Buffelshoek Tented Camp
Based on 11 verified guest reviews
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Member since: 4 Aug. 2016
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Buffelshoek is situated in the tranquil SE corner of Manyeleti Game Reserve close to the unfenced boundaries of Kruger National Park and Sabi Sand Private Nature Reserve. Migration of the wildlife between the four reserves is unhindered thus making this the perfect destination to spend time in a game-rich area that is renowned for Big 5 animal sightings. Thanks to the low density of lodges in Manyeleti, the wilderness experience is enhanced and it means that there is little to no waiting time or jockeying for position at a sighting.
Offering an authentic bush experience, Buffelshoek achieves a balance between comfort and bushveld ambience and maintains a feeling of exclusivity with only five quaint two-sleeper thatch-roofed, canvass fronted tents with open-air en-suite bathrooms all on wooden decks. With a maximum of 10 guests, this ensures that each guest receives individual attention.
The vast tranquil expanse surrounding Buffelshoek, where the elephants, rhinos and buffalos roam, restores your soul. A place where the stars shine brightly and you fall asleep to the sounds of the whooping hyenas or the not so distant roar of the lions.
Unfenced from the bush, animals move freely through and around the camp. Included in your stay are daily sunrise and sunset game drives with a guide in an open game viewing vehicle, which ensures excellent game sightings. Whilst the sunrise safaris allow you to experience the awakening of the African bush, the sunset safaris provide sightings of the elusive nocturnal creatures with a spotlight being used after dark to locate the predators.
The friendly hospitality of the local staff is a camp speciality, enhanced by the interesting stories, interpretations and explanations of your guide. Your experience of the African bush will not get more close and personal than this!
In Room Facilities:Each of our five thatched-roof, canvas-fronted safari tents provides accommodation for 2 guests with an en-suite bathroom including shower, basin, toilet and gas geyser. Each safari tent is situated on an individual raised wooden deck, has a private lounge and its own patio from which can be viewed the wildlife grazing on the open savannah beyond.
Area Information:Seeing the "Big Five" in the wild is one of the most memorable things one can ever experience. The African continent is the only place in the world where big game still roams freely in great numbers. In particular, the Kruger National Park area and the neighbouring private game reserves are famous for the incredible possibilities of seeing the "Big Five" up close.
Buffelshoek is situated in the 23,000 hectare Manyeleti Private Game Reserve which is located between the Timbavati and Sabi Sands Game Reserves and borders the world famous Kruger National Park. Migration of the wildlife between the four reserves is unhindered making this a prime game viewing and photographic destination. All the major game species are well represented on the reserve and over 300 bird species have been recorded in the region including many of the larger raptors.
Large leadwood trees grow along multiple drainage lines throughout the reserve and there is a large dam in the centre of Manyeleti and a multitude of natural pans. Resident elephants and rhinos often wallow in the muddy pans, as do huge herds of buffalo.
Named after the Shangaan people's word for "Place of Stars", this romantic destination is spotlit each night in the most unforgettable way and provides a perfect setting for star gazing.
Please be advised that the Manyeleti region is a low risk malaria area. It is best to consult your local Doctor for advice regarding precautions.
Property Facilities:The camp is unfenced and meals are often prepared over an open fire and enjoyed in the dining area or under the stars in the boma. Sitting around the campfire at night you will hear the sounds of the African bush come alive and this is when you will truly appreciate the ambience of the camp.
Relaxing in the cozy lounge allows you to interact with other like-minded travellers and sitting on the observation deck during the day gives an elevated view of the procession of wildlife and birdlife at the waterhole and across the savannah. With the occasional elephant ambling through camp it means you don’t always need to go far for an incredible sighting.
Daily morning and evening game drives with a guide in an open game-viewing vehicle, which ensures excellent game sightings. Whilst the morning drives allow you to experience the awakening of the African bush, the evening drives provide sightings of the elusive nocturnal creatures with a spotlight used after dark to locate the predators. For the adventurous, guided morning game walks can be arranged at an extra cost to give you an up-close encounter with the Big 5, other mammals, birds and the flora of this magic part of Greater Kruger. Under the careful watch of the resident guides, it is not uncommon to see the Big 5 over a period of 3 days.
Attractions:“Big 5” Game Viewing;
Bird Watching;
Game Drives;
Guided Walks;
Photographic Safaris;
Stargazing
Map
Extra Info
| Property Type | Camp |
| Conditions Show | |
| Check-in after | 02:00 PM |
| Check-out before | 10:00 AM |
| Cancellation Policy | Moderate |
| For more info | |
Reviews
We spent the past 4 days in Manyeleti Buffelshoek camp and it was the best wildlife experience of our lives! Lynn and Dudley are so welcoming and ensure that your stay is memorable in every way. Elliot our guide went way beyond expectations to track the animals which resulted in the most incredible sightings. His knowledge of fauna and flora is excellent. The various lion sightings were amazing. Back at camp the meals were delicious and generous with special attention to my vegan meals. Highly recommended!
We booked two nights at Buffelshoek...it was simply amazing!!!
The accommodation, the food, the staff and the location....all amazing!!
Our safari guide (Mike) was incredibly helpful and informative and knowledgeable. We saw the big five and countless other animals in our two days.
We could see elephants and rhinos at the watering hole which was less than
yards from our tent. We had hyenas walking through the ungated camp.
Thank you to all for making our stay a wonderful memory!
I can't say enough great things about Buffelshoek Camp. 4-night stay at the camp and this is the perfect place if you are looking to be completely with nature, enjoy great time with the staff and other guests, great food and great game drives. The camp consists of great "tents" (5 for the guests) that have a wonderful patio for viewing the waterholes / wildlife, comfortable beds, and simple bathroom. The main building has a nice sitting area to relax in, hide to view wildlife and a nice dining area. The camp is open to nature and you will see and hear plenty of animals during the day. The food cooked by Kenneth is amazing and we had something new for every meal. Make sure and ask for Kenneth Cake! Our game tracker was Louis and he was very informative of the area and wildlife. And genuinely a good man. If you want your own alcoholic beverages, make sure and bring them with you and also a good flashlight for the evenings. Outside of that, the entire staff makes everything else about the stay very comfortable!
We stayed in this upmarket tended camp 2 nights for our honey moon and we simply loved it. It counts 5 extremely organised and well built tents in the heart of the reserve with no boundaries to the nature. Elephants and Imapalas and other animals would walk in front of your door tent and you would have the amazing feature to be part of the magic world of the nature. The camp is very intimate and a staff of four is there to take care of you! We were lucky as we were looking for intimacy and we were there one night just the 2 of us and 1 night with another young couple. The staff is also very caring: chef Robert prepared us really nice and abundant portions of food and Guide Luis took us on 4 safari and he went the extra mile to make us experience everything he could! We also see a group of lions feeding of a buffalo just killed at 2 meters away from our car! Even if this place is a bit higher then our normal budget we did not regret spending a single cent! Well done, it was a real unique experience we will remember for ever! I would suggest this camp to anyone!
We stayed here for three nights and had a double bed tent, overlooking a little water hole. We where lucky enough to see the whole big five in just two safari's! Also thanks to Lois a great safari guide, who even spotted the smallest animals. Like a bush baby or a little owl at night. We've heard lion's and other animals at night.
The food was also nice.
Thanks!
We were looking for peace and beauty. We got much more.
The placement of the tented camp is perfect. There is no fences between you and the wild. The tents are very comfortable, the beds are very nice and the bathroom is clean and with a nice shower. During our stay they installed new batteries for the tents so each tent could charge their own cameras and laptops or anything needing a charge.
No generator noise, just birds and from time to time the call of a lion, the growl of two Impalas discussing hierarchy.
Breakfast was excellent as was dinner.
The guided tours (5:30-9:30AM and 3:30-7:00) were amazing. Luis, our guide had deep knowledge about animal behaviour and species interdependence. In a very respectful way he would find a place to let us admire them without interfering with their life. If you are a photographer, without a word, he is going to position the vehicle in the best way for light and background. We were really amazed how he could take so many aspects in consideration and still drive off-road and tell specifics about a species or a particular animal.
Perfect vacation!
We stayed 3 nights in the middle of April 2017. Buffelshoek tented camp is a jewel, the sort of place that is hard to find nowadays. Extremely nice personnel. The place exceeded all our expectations. Fantastic views, great healthy food. Louis, the Safari guide has 16 years of experience. He is very kind and made every game drive a successful adventure. Big 5 in 2 days ! We traveled with our 8 year old daughter who loved every moment. The accommodation is close to nature, built with natural materials. We loved the little solar lamps that were placed every evening to light up the paths. Very romantic and beautiful. An enormous thank you to the whole team for making us feel at home in the bush. Thanks to Dudley for getting us those little extras that we needed...We had the most wonderful time..will stick for life in our memories and hearts.
Absolutely fantastic experience. Complete wilderness and no fences round the camp, amazing camp and the guide Louis is a great guy with plenty of knowledge, seen the big 5 over the 4 game drives. Amazing feeling knowing you are surrounded by wild animals in total darkness, would highly recommend to anybody wanting a no frills, as close to nature experience as you can get.
Stayed here with 4 friends in February. The camp is basic but beautiful and exactly what we were looking for. The camp isn't fenced which adds to the authenticity. The viewing deck is a highlight and we got to see a cheetah chasing wildebeests from there over breakfast! The staff are wonderful and the safari guide for the game drives was great and really knowledgeable. If you're looking for an authentic safari experience then I would definitely recommend.
A true bush experience, it is a no fence camp on the Manyeleti reserve which meant that the wildlife was on your doorstep. I was lucky enough to visit just after a lion kill and the lions stayed around the camp and watering hole for my full stay. Big 5 all in the reserve and as there are no fences between Kruger/Sabi sands and Manyeleti the game move freely ans makes for a much better game drive.
I could not have been made more welcome by the owners Lynn and Dudley who cooked for me (catering for a vegetarian), kept me company and shared their stories of the wildlife.
Do not expect 5* luxury but a home from home feel with lovely staff and clean tented accommodation.
My best experience of a Safari to date and would happily re visit when back in SA.
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About the Host
Member since: 4 Aug. 2016
Based on 11 verified guest reviews
About the Host
Member since: 4 Aug. 2016
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Super relaxing and enjoyable time.