About this place
Shimuwini, a Shangaan word meaning "Place of the Baobab Tree", is a secluded bushveld camp on the banks of the Letaba River in the central Kruger National Park. The cottages front a stretch of the river lined with trees, and access roads are open only to residents, giving the camp a quiet, private character well removed from the busier rest camps.
The surrounding country is mixed bushwillow and mopane woodland dotted with leadwood, silver cluster-leaf and baobab. It is a productive game area, with sightings of lion, cheetah, leopard and hyena alongside giraffe, kudu, zebra, sable, roan, eland and buffalo, while hippo and crocodile occupy the river.
Facilities are simple but well judged for a bush stay. A small reception shop stocks firewood, ice and basics, each unit has its own braai, and the camp adds a bird hide, a communal boma and a swimming pool. Guided bush walks and game drives with field guides round out the experience.
Get to know where you stay
Around the camp
Shimuwini as SANParks lays it out. Choose the part of camp you would like; we ask for it when you request availability, and SANParks assigns the unit when they confirm.
Where would you like to be?
Schematic, not to scale.
What the codes mean
SANParks names every unit by a code. The letters say what it is, the number says how many it sleeps, and any letters after that mark a view, an accessible unit or a perimeter position. Tap a code for that room's rates and photos.
Not sure which code to ask for? Dassie has the Shimuwini key in front of it.
Keep exploring
Availability
Any available room
4 rooms, sleeps 4 to 6
Check-in
Select date
Check-out
Select date
October 2026
November 2026
A night is shown as unavailable only when every room is taken.
Where you'll sleep
Choose a room type. We confirm availability with SANParks once you send your dates.
Cottage GD4
Own kitchen · Power point
4 guests
Sleeps up to 4 adults. Features - 1 bedroom with 2 single beds - 2 single beds in lounge - Activities are booked at the camp. - Fan - Kitchen - No electric points - No restaurant facilities available in this camp - No smoking - WC, shower over bath
Guest Cottage GC6
Own kitchen · Power point
6 guests
Sleeps up to 6 adults. Features - 3 bedrooms, each with 2 single beds - Fan - Kitchen - No electric points - No restaurant facilities available in this camp - No smoking - WC and bath
Guest Cottage GC5
Own kitchen · Power point
5 guests
Sleeps up to 5 adults. Features - 1 bedroom with 2 single beds - 1 bedroom with 3 single beds - Activities are booked at the camp. - Fan - Kitchen - No electric points - No restaurant facilities available in this camp - No smoking - WC and bath - WC and shower
Cottage GDS4
Own kitchen · Power point
4 guests
Sleeps up to 4 adults. Features - 1 bedroom with 2 single beds - 2 single beds in lounge - Activities are booked at the camp. - Fan - Kitchen - No electric points - No smoking - WC and shower
Nature
What lives at Shimuwini Bushveld Camp
4 animals, 43 birds and 10 trees and plants recorded here or nearby.
These are records, not promises. Wild animals and birds move, so sightings are never guaranteed.
About Phalaborwa
Location
±27 km from Phalaborwa Gate · nearest town Phalaborwa, ±28 km · nearest airport Phalaborwa Airport (PHW), ±27 km
Straight-line distances. Park roads are slower, so allow more time than the numbers suggest.
Important information
Check-in and check-out
Check-in Time
14:00 - 18:00
Please arrange your arrival within this time window. If you need to arrive outside these hours, please contact the host in advance.
Check-out Time
By 10:00
Please ensure you check out by this time to allow for cleaning and preparation for the next guests.
Cancellation and changes50% refund 30+ days
Refund schedule
- 50% refundcancel 30+ days before check-in
- No refundwithin 30 days of check-in
Please note that some accommodations may have their own specific cancellation policies that differ from our standard policy. These will be clearly indicated on the accommodation's page or during the booking process.
For any questions regarding cancellations or to request a cancellation, please contact our customer support team.
Pet policyNo pets
Pet policy
Pets are not allowed
Travel insuranceInformation only
Spekboom does not advise on, recommend, or sell insurance.
For information only: Expatriate Group provides travel, health and life cover for international travellers and can generate a quote online. Any policy is arranged and managed entirely by Expatriate Group.
See travel insurance quotesSpekboom Tree (Pty) Ltd is not a financial services provider and does not provide, recommend, or arrange financial or insurance products or advice. Expatriate Group (ref 30286D) is authorised and regulated to provide any quote, advice, or policy. Spekboom introduces interested customers to Expatriate Group and may receive a commission if cover is taken out through this link.
Before you book
Payment terms
Payment is required at the time of booking to secure your reservation.
Cancellation PolicyStrict
- 50% refundcancel 30+ days before check-in
- No refundwithin 30 days of check-in
Note: The 2.5% conservation contribution, payment processing fees, and any applicable referral commissions are non-refundable in the event of cancellation. Conservation contribution fees (2.5%) support conservation and community projects in the destinations you visit. Payment processing fees are absorbed by Spekboom for completed bookings, but cannot be recovered once a booking is cancelled. Referral commissions, where applicable, are paid to the referring party upon booking confirmation.
Payout Protection: Guest payments are held until the free cancellation window passes. This protects guests who cancel within their cancellation window and ensures hosts receive guaranteed payouts after the cancellation period ends.
House rules
Guests are expected to respect the house rules of each accommodation. These rules will be provided upon booking confirmation.
Liability
Spekboom acts as an intermediary between guests and accommodation providers. While we strive to ensure accurate information, we cannot be held liable for any discrepancies or issues arising from the accommodation itself.
By making a booking through Spekboom, you agree to our Terms of Service (Version 3.5). You acknowledge that: (1) the 2.5% conservation contribution and payment processing fees are non-refundable in the event of cancellation (Spekboom absorbs payment processing fees for completed bookings); (2) Spekboom acts as an intermediary platform governed by South African law. For the complete terms and conditions, please visit our full Terms of Service page.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Shimuwini Bushveld Camp located?
Shimuwini Bushveld Camp is inside Kruger National Park in Limpopo, about 27 km from Phalaborwa Gate. The nearest town is Phalaborwa, about 28 km away, and the nearest airport is Phalaborwa Airport (PHW), about 27 km away. These are straight-line distances; park roads are slower.
How many guests can Shimuwini Bushveld Camp accommodate?
GD4 (COTTAGE) sleeps 4, GC6 (GUEST COTTAGE) sleeps 6, GC5 (GUEST COTTAGE) sleeps 5 and GDS4 (COTTAGE) sleeps 4.
How do I book Shimuwini Bushveld Camp?
Pick dates on this Spekboom page and request availability. We confirm with SANParks, they assign the unit, then you pay on Spekboom. Nearby Spekboom stays book the same way if you want to mix nights inside the park with a stay outside.
Book your stay
Request to book. Send your dates and we will confirm availability with SANParks.
Nothing is charged until the host says yes
Staying at more than one place?
Want to find out more?
Ask Dassie anything about this place or the area.