Shimuwini Restcamp
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Shimuwini is a Shangaan word meaning "Place of the Baobab". The camp is so named because the Letaba River is lined with these huge trees. Shimuwini Camp is found in the Northern Region of the Kruger National Park. The sparse, isolated hills in the west are rich in pre-historic artifacts, while the Lebombo Mountains form a majestic natural boundary to the east.
In common with the other smaller Restcamps, Shimuwini offers a limited range of facilities. There is no electricity in the units, although solar panels do provide a limited supply in the central Lapa communal area. There is a mini shop stocking basic items such as firewood, ice and Telkom phone cards (there are phones here) but no foodstuffs.
Accommodation consists of five one-bedroom Cottages, each with two single beds and a ceiling fan. There are both bath- and living-rooms, and a two plate gas stove, sink and refrigerator. There are also nine two-bedroom Guest Cottages. One bedroom in each is en-suite and there is a more sophisticated kitchen with gas oven. The final Guest Cottage has three bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms throughout. This unit also has an outdoor shower and a large outdoor verandah for dining.
All of the units have their own outdoor braais.
GAME
Some of the animals to be seen in the area are lion, cheetah, leopard, hyena, giraffe, kudu, impala, wildebeest, zebra, duiker, hippopotamus, crocodiles, sable, roan, tsessebe, eland, waterbuck, baboon and buffalo.
BIRDING
In and around the Letaba River, storks, egrets, kingfishers and African Fish Eagles are ever present, whilst Red-winged Pratincole, African Spoonbill, Blackwinged Stilt and White-winged Tern are some of the more uncommon species to watch out for.
Mosque and Wire-tailled Swallow breed and can be spotted in the huge baobab trees.
VEGETATION
Vegetation found in this area includes the apple leaf mixed bushwillow, silver cluster leaf, leadwood, mopane, mixed acacias and baobab trees.