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Shingwedzi Rest Camp

Shingwedzi lies in the northern part of the Kruger National Park in the heart of mopane country.

A scenic game drive along the Shingwedzi River in a south-easterly direction towards the Kanniedood Dam is one of the most rewarding drives in the Park. Waterbuck, nyala, kudu and elephant are often seen here and the bird life is prolific. Staying overnight at Shingwedzi is an experience that will last a lifetime. It is a rustic camp that still carries the essence of the bush and is untouched by modern technology. Experience magical evenings where the accommodation is arranged in two separate circles and the glow emanating from braai (barbecue) stands cast a tranquil spell.

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Activities

  • Guided Bush Walks
  • Game Drives (in the company of trained field guides)
  • Kanniedood Bird Hide (located about 7 km east of the camp)
  • Ntishivana Bird Hide (located about 30 km east of the camp)
  • Northern Plains 4×4 Adventure Trail (weather sensitive activity)
  • Wildlife films on the big screen (every evening except Sundays)

See the Park’s Activities for a comprehensive list.

Facilities

  • Information at Reception
  • Public Telephone
  • Post Box
  • Restaurant
  • Cafeteria
  • Shop
  • Mini ATM facility available in the restaurant
  • Laundromat
  • Filling Station
  • Communal Kitchens
  • Communal Ablutions
  • Swimming Pool
  • Cutlery and Plates Hampers (from Reception)
  • Basic First Aid Assistance
  • Day Visitors Picnic Area
  • DSTV (limited channels) only available in Guest House
  • Cellphone reception

See the Park’s Facilities for a comprehensive list.

No Leaded Fuel

Please note that Total has assisted with a temporary solution and Shingwedzi filling station now has diesel as well as unleaded fuel. However we are still not able to sell lead replacement petrol (LRP). We apologise for the inconvenience caused.

Day Visitors

Shingwedzi has a designated day visitor area where day visitors and visitors from other camps can braai (barbecue) and picnic. This area is immediately to one’s left as one enters the camp gate. The area overlooks the Shingwedzi River and is connected to the main reception/restaurant block by a wooden bridge. There is also a picnic site at Babalala about 30 km north of Shingwedzi.

Travel Information

Routes and times are from central Gauteng.

By Road: Punda Maria Gate

Take the N1 to Polokwane (Pietersburg). At Makhado (Louis Trichard) link up with the R524 and follow this route for ±140km. That will take you to the gate. Allow between 5 to 6 hours for the trip to the gate. Shingwedzi Rest Camp is 71km away from the gate. Allow about 3 hours for the drive to the camp, however if you want to enjoy the game viewing possibilities give yourself time!

Flora & Fauna

See the Fauna & Flora pages of the Park for more information.

Mammals

Game can be sparse in the stretches of Mopani Shrubveld in the region, but the alluvial plains in the immediate vicinity of the Shingwedzi River tend to be very productive.

Impala, kudu, duiker, bushbuck, nyala and Sharpe’s grysbok are browsers to be searched for, while buffalo and waterbuck are the most common grazing species. Elephant, baboon and vervet monkey are all prominent as are tree squirrels, especially in the camp itself. Predators include lion, leopard and spotted hyena and there are a couple of packs of wild dog that roam these northern reaches of the Kruger National Park.

There are open plains north of Babalala Picnic Site where cheetah are regularly recorded. This is a good place to search for the rare large antelope species: roan, sable, tsessebe, eland and Lichtenstein’s hartebeest.

Vegetation

The camp itself is in riverine vegetation with large trees along the riveredge. Immediately adjacent to the river, are alluvial planes created by centuries of flooding. There is thus less dense vegetation and sparser grass. Transvaal mustard trees and weeping boer-bean are prominent, and sausage tree, Natal mahogany, and brack thorn should also be seen. As one moves away from the river the vegetation changes to Mopane shrub punctuated by apple-leaf.

5 Things To Seek

  1. Giant Eagle Owl
  2. Elephant
  3. African Rock Python
  4. Spotted Hyena
  5. Green Pigeon

Contact

  • Telephone: +27 (0)13 735 6806/7
  • Fax: +27 (0)13 735 6832
  • Mobile: 082 889 4376

See Camp Contacts for more information.

Maps