• safari lodge with swimming pool
Shimungwe: a luxury safari lodge in Thornybush Game Reserve

Discover an intimate, four-star safari lodge, hidden in one of the world’s leading big five game destinations, the acclaimed Greater Kruger.

Combining the warm charm of a welcoming bush home with magnificent views over the seasonal Timbavati River, Shimungwe is a haven for nature enthusiasts seeking an authentic safari experience. Towering trees and a thoughtfully crafted design create an understated, African-inspired luxury that heralds both tranquility and comfort in a spectacular location. 

Why Shimungwe Lodge?

Located in the prestigious Thornybush Game Reserve, part of the Greater Kruger ecosystem, Shimungwe offers an intimate, boutique luxury safari experience. With just four tastefully appointed suites, the lodge is ideally suited to couples and small groups looking for a private, personal escape as well as family gatherings who prefer the exclusivity of reserving an entire camp. With fewer guests, the experience is tailored, unhurried, and focused on meaningful connections with the African bush.

Our Suites

Shimungwe is an intimate, boutique safari bush lodge with four luxurious suites, spacious places for private relaxation and time to enjoy the dappled light. They have private, en-suite bathrooms with beautiful views and invigorating outside showers. Each of our luxury suites boast a private balcony with unimpeded views of the stunning African bush along the Timbavati riverbed, allowing guests to continue wildlife spotting long after game the drive has ended.

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Game Drives

For many guests a Big Five African safari is the highlight of their trip. Both morning and night, our passionate and experienced local guide and tracker team will take you on mesmerizing game drives into the African bushveld for a genuine, uncrowded African safari experience.

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Location

Shimungwe Lodge is nestled on the banks of the Timbavati River in the wild south of the iconic Thornybush Game Reserve located within the Greater Kruger National Park. We are located near the town of Hoedspruit and only a 45-minute drive from the Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport.

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Experience Shimungwe

With just four tastefully-appointed suites, the lodge is ideally suited to couples and small groups looking for a private luxury safari escape as well as family gatherings who prefer the exclusivity of reserving an entire camp.

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Reviews

  • An excellent experience

    This was my 3rd trip to Thornybush Reserve and the best. The lodge has 4 rooms, a max of 8 guests , so everyone is treated as an individual. Karlien is great, always there and super helpful. The room staff and catering staff were amazing. Meals were creative and very tasty. Lucan & Daniel are excellent on the Drives, very knowlegable and everyday a suprise.Best safari experience to date.

    Chris S, April 2026

    Texas, USA

  • Beautiful setting

    Beautiful setting for an African lodge with incredible service and food with unique sightings of African wildlife!

    Sian Hartshorne, April 2026

    South Africa

  • Yet another beautiful visit

    Yet another beautiful visit to what must be one of the best Lodges around. The staff are all definitely one step ahead, friendly and extremely efficient. The worst part is that our trip is over far too quickly. Congratulations Shimungwe.

    Rodney & Elsabe Gray, April 2026

    South Africa

  • A wonderful, warm lodge

    The lodge offers an experience that feels much like visiting a friend’s beloved home. Set above a riverbed, one has a feeling of living in the trees. It has been lovingly and thoughtfully designed to be exceptionally functional and casually chic without feeling as clinical as a ‘hotel’. Where most lodges are muted tones of beige, white & brown, Shimungwe is colourful and warm. I’d be remiss in particular,... Read this review

    Lauren, March 2026

    Johannesburg, South Africa