Dear Friends, it has been a while since our last communication about Ximongwe River and Safari Camp and I thought it necessary to tell you a little bit more about Ximongwe’s origin and how the name came about.
Purchase of Property
About 17 years ago we purchased a piece of land within the Parsons Nature Reserve not knowing exactly what we were going to do with it. At that stage there were talks to incorporate this into the Greater Kruger, which of course made this piece of property very valuable and attractive and a gem to own.
How Ximongwe got its name
The decision on naming the property was not an easy one as there were many suggestions and different opinions involved. Visiting the property as often as we could, getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city was a priority for us as a family. At first we would take our off road caravan and park it at certain spots on the 24 hectares, Johan would claim that before deciding to build the camp he wanted the feel of the bush (he said he will know where the right position was once he felt it). He would then take his first cup of coffee up to the little koppie behind the “now” camp and sit there, just enjoying the quite morning. One day, while sitting at his usual spot a Bateleur Eagle came soaring past at eye level looking straight at Johan, turned did another flight-by, turned again and did a third flight-by. Coming back to our camp he looked up the name in Sepedi and we all agreed that it was a suitable name and the decision was made. Seeing that Johan is a dedicated birder and loves photographing birds in flight it was a very suitable name for the camp.
Ximongwe in the local african language, Sepedi, meaning Bateleur Eagle/Short Tail Snake Eagle) – Terathopius ecaudatus.
Birding at Ximongwe
When visiting Ximongwe you will be able to identify approximately 420 bird species via the Roberts Bird Gide or Roberts VII Multimedia (Birds of Southern Africa). This can be purchased online from your App store. This application offers a variety of functions which includes, a field guide, status, habitat, food, call, breeding, sounds, identification, juv, confusing species, distribution, population & demography, movements, habitat, general habits, foraging & food, breeding, nest, laying dates, eggs, incubation, development & care of young, breeding success, conservation, moult, geographical variation and measurements.
In addition the book offers, a Field Guide, Bird Guide, My Location, Identification, My Lists and Birding Sites. My lists can be very useful for the active birder as you can easily record the species you have seen where and when for a comprehensive list at the end of your stay.
Sharing our dream with you
When visiting Ximongwe Safari/River Camp it is all about you our guests. From the minute you walk through our door up to your departure we would like to share this dream with you and make sure that it is nothing short of the best experience you will ever have.
Come share our home with us!
Below is a few examples taken from the Roberts Bird Guide on the Short Tail Snake Eagle.
