Shingwedzi rest camp,
place of hair-raising wildlife encounters

Shingwedzi rest camp is a somewhat old-fashioned yet modern, medium sized camp with a delightful Africa ambiance.

It is the largest of the three camps in the northern region of the Kruger National Park, lying in the midst of a peaceful clearing in the mopane bushveld (prime elephant territory) on the banks of a river.

Learn more about the camp by clicking on any of the items in the menu below;

GENERAL INFO	CLIMATE
MAP	ACCOMMODATION AVAILABILITY
FACILITIES	RESERVATIONS
ACCOMMODATION	TARIFFS
ACTIVITIES	HOW TO GET THERE

Entrance gate to Shingwedzi rest camp

General info,...

The rest camp itself is surrounded by riverine vegetation with large trees along the riveredge. Immediately adjacent to the river, the vegetation is less dense and the grass sparser. Transvaal Mustard trees and Weeping Boer-bean are prominent, and the Sausage tree, Natal Mahogany, and Brack Thorn can also be seen. Moving away from the river, the vegetation changes to Mopane bushveld punctuated by Apple-leaf trees.

Elephants in the Shingwedzi riverbed
Photograph by Chris Eason
The region which the restcamp is situated, is known for its Elephant population. Breeding herds of 50 to 60 animals are not uncommon. Some of the Kruger National Park's biggest tuskers have roamed the region, known as the magnificent seven. One of them, named Shingwedzi, who died near the rest camp in 1981, carried tusks which weighed in at 47 and 58 Kg respectively. His tusks, and those of his fellow giants can be viewed at Letaba Rest Camp.

The camp offers some of the most productive game viewing in the north. Especially at the end of the dry season, provided the Kanniedood dam and the rivers in the region are still holding some water, sightings can be outstanding. Together with Satara, Lower Sabie, Crocodile Bridge and Skukuza, Shingwedzi is rated as one of the prime game viewing camps of the Kruger National Park.

Herd of Impala
copyright © South African tourism
Impala, Kudu, Duiker, Bushbuck, Nyala and Sharpe’s Grysbok are browsers that one should look for, while Buffalo and Waterbuck are the most common grazing species. Elephant, Baboon and Vervet Monkeys are also 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 Dogs that roam these northern reaches of the Park.

The rest camp has an abundant variety of bird-life, from the ubiquitous squabble of Hornbills, Starlings, Weavers and Mourning Doves, to the Bennett’s Woodpecker, European Hobby, and African Scops-Owl amongst others. There was great excitement in 1995 when the Collared Palm Thrush was recorded in the camp. It has subsequently been recorded every year and quite possibly breeds in the region.

The rare Collared Palm Thrush near Shingwedzi rest camp
One should also keep a careful lookout for the Bat Hawk. Although not easy to see, they are around and the lucky birder could see them catching bats and swifts at dusk. Downstream from the rest camp Kanniedood dam hosts many interesting species. Storks (Open-billed, Yellow-billed, Saddle-billed and Wooly-necked) are prominent. The hide is a good spot to see Black Crake and African Jacana at close quarters.

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Map,...

Elephant mom and her kids near Shingwedzi rest camp
copyright © South African tourism
CLICK HERE... to view a map of the Kruger National park showing the location of Shingwedzi rest camp, then click on the map to enlarge

CLICK HERE... to view a map of the rest camp, showing the lay out of the camp itself, then click on the map to enlarge

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Facilities,...

The swimming pool at Shingwedzi rest camp
Most accommodation units in the camp are equipped with air-conditioning. The main building, housing the information and reception desks, is a large thatched structure, overlooking the river. It offers perfect game viewing opportunities from the nearby veranda. At the Inyati restaurant visitors can enjoy gourmet meals accompanied by an excellent South African wine against the background of softly playing local music.

The information desk at the reception of the camp can give you detailed information about all the facilities available, which include the following;

Information and Reception
Public Telephone
Post Box
Restaurant
Cafeteria
Shop
Laundromat
Filling Station (cash and garage cards only)
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
Cell phone reception

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Accommodation,...

Cottage at Shingwedzi rest camp
copyright © South African tourism
The accommodation units at the camp are placed in two adjacent groups. Some of the original wattle-and-daub units that were built in 1933 have been renovated and remodelled, offering guests a delightful “old Africa” ambiance. The choice of accommodation caters for a variety of vacation budgets, from camping and basic hut accommodation to the comfortable bungalows and luxurious Rentmeester guest house. All units are serviced daily and supplied with bedding, towels and soap.

The range of accommodation at Satara includes the following;

CAMPING SITES:

50 x tent or caravan sites, with power point and rotating braai (barbeque) grids. Communal ablutions and cooking facilities (24-hour boiling water, electric hotplates and washing up facilities). Maximum of 6 persons per site.

HUTS:

2 x 3-bed rustic units with communal ablution facilities. There are no cooking utensils, crockery or cutlery, but a communal kitchen with scullery and electric hotplate stoves is available. A small fridge can be found on the little veranda. There is no air-conditioning.

Restaurant complex at Shingwedzi rest camp
copyright © SANparks
BUNGALOWS:

18 x 2-bed units with communal kitchen. Bungalows are equipped with ablutions (most with showers, but some with baths), toilet and wash basin. All bungalows have air-conditioning. A limited number of fully equipped utensil boxes (cutlery, crockery, glasses and frying pan) are available for hire. Contact reception upon check-in.

18 x 2-bed modern units (one room with 2 single beds). Bungalows each have an open air kitchen with cooker top, combined fridge/freezer and fully equipped with cutlery, crockery and utensils. All units have air conditioning.

28 x 5-bed units (1 room with 3 single beds and 2 single beds in loft) with kitchens. Bungalows are equipped with toilet, a shower and wash basin. All bungalows are equipped with air-conditioning.

2 x 2-bed unit (one with a double bed). Equipped with en-suite bathroom containing shower, toilet and wash basin. Bungalows each have an open-air kitchen with cooker top, combined fridge/freezer and are fully equipped with cutlery, crockery and utensils.

COTTAGE:

1 x 4-bed unit, (1 room with double bed and 1 with 2 single beds), fully equipped with 2 bathrooms, (1 en-suite) kitchen and air-conditioning. The open air kitchen has a cooker plate, dining room/lounge and outside “braai” facility, fridge/freezer combination, sink, cooking utensils, crockery and cutlery. The cottage is not equipped with a microwave oven.

GUEST HOUSE:

Rentmeester Guest House: Sleeps 8, with 3 bedrooms, (2 bedrooms with double bed, 1 bedroom with 2 single beds and a double sleeper couch in the lounge).

This is a large luxury unit in a prime position with a riverside view. It has a well-equipped kitchen (with microwave oven), 3 bedrooms and bathrooms and limited channel DSTV television.

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Activities,...

Cheetahs, fastest animals on earth - Shingwedzi rest camp
copyright © South African tourism
The restcamp offers a variety of activities, from tracking wildlife and birds on foot, and heading off on guided game drives in search of Lion and Leopard to mysterious night drives into the darkness of Africa and unforgettable heart-pounding game walks in the bush surrounding the camp. Bush breakfasts and "braais" (barbecues), wildlife films on an outdoor screen and 4x4 adventure trails are also very popular.

All bookings, as well as further details about these activities are available from the reception at the Shingwedzi rest camp. Activities include the following;

Guided Bush Walks
Game Drives (in the company of trained field guides)
Bush Breakfast and Bush Braai (Barbecue). Includes game drive to venue. Confirm availability when booking.
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 x 4 Adventure Trail (weather sensitive activity)
Wildlife films on the big screen (every evening except Sundays)

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Climate,...

Masked Weaver - Shingwedzi rest camp
copyright © South African tourism
Kruger National Park lies in a summer rainfall area with occasional bursts of quick summer storms (which can be quite heavy) occurring later in the day, cooling the air and settling the dust. The summer months (October to April) are hot and often quite humid. Winters are warm and mild with cool evenings. Visitors going on night drives during the winter period may require warm clothing.

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How to get there,...

Elephant in the road near Shingwedzi rest camp
Photograph by Chris Eason
BY AIR:

The airport closest to the camp is Gateway Airport, which is situated approximately 3km from Phalaborwa Gate. There are daily scheduled flights between Gateway and OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. From Phalaborwa gate to Shingwedzi rest camp is 135km by road if one travels inside the Kruger National Park. Travelling by car, at a speed limit of 50km/hr on the main road, it will take you about three hours to reach Shingwedzi.

BY ROAD VIA PHALABORWA GATE:

Travelling from Johannesburg or Pretoria, take the N1 toll-road to Polokwane (Pietersburg). From there continue with the N1 to Makhado (Louis Trichard), where you turn right taking the R524 to Punda Maria gate. Allow between 5 to 6 hours for the trip to the gate. Shingwedzi Rest Camp itself is 70km away from Punda Maria gate. Allow about two hours for the drive to Shingwedzi, however if you want to enjoy the game viewing possibilities give yourself more time.

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Accommodation availability,...

Giraffe and Impala in the Satara rest camp region
copyright © South African tourism
CLICK HERE to view a monthly calendar with accommodation availability details of Shingwedzi rest camp.

You will then be able to view the Accommodation availability page of the South African National Parks (SANparks) website, for Kruger National Park’s Satara rest camp.

If you click on the accommodation type, you will see the facilities and content of that particular accommodation unit.
The accommodation code enables you to book a specific type of accommodation - if you provide it with your booking request.
The figure between the square brackets [ ] is the number of units at the specific time and date of visit to the accommodation availability page.
Please Note that the information is updated and therefore changing real-time on a continuous basis and that requests for reservations are processed on first-come, first-served basis.

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Reservations,...

One of the older bungalows at Shingwedzi rest camp
Photograph by Chris Eason
CLICK HERE to book your reservation for the Shingwedzi rest camp in the Kruger National Park on the official reservations page of the South African National Parks (SANparks) website.

Tariffs,...

CLICK HERE to view the tariffs applicable for the Shingwedzi rest camp on the official tariff page of the South African National Parks (SANparks) website.