Up close and personal with Africa’s Big 5

An off-grid camp in the tranquil southeastern corner of the Manyeleti Game Reserve, Buffelshoek Camp offers the dream combination of repose and elation as guests experience the beauty of the natural landscape and the freedom of an untamed habitat where African wildlife roams free. Buffelshoek Camp is an unfenced, electricity-free camp with a feast of wondrous sights for all guests to see. From animal processions to rustic dining, Buffelshoek is a wonder to behold.

Located near Kruger National Park and the Sabi Sands, Buffelshoek Camp is a game-rich area that knows no borders or boundaries. Housing just five organized, well-built tents where electricity and fences are left for the attention of the rest of the world, guests of Buffelshoek Camp are encouraged to unplug and disconnect from the outside world. Here in Manyeleti, time grinds to a halt as guests enjoy the genuine pleasures of life without distractions and complications – a life where every moment matters.

Each tent has its own well-appointed space within the Manyeleti and accommodates two guests. With a thatch roof and canvas front for the ultimate balance of home comforts and safari experience, guests feel at one with the natural surroundings of the bush. The adjoining open-air en suite bathroom is no exception, allowing guests to feel connected with the unencumbered sky and stars above from the privacy of their own lodging. Complete with a private terrace where guests can revel in the peace of the Manyeleti Game Reserve, Buffelshoek Camp promises epic, once-in-a-lifetime views across the savannah in an unforgettable, authentic bush location.

Sharing the main lounge with just eight other guests, Buffelshoek Camp is cosy and comfortable with all amenities you could need. Wide glass doors lead from the main lounge out into a large dining area with a traditional boma where guests meet for candlelit dinner in the open air. Fully catered with delicious food, including BBQs (or braai) over the open, communal fire pit, stews, and alfresco lunches, Buffelshoek Camp is the place to relax and recharge. Meals at Buffelshoek Camp are prepared over an open fire in an ambient, lantern-lit dining area under the sparkling stars above. Sitting cosy around the evening campfire, guests enjoy interacting with like-minded guests and observing life after dusk in the great African bush.

A large wooden viewing deck provides sweeping views over the waterhole and surrounding veld where rhinos, elephants, and other African animals have been spotted roaming freely throughout the camp. Buffelshoek Camp is home to breathtaking scenery, awe-inspiring animals and unforgettable experiences that will last an entire lifetime.

With friendly, hospitable staff, Buffelshoek Camp is a place where stories are made, told, and shared by all. At Buffelshoek, guests are humbled by up close and personal experiences in a relaxing retreat far away from the outside world. 

Activities at Buffelshoek Camp

Among the most popular activities at Buffelshoek Camp are the daily sunrise and sunset game drives. Encountered in open-top viewing vehicles where game sightings are all but guaranteed, each safari tour is led by a professional guide of the camp’s friendly and hospitable team. Buffelshoek Camp guests are sure to be thrilled as each guide shares his or her favourite recollections of adventures within the African bush. Meanwhile, every guest creates their very own stories to share with their own friends and family back home, all from the comfort and safety of the safari vehicle.

During a morning safari drive, guests experience the great awakening of the African bush while predator and prey alike awake for an action-packed day in the savannah. The evening safari drives offer elusive sightings of nocturnal animals as Buffelshoek Camp guests shine their spotlights across the open plain in sight. Both morning and evening safaris offer a fantastic opportunity for an up-close and personal encounter with the Big 5, along with the likelihood of spotting other birds, mammals and vibrant flora and fauna that make the Manyeleti Game Reserve a magical world to experience.

Throughout the day, Buffelshoek Camp guests enjoy spending time on the viewing platform where animals and birds roam a-plenty. A quiet spot with a prime location within the great expanse of the reserve, guests have seen various animals with many snapping memorable photographs for lifelong memories that last years to come. Guests are frequently charmed by fantastic sights and sounds as curious animals roam throughout the camp in search of their next resting place. 

In the evening, guests delight in a hearty meal prepared by Buffelshoek’s friendly team around the communal firepit or in the traditional African Boma. In an intimate setting with just four other guests and the open African landscape for company, guests of Buffelshoek Camp connect with those sharing in the experience and make friendships for a lifetime. 

Tripadvisor comments about Buffelshoek Camp

Tents are basic, with comfortable beds. You can view game even from your terrace, we had a leopard and a lion right next door and an elephant almost on our terrace. Staff keeps well eye over the area and the clients. Really good authentic African food in familiar atmosphere. A fridge for clients own drinks available. No wifi, but days are so full of activities that you don't need it. A charging station for cameras and other things works most of the time. Manyeleti area has all the game you can dream of and guide doesn't spare his car to find them.

- SusannaFI540 from Nagu, Finland

We have been to Buffelshoek before and we came back because of the location, game drives, and price. We know the accommodation is basic and there is limited internet and electricity but we like the charm and intimacy of the place.

- Wayne & Victoria from London, UK