Tucked into the unfenced wilderness of Manyeleti, one of Greater Kruger's best-kept secrets, Khoka Moya lives up to its Shangaan name – 'Capture the Spirit'. And capture it you will. This is a camp that wears its heart on its sleeve: corrugated iron structures nodding to gold-rush pioneers, canvas tents open to the night sounds, and elephants wandering through to drink from the pool (yes, really). What sets it apart? The fact that children of any age can join game drives – a genuine rarity in this neck of the woods. With Big Five sightings pretty much guaranteed and a laid-back, sociable atmosphere, it's the sort of place where first-timers and seasoned safari-goers alike feel immediately at home.
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The fifteen canvas tents are generously sized at 60 square metres – plenty of room for families of four. Each sits on raised decking with private outdoor seating overlooking the bush, and inside you'll find king-sized beds (or twins), fans, en-suite bathrooms with double showers, and mosquito nets aplenty. On cooler nights, heated mattress pads take the edge off. The décor is unfussy: contemporary African with splashes of colour. Roll up the canvas sides to let the breeze in, and don't be surprised if a passing zebra or impala wanders across your view.
Watching a herd of elephants amble in for a drink – sometimes forty strong – while you're poolside with a cold beer.
The camp is completely unfenced – expect lions roaring, hyenas whooping and elephants wandering past your tent at night. It's all part of the experience, and utterly thrilling.
One of the few Greater Kruger camps where children of all ages are welcome on game drives – brilliant for families, but worth knowing if you're after a quieter, adults-only vibe.
Khoka Moya Camp can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made South Africa trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended South Africa trips featuring Khoka Moya Camp or get advice and suggestions from one of our South Africa specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.
Stays at Khoka Moya Camp start from around $410, or US$410, per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.
Nature lovers will be in heaven in this lesser-known reserve where the true meaning of a safari is revealed.
