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IT BOILS DOWN TO PERSONAL PREFERENCE

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

  • 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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