Shikwari Nature Reserve (Hoedspruit Accommodation)

Sleeps 4 · 1–3 bedrooms · 1–3 beds · 1 bathroom · 10 units
Self Catering in Hoedspruit, Limpopo

Shikwari Nature Reserve is a well-priced bush lodge just outside Hoedspruit, ideal if you want easy access to Kruger National Park without paying private game reserve rates. With a mix of 4-star suites and simpler rondavels, it suits both couples and families looking for a relaxed safari base.

If you’re looking for a base to explore Kruger National Park and the Panorama Route without paying private reserve prices, this is a solid option.

Special Occasions, small Weddings 80 -100 guests.
NOTE: REGRET DUE TO NO FACILITIES NO DAY VISITORS

  • Verified Property
  • Secure Payments
  • Book Direct
  • Check Availability and Prices

Check Availability and Prices

  • Shikwari Baobab
    Shikwari Baobab Shikwari Baobab
    Shikwari Baobab

    • 3 Beds • 4 Adults • 35m²

    • Bathrobe, Bathroom amenities, TV, Cleaning service, Swimming pool, Pool view, Shower only.

  • Shikwari Jackalberry
    Shikwari Jackalberry Shikwari Jackalberry
    Shikwari Jackalberry

    • 3 Beds • 4 Adults • 35m²

    • Bathrobe, Bathroom amenities, Separate tub and shower, Air conditioning, Cleaning service.

  • Shikwari  Leadwood
    Shikwari  Leadwood Shikwari  Leadwood
    Shikwari Leadwood

    • 3 Beds • 4 Adults • 37m²

    • Bathrobe, Bathroom amenities, Separate tub and shower, Air conditioning, Cleaning service.

  • Shikwari  Marula
    Shikwari  Marula Shikwari  Marula
    Shikwari Marula

    • 1 Bed • 4 Adults • 35m²

    • Bathrobe, Bathroom amenities, Bathtub / shower combination, Air conditioning, Cleaning service, Shower only.

  • Shikwari Wild Fig
    Shikwari Wild Fig Shikwari Wild Fig
    Shikwari Wild Fig

    • 2 Beds • 4 Adults • 45m²

    • Bathrobe, Bathroom amenities, Separate tub and shower, Air conditioning, Cleaning service.

  • Shikwari Knobthorn Suite
    Shikwari Knobthorn Suite Shikwari Knobthorn Suite
    Shikwari Knobthorn Suite

    • 3 Beds • 4 Adults • 50m²

    • Bathrobe, Bathroom amenities, Separate tub and shower, Air conditioning, Cleaning service.

  • Pangolin Hornbill - not graded
    Pangolin Hornbill - not gradedPangolin Hornbill - not graded
    Pangolin Hornbill - not graded

    • 2 Beds • 4 Adults • 35m²

    • Bathroom amenities, Cleaning service, Shower only.

  • Pangolin -Drongo - not graded
    Pangolin -Drongo - not gradedPangolin -Drongo - not graded
    Pangolin -Drongo - not graded

    • 2 Beds • 4 Adults • 35m²

    • Bathroom amenities, Bathtub only, Cleaning service, Shower only.

  • Pangolin Shrike - not graded
    Pangolin Shrike - not gradedPangolin Shrike - not graded
    Pangolin Shrike - not graded

    • 1 Bed • 4 Adults • 30m²

    • Bathroom amenities, Separate tub and shower, Cleaning service.

  • Pangolin Woodpecker - not graded
    Pangolin Woodpecker - not gradedPangolin Woodpecker - not graded
    Pangolin Woodpecker - not graded

    • 1 Bed • 3 Adults • 25m²

    • Wi-Fi, Bathtub only, Bathtub / shower combination, Separate tub and shower, TV, Cleaning service, DSTV / Satellite TV, Plunge pool, Hot tub, Shower only.

Description

The big advantage here is value for money and access to guided trips into Kruger, rather than having game drives directly on the property.

In our opinion, Shikwari is worth considering because of these:

  • Good value compared to private game lodges
  • Easy access to Kruger National Park (guided trips available)
  • Peaceful setting away from busy tourist areas
  • Mix of luxury suites and budget accommodation
  • On-site dining with breakfast and dinner options
  1. Shikwari Junior Suites – A well-priced bush lodge offering 4-star suites with dinner and breakfast included.
  2. Pangolin Rondavels – A budget friendly stay in traditional round thatched room. The camps are set on a Nature Reserve with plains game. No dangerous game here.

1. Shikwari Suites TGCSA 4-Star Rated
6 lovely private junior suites with private bathrooms, tucked in the natural bush, on a plains game nature reserve.

Set amongst the natural bush giving a sense of privacy & calm. The main area has a lounge with Premum DSTV & Wi-Fi plus a pool with a view.

All suites accommodate up to 2 adults and 2 children aged 5-12yrs. There is no capacity for more that 2 adults & 2 children.

2. Shikwari Suites (4-star lodge)

These are the main rooms on the property, offering a more comfortable and private experience.

  • En-suite bathrooms
  • Outdoor showers in some units
  • Air conditioning
  • Private patios
  • Suitable for couples and small families

Each suite is spaced out in the bush, giving a bit of privacy and a more “lodge-style” feel.


Pangolin Rondavels (budget option)

A simpler and more affordable option located within the reserve.

  • Traditional rondavel-style units
  • En-suite bathrooms
  • Access to shared facilities
  • Better suited for budget travellers or short stays

This is a good option if you want the location and experience without paying for full lodge luxury.

Things to do from Shikwari

Shikwari works more as a base for exploring the area rather than a full safari lodge with game drives on-site.

Popular activities include:

  • Day trips into Kruger National Park
  • Panorama Route tours (Blyde River Canyon, God's Window, Bourke's Luck Potholes)
  • Hot air balloon safaris
  • Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre
  • Reptile park visits

Most of these can be arranged through the lodge.

Who it's best for

  • Couples looking for a quiet bush stay
  • Travellers wanting a more affordable safari base
  • Families who don't need luxury game lodge pricing
  • International visitors doing Kruger + Panorama Route

What to keep in mind

  • No Big 5 game drives directly on the property
  • You'll need to travel for most activities
  • Not a high-end luxury safari lodge

That said, the trade-off is significantly better pricing and flexibility.


Our take

Shikwari is a good middle-ground option in the Hoedspruit area. It's not trying to compete with luxury private reserves, but it gives you a comfortable bush experience with access to everything that matters nearby.

If your focus is exploring Kruger and the surrounding attractions without overspending, this is a practical and well-located choice.

Guided Game drives with an FGASA guide available to Kruger Park and other amazing private reserves in the area. Guests are welcome to walk on our reserve. Note no drives done on our property. We do offer drives to Kruger & other private reserves as well as The Panorama. Boat trip , quad biking & Ballooning need to be book well ahead.There are more option which are self drive such as Aboat trip, Hoedspruit Reptile park, Jessica Hippo & Mholoholo Rehabilitation. Also close to many other exciting day trips.

Children welcome – 5yrs -12yrs old are accommodated with parents at a flat rate per child per night.
Teens 13 -18yrs accommodated at 50% per teen per night of the room rate rate in their own room or with one other adult and/or 2 younger siblings. This applies to both camps.

Guests at both camps take meals at the Shikwari Suites main area; meals are included on Half Board or B&B.

Property Amenities

  • Bar / Lounge
  • Secured parking
  • Free parking
  • Laundry service
  • Outdoor Pool
  • Restaurant

Nearby Attractions

  • Kruger National Park
  • Private reserves Walks or drives.
  • The Panorama Route
  • Jessica Hippo and her son
  • Hikes at Swadini & Blyde Canyon & Phiring
  • Echo Caves

Area Info

We are set in an area of unrivaled wild beauty, on a wildlife reserve
Hot summers 30 -40deg C & mild winters 20-26deg C 10 deg C at night, making visits to this area a year round pleasure.

Shikwari is approx 5-6hr journey from Johannesburg.

A car or a guide & vehicle is necessary to get around.

Transfers to & from the lodge can be arrange.

Either from OR Tambo International Airport or Eastgate Airport (HD or direct from Cape Town to Hoedspruit via Safair.Airlines
The friendly town of Hoedspruit is 30km from the lodge and offers banks & Forex exchange, great restaurants/coffee shops, supermarkets, & clothing, curio & photographic stores.

This is one of the hubs of wildlife tourism!

Directions

  • PLEASE READ THROUGH BEFORE YOUR JOURNEY.
  • We are near Kruger Park & The Panorama Route. Eastern Limpopo
  • Shikwari Nature Reserve Direction from:
  • OR Tambo International Airport:
  • You take the R24 then feed in to the N4 at Witbank(eMalahleni) after going through the Middelburg toll gate. After this take the Dullstroom/Belfast off ramp - (R33/R540) turn Left into Belfast (eMakhazeni) onto Vermooten Street & passing a "Spar Supermarket" on Right, at the 2nd intersection, with the Shell Garage & another Spar supermarket on left continue to the next intersection. Turn Right into Voortrekker Street, continue on to Dullstroom R540.- Drive through Dullstroom new name -Emnothweni (nice stop for lunch and look around) to Lydenburg (Mashishing).- At the TJunction turn left into Lydenburg onto Viljoen Street, continue on passing numerous stop streets after passing the shopping centre on the left with the Spur continue straight for 4 more stop streets then up a hill & take the next turning left, passing industrial buildings over one more intersection & at the next Intersection, with the Obaro building, turn right, You are now on the R36.- Drive straight through to Ohrigstad ( approx 47kms) & continue on R36 . You will pass turnings to Burgersfort on the left then Pilgrims Rest & Graskop on the right continue passed these turnings after the latter turning you will ascend the Abel Erasmus Pass. After passing two settlements you will go through the J G Strydom Tunnel, Then descending into the Lowveld. Shikwari Nature Reserve is approximately 8kms on the right-hand side after the tunnel.
  • Johannesburg:
  • Southern Suburbs:
  • Get onto the to N12 to eMalahleni (Witbank) then follow the direction above from eMalahleni.
  • Northern Suburbs
  • Take the N1 to Pretoria and then the Witbank N4 .*See above from N4.(Tip best to use the Krugersdorp Highway via the Kyalami Road or from Lanseria, is is not as congested.)
  • Nelspruit (Mbombela) & White River
  • Take the R40 after about +/-23 kms turn left from Nelspruit (Mbombela) & Right from White River onto the R537 Sabie Road. Once in Sabie take the R532 to Graskop continue out of Graskop on the R532 with the Blyde River Canyon on the right; you eventually come to a t-junction, Turn Right (R36) see above from Abel Erasmus Pass
  • Southern Reserves Sabi Sands, Kruger Gate & Hazyview etc
  • Turn Right onto the Right onto the R40 and pass Perry's Bridge (do not take this road it is closed) Take the next road Left to Graskop then follow the instruction from there.
  • Timbavati, Kapama & Thornybush
  • Head straight on the Argyle road on the way out of the Timbavati until you get to a t-junction turn right onto the R40. This road changes to the R531 *DO NOT TURN LEFT TO HOEDSPRUIT. The road continues under a railway bridge and passes Klaserie with a pub and filling station.. Continue until you reach another t-junction. On the way you will pass Moholoholo, Kampersrus on the left, and Wag 'n Bietjie Farm Stall on the right Once passed Blyde Mountain Country House you will come to a T-Junction turn left onto the R527 to Lydenburg ( road changes to R36 Tzaneen turning twhere you will find a filling station on the corner, pass this turning & continue, look out for our 2km & 1kms signs on the left, we are approximately 3kms down the road from the filling station on the left.Black wall/Orange gate,
  • Phalaborwa & Phalaborwa Gate, Letaba Camp. Northern Kruger Camps
  • From Letaba Camp take the Phalaborwa Gate carry on this road (R71) towards Tzaneen until you get to a 3 way stop to Letsitele turn Left go through this village and continue to a T-Juntion where you turn right and immediately letf to a Stop street. At the stop street turn Right. You are now on the R36 continue on this road passing lodges,and The Oaks. After the bridge over the Olifants River continue to a t-junction where there is a Total filling station on your right, turn right here towards Lydenburg ,we are approximately 3 kms on the left hand side.
  • From Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport.
  • At the entrance to the airport turn right onto the Argyle Road continue until you go through a boom and arrive at a T-Juntion. Turn left here and continue for 7kms in Hoedspruit you will go through a 4 way stop and at the next you will turn left and go over a railway bridge. Continue on this road out of Hoedspruit for +/- 38kms; after the turning to Tzaneen you will see our signs. From there we are 3kms on the left.
  • NB: On arrival at gate:
  • Our gate is locked for your security so you will need to press the Reception button onece and do not hold in, wait for it to dail, we will answer on our cell for reception please announce your name and camp you are staying at, clearly to gain access.(communication is only 30 seconds after which it cuts off).
  • Our gate is run by cell phone coverage and due to the fact of the remote area we live in, we do at times experience wavering connectivity. Should you get no response please try pressing again after a couple of seconds. We may temporarily have a dead zone. Please note the intercom must dial before it is answered, and must not be held in with the finger. The gate does not automatically open for access or egress.
  • Should intercom still not work call 0730497494 for reception. We will come and investigate
  • PLEASE NOTE THAT OUR SPEED LIMIT IS STRICTLY 15KMS ON THE PROPERTY, ALL WILDLIFE HAS RIGHT OF WAY .NO SPEEDING FOR ANY REASON.
  • Drive time from JHB is between 5 -6 hours. CHECK- IN IS ONLY FROM 12 Noon - 5:00PM
  • be

Cancellation Policy

  • Cooling period for accidental booking within 24hrs at no charge
  • 50% Deposit is required to secure l booking.paid within 3 days
  • Balance of booking is required 7 days before arrival on order to send
  • confirmation.
  • NO SHOWS will forfeit the full amount for whatever reason.
  • This also applies to EARLY DEPARTURE.
  • December holidays - 100% of amount is required to secure booking. Cancellation during the Xmas festive week forfeits 100% of the booking
  • ? Book less than 14 days before arrival - full amount is required.
  • ? Bank proof of payment must be sent to our email address - [email protected]. Please use your full name as reference.
  • ? Bookings not paid within 24hrs are automatically cancelled to make rooums available to others.
  • ? Forfeit of 100% of the booking for a NO SHOW
  • ? Forfeit 100% for EARLY DEPARTURE.
  • Retreat no day visitors.

Conditions

Cooling period for accidental booking within 24hrs at no charge
50% Deposit is required to secure l booking.paid within 3 days
Balance of booking is required 7 days before arrival on order to send
confirmation.
NO SHOWS will forfeit the full amount for whatever reason.
This also applies to EARLY DEPARTURE.

December holidays - 100% of amount is required to secure booking. Cancellation during the Xmas festive week forfeits 100% of the booking
? Book less than 14 days before arrival - full amount is required.
? Bank proof of payment must be sent to our email address - [email protected]. Please use your full name as reference.
? Bookings not paid within 24hrs are automatically cancelled to make rooums available to others.
? Forfeit of 100% of the booking for a NO SHOW
? Forfeit 100% for EARLY DEPARTURE.
Retreat no day visitors.