Shimuwini Bushveld Camp

This is an awesome place to visit. I love the camp's tranquility and remoteness. The camp overlooks the greater Letata River, where all sorts of game come for a drink plus there are resident hippos and crocodile in addition to great water-birds presence.

Shimuweni is one of the smaller camps but an absolute gem. There are only a few houses dotted along the river front. We stayed in number 4 which is right in front of where the hippos stay. 3, 2 and 1 are a little further back and won’t have the nicest views. We are also close to the bird hide. We stayed here for 3 nights and will definitely be back. Our house is a 5 sleeper.2 bedrooms, 1 with 3 single beds and the other with 2 single beds. The latter has an en suite bathroom with a bath and then the other bedroom has a separate shower and then a toilet. The kitchen is fully stocked with a large fridge freezer. Buy enough meat and food etc because there is no shop here and is very remote. The nearest camp is Letaba which is a 2-hour drive away. There is ice and wood available at the camp. There is a gas stove and top and a kettle to boil water. There is hot water in the taps . On the website it says no electricity, but this has changed. There are 2 plug points together where you can charge your phone or camera etc. Bring a 2-point plug if you need one. I also brought some hand washing powder as the bath helps to do some washing if you are in the park for a while. The rooms are serviced daily, and fresh towels are provided on request. NOTE: Shimuweni does not have any signal whatsoever.

Shimuwini is an overall 5 star experience, including accommodation, setting on the beautiful Letaba river with stunning game and bird views from the camp and exclusive drives on the shore of the very impressive river. It is a very small camp with less than 20 chalets We have visited this camp many times and it has never disappointed us. The chalets are well stocked. Be aware though the birds and monkeys will eat your food not locked inside the chalet. There is also a pool to cool off. This camp is ideal to spend a few nights. There is NO shop or food/restaurant available and no wifi/cell phone reception, so prepare for this in advance. But the tranquility, scenery and views make up for above. On our drives we have seen lots of elephant, lions, antilopes, stunning birds, buffalo, sunsets, lions roaring at night, game snorting and running around and hyena and jackal calls at night looking for the scraps from the lion kills. The there was the impala caught by 2 crocodiles with the vultures waiting for the bones. One visit we had the scary and dangerous experience of an elephant climbing over the camp fence and then walked merely over the lawns to the back of the camp filled with dried trees and lots of grass. But for the visitors, including us, it was scary because we did not know what the elephant would do. The Park game rangers arrived and shot at the elephant with rubber bullets to chase it towards the entrance gate to leave. BUT the elephant chose to run through the camp and exit over the electric fence where it entered. But we were sitting in the bird hide watching the elephant running straight towards us. But fortunately the ellie turned and ran for the fence, run over the fence, through the river and after giving an almighty trumpet disappeared into the bush. Congratulations to the wardens for a job well done.

The view is amazing. We stayed in a house with a river view. The house was in great condition and very clean and the view from the lounge and bedroom was perfect. We never closed the curtains! The elephants come right to the fence and you can watch them very peacefully. It was lovely and I would stay there again. I highly recommend it.

A very special bushcamp in the Kruger. Sightings of wild dog, hyena, hippos, crocs, and more right along the camp fence which borders a beautiful river full of wildlife.

Beautiful secluded camp. Only 15 units, so peace and quiet is almost guaranteed. Like many KNP facilities, some TLC is required. The hide has the most beautiful painted illustrations of the birds in the area.

Really lovely camp to stay in. All chalets face the river. It is quiet and peaceful. A lot to see from the chalet. No need to drive. We will definitely go back there. Chalets are comfortable. We'll equipped.

Just spent 4 days in No.4 recently refurbished with new mozzie screens on all doors/windows. Great catering facilities, an excellent guide, Paul, would took us out on an evening game drive. Stunning location right by the river. Would not recommend Nos. 1,2 & 3 as they are set a little too far back from the river for a good view from the stoep veranda.

Some disconnect. Shimuwini has 15 chalets all facing over the river. It’s a peaceful place, off the grid and generally well kitted out. We were warmly welcomed with reception quick and efficient. There is a hide with works of art all around of birds and animals, the best I’ve seen. At a bench clearly marked you can get limited cell cover Vodacom Edge 2 bars. Also a great spot to just chill under a huge tree and watch hippos, Waterbuck, Giant egrets, Open bills and the resident Giant Kingfisher doing regular patrols up and down the river. The disconnects in our unit were very old taps, needing repair, old curtains, no matches for a gas stove, no ice trays in the fridge/deep freeze a good one a broken latch to keep open a spring loaded door which could not be kept open even with a chair, no candles, cutlery which really needs replacement and notices at reception and at the chalet which are clearly outdated. These latter items may seem small, but are so easily solved, but a disconnect to the premium price paid for a more up market Kruger product. PS. When we got to Shingwedzi Rest camp in a two bedroomed unit these points were realised. Compare Sirheni review

My favourite camp in the park! All chalets face over the river and views are great. Elephants, Buffalo and Hippo amongst others are all regular visitors to the river making for a truly unforgettable African Experience.