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Hi Gwen
I haven't got any photo's of the new bungalo's ,but the new huts don't look so rustic as the old ones (which give one quite an at home feeling.)

On my latest trip to Shingwedzi ; we saw lions on a kill in the riverbed( from the Bridge.) , a leopard close to the Kanniedood hide on the other side of the River and a fairly large herd of buffs.

A big tusker! That most likely will be either Timaka or Tshilonde?

I have no link to your boyfriend on the forum.

We visited Shingwedzi in Dec for 4 days, and we had a good experience as always, but I must admit when we visit the Park, we do not see much of the Restaurants, my SO is not keen on Restaurant food so I won't be able to comment on that.
We badly wanted to do the 4x4 trail, but because of the rain it was closed the full term of our visit.
Although I could understand the effect the rain had, it didn't seem that the staff knew what was going on and each time we enquired about it, they just looked at each other, spoke in their language, and then said "No it's closed".
very disappointed we left the Park without doing the 4x4 trail

Last weekend took on eof those spur of the moment, mental health breaks - like if we don't get to Kruger now, we won't survive breaks - and the only accommodation we could get was Shingwedzi. What a wonderful weekend .

We haven't stayed in Shingwedzi for ages as a result of an elephant phobia that we have developed but we had a wonderful time (and did not see a single elephant on the Kanniedood road which made all the difference!). The new bungalows are wonderful - so spacious and love the big verandah and paved area by the braai. It was also amazzingly quiet for a full camp for 2 of the 3 nights - we won't say anything about the third night!

We spent hours in some of the loops off the Kanniedood road without seeing a single soul -how precious. Highlight of the trip was probably the barn owl that we saw flying around the camp one afternoon, obviously having been disturbed from its roost (a lifer for us) - and the impala lilies in flower in the camp.

We're glad we were forced to have re-claimed Shingwedzi!!

The road from Shing to Kanniedood hide is a well known big 5 road, with rhino the scarcest here!
The riverine forest has some majestic old trees. Look up into them and you might see leopard and even a python!
The red rocks road is also quite productive, and RR are quite spectacular.
Find the 'back gate' and use it, although there is often activity on the road between the main road and camp.
I always enjoy the pool.

Quickie, thanks so much. Will try to get one that is NOT next to the big road. Do you have a photo of the BD5? And If I look at the map, do I see it right, is number 30 and 31 not next to a big road, or closer to the fence? Where about is the staff village? On the side of the pool?

Hi Roaneric,

The busy road is the one running from the traffic circle below reception between the two circles of bungalows to the bottom of the map. At the bottom there actually is a gate exiting the camp to the staff quarters, but it is not shown because tourists may not use it. Units 30 and 31 are close to the fence, but not facing the fence. You can move your chairs and braai to the back of the unit and face the fence. I can recommend them, because the access road to them ends in a dead-end, so no through traffic. It looks as though units 17 to 26 are along the fence, but there are also staff tents and buildings between the road behind those units and the fence, not shown on the map. (If I remember correctly!) As far as I know, only unit 29, FF4, is a loose standing unit. All the other units are 2 together, although they are shown separately on the map.

Unfortunately I do not have photos, but if you click on "Availability", "Kruger National Park", "Shingwedzi", you'll find photos of all the units. (I'm technologically challenged as well - cannot add a link!)

I'm getting so excited talking about Shingwedzi, it almost feels as if I'm planning a trip!! I'm sure you'll enjoy your stay, no matter which unit you get.

Regards

In February I was in No 28, (DB2D) just in front of the fence... and very near the Estern gate

bungalow no 28

the fence, at the bottom right exit Est

view from the kitchen

.....

This photo was taken from the high water bridge outside Shingwedzi on 30 December 2008


Next day, same spot


Low water bridge near the back gate


Rain in camp

As far as I can recall the BD2 units allways had tiled roofs .

Circle A...do the bungalows look inwards...into the circle? Or do the units 17-26 have a view over the road towards the fence?
I am trying to figure out which unit I should request in Shingwedzi....don't have a clue....(we booked a BD5).
Can anyone help?

Rooikat , all the units look inwards , no views , unless you rent the Rentmeester (?) - may have a new name - guesthouse .
Some campsites have a view over the fence , why not consider renting a camper vehicle or a "ute" (bakkie) and a fully equipped camping trailer for a wilder experience , or nearby Sirheni or Bateleur bushveld camps for a slightly more peacefull stay ?

last year I rented No 29...(BD2D) which have a fence view (like the 27 and the 28). We have to go through eastern gate, immediately on the left side (or main entrance and through all the camp... and right side)

view from the kitchen

the special entrance

Rooikat ,

We have been in BD5 two years ago and last year , first year in unit n°3 and last year in unit number 25 .Both are on circle A .
I have prefered unit N°3 , may be it seems more recent
Though there was very few vegetation around the unit , i saw a lot of birds all around .
Unit 17-26 are further from the shop , reception , restaurant and deck looking over the river bed ...but not far away , Shingwedzi is not Skukuza and you don't have so much to walk
Here some pics from unit 25 , with" the little garden in front "

no... only 27, 28 and 29