Location in Thornybush Game Reserve, near Hoedspruit

Shimungwe Lodge is located in the heart of Thornybush Game Reserve, part of the renowned Greater Kruger ecosystem in South Africa. Being near the town of Hoedspruit, our luxury safari lodge offers easy access to a prime big five African safari experience, while immersed in pristine African wilderness.

Getting to Shimungwe Lodge

Shimungwe Lodge is easily accessible via Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport, which is approximately a 45 minute drive from the lodge. Daily scheduled flights connect Hoedspruit with Johannesburg and Cape Town, making travel convenient for local and international visitors.

Guests can arrange transfers from Hoedspruit Airport directly to the lodge or choose to self-drive. Detailed directions are provided prior to arrival to ensure a smooth journey into Thornybush Game Reserve.

For guests choosing to self-drive, Shimungwe Lodge is approximately a 6-hour drive from Johannesburg. The route is straightforward, with the final section leading into the reserve offering a scenic introduction to the African bush. Download instructions to follow if you're driving. 

The Greater Kruger Experience

Thornybush Game Reserve is a private game reserve forming part of the Greater Kruger region, adjacent to Kruger National Park. With no fences between the reserves, wildlife is able to roam freely across more than 15,000 hectares of protected land. Being part of the Greater Kruger ecosystem means that Shimungwe Lodge offers access to one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife areas. The absence of fences results in exceptional, uncrowded game viewing opportunities, including frequent sightings of the Big Five.

The combination of accessibility and wilderness makes Thornybush an ideal destination for both first-time safari visitors and experienced travellers. It's an ideal base for an unforgettable luxury safari experience in South Africa.

Entrance walkway into boutique safari lodge. Shimungwe. Greater Kruger.

Entrance

Shimungwe is nestled in the trees, on a riverbend, a landmark Hoedspruit safari lodges

Aerial Location

lions cubs playing in Thornybush Game Reserve, Greater Kruger

Big Five Wildlife