Steeped in rich African tradition with stories and rituals of where legends are born, Shishangeni by BON Hotels is where once in a lifetime experiences come to life.
Easily accessible by air or road, this 4-star safari heaven is located within the gates of the Kruger National Park and comprises of three experiential camps: Shishangeni Private Lodge, Camp Shonga and Camp Shawu. Each camp features luxuriously equipped rooms, superior service, excellent traditional cuisine, a private game-viewing deck, and splash pool with an indoor and outdoor dining area.
Shishangeni Private Lodge has 22 individual chalets accommodating 44 guests, with inter-leading rooms for families and a mini bar available upon request. The central facility consists of a private game-viewing deck, charming lounge area, library, gym, spa as well as indoor and outdoor dining areas.
Camp Shonga is a small intimate bush retreat built in the foothills of the Lebombo Mountains, offering views over the African bushveld. The Camp can accommodate 10 guests in 5 individual tents. Shonga allows you to experience the real Africa – majestic, unfiltered and unadorned.
The Camp Shawu can accommodate 10 guests in 5 spacious rooms overlooking the Mpanamana dam. The large verandah is the perfect spot from which to watch the game come down to drink. The central facility consists of a charming lounge area including both indoor and outdoor dining areas.
Camp Shawu named after the most famous of the African elephants, the Magnificent Seven. ‘Shawu bull’ roamed the valley for sixty years. With the longest tusks ever recorded in South Africa, Shawu commanded instinctive respect and admiration from all who gazed upon him. Those lucky enough to have encountered this awe-inspiring bull say he took your breath away and Camp Shawu aims to do the same. With authentic buffalo dung walls, Camp Shawu captures the spirit of the ‘real Africa’ described by famous explorers of colonial times.
Fully surrounded by nature, guests can expect to catch a glimpse of all manner of beast and prey at the watering hole, or embark on an early morning or late afternoon game drive in search of the ‘Big 5’ followed by sundowners in the bush as you overlook the magnificent sunset.
“At Shishangeni we are striving to create the optimum balance between people and their environment, whilst having a minimal impact on the surrounding habitat” says General Manager, Chris Auty. This balance is especially evident in the various activities and services available at the luxurious lodge:
- Intimate Weddings in the Bush
Fairy tale weddings become a reality with the Kruger National Park and African skies as a backdrop. The hotel team will create a picture perfect moment of intimate outdoor ceremony with a 3-course meal and breath-taking views. Included to the package is a selection of beverages, décor set up, transport, SANParks clearance and designated rangers to accompany the bridal party. Upon returning to camp, a group of fully dressed traditional dancers will await to entertain and enhance the experience.
- Conferencing in the Bush
A beautifully appointed boardroom provides an intimate setting for small meetings, strategic getaways and conferences, seating up to 32 delegates. The foyer can be used for cocktail events, tea and coffee breaks or pre- drinks and the two breakaway areas make for ideal one-on-ones or private meetings. Boardroom facilities include: internet station, library, standard conference equipment and air conditioning.
- The Shishangeni Spa
Guests staying at any one of the three camps can book a range of relaxation massages. The lodges have a team of qualified therapists and offer treatments such as Aromatherapy Massages, Indian Head Massages and Foot Massages. The treatments can be done in the privacy of one’s bedroom or on the room balconies.
- Take a splash
Take a dip in the main swimming pool or cool off in between safari activites in private splash pools at each of the three camps.
- The Big 5
The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa and is best known for the ‘Big Five’ – imagine taking in a magnificent sunset whilst you capture the moment of a pride of lions stalking their prey or possibly watching a buffalo or elephant strolling to a water hole. Could you spot the rhino, with its extraordinary horns and bad temper or the leopard with its remarkable speed and skill to hunt?
- Bird watching
With such a variety of species of birds this truly is a bird watching haven. The Kruger National Park is home to more than 500 species of birds, many of which are migratory birds like the African Hoepoe. This is also the home of the Giant Eagle Owl, the largest of all the Owls. Birds to spot include Kingfishers, Storks, Shrikes, Weavers, Herons, Eagles, Vultures, Kites and many more.
Additional facilities include a fitness centre, library, babysitting service and gift shop.
Shishangeni is legendary when it comes to experiencing unforgettable African safaris that evoke mystery, wonder and above all else, adventure – top tier accommodation to rival any in Southern Africa.
Founded in 2012 by a management team with a collective 100 years in hospitality, BON Hotels is one of the leading hotel groups boasting over 20 hotels across Africa. Driven by the ethos of “Good people. Good thinking. Good feeling,” BON Hotels believes in creating loyalty among their guests, suppliers, hotel owners and stakeholders by bringing a relevant and fresh approach to every aspect of hotel management and operation.
“At BON we have developed a reputation for challenging the norm and raising the bar – all in the name of creating exceptional experiences. We remain committed to establishing and nurturing good relationships at all levels at each property – they are a team of good people, doing good things. Developing “Africa by Africans” remains front and centre of our growth strategy and commitment to Africa,” concludes CEO and founder, Guy Stehlik.
For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.bonhotels.com/shishangeni or call 013-735-3300. Stay up to date and follow them on their social media channels via Instagram | @bonhotels @shishangenibybon; Facebook | @BONHotels @ShishangenibyBONHotels and Twitter | @BONHotels.
