In that perfect moment, with the African wilderness all around them, Ger proposed to his wonderful Debby—and we were honored to witness it.
Here’s to love, resilience, and dreams coming true. 💛
  • Seeing Ximuwu from the ground is one thing… but from the sky, it’s something else entirely.
Every flight ends with a final turn over the lodge, giving you that last sweeping view of the bush, the open plains, and our little piece of wilderness from above. It’s the kind of perspective that really stays with you.

And the best part? This helicopter flight is included in every stay at Ximuwu.
A different angle, a different feeling — and one more reason to fall in love with this place.

📷 @janet.templeton
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