Xanatseni Private Camp Review
Unreal value, unforgettable hospitality!
We had the absolute pleasure of staying at Xanatseni Private Camp in the Klaserie Nature Reserve in May 2025 and were honestly blown away by the value for money, and taken by surprise by the exceedingly warm and welcoming hospitality.
This wasn’t the most luxurious, expensive, or even most impressive-looking of the lodges we visited, but it certainly left a big impression on us. The main points being the unreal value it offers and the wonderful staff who make your stay so special. But it would be remiss not to talk about the amazing wildlife experience there too.
Read on to find out more about this budget-friendly camp in the Greater Kruger – South Africa’s premier safari destination!
Value for money!
We knew the low rates for an all-inclusive safari experience at Xanatseni before our arrival of course, and we were trying to rack our brains around how they’ve managed to keep the price so low. The accommodation is a 4-star semi-luxurious level and newly renovated. That alone usually demands a higher rate. The camp itself wasn’t rustic at all either, it was expansive and well-designed. We soon realised that this was a 4-star lodge with “bush camp” prices. And it didn’t stop there. Even the game drives were conducted in extended open safari vehicles with only 2 seats per row and catering for maximum 8 guests per drive. Usually, everyone getting a window seat is exclusive to 5-star lodges!
Although it wasn’t very modern or particularly aesthetically pleasing to the eyes, there was even a gym on offer that guests seemed to enjoy between game drives. The pool area was lovely too, and the camp had a very social atmosphere to it. The only thing lacking in the rooms for me was tea & coffee supplies, but this was in keeping with the more social nature of the camp and used to draw guests out of their rooms and into the main areas. The bean to cup coffee machine in the lounge served me very well.
They also make a huge effort to go above and beyond to cater for any and all dietary requirements, making sure that every guest is well fed and totally satisfied.
Xanatseni also offers an exclusive safari experience in their Tseni Suite which is a luxurious and private 2-bedroom unit with its own kitchen, small boma, and swimming pool AND private safari vehicle. Again, at the rates they offer for this experience it is ridiculous value for money!
One thing to note is that many people have caught on to this exceptional offering at Xanatseni and so the rooms do book up very quickly. We’d suggest booking a year in advance to avoid disappointment.
The warmest hospitality!
It’s the staff who create the unique atmosphere at Xanatseni. Unique because we don’t think we’ve experienced a more relaxing, laid-back, make-yourself-at-home kind of atmosphere anywhere else. Think whatever the opposite of pretentious is. The staff welcome you to this place they’re incredibly proud of and immediately make you feel like you’re a part of the Xanatseni family, and the grounds and facilities are yours to explore and enjoy. As mentioned before, it is more of a social camp where guests and staff congregate and often become friends as they share in the wonderful safari experience. It truly feels like no request is too much and the staff go out of their way to make each guest feel very comfortable and content.
We didn’t expect this kind of hospitality to be honest. Most if not all lodges, although the hospitality is world class, do have an element of pretentiousness or a bit of a bridge between staff and guest. There are of course etiquettes to follow etc. We felt like we actually breathed a sigh of relief upon arrival at Xanatseni and realizing that there were no airs and graces to force or follow, only a relaxing vibe with good people who earnestly cared and were interested in each guest. This is a down to earth, warm and relaxing camp atmosphere that was certainly unique compared to what we have experienced before.
The wildlife!
Being in the Greater Kruger without fences obstructing the movement of the wildlife in this extremely vast wilderness area, the Klaserie Game Reserve is certainly amongst the best game reserves in the country. (see our best 5 game reserves in South Africa blog: https://youtu.be/gYOnUlBY1Gg?si=EYuUdzqS1l_Vv7eW )
It is a somewhat slower safari than it’s Greater Kruger counterparts which some may prefer. Thornybush and the Sabi Sands feel more action-packed in terms of the amount of high-profile wildlife sightings, but that does come with a bit more vehicle traffic too. The Klaserie is a massive reserve with a low lodge and vehicle density, and although sightings might not come as frequently, there is still an abundance of wildlife in the area and one can expect to see the Big 5 if staying for a few days. There are also opportunities to stay at a special sighting for longer with less vehicles lining up for their turn.
With their 8-seater, extended vehicles, where everyone gets a window seat, and wonderful guides and trackers, game drives are a dream! Large herds of buffalo are known to gather in the reserve, and elephant and lion numbers are both also very healthy in this area.
With more and more new lodge options popping up in the Klaserie Game Reserve, it is very exciting and great news for safari fans everywhere!
Xanatseni Private Camp is a superb option for anyone looking for a family, friends, or couple’s safari at a budget rate for an anything-but-budget experience. You’d be hard pressed to find better value for your money than this in one of South Africa’s top safari destinations where vast wilderness meets world class hospitality.
If you’re ready to start planning your safari reach out to us here:
Email: info@nalaafrica.com
Watch our YouTube video about Xanatseni Private Camp here:
