• Shimungwe Lodge open outdoor living flows from the main unit out to the patio and swimming pool and open boma overlooking the river bed in Greater Kruger

Shimungwe: An intimate luxury safari lodge in Thornybush Game Reserve

Lodge at a Glance:
Location: Thornybush Game Reserve, Greater Kruger | Capacity: 4 Suites / 8 Guests | Safari Type: Big Five, Private Exclusive Buyout Available

Discover a safari where exceptional guiding, warm hospitality and the rhythm of the African bush come together to create unforgettable experiences. Our lodge is set in one of the world’s leading big five game destinations, the acclaimed Greater Kruger National Park, in South Africa.

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 choose Shimungwe Lodge for your safari?

Not every safari is the same.

At Shimungwe, our smaller lodge means every guest enjoys a more personal experience, more meaningful wildlife encounters with uncrowded game viewing and friendly hospitality that feels genuinely welcoming.

Located in the prestigious Thornybush Game Reserve, part of the Greater Kruger ecosystem in South Africa, Shimungwe offers an intimate 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. Let us help you to plan your safari.

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

  • Shimungwe is my favourite

    We stayed at three lodges over our two week stay, and Shimungwe is my favourite. It felt like my home away from home. The suites are spacious and clean, the food is delicious: the chef is one in a million! Everything he cooked and baked was to die for! I have a few food restrictions, and he made sure those ingredients were not added in mine. The game drives... Read this review

    SranPete, August 2026

  • A Safari Dream!

    The Shimungwe Team treated us to a safari experience we will never forget! The lodge is intimate and filled with all the comforts we needed. It overlooks a riverbed where elephants and giraffes graze. The food was delicious and the service was even better; thanks to Tshepo, Gift, Khensani and Mavis! Lucan and Daniel were relentlessly in finding us the Big 5 and so many other animals. We appreciate... Read this review

    Roam790486, July 2026

    Pasadena, Maryland, USA

  • The family atmosphere is what sets this lodge apart

    We recently had the pleasure of spending four nights at Shimungwe, and what an extraordinary experience it was! Nataly, Gerhard and the entire team ensured that every moment of our stay was truly unforgettable. The accommodation was superb, the food boundless, the staff were some of the friendliest we've ever encountered, and the game drives were exceptional, with a huge range of animals seen on every drive .We have... Read this review

    John Bennett, May 2026

  • Best trip of my life!!!!

    My husband and I went to Shimungwe lodge for our honeymoon and I am not exaggerating when I say this was hands down the best trip of our lives. The service was second to none, the accommodations were perfection and the staff was warm and wonderful. My husband has celiac and the kitchen staff went above and beyond to ensure no cross contamination. The meals were the best food... Read this review

    BackPacker324700 , May 2026