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What to pack on a safari?

You’ve made the decision—you’re going on a safari! If Ximuwu Safari Lodge is your only destination, there’s no need to stress about your suitcases.

 

Baggage Limits for Connecting Flights

Connecting flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town have weight limits. Economy class allows 20 kg, and business class allows 30 kg. Excess baggage can be purchased at the ticket counter.

 

Weight Restrictions and Fees

No bags heavier than 32 kg are accepted. Heavier bags must be shipped separately as cargo. In 2023, an extra kilo over the weight limit costs ZAR 33 (2 USD) plus 15% VAT, according to Airlink.Wh

If you like to visit other Game Lodges as well and you like to make use of private chartered flights please keep in mind that these airplanes are small and restrict often the luggage to 20kg and 5kg of hand luggage packed in soft bags.

But what to pack? First and for all look at our weather chart and find out in what season you travel.

“Table displaying average, minimum, and maximum temperatures along with rainfall for each month of the year in Klaserie.”

In our summer period, October until March it is quite hot, if you like short trousers and or skirts please pack these but in case you come from May until September make sure to also pack something warm. A Bini in winter is comfortable the first couple of hours. If you’re going on a safari, it’s important to pack light and bring appropriate clothing and gear for the conditions you’ll encounter. Here are some essential items to consider packing:

pack your travel docs and sunglasses

 

Clothing

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral or muted colors. This helps you blend in and avoid attracting wildlife’s attention. T-shirts and jeans are fine too. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect against the sun and insects.

Footwear

Bring comfortable, closed-toe shoes or boots with good traction. Ensure they are broken in before your trip. Pack sandals, flip-flops, or slip-on shoes for relaxing around camp after a day in your safari boots.

Sun Protection

Protect yourself from the harsh African sun. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, and a hat. A reusable water bottle will be provided, and it is yours to take home.

Insect Repellent

Mosquitoes and other biting insects can be a nuisance. Ximuwu provides insect repellent containing DEET or similar ingredients in your room and on game drives.

 

Binoculars and Camera

Binoculars are essential on a safari. Bring your own or use ours. We provide Vortex binoculars on every seat row in our game viewer. A Swarovski scope is available at the lodge. If you are a keen photographer, bring your camera with a zoom lens (100-400mm). Don’t forget memory cards, batteries, a charger, and storage disks.

 

Reading Material

Bring a book, e-reader, or some magazines. The lodge has Wi-Fi, so downloading is also possible.

 

Medications and First Aid

Ensure your medical insurance covers medical evacuation. If you are healthy, a trip to Africa shouldn’t be a problem. Consult your health practitioner for advice if needed.

Vaccinations

Check with local authorities for vaccination advice. If you have visited or transited through a yellow fever-risk country, South Africa requires a yellow fever vaccine.

 

Malaria Prevention

Malaria does occur, so we strongly recommend using malaria prophylaxis. Consult your physician or travel clinic for advice. Bring necessary prescription medications and supplements like anti-diarrhea and bug bite relief products.

Water Safety

Our reverse osmosis plant treats the drinking water in the rooms and lodge and checks it frequently. However, temperature changes can cause tummy discomfort. The lodge and game viewer are equipped with first-aid kits.

 

Ximuwu has a small curio shop with Ximuwu branded hats, caps, shirts and Jackets as well as basic usb chargers, cables, standard memory cards, suncream and lip balm.

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The Latest from Instagram

  • We are thrilled to share some incredible news!

This week, Ximuwu Lodge has officially been awarded 5 STAR PREMIUM status by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.

This is the highest level of recognition in South Africa’s luxury hospitality industry – reserved only for a very select number of lodges and hotels that truly exceed expectations in both quality and service. We are proud to now stand among this elite circle.

What makes this award even more meaningful is that it also recognises our commitment to accessibility at the very highest level. At Ximuwu, we believe the magic of safari should be open to everyone, and we are honoured to lead the way in inclusive, barrier-free safari experiences.

For us, this is more than just stars on paper – it reflects the passion, dedication, and heart of our entire team, who go above and beyond to make every stay unforgettable. From magical wildlife encounters to our personalised service and world-class facilities, this award is a celebration of what makes Ximuwu unique.

A heartfelt thank you to our wonderful guests for trusting us with your journeys and being part of our story. And to our incredible team – this achievement belongs to you!

Ximuwu Safari Lodge is now officially 5 STAR PREMIUM – and we cannot wait to welcome you to experience it for yourself.

#award #awardwinning #luxurylodge #luxurysafari #fivestar #premium #SATGC #tourism #southafrica
  • Did you know… at Ximuwu we serve Veuve Clicquot as part of our all-inclusive experience? 

Whether you enjoy it as a pre-dinner treat, with your sundowner in the bush, or like today alongside fresh scones – it’s always the right moment for bubbles! 

And the best part… Albert’s beautiful smile is always included too 🥂✨

What’s your favorite way to enjoy a glass of champagne?

#champagne #veuvecliquot #luxurysafari #vacation #safari #ximuwu #lowveld #hoedspruit #klaserieprivatenaturereserve
  • Yesterday was one for the books here at Ximuwu!

During their morning helicopter flight, our guests spotted none other than Ezulwini – one of the most famous big tuskers of the Greater Kruger. Seeing him from the air was already a thrill, and in the afternoon we set out to try and find him again on the ground. No luck… and we thought that was the end of the story.

But Ezulwini had other plans.

Just as our guests were getting ready to head to their rooms after dinner, he appeared – now in the company of a herd of elephants – and made his way right to our waterhole. Imagine the excitement on the deck as this incredible giant quenched his thirst only a few meters from where we stood.

The video we captured might not be crystal-clear, but moments like this don’t need perfect pixels. They’re etched in memory, in the thrill of the unexpected, and in the privilege of sharing space with one of Africa’s true icons.

Ezulwini, thank you for making Ximuwu your stopover – you’ve left us all in awe ✨
  • Did you know zebras don’t have just one “baby season”? Unlike impalas and wildebeest, who mostly give birth in a short burst, zebras can welcome their foals any time of the year.

What’s amazing is how every foal instantly knows its mom by her unique stripe pattern — it’s like their very own secret code in the wild. This little one stays super close, always keeping an eye on mom, soaking up all the safety and love it needs to grow strong.

Moments like these—full of curiosity, closeness, and wonder—are exactly why we love sharing the magic of Ximuwu with you.

Have you ever spotted a zebra foal staying close to its mom on safari? Tell us your favourite wildlife moments!
  • This morning’s game drive had us crossing paths with a truly magnificent male lion, his beautiful mane catching the first light of day. He strolled past with the calm confidence only a king of the bush can carry. Moments like these are why we love waking up in the wild… Happy #Caturday from all of us at Ximuwu! 🦁✨
  • At eye level, every detail comes alive — the piercing gaze, the sleek muscles, the quiet power in every movement. Sitting in our photographic hide as a cheetah steps into view is a moment that stops time. It’s the kind of encounter that stays with you forever, a reminder of how raw and beautiful the wild truly is. Stay with us at Ximuwu, and perhaps you too will find yourself face-to-face with the magic of Africa 🍀
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