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Taken from the bird hide there, early morning.

Thanks for the quick response, Nico. Since I'll be alone, bigger is not needed. But what I'm wondering about is location. Do some have views of a waterhole, riverbed, or some such special feature that would make one preferable to another?

As it is a very small camp all of the bungalows are facing the river thus having a great view.
The bungalows are also different from each other and not build in the same 'style' as in other camps.
The one i love is no 15... the last one next to the fence, really awesome with a shower outside But it is the big family one. Maybe you can also go for no 1 or 2 which are closest to the hide. If i remeber correctly they are a small bit further from the river than no 15 but still with great view!

Same baobab, different season (and on a grey and drizzly day):

As JB said, all the units face the river.

Ok, it's official!!!
This is definitely, without a doubt, the most beautiful camp in the park.
On route to Shimuwini, I have to be honest, we had some serious reservations about our decision to stay there - there is not really an abundance of wildlife in the area.
On arrival, we were greeted by very friendly staff, but still, in was very hot and dry didn't look inspiring.
A few meters further, we parked outside our cottage and WOW!!!!!
We couldn't believe it - like an oasis in the middle of a dessert.
So pretty and my children absolutely fell in love with the little tame duiker that live in the gardens.
We fell asleep to hippo sounds at night. Lovely!

Carole, although the lovely little duiker (a female, BTW) was hand raised and frequents the camp, it is absolutely against the park rule to feed her or any other animal Although she may like banana skins and almonds, they are not part of her natural diet and may actually be harmful.

Thank you for enlightening me.
I do remember on a previous posting some time back that I wrote, concerning Shine and her eating habits and added in brackets "(not sure if this is allowed?)" ..............if my memory serves me correctly, I had no reply or comment regarding it. I therefore conceded that it must have been okay.

Unfortunately she did come around and took the skin off the table whilst we were not looking - and of course we took shots of this and thereafter handed her another one. She also would not leave me alone after she found me eating almonds.

I would hate to think of her being harmed in any way by feeding her or allowing her to feed from our table, and so, in future, will avoid it at all costs. Could a notice be put up at the campside about not feeding her - as I am sure tourists (and South Africans) would not realise this - especially as she has been there for some time and looks quite healthy. I do know that all animals outside of the camps should not be enticed with food, but had no idea about animals within the camp grounds.

I even have her as my Avatar ops. I really do apologise.

At night there's always something going on at Shimuwini (at the hide).
If you walk down very quietly after dark (hope the rest of the camp contributes to the silence) you may see the resident leopard.
We have very special memories of this camp.
Once, upon arrival there was a herd of about 40 elephants in the water in front of the camp and some came right up to the fence while people were standing on the lawns.

In 1998 (Feb) we were the only people in the camp for 4 days and the cheeky resident leopard entertained us every day from across the river (between 11h00 and 13h00), chasing the impalas and rolling in the sand.

The wind at Shimuwini can surprise you...have had the experience 4 times already.
A calm, warm evening and suddenly the most terrible storm breaks loose and the wind blows you right into your chalet.

ENJOY YOUR STAY THERE, it is a very special camp.

Just some pics to remind all of us how stunning Shimuvini is.
Taken from the s141 last year, hence the water in the river.


The entrance to the camp which also houses the communal freezer


The view from unit no 3 with the hide in the left hand corner.


Unit no 3


Truly a great camp

Although not many animals en route to the camp, one tends to think it's a waste of time. But here's the surprise. Who needs to go out on a drive when all the animals are right there by the river. Your bedroom faces the river and you can lie in your bed whilst watching the animals come down for a drink. Since I've also read a book by Kobie Kruger, this place makes me think of all her experiences. I believe Shimuwini is near where she and her husband stayed as rangers?

Yes, naomirsa, Mahlangeni is about 20km west of Shimuwini. I was very lucky that Johann showed me a couple of pics of the river there. It actually looks very similar to the river round Shimuwini.

Crossing the Letaba at the Shimuwini weir - which I am sure is the same one Kobie Kruger wrote about.


The Letaba - pic taken on the weir


Views from the camp

We have just spent 1 night here, my first visit.
Were allocated #1 which is directly behind the hide, so easy access but unfortunately not the best view of the dam.
We arrived quite late in the pouring rain and only just managed to get our braai done before the heavens opened again.
We did get to fleetingly meet "Shine" en route to the hide but it took one look at this umbrella toting apparition and fled.
I would like to return one day as I feel I did not get enough time to fully experience this little camp and form opinions either way.
The bottom loop of the river road is definitely in much better condition than the "top" road currently.