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a different way to feel the bush

Luxury Safari Activities in the Lowveld

Embark on unforgettable Lowveld safari activities and experiences at Ximuwu, a luxury safari lodge in Greater Kruger. Discover the bush on our expertly guided walking safaris, where trained rangers bring the wilderness to life. Spend a night under the stars on our private sleep-out deck, fully surrounded by the sounds of nature.

Included in your stay is a scenic helicopter flight over the iconic Blyde River Canyon — a breathtaking aerial journey perfect for photography. Back at the lodge, unwind with professional spa treatments, enjoy sun-drenched hours on the pool deck, and sip cocktails while watching wildlife at the waterhole.

From stargazing safaris to immersive sound experiences, every activity at Ximuwu is designed to combine comfort, adventure, and exclusivity — all fully wheelchair accessible.

patience is rewarded

Hides

One of our luxury safari activities in the Lowveld is our specially designed underground hides, optimized for natural lighting. Here, you can capture serene waterhole scenes. Firstly, visit our morning hide close to the lodge for peaceful dawn views, with coffee, stools, beanbags, and power outlets. Additionally, explore our afternoon hide during the golden hour. A short drive takes you there, where adjustable chairs, camera gimbals, and spotlights enhance your photography experience. Moreover, both hides are wheelchair accessible, ensuring everyone can enjoy South Africa’s wildlife splendor at Ximuwu Lodge.

pictures from photographic hides

A sanctuary

ximuwu spa

Another example of our luxury safari experiences  at Ximuwu is unwinding at our Spa. Our Spa is a tranquil garden oasis just steps from your suite, where every guest receives an hour of complimentary spa treatment, including a hair blowout option. Indulge in luxury with L’Occitane products and Africology treatments, each service thoughtfully customized by our spa therapist to ensure your relaxation. Explore our spa menu for facials, massages, nail care, and the added luxury of exclusive hair treatments. Opt for in-suite spa services, transforming your room into a personal sanctuary for ultimate privacy and comfort.

Spa treatments

Indulge in a luxurious hair blowout

Ximuwu spa

After an exhilarating day on a game drive, it’s natural for your hair to feel a bit tousled from wearing a hat under the African sun. But no worries—Ximuwu Spa has you covered. We offer a professional hair blowout service to help you refresh and revitalize your look.

This special service is provided by Elly, one of the owners of Ximuwu Safari Lodge, who was a professional hairstylist in her early career. Elly brings her passion and expertise to this service, ensuring that you leave the spa feeling as polished and glamorous as ever. Whether you’re preparing for a special evening or just want to treat yourself, Elly is here to make sure you look your best.

At Ximuwu, we believe that every aspect of your stay should be exceptional, and our hair blowout service is just one more way we ensure your experience is unforgettable.

Under the Stars

sleep out deck

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with our exclusive sleep-out deck. Designed for a deep nature immersion, it’s perfect for romance. Firstly, experience a wilderness retreat ideal for couples, offering stunning views and intimacy with Africa’s wild beauty.

Nestled in a secluded tree house for two, find privacy near the main lodge. Additionally, at night, let the wild’s sounds lull you to sleep under the stars. Moreover, awaken to vast skies and birdsong, welcoming a new day over Africa’s landscape.

Take to the Skies

Helicopter and Scenic Flights

The pinnacle of our luxury safari experience  at Ximuwu is soaring over Africa’s wilderness with our inclusive helicopter tours; each guest is treated to an aerial adventure. Witness vast savannahs and majestic wildlife from above. Begin with bird’ s-eye views of the Lowveld, a serene landscape rich in biodiversity.

Experience the grandeur of Blyde River Canyon from the skies, where dramatic vistas unfold beneath you. Capture the stunning beauty of Africa and create memories that last a lifetime. Our exclusive flights provide unique access to natural wonders, making every moment an unforgettable experience.

Movie helicopter ride

Enhance your stay

Unforgettable day trips

Welcome to the Heart of Adventure
Nestled in our Safari Lodge, embark on thrilling day trips.

Explore Hoedspruit’s Charm
Experience the warmth of Hoedspruit, a hub of South African culture. Wander its welcoming streets, browse local shops, and taste traditional flavors. Hoedspruit pulses with community spirit.

Blyde River Canyon Cruise: Scenic Wonders
Set sail through Blyde River Canyon and explore iconic landscapes. Look for wildlife as you cruise past stunning rock formations and lush greenery.

 

BLYDE RIVER CANYON SAFARIS

The Hippo

Jessica

Jessica the Hippopotamus, a 23-year-old resident near Hoedspruit, South Africa, is a unique example of interspecies interaction. Unlike typical wild hippos, Jessica has formed an unusual bond with humans, challenging the natural boundaries typically observed between wildlife and people. Found as an infant, she was raised with human interaction, and as a result, has become accustomed to and even enjoys the presence of humans, something rarely seen in her species. Jessica’s story offers a fascinating glimpse into the potential for harmony between humans and wildlife. Also, it serves as a reminder of the complexities of animal behavior. This gentle giant not only captivates those who visit her but also contributes to our understanding of wildlife conservation and the impacts of human-animal relationships.

Jessica The Hippo

Look behind the scenes

Mholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

Conservation at Moholoholo Animal Rehabilitation Centre
Moholoholo Centre is a wildlife sanctuary just a 45-minute drive away. By visiting and connecting with our natural heritage, you support animal rescue and rehabilitation efforts.

Mholoholo Wildlife rehab

ALL OUR SAFARIS ARE PRIVATE AND PERSONALISED

Game Drives

"Experience the difference at Ximuwu, where our game drives are uniquely tailored to each guest's preferences and schedule, offering a personalized and flexible safari adventure unlike any conventional camp."

EXPLORE

Walking Safaris

"Immerse yourself in the stunning African wilderness with Ximuwu's guided walking safaris, providing an up-close, personal, and unforgettable journey as you track wildlife on foot through the spectacular landscape."

Night Drives

Unveil the hidden nocturnal world of the African wilderness with Ximuwu's advanced Pulsar thermal vision goggles. Witness elephants by the dam and herds of impala and zebra across the grasslands. Enjoy a truly immersive and enlightening wildlife experience.

Sound Safaris

Explore the unique sounds of the African bush with Ximuwu's sound safaris. Immerse yourself in nature’s symphony, experiencing the wilderness as a lion does. Discover a magical, new perspective.

Photo Safaris

Kruger National Park, South Africa's top safari spot, offers unparalleled photography opportunities. At Ximuwu, enjoy exclusive access to vast landscapes, ensuring you never compete for the perfect shot. Capture stunning views and ideal lighting—it's all yours.

Camera & Lens Rental PDF

starlit safaris at Ximuwu

Join us for a night safari at Ximuwu Lodge, where the brilliant stars of the vast African sky light your way through the untamed wilderness. Experience the nocturnal beauty of nature in this unforgettable journey.

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The Latest from Instagram

  • Four young male giraffes gave us a beautiful show today — gently practising their “necking” skills.
Necking is how young males test their strength and learn the rhythm of future battles, long before any serious competition begins. It looks almost like a slow dance — graceful, powerful, and full of quiet energy. Watching them move in perfect balance is such a joy, a glimpse into how nature prepares even its tallest giants for adulthood.

#Ximuwu #GiraffesOfAfrica #WildlifeMoments #Safari #KlaseriePrivateNatureReserve #AfricanBush #GiraffeLove #LuxurySafari
  • At Ximuwu, every game drive is more than just a safari — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Set in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, with only one other commercial lodge on our traverse, our lodge offers an extraordinary sense of exclusivity. Guests often describe their sightings here as truly unforgettable — whether it’s lions resting just a few meters from your vehicle, elephants moving gracefully through the bush, or a leopard silently stalking its prey. The closeness and privacy allow for moments that feel almost magical.
Every experience at Ximuwu is designed to be intimate and personal, giving you the chance to connect with nature in a way that few people ever get to. 

This is safari at its most raw, authentic, and unforgettable.

#XimuwuSafariLodge #Klaserie #LuxurySafari #ExclusiveSafari #OnceInALifetime #BigFive #SafariExperience #WildlifeMoments #IntimateSafari #NatureUpClose
  • At Ximuwu, guests often think it’s Amanda creating all those beautiful dishes… and yes, she really is amazing — but she’s not alone in the kitchen! We’re lucky to have a whole team of three talented chefs.

One of them is Twalani, who joined us a year ago. At first, he preferred to stay behind the scenes, quietly making sure every dish that left the kitchen was perfect. But lately, he’s been stepping out of his comfort zone and taking charge of our bush breakfasts — showing guests just how incredible his cooking really is.

He’s still a little shy when doing his presentations, but he’s gaining confidence with every smile and compliment from our guests. We’re so proud of how far he’s come!

Next time you visit Ximuwu, don’t forget to say hi to Twalani — he’s one of the reasons your breakfast tastes extra special.
  • We’ve been incredibly privileged to have so many amazing wild dog sightings here at Ximuwu. Knowing how few are left in the wild makes every encounter truly special.

For a while, we were lucky to have a den right in our area — such an unforgettable experience watching the pups grow. Now that they’re big enough to explore, they’ve started roaming across the different reserves again. 

And just when you least expect it… they appear out of nowhere, full of energy and excitement.
That’s the magic of the bush — you never know when nature will surprise you!

Have you ever been lucky enough to see wild dogs in the wild?
  • Probably our most popular inclusion at Ximuwu — the scenic helicopter flight! 

There’s truly nothing like seeing the bush from above… gliding over the treetops, spotting elephants from the air, and taking in endless views of the Klaserie.
Sometimes it’s even a little too exciting — guests often spot four of the Big Five in just 30 minutes, which makes our guides shake their heads in disbelief 😄
An unforgettable experience that gives you a whole new perspective of the wild.

What would you hope to see first from the sky — elephants, lions, or maybe a herd of buffalo? 🐘🦁🐃

#XimuwuSafariLodge #HelicopterSafari #LuxurySafari #Klaserie #SafariAdventure #BigFive
  • Life lately ✨

Life lately at Ximuwu has been all about celebrations, families, and friends — and we couldn’t love it more! 

From birthday surprises and honeymoon toasts to laughter-filled dinners under the stars, the lodge has been alive with special moments.

The bush has treated us to unforgettable sightings, golden sunsets, and so many smiles. Here’s a little glimpse into the magic of Ximuwu — where every day feels like a celebration of life.

#XimuwuSafariLodge #LifeAtXimuwu #SafariMoments #BushCelebrations #FriendsAndFamily #AfricanMagic
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