Bordering on South Africa’s famed Kruger National Park is the Manyeleti Game Reserve, encompassing nearly a hundred square miles of wild bush, populated by all manner of game, up to and including the Big Five. It’s home to some humans as well, namely the Mnisi tribe, who own and manage the lands. The park is private, which means Honeyguides guests are unlikely to cross paths with much outsider traffic.
Aesthetically it’s as authentic as they come, and the offerings, from the food and drink to the twice-daily game drives, are first-rate. We stayed at the Honeyguide Khoka Moya Camp in Greater Kruger, South Africa, from December 26th to 28th, 2023, and would like to share our experience staying with Honeyguide. Our days were filled with various activities in addition to the safari, and it was a fantastic experience.
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Honeyguide Khoka Moya Camp
Transportation to Honeyguide Khoka Moya Camp
Honeyguide Tented Safari Camps are approximately a 6-hour drive from both Johannesburg and Pretoria. If you are travelling to Kruger National Park from South Africa, you will need to fly to Hoedspruit from Johannesburg or Cape Town. Our journey started at Hoedspruit airport, a small airport in the Greater Kruger area. Transfers can be arranged from Hoedspruit Airport and take approximately 40 minutes.
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As our plane landed, we were immediately greeted by lush greenery along the runway. We could already see impalas and giraffes behind the fence. There were no immigration procedures. We followed the crowd and arrived at a roofed luggage pick-up area. As the luggage vehicles arrived, airport staff members unloaded the suitcases and bags and handed them directly to the waiting tourists behind the wooden bench. If you see the staff carrying your luggage, simply raise your hand, and they will place it in front of you.
We were then transferred by our driver from Seasons of Africa, our transfer company in Kruger. Our driver, a very polite lady, drove us in a comfortable four-wheel drive vehicle similar to a Land Rover. We left the airport and turned left onto the main road. Man-made structures disappeared, replaced by trees and bushes. The ride lasted less than an hour, and along the way, we spotted many wild animals, including wildebeest, impala, giraffes, and elephants. We were delighted when our driver stopped a few times on the road, allowing us to take photos.
We passed through the gate and entered the Manyeleti Game Reserve. The asphalt road turned into a dirt road. It took about 15 more minutes from the gate until we reached the camp. Upon disembarking from the vehicle, we were greeted by two staff members from the camp. One of them helped us with our luggage, while the other guided us to the reception area.
The Camp: Honeyguide Khoka Moya
Honeyguide Khoka Moya Camp is situated in the Manyeleti Private Reserve in Greater Kruger, which encompasses the Kruger National Park and its surrounding areas primarily occupied by private entities. The Manyeleti Private Reserve features a savanna woodland landscape with abundant greenery and trees. Common wildlife in the area includes baboons, elephants, lions, and more.
The camp comprises 16 tents, a reception house with a boutique shop, a main lodge featuring a dining area, a bar, and a boma fire area, a spa house overlooking a watering hole, and an outdoor swimming pool. Online photos depict elephants visiting the watering hole or the swimming pool for a drink, although we were not fortunate enough to witness this during our stay.
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The receptionist assisted us with the check-in process. We were informed that venturing out of the tent camp was only permitted at night in the company of a safari guide. As the camp area is not fenced off, it is common for wild animals, such as elephants and lions, to roam around the tents. In the presence of elephants, it is essential to maintain a safe distance. Drinking water is not available in the tents. Each of us was provided with a metal bottle imprinted with the camp’s logo to be filled at the main lodge’s drinking fountain.
Accommodation: Immersed in Nature
We were escorted a short distance to our tent. We stayed at Camp №3. Having a little vigilance helps on the way due to the rain and muddy pools on the dirt road.
Camp №3 is nestled amidst a dense forest. The entrance offers a pleasant view of trees and bushes. Each tent has a patio with two wooden lounge chairs, allowing for relaxation while gazing at the surrounding greenery. You are surrounded by the wild. We were even fortunate enough to spot a family of baboons in the trees. The environment around the camp is tranquil, and the tents are adequately spaced apart, minimizing disturbances from other campers. We heard mostly the sounds of birds and baboons. However, the strong wind at night could be annoying.
Since our arrival, the weather had been stormy, and the winds were powerful. I struggled to fall asleep until I used my noise-cancelling Air Pod Pro to block out the noise.
The tent camp is spacious. Upon sliding open the doors, a large sofa with a wooden frame and a coffee table comes into view. To the right, there is a wooden writing table and a chair. The double bed is positioned in the center of the room, enclosed by a mosquito net. Behind the wall, there is an open bathroom with two sinks and two showers. Shampoos, body lotions, and shower gel are provided, along with body and face towels. The toilet is discreetly tucked away in the corner behind the separating wall. It is worth noting that a hairdryer is not provided in the room and must be borrowed from the reception.
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Staying in the tent feels perfectly safe as it is constructed with a few layers of durable plastic materials. The sides of the tent and the sliding door are lined with mosquito net. A bottle of bug spray is also provided in the room.
Wi-fi is only accessible in the main lodge area, although we were able to receive a strong wi-fi signal in our tent, likely due to its proximity to the main lodge. A notable highlight is the heated mattress pad. Given the cold weather during our stay, with nighttime temperatures around 14°C, we were pleasantly surprised to discover that the bed had a heating feature. The staff should have activated the heated mattress pad during room service. It ensured that we remained comfortably warm in bed.
Culinary Delights: Dining at Khoka Moya
We took some time to explore our room before realizing it was already lunchtime. At Khoka Moya, meals are served in three sessions each day. Breakfast is served after the morning game drive, around 09:00. Lunch is served at 14:00, and dinner follows the afternoon game drive, around 19:30.
During mealtime, guests gather at the main lodge. The sound of a drum signifies that the meals are ready, and we can proceed to our assigned tables. During dinner, the culinary staff sings an African song, and the chef comes out to describe the dinner menu.
The meals are served buffet-style. For breakfast, there is a selection of salads, sausages, bacon, cereals, granola, croissants, and eggs cooked at the egg station. Lunch typically includes vegetables and a choice of meat or fish, depending on availability, served with rice or pasta. Dinner is similar but more elaborate than the other meals. Coffee, tea, and other beverages are available, and you can also order alcoholic beverages such as red wine or a gin and tonic from the bar. We personally ordered gin and tonic and Amarula, which came with an additional charge.
The food quality was excellent. The dishes were well-seasoned, and the food was served hot. Throughout our stay, we enjoyed a variety of meat and fish dishes, including pork ribs, kingklip fish (a local fish commonly found in the waters around the Cape Town area), and springbok. Additionally, a separate dessert was served towards the end of each meal, adding a sweet touch to the dining experience.
| Meal | Typical Offerings |
|---|---|
| Breakfast | Salads, sausages, bacon, cereals, granola, croissants, eggs (cooked at egg station) |
| Lunch | Vegetables, choice of meat or fish, rice or pasta |
| Dinner | Similar to lunch but more elaborate, with a separate dessert |
Safari Experience: Encounters with Wildlife
After having lunch, we went on our first wildlife safari at Khoka Moya. The afternoon safari began at 17:00 (morning safari starts at 05:30). We waited in the area between the main lodge and the reception house. It was raining quite heavily. When the safari vehicles arrived, we were unsure which vehicle to board or which safari guide to follow. We felt confused. Eventually, one of the guides informed us that we would be riding with Vesmond, the leader of the guides. It appeared that we were not the only ones who felt puzzled during the first safari at the camp. Some tourists who arrived the next day also faced a similar situation.
The safari vehicle was a roofed open four-wheel drive transformed from Toyota’s Land Cruiser, with 10 seats. The seating arrangement consisted of three rows, with each row elevated higher than the previous one, ensuring unobstructed views for all passengers. The two of us sat in the last row, which happened to be the bumpiest. It took us some time to figure out how to settle into our seats with our belongings. We occupied the two side seats and used the middle seat to hold our bags and bottles. It is important to be cautious while seated, especially when the vehicle is in motion since there are no doors next to one’s legs, except for a small threshold. However, there is a handrest, and if needed, it is advisable to hold onto the handrail in front.
The vehicle’s floors were wet and slippery due to the rain, so caution was necessary when boarding or disembarking the vehicle since it had some height. Vesmond provided us with rain ponchos to keep us dry and warm. These ponchos were a lifesaver since the temperature dropped significantly after dark.
The wildlife safari experience felt like a ride on Disneyland’s Jungle River Cruise. The mud pools on the floor and the heavy rain made it feel as if we were on a boat, adding to the excitement. Occasionally, the vehicle would navigate bumpy roads, giving it a thrilling touch. Vesmond proved to be a knowledgeable guide. Whenever we spotted animals, he would explain their characteristics and features, including how to distinguish between males and females. He was happy to answer our questions.
In terms of wildlife, we frequently encountered wildebeests and impalas. However, the animal we spotted the most were elephants. We saw herds of elephants, always in groups of five, during every safari. On the morning safari the following day, we were fortunate to witness hippos walking on the grass near a river. This was a rare sight as hippos typically remain in the water during the daytime to protect their sensitive skin from sunburn. However, due to the heavy rain obscuring the sun, they ventured out.
During the second afternoon game drive, Vesmond received a radio message from other guides informing him that lions had been sighted on the road. This was possibly our only opportunity to see lions on safaris with Khoka Moya, so Vesmond increased the vehicle’s speed. We all had an exhilarating time enjoying the roller coaster-like ride. Thankfully, we made it to the location and were able to spot the lionesses on the road.
Both the morning and afternoon safaris included breaks for refreshments. In the morning, we had a coffee break, and in the afternoon, we enjoyed a sundowner drink. Our guide selected scenic spots, such as a road next to a pond or an open field, where we could relax and stretch our legs.
While we couldn’t spot all of the Big 5 animals at Khoka Moya, it was known to be challenging to see leopards and rhinos in that particular location. However, we still had a fantastic time on the safaris.
Other Experiences: Spa and Laundry Services
One of the highlights of our experience at Honeyguide Khoka Moya Camp was the spa massage. We both opted for a one-hour full body massage. The price for the massage was quite reasonable, around USD 50. It provided a much-needed release from the tiredness accumulated from our journey and safaris.
The massage house had a wonderful feature - it faced directly toward the watering hole, allowing us to enjoy a scenic view during our massage sessions. It’s worth noting that there was only one bed in the massage house, so we took turns for our one-hour massages. Reservations for the spa can be made at the reception house at any time.
Another fantastic amenity was the laundry service. The cost was quite cheap, at ZAR 150 (USD 8) per bag of clothes. The best part is that you can fill the bag with as many clothes as you like, and the price remains the same. There are no additional charges for individual pieces of clothing, such as t-shirts or socks.
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