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Discover Your Safari Stay

Xanatseni Private Lodge

Location

Located within the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, part of the unfenced Greater Kruger National Park, Xanatseni Private Lodge offers an intimate safari experience surrounded by one of South Africa’s most wildlife-rich wilderness areas. The reserve’s open borders with Kruger National Park allow wildlife to roam freely, creating exceptional Big Five game viewing throughout the year.

Named after the area’s distinctive mopane trees, Xanatseni is situated in the eastern section of Klaserie, where a small collection of exclusive safari lodges work together to provide outstanding wildlife experiences while ensuring respectful, low-impact game viewing.

The Lodge

Xanatseni Private Lodge combines relaxed luxury with genuine South African hospitality in an intimate bush setting. With just five beautifully appointed luxury suites, the lodge offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere where personalised service and exceptional wildlife experiences take centre stage.

Its peaceful surroundings, family-friendly environment, and experienced guiding team make Xanatseni an excellent choice for couples, families, and small groups looking for an authentic Greater Kruger safari.

Accommodation

Accommodation consists of five luxury ensuite rooms, including three freestanding suites and two rooms located beneath one roof.

Each room features:

  • King-size or twin beds
  • Ensuite bathroom with bath and shower
  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Mosquito nets
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

The lodge also offers an exclusive Private Manor House, accommodating up to four guests. Perfect for families or friends travelling together, the Manor House includes a dedicated safari vehicle, private guide, and flexible game drive schedule for a completely personalised safari experience.

Facilities & Dining

Designed in a traditional safari style with thatched roofs and open living spaces, Xanatseni provides comfortable communal areas where guests can relax between game drives.

Facilities include:

  • Swimming pool with luxury sun loungers
  • Indoor and outdoor lounge areas
  • Fully stocked bar
  • Traditional fireside boma
  • Open-air thatched gym
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Viewing deck overlooking a nearby waterhole

The fenced camp provides peace of mind for families, while attentive hostess Teniel and her team ensure every guest feels right at home throughout their stay.

Safari Experiences

Twice-daily Big Five game drives explore the diverse landscapes of the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve with experienced rangers and trackers who possess an intimate knowledge of the area.

The guiding team includes Sydney, a tracker who was born and raised at Xanatseni, bringing a lifetime of bush knowledge and local insight to every safari. Morning and afternoon drives maximise wildlife viewing opportunities while allowing guests to appreciate the incredible diversity of the Greater Kruger’s flora and fauna.

Rates

Per Person Sharing
From ZAR 6,460 per night

Single Traveller
From ZAR 7,060 per night

Children (3–11 years sharing with adults)
From ZAR 3,876 per night

Children under 3 years are unfortunately not accommodated.

What’s Included

  • Luxury accommodation
  • Morning and afternoon game drives
  • All meals and snacks
  • Tea, coffee, juice and filtered water
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Gym access

What’s Excluded

  • Bar beverages
  • Road transfers
  • Laundry service
  • Gratuities
  • Enkhulu Gate Fee (R360 per vehicle)
  • Conservation Levy (R520 per person, per night)

Why We Love Xanatseni Private Lodge

Xanatseni Private Lodge offers the perfect balance between comfort, affordability, and authentic safari experiences. Its welcoming atmosphere, experienced guiding team, and intimate size create the feeling of staying with friends rather than at a hotel.

Guests return year after year for the genuine hospitality, excellent wildlife viewing, and relaxed environment that make Xanatseni one of the Klaserie’s hidden gems. For families and small groups, the private Manor House offers an even more exclusive safari experience with a dedicated guide and vehicle.

Customer Reviews

Crafted by People Who Know Safari Best

Mikayla
February 2026
Judy and her team organized an incredible safari experience at Umlani lodge in February 2026 for my friends and I on our trip to South Africa. From start to finish, she was professional, responsive, and provided years of expertise which ultimately allowed us to book the perfect safari experience. They were always quick to respond to questions, provided clear communication throughout the planning process, and made the entire trip feel effortless, which allowed us to fully unwind and enjoy the trip without any stress. We couldn’t have asked for a more memorable safari experience and would highly recommend Wildlife Encounters to anyone planning a trip to the Kruger area.
Berne & Philippe | Switzerland
December 2025
Reviews “We booked our safari in December 2025 through Wildlife Encounters. We spent the first three days at Baobab Ridge, which was a wonderful lodge. The atmosphere was friendly and welcoming, and the ranger in particular organized the game drives with great enthusiasm. We saw all the animals, including the Big Five – all on the same day. We spent the next three days at Thaba Mati Resort – an absolutely fantastic, newer lodge set amidst stunning scenery. At night, you could even watch the hippos at the pond and hear them loud and clear. Judy from Wildlife Encounters organized the trip with great care and everything went wonderfully including the pick-up and all transfers.
Jocelyn
October 2025
When we decided to go to South Africa, we knew that a safari was on our list. What we didn’t know was how to narrow down the numerous options available to us. We sent enquiries to several outfitters, but as soon as we received Judy‘s email, we knew that she could plan the perfect trip for us. We stayed at Xanatseni Private Camp (in Klaserie Nature Reserve) and Umlani Bush Camp (in Timbavati Nature Reserve). In staying at two different camps, we had both a luxury and an eco lodge experience, and two different styles of safari to view the area wildlife. Judy also planned a perfect private tour of Blyde Canyon with an overnight stay at Moholoholo Ya Mati. From the moment we stepped off the airplane to the moment we returned to the airport, everything was seamlessly planned with knowledgeable and professional drivers. We couldn’t have had a better time on this once in a lifetime trip, thoughtfully planned by Judy to ensure we had the best possible experience.
Josh | Canada
November 2024
Took our trip from a worry to an experience of a lifetime! Booking our safari experience was new and a little scary for us. Judy from Wildlife Encounters took all of our desires, gave us suggestions we would never have known to think of, and organized a trip of a lifetime! The communication was exceptional and clear, all of our questions were answered, and from the time we got picked up, to drop off - we didn't have a worry! You could feel Judy's passion, and as a result - our safari experience went beyond our wildest imaginations. nDzuti Bush Camp was one of our stops and a true highlight that we highly recommend experiencing! If you're looking for a communicative, helpful, kind, knowledgeable and a great, priced experience (who wouldn't) then look no further! Wildlife Encounters is truly for you! I have no doubt your experience with Wildlife Encounters will be as exceptional as ours was.
Lacey | USA
July 2024
This was our 1st safari with Wildlife Encounters but it won't be our last! We knew from our first correspondence with Judy, when we were trying to figure out which camp was the right fit for our family, that we were in good hands. Because we were traveling with younger children, we ended up staying at the Tuskers Safari Camp and basically had the place to ourselves. The camp is situated above a watering hole, and we spent countless hours mesmerized by the various animals that came and went right below us. It was amazing! JD is an expert ranger and Vusi a very knowledgeable tracker. They not only found us a variety of wildlife (even the elusive leopard) but also spent time teaching our children all about the bush. From learning fun facts about the wildlife and terrain to stopping the jeep to look at different animal tracks, our kids had so many stories to tell their friends when we returned home. The camp itself was clean and comfortable. Every meal prepared by Victory and her team was tasty and memorable. The staff went out of their way to make sure all our needs were met. We can’t recommend Tuskers and Wildlife Encounters enough!
Ana Paula | Brazil
June 2024
Exceptional Judy and Bruce are super attentive and welcomed us very well. Their campsite is stunning and during our stay elephants were nearby and we were able to watch them from the "balcony" of our tent. Sabre is an incredible ranger and we got to see a lot of animals and learn a lot about the savannah and how it works. We highly recommend it.
Camila Trautmann | Colombia
March 2024
I felt like I was part if the family! If I could give more stars to Judy, Bruce, Sabre, and Justin, I definitely would! I picked the “Best of both worlds” tour and I dońt regret it! Even since de beginning, when booking the tour, I felt I was being taken care of, Judy was so kind and so patient, and she made sure my tour was as incredible as I could imagine. The second place I stayed at is Ndzuti Bush Camp, which is run my Judy and Bruce, and it was amazing, I felt so safe and so welcome there, it being a family business truly makes a difference! I even felt part of the family. And I can’t describe what it feels like to see the animals roaming free, it really changes your life. And Sabre does such an amazing job as a guide! She makes sure everyone is comfortable and happy and is always ready to answer your question. I don’t have enough words to describe what an amazing experience I had, I can’t wait to come back!
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