Fans of the Disney classic The Lion King are sure to love staying in this thatched camp as it gives you a good chance of seeing the Big 5 as well as giraffe, zebra, hippo, warthog and wildebeest, that’s not to mention a vast range of bird species.

Established in 1972 and situated on the western border of Kruger National Park, Xanatseni is set in 60,000 hectares of the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, one of the largest privately owned reserves in South Africa. There are no fences separating the reserve from the Kruger or the Timbavati Reserve, allowing animals to roam wherever they want to go.

Xanatseni means place of the mopane tree, and there are dense forests of mopane in the area, which are unique to this part of the reserve. The fact that there are only 5 suites and a family suite in camp means it’s never going to feel like a cramped camp with people getting in the way of your enjoyment of the wilderness. You’ll always get the chance for privacy and the opportunity to meet fellow guests when you want to.

5 luxury ensuite rooms

Each has views of the watering hole, a popular destination for local wildlife. Watch them refresh from your patio area in a thatched suite that has a cosy cottage feel, with a kingsize bed, and ensuite bathroom with tub and separate shower.  

The Tseni Family Suite

2 bedrooms accommodate 4 guests in this private villa with all the amenities you’d expect from a modern home, plus uninterrupted views of the open plains from your private boma. It’s a great place to gather round the firepit after dinner for drinks and conversation.

Meals can be cooked in the villa’s kitchen or brought to you from the kitchen in the main lodge and enjoyed outside or inside at the breakfast bar or dining table, both of which share the same open space with the living area.

That’s where you’ll find your TV with full satellite channel service. How much time you have to watch it is another thing – maybe you’ll want to arrange a family movie night?

Each of the bedrooms has an ensuite bathroom with tub and shower and there’s a plunge pool just for you out on the deck. Also exclusively yours are a safari vehicle with guide/ranger who’ll give you all the information you want to know about the plants and animals you’ll see on your game drive. Fingers cross it turns out to be a Big 5 experience for you.

Main shared area

Yes, there’s a swimming pool, and yes, you get outstanding views of the bush from the water and the recliners on the deck around it. Something else that’s wet and welcome is the honesty bar where you pour your own drinks and pay. There’s an impressive selection of beers from South Africa and across the world to choose from, and satellite TV that’ll no doubt be showing any sporting events you want to watch.

When it’s time to eat, the dining room or boma area are the places to sit and enjoy the local cuisine, much of which is cooked over an open fire. And to work off some of the calories, you can visit the on-site gym.

Why have we left one of the most popular features at Xanatseni to last? Well, there’s just so much that’s great here, we simply haven’t had time to mention the lookout tower. It gives you close-up views of the watering hole and a chance to get that little bit closer to the local animal and bird species.