Xanatseni Private Camp

To Dean, Teneil, Ash, Ridge & the rest of the wonderful team at Xanatseni, where do we begin?… This was a true bucket list trip for us - we entered camp excited and full of hope for an unforgettable experience. We left (one of us in tears) feeling like we were leaving behind family in a place so magical you’ve got to be there to fully understand how much it moves you like nowhere before! We’ve been lucky enough to travel a lot, but nothing comes close to the memories we left camp with after 4 incredible days. We were lucky enough to tick off all of the big five during our stay, spotting baby hyena and lion cubs along the way - our ranger Dean & tracker Ridge made it a bit of a mission to find everything for us and the tracking of these wild animals in their natural habitats was exhilarating. Morning coffees & muffins out in the bush, and sundowner drinks watching the beautiful African sunset is something we’re already missing as part of our routine, and hot water bottles and blanket ponchos were such a lovely touch to warm up those cold starts before the sun rose / after it went back down. The accommodation was spotlessly clean and main lodge had a beautiful interior with plenty of space to relax, plus a great pool for those warmer days during down time between drives. You’re seriously well fed at this place so don’t worry about going hungry! Food is entirely home made and really great quality - plenty of variety across each meal time too meaning we were never disappointed with what was served. The entire team at Xanatseni were wonderful to us - we were fortunate enough to end up having 2 days of camp entirely exclusive to ourselves due to a quiet period for guests, meaning private game drives, but also a private dinner around the Boma fire pit that they set up for us. This place is special - if you’re looking for a 5* Uber pamper experience where you’re showered with home style luxuries and unnecessary pampering don’t go here. I say this because we had guests who joined us from a 5* camp and they were underwhelmed. I think they set themselves up for disappointment as if you visit the Burj Kalifa then anything afterwards is downhill! If you’re looking to experience an authentic safari and be among Africa’s big five literally roaming the camp at night (you will be awoken by the sound of Hyena) and be well looked after in the most real, authentic and rustic setting possible, this is the place for you! Thank you Xanatseni we’ll never forget you or the memories made experiencing your world!

This camp was wonderful. It was not “stuffy”, food was excellent, lodge was excellent, staff were better than excellent. We had great viewing but Ash our Ranger/Guide said he was hindered a little by the recent rains. I loved everything about this camp and want to return.