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A Unique Celebration in the African Bush

Paralympian celebrates birthday in the bush. Anjali Forber-Pratt, a wheelchair racer and former world record holder in the 200 meters, celebrated her 40th birthday adventurously. She invited three close friends to join her on an African safari at Ximuwu Safari Lodge, a wheelchair-friendly lodge in the Greater Kruger area.

Journey to Ximuwu Safari Lodge

They flew in from different parts of the US and began their adventure. Despite Margaret’s flight delay, they arrived captivated by the African bush’s beauty. They enjoyed two daily game drives, spotting the Big Five and newborn animals. Highlights included a young giraffe and an elephant calf visiting the lodge’s waterhole.

Memorable Bush Dinner and Night on the Deck

Their third night was magical. They had a bush dinner at the scenic Ximuwu dam, a haven for animals during the dry season. Stephanie spent a night on the lodge’s sleep-out deck, enjoying the nocturnal bush sounds. She awoke to see Impalas drinking water, creating a serene and memorable moment.

Helicopter Ride and Relaxation

The next morning, they took an exhilarating helicopter ride over the park, viewing vast landscapes and large elephant herds. During the day’s heat, they relaxed by the lodge’s heated pool. Anjali could swim comfortably, thanks to the lodge’s pool lift. Each friend enjoyed the spa, indulging in facials and massages.

Accessibility and Comfort at Ximuwu

Anjali was impressed by the lodge’s accessibility. She could easily navigate her suite and the main building. The thoughtful design allowed her to enjoy her stay without any hindrance.

Meeting Nobu and Reflecting on the Adventure

They met Nobu, the lodge’s friendly mascot dog, who loved joining game drives. After five days of fun and countless animal sightings, they prepared to return home. They agreed the holiday exceeded their expectations and promised to share their experience with their clients.

 A Unique and Accessible Safari Experience

Ximuwu Safari Lodge offers a unique and accessible safari experience. Anjali and her friends created memories that would last a lifetime. They left with a renewed appreciation for the African wilderness.

 Learn More

For more information about Anjali Forber-Pratt and her career, visit:
– Anjali Forber-Pratt’s Official Website
– Anjali Forber-Pratt on Wikipedia

social media

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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