Imagine a place where the heart of the African wilderness meets the comfort of a cosy, welcoming home. Welcome to Shimungwe Lodge, nestled in the Thornybush Game Reserve. This lodge is not just another safari camp but a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by wildlife enthusiasts and safari goers alike. I want to share with you what makes Shimungwe a unique lodge, from its intimate setting to the thrilling wildlife experiences it offers. Whether you’re a seasoned wildlife tracker or planning your first visit to South Africa, Shimungwe has something special in store for you.

Disclaimer: Shimungwe Lodge hosted me for free. However, I entered my agreement with them on the understanding that the words I wrote would be an honest and accurate representation of my experience, for better or worse. Therefore, this Shimungwe Lodge review is based solely on my honest opinion. This post may also contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I will earn a small amount of commission at no extra cost to you.

A Homely Feel at Shimungwe Lodge

Shimungwe Safari Lodge offers a unique experience because it used to be a private family holiday home. The lodge has retained its homely atmosphere, making guests feel like they’re staying at a friend’s place rather than a commercial resort. With only four rooms, Shimungwe ensures an intimate and personal experience for every visitor.

The limited number of rooms means you get to enjoy personalised service and the staff’s full attention. This intimate setting allows for genuine connections with the people you meet, from fellow guests to the dedicated team who ensure your stay is nothing short of magical. It’s the perfect environment for those who prefer a quieter, more exclusive safari experience.

When you stay at Shimungwe, you become part of a close-knit family. The lodge’s cosy common areas and communal dining spaces foster a sense of camaraderie among guests, creating lasting memories and friendships.

The Wildlife Experience

One of Shimungwe Lodge’s main attractions is the incredible wildlife experience it offers. The lodge prides itself on delivering exceptional tracking adventures led by the dynamic duo Lucan and Daniel. Their expertise in tracking and understanding animal behaviour is unparalleled, ensuring guests have unforgettable encounters with the bush’s inhabitants.

Lucan and Daniel are more than just guides; they are storytellers and educators. Their passion for wildlife and deep knowledge of the Thornybush ecosystem shine through in every tracking expedition. Their mission is to teach guests about the intricate details of the animals they encounter, from their footprints to their behavioural patterns.

Lucan and Daniel’s skill was evident during one of our early morning game drives. After successfully locating wild dogs the previous day, they embarked on a mission to track a pride of lions. Despite the cold winter morning, they meticulously followed the tracks, backtracking when necessary as we followed the movements of the lions as they hunted down a herd of buffalo. By 9:30 AM, we had caught up with the pride, who were patiently waiting for the right time to catch their dinner!

The Art of Wildlife Tracking

Wildlife tracking in South Africa is an art that combines science, intuition, and experience. At Shimungwe, guests can learn this fascinating skill from the best in the business. Tracking involves interpreting various signs left by animals, with footprints being the most telling.

Understanding footprints is crucial in tracking. Each species leaves behind distinct prints that can indicate their size, movement, and even behaviour. Lucan and Daniel are masters at reading these signs. They can discern the freshness of tracks, the direction the animal is heading, and whether it is alone or with others.

During your stay, you’ll learn how trackers use these clues to follow animals through the bush. It’s a skill that requires patience and practice, but the reward is worth it. Although the leopard managed to elude us, we learned from the other guests at the Shimungwe Lodge that Lucan and Daniel had successfully tracked down a leopard the night before our arrival. They told the story with such enthusiasm and drama that I am sure they will never forget the experience.

What animals might you see in the Thornybush Game Reserve?

Thornybush Game Reserve is home to a diverse array of wildlife, offering guests the chance to see some of Africa’s most iconic species. Among the animals you might encounter are elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo (the Big Five!). The reserve is also known for its healthy population of wild dogs, one of Africa’s most endangered predators.

After more than 40 days on safari, I spotted my first-ever pack of wild dogs in Thornybush! I’m not sure I can describe just how excited I was to finally spot these elusive animals. These fascinating creatures are highly social and known for their cooperative hunting techniques. Although they were resting when we caught up with them, it was still an exhilarating experience.

In addition to the Big Five and wild dogs, Thornybush is home to a variety of other species. From the graceful giraffes browsing the treetops to playful zebras and graceful impalas, every game drive offers new and exciting wildlife sightings.

Close encounters

While chilling on the veranda looking over the Timbavati River, you are likely to have company. Kudu, nyala and impala all hung out by my room regularly, but the best visitor of all came at night!

I was in bed reading the final pages of a chapter when I started to hear rustling. At first, I couldn’t even work out where it was coming from. Was it Evan unpacking and re-packing his bags? Too loud, couldn’t be! Was there a genet on the roof? Or maybe the male nyala had returned and was crunching the leaves outside? No, it was something bigger!

Eventually, I worked up the courage to open my door, only to find the tree in front of me was shaking. What on earth was it? Evan had also come out of his room, having gone through a similar thought process as me.

Standing there behind the door was a hungry elephant enjoying its nighttime snack. What a treat to be so close to such magnificent animals.

Accommodation and Amenities

Shimungwe Lodge provides guests with homely comfort. Each of the four rooms is tastefully designed, blending traditional African decor with modern amenities. The rooms are spacious and offer stunning views of the dry Timbavati riverbed, allowing you to feel immersed in nature even while indoors.

The lodge’s amenities are designed to enhance your safari experience. After a day of game drives, enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool, or relax in the communal lounge area with a good book. The dining area offers delicious meals prepared with fresh, local ingredients.

I particularly enjoyed the communal dining experience. We all ate at the same table, which fostered a sense of community and camaraderie among guests. This meant I left with more friends than I started with! And as you know, meeting new people makes my heart smile.

My final thoughts on Shimungwe Lodge

Shimungwe Lodge perfectly matched my vibe. It was homely and comfortable without pretentiousness. It was the last of my hosted stays in the Greater Kruger Area, and I could not have asked for a better ending. Our game drives in Thornybush were the most productive, and I was truly in awe of Lucan and Daniels’ tracking abilities.

If Shimungwe Lodge sounds like your kind of vibe, make sure you get in touch with Evan from Nala Africa Safaris, who will not only be able to book Shimungwe for you but will help you plan the rest of your adventure.