After a few years of drought, we made use of a black-Friday special to book another trip back to one of our favourite camps – Shingwedzi.
Shingwedzi Camp, tucked away in the northern park of Kruger National Park, has a wonderfully tranquil and timeless atmosphere. It feels less busy than some of the southern camps, giving you a sense of quiet immersion in the wilderness. The camp itself is shaded by tall mopane and sycamore fig trees, which add to the feeling of seclusion and peace.
The surrounding area is strikingly beautiful, with broad mopane woodlands, winding riverbeds flanked by massive fig trees. The open floodplains towards Babalala and South towards Mopane camp come alive with wildlife, including the large Elephant bulls that the North of the park is famous for.
Birdlife is also a big attraction for us: the riverine habitat attracts species such as kingfishers, herons, and storks, while the mopane veld is home to raptors, hornbills, and colourful rollers. It is a birder’s dream!
In short, Shingwedzi combines a calm, old-world bushveld atmosphere with natural beauty and exceptional birding opportunities. We couldn’t wait to be back!
Our first sightings after the gate, was a Njala, hiding among the Mopanes.
Followed by a big old dagha boy, hanging out at some standing water under the Mopane trees.
And some more Buffalo, making interesting shapes with their horns.
