While it might share a name with the Shingwedzi river, along the banks of which the camp makes its home, Shingwedzi itself is tucked peacefully into the fold of a quiet clearing, affording guests a relaxing and secluded camping experience. Straddling the line between luxurious facility and rugged, outdoor camping destination is ensconced in mopane trees, and makes good use of the frequent winter visits from the area’s indigenous populations (the riverbed dries up in the summer months).

Get lost in amongst the Transvaal mustard trees, native sausage trees, and Natal mahogany. Mopani shrub and apple leaf populate the areas further away from the river.

Accommodation at Shingwedzi includes fifty camp sites, all with electricity points, rotating braai (barbeque) grids, and washing up facilities. Twelve three-bed huts are available, with communal ablutions and kitchens, as well as their own small fridge each. A further eighteen two-bed bungalows are available, all with air-conditioning, and a limited number of fully equipped utensil boxes (cutlery, crockery, glasses and frying pan) . Five bed and two bed versions of this unit are also available.

Lastly, Rentmeester guest house occupies a premium location inside of the camp, and comes with a riverside view, kitchen with a microwave oven, and limited channel DSTV television. The house itself sleeps eight people. All accommodation at Shingwedzi Rest Camp is geared towards self catering, rustic camping experiences of the bush.

Guests to the area can expect to encounter duiker, impala, nyala, kudu, and bushbuck, as well as Sharpe’s grysbok, buffalo and waterbuck. Particularly recognised in the area are the elephant, vervet monkey, and baboon populations, and lion, leopard, cheetah, and wild dog packs.

A wide selection of bird species is available to the enthusiastic spotter, ranging from, with hornbills, starlings, weavers and Mourning Doves, to Grey Penduline Tit, Dusky and Village Indigobird (Black and Steelblue Widowfinch), Verreaux’s (Giant) Eagle Owl, and the Collared Palm Thrush.