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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.

“Lowveld safari activities and experiences at Ximuwu”

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.

social media

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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