Manyeleti Game Reserve
Manyeleti, meaning “place of stars” in the local Shangaan language, will reward you with a Big 5star bushveld experience. If you have a safari-hunger explorer, Manyeleti Game Reserve will quench your appetite.
Tintswalo Safari Lodge
The luxury explorer suites each has a full en-suite bathroom, private plunge pool and leisure deck overlooking the wilderness. The two-bedroom Grant Family Suite has a full en-suite bathrooms, central lounge area, private plunge pool and leisure deck while the two-bedroom Presidential Suite has full en-suite bathrooms, a central lounge area, private plunge pool, large leisure deck and boma for exclusive dining.
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Khoka Moya Tented Lodge
Khoka Moya Tented Camp has a reception with curio shop, main dining, lounge and bar area, pool, a renovated bird hide and 15 free-standing tents. The lounge, dining and bar areas are built around an open atrium where al fresco evening meals are served around a log fire. The en-suite tents are spacious and comfortably furnished in a contemporary style with either double or twin canopied beds fitted with fine cotton sheets and down duvets.
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Mantobeni Tented Lodge
The 15 well-spaced tents are nestled in a Tamboti grove on a dry riverbed. The main building comprises a large open bar area, infinity pool, and comfortable sun lounges from where you can watch wildlife drinking at the nearby waterhole. The tents offer an open veranda elevated on a wooden platform for maximum relaxation. They are furnished with soft leather couches, extra length beds, mosquito nets and open air en-suite bathrooms.
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Manyeleti Game Reserve
A Hidden Wildlife Sanctuary in South Africa
Tucked away between some of South Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations, Manyeleti Game Reserve is a secluded paradise for nature lovers. With its untouched landscapes, abundant wildlife, and exclusive atmosphere, this reserve offers an unparalleled safari experience.
Unlike its more commercialised neighbours, Manyeleti remains a well-kept secret, where visitors can experience the wonders of the African bush without the crowds. Here, the golden hues of sunrise cast a magical glow over vast savannahs, while the calls of distant wildlife echo through the air. It is a place where nature thrives undisturbed, offering a glimpse into the raw beauty of Africa’s wilderness.
Manyeleti Game Reserve is a privately managed wildlife conservation area situated in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa. Bordering the world-renowned Kruger National Park, as well as the Sabi Sands and Timbavati reserves, Manyeleti shares an unfenced boundary with these iconic wildlife areas. This allows animals to roam freely, making the reserve an excellent location for game viewing.
Covering approximately 23,750 hectares, Manyeleti offers a diverse range of landscapes, from open grasslands to dense bushveld. The reserve is home to an impressive array of wildlife, including the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo—alongside cheetahs, wild dogs, zebras, giraffes, and numerous antelope species. Bird enthusiasts will also find delight in the hundreds of bird species that inhabit the area.
What sets Manyeleti apart from its more commercial counterparts is its low visitor numbers. The reserve is managed by the local Mnisi community, ensuring that conservation efforts align with sustainable tourism practices. Visitors benefit from an exclusive safari experience, where game drives take place in a tranquil setting without the congestion often found in more popular reserves.
Experience the ultimate wildlife adventure with private Kruger Park safaris, offering exclusive game drives and personalized itineraries tailored to your preferences. Whether you’re seeking luxury lodges or intimate bush experiences, these safaris provide unparalleled access to Africa’s iconic wildlife. For a broader exploration, Kruger National Park safaris allow you to witness the Big Five in their natural habitat, with expert guides leading you through diverse landscapes teeming with incredible biodiversity.
Manyeleti Game Reserve Accommodation/Lodges
Manyeleti Game Reserve offers a selection of accommodation options, ranging from luxurious lodges to more affordable camps. Each establishment provides a unique experience, allowing guests to choose the level of comfort that best suits their preferences.
Let us introduce the distinct lodges and camps that provide a variety of accommodation options, allowing visitors to find the ideal Manyeleti lodge to suit their preferences and budget:
Luxury Lodges
For those seeking an opulent safari experience, Manyeleti boasts several high-end lodges that offer world-class service, fine dining, and spacious suites. These lodges often feature private decks, plunge pools, and stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. Some notable luxury lodges include:
Tintswalo Safari Lodge
This five-star lodge offering lavish suites with private decks and outdoor showers. Each suite is themed around a famous African explorer, adding an element of historical charm.
Tintswalo Safari Lodge is the pinnacle of luxury in the Manyeleti Game Reserve, with only six exquisitely appointed suites and a grand Presidential Suite for those seeking an exclusive experience.
Each suite is spacious and air-conditioned, providing a welcome respite from the hot African sun. Each suite is designed to evoke a romantic and traditional African style, with a private plunge pool where guests can relax while viewing the animals that visit the waterhole.
All suites are connected by a wooden walkway and designed to provide privacy while also providing easy access to the lodge’s amenities. The main lodge building houses a restaurant, a small safari library, an extensive wine cellar, and a lounge area with a fireplace.
Tintswalo Safari Lodge offers a tranquil and opulent setting for guests to enjoy safari adventures in complete comfort.
Tintswalo Manor House is ideal for families and small groups.
Tintswalo Manor House, located just a short drive from Tintswalo Safari Lodge, offers a private and secluded retreat for families and small groups.
This exclusive-use property, located along the scenic Nwaswitsontso River, can accommodate up to ten guests in four en-suite bedrooms and one children’s room, making it an excellent choice for larger parties. The Manor House features a private boma and swimming pool, providing a relaxing and comfortable environment for families to gather.
Tintswalo Manor House guests have access to a dedicated staff, which includes a private guide, tracker, and safari vehicle, ensuring a personalised and flexible experience. This Manyeleti accommodation offers the ideal setting for exploring the reserve’s natural beauty while enjoying the privacy and comforts of a family vacation home.
Honeyguide Mantobeni Camp
This is an elegant tented camp that combines classic safari aesthetics with modern comforts. Guests can relax in spacious canvas tents with en-suite bathrooms and luxurious furnishings.
Mantobeni is a luxury tent surrounded by garden views, making it an ideal location for a stress-free stay in Manyeleti game reserve. The property includes an infinity pool, garden, and on-site parking, among other amenities.
This property’s amenities include a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk, full-day security, and free WiFi. On clear days, guests can sit outside and enjoy the luxury tent’s outdoor fireplace, or simply relax.
Every unit in the luxury tent has its own terrace. Each unit includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hair dryer, as well as free toiletries. All units in the luxury tent have seating areas.
For visitors planning day trips to nearby landmarks, the luxury tent offers a selection of packed lunches.
Pungwe Safari Camp
Pungwe Safari Camp is a small, secluded camp in Manyeleti Game Reserve that provides a true back-to-nature experience.
Pungwe’s four Meru-style safari tents provide an intimate and exclusive environment for those looking for a more traditional safari experience. Each tent has private en-suite facilities, including a hot water shower and paraffin lamp lighting, evoking the spirit of the original bushveld safari.
Pungwe, located on an unfenced boundary between Sabi Sands and Kruger National Park, provides exceptional opportunities for wildlife viewing without the crowds. The camp’s tranquil surroundings allow guests to enjoy the sights and sounds of the African wilderness uninterrupted.
This Manyeleti lodge is ideal for those who want to escape modern amenities and enjoy the natural tranquillity of the bush.
Mid-Range and Budget Accommodation
Travellers looking for more affordable stays can opt for mid-range and budget-friendly camps that still offer excellent wildlife encounters. These options include:
Buffelshoek Tented Camp
Buffelshoek Camp is an excellent choice for those looking for a rustic and off-the-grid experience – a rustic, eco-friendly camp that delivers a close-to-nature experience with comfortable safari tents and communal dining areas.
This camp, located in the peaceful southeastern corner of Manyeleti, is unfenced and has no electricity, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the natural surroundings.
Buffelshoek Camp has five well-built thatched tents with canvas fronts, offering an authentic bush experience with all of the necessary amenities.
Each tent sleeps two people and has an open-air en-suite bathroom, providing an unparalleled connection to the environment. Guests can relax on their private terraces, which overlook the open savannah and waterholes frequented by African wildlife.
The main camp area includes a cosy lounge, dining area, and a boma where guests can eat meals cooked over an open fire under a starry sky. Buffelshoek Camp is ideal for those looking to enjoy Manyeleti’s natural beauty in a peaceful, intimate setting.
Ndzhaka Camp offers a rustic and rejuvenating stay.
Ndzhaka Camp is an excellent choice for a no-frills experience centred on authentic bush life.
This rustic camp, nestled in a riverine forest, blends seamlessly into its surroundings and allows guests to observe the wildlife that frequents the area. Ndzhaka Camp has five safari tents with open-air en-suites, providing a simple but comfortable retreat.
A private viewing platform allows guests to see the animals that visit the camp’s waterhole, including predators and the reserve’s Big Five. Meals at Ndzhaka are prepared over an open fire and served in a lantern-lit dining area, fostering a communal atmosphere in which guests can share stories and unwind after an exciting day of game drives.
The camp’s relaxed and welcoming atmosphere encourages guests to connect and create memories that will last a lifetime.
As can be seen, Manyeleti Game Reserve lodges and camps offer a diverse range of options for visitors, ensuring that each guest can find accommodation that matches their ideal safari experience.
From the luxury and seclusion of Tintswalo Safari Lodge and Manor House to the off-grid simplicity of Buffelshoek and Ndzhaka Camps, Manyeleti lodges cater to all types of travellers. Each lodge and camp offers a distinct perspective from which to experience the reserve’s rich biodiversity, pristine landscapes, and unparalleled tranquillity of the African bush.
Manyeleti Game Reserve Activities
Manyeleti provides visitors with a variety of activities that cater to different interests. Whether it is a guided safari, a bush walk, or simply enjoying the tranquillity of the landscape, there is something for everyone.
- Game Drives – The highlight of any visit to Manyeleti is the game drive. Conducted in open 4×4 vehicles, these excursions take place in the early morning and late afternoon when wildlife is most active. Experienced guides and trackers lead the drives, providing insightful commentary on animal behaviour, tracking techniques, and the reserve’s ecosystem.
- Walking Safaris – For those wanting a closer connection with nature, walking safaris offer a unique perspective on the African bush. Accompanied by armed rangers, guests can explore the reserve on foot, observing smaller details often missed from a vehicle, such as animal tracks, plant life, and insects.
- Birdwatching – With a rich diversity of bird species, Manyeleti is a prime destination for birdwatching enthusiasts. The reserve is home to raptors, hornbills, kingfishers, and a variety of water birds, making it an excellent location for photography and observation.
- Cultural Experiences – Since Manyeleti is managed by the Mnisi community, visitors have the opportunity to learn about the local culture. Some lodges offer cultural excursions where guests can visit nearby villages, interact with community members, and gain insight into traditional customs and practices.
A typical day routine at Manyeleti Game Reserve
The overall structure of a day on Manyeleti safaris is well-planned to maximise wildlife viewing opportunities.
Mornings typically begin early, as cooler temperatures make this the best time to observe active wildlife. Guests are greeted with a light snack or coffee before embarking on a morning drive.
After the morning game drive, guests return to the lodge for breakfast before relaxing for a while. Most camps have amenities such as pools or libraries where guests can unwind and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Some guests prefer to explore their camp’s walking trails or join a bush walk led by knowledgeable guides.
Lunch and afternoon tea are served before the second game drive, which starts late afternoon and lasts until dusk. This time of day brings a new set of wildlife, as nocturnal animals begin to emerge.
After the sun sets, the drive returns to camp, where guests gather for a dinner under the stars to share their day’s experiences.
The various camps and lodges offer Manyeleti packages tailored to different interests, each providing a unique perspective on this magical safari destination.
Manyeleti Game Reserve Prices
The cost of visiting Manyeleti varies depending on accommodation type and activities included. Below is a general pricing guide:
Luxury Lodges: R8,000 – R15,000 per person per night, including meals, game drives, and guided activities.
Mid-Range Tented Camps: R3,500 – R6,000 per person per night, with some all-inclusive packages available.
Budget Accommodation: R1,500 – R3,000 per person per night, usually self-catering with optional guided activities.
Park Entrance Fees: Generally, R80 – R150 per person per day, though this may vary depending on the accommodation provider.
Manyeleti Game Reserve Prices may fluctuate based on the season, with peak times (such as holidays and winter months) often being more expensive due to higher demand.
Manyeleti Game Reserve Bookings
Booking a stay at Manyeleti can be done through various channels, including:
- Direct Lodge Websites – Many lodges have their own booking systems that allow visitors to reserve accommodation and activities directly.
- Tour Operators – Various safari tour companies offer package deals that include accommodation, meals, and guided activities.
- Travel Agencies – Specialised travel agencies can assist with tailor-made itineraries that include Manyeleti and other South African destinations.
- Online Booking Platforms – Several sites may feature selected lodges and camps for easy reservation.
Due to its exclusivity, Manyeleti Game Reserve bookings should be done well in advance, particularly during peak travel seasons. Those seeking a specific type of lodge or experience should enquire about availability early to secure their preferred choice.
Conclusion
Manyeleti Game Reserve remains a hidden treasure in South Africa’s safari landscape. With its rich wildlife, low visitor numbers, and diverse accommodation options, it provides a truly unique and intimate safari experience.
Whether opting for a luxurious lodge, an eco-friendly tented camp, or a more budget-conscious stay, visitors are guaranteed an unforgettable encounter with nature. From thrilling game drives to peaceful bush walks, Manyeleti offers the perfect blend of adventure and tranquillity, making it an ideal destination for those looking to explore the untamed beauty of Africa.
Balule Game Reserve, Thornybush Private Game Reserve, and Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve Lodges also offer exceptional safari experiences in the heart of South Africa’s wilderness. Each reserve provides luxurious accommodations, world-class game viewing, and exclusive access to the Big Five. Whether you seek the untamed beauty of Balule, the diverse wildlife of Thornybush, or the renowned leopard sightings in Sabi Sands, these lodges ensure an unforgettable African safari adventure.
