• EXPLORER CAMP
    EXPLORER CAMP

    The closest to nature you can get . South Africa

Honeyguide Explorer Camp

Honeyguide Explorer Camp is a new, exclusive and wildly unique walking safari experience, set within the Manyeleti Game Reserve amongst some of the best Big Five territory in South Africa.

This intimate camp consists of just 4 tents catering to maximum 8 guests offering a unique 4-day/3-night program centered around walking amongst the big five and the African bushveld.

It will only run from April to September, due to seasonal changes in the landscape.

This experience is designed for travelers who want to move with the bush rather than merely observe it. This is a more active, adventurous safari, one that trades permanent structures for immersion, and predictability for discovery, while maintaining Honeyguide’s promise of attainable luxury and comfort.

Set within a mobile campsite, Explorer Camp is intentionally temporary and lightly placed in the landscape. Without the comforts and separation of a permanently established lodge, guests are far more connected to their surroundings – the sounds, scents, and rhythms of the wild become part of daily life. Nights are quieter, walks are longer, and the bush feels closer because it quite literally is.

This experience is best suited to confident, curious travelers who enjoy walking safaris, early starts, and the physicality of exploring on foot. Comfort is still thoughtfully considered, but the emphasis is on authenticity, movement, and a deeper engagement with one of Africa’s wildest regions.

If your idea of luxury includes immersion, simplicity, and stories earned rather than scheduled, Explorer Camp delivers safari in its most elemental form.

INCLUDED:
- Game drives & walking safaris
- Morning walks with juice, water & snacks
- Breakfast ×3 | Lunch ×3 | Dinner ×3
- Local wines, spirits, beers, soft drinks, water, tea & coffee.

EXLUSIONS:
- Gate Fees
- Premium wines
- Laundry
- Conservation Fees
- Gratuities

PLEASE NOTE:

The Honeyguide Explorer Camp can also be booked outside of our 3-day Explorer Experience from April-September. Please mail reservations@honeyguidecamp.com for a custom booking at Honeyguide Explorer Camp & further details.

Honeyguide Camps are unfenced, allowing wildlife to roam freely. Don't be surprised if you hear the whoop of a hyena, the deep roar of a lion, or elephants moving through camp – it's all part of the magic of an authentic African safari.

See our HGEX Brochure for the full experience itinerary and details:


View Our Brochure

Gallery

Camp Details

Dates & Check-In

  • Guests can only book the full Explorer Camp Experience from April-September.
  • Check-in days & times: Checking in can only happen on a Monday or a Thursday between 12:00-14:00.
  • Arrangements for booking Explorer Camp outside of the set itinerary will be shared upon confirmation of your booking with our reservations team.

Accommodation

Only 4 tents available

Mobile tent on wooden deck with twin beds & mosquito nets

2 x luggage racks (larger luggage will be stored at Khoka Moya Camp)

2 x safari chairs and a small coffee table

Shower & wash basin with hot water. Small vanity & chemical cassette toilet.

Safe

The mess tent and bar area are styled in classic Hemingway-inspired safari fashion, featuring a communal dining space alongside a relaxed lounge, bar, and a small library where guests can unwind between activities. The self-service bar offers a good selection of local beverages, with a range of premium brands available for purchase.

In order to minimise our environmental footprint and comply with environmental impact guidelines, the camp operates on solar power. Both breakfast and dinner are served as plated meals, offering a modern menu inspired by African flavours and ingredients. Afternoon tea is served daily.

Quick Facts

Check-in/Arrival: Arriving on time is crucial, as you may hold up other guests and/or you might miss the first walking activity to Explorer Camp.

Tent Capacity: Up to max 2 Adults (no u/18 year olds)
Accommodation Type: Full Board & drinks
Number of Tents: 4 Tents
Size of Tents: 24 sqm

Distance from Khoka Moya Camp: 800m
Electricity in tent: Yes. Solar powered. 
Children Friendly: No.
Minimum Age: 18 years or older
WIFI: Basic WiFi access will be available in the mess tent. 
Max No of guests: 8 persons  
Airport Transfers: Available 
Swimming Pool: No, with exception of Day 2 visiting Mantobeni Camp.
Catering for special dietary requirements: With advance notice 
Safe storage: Safe lockable box in each tent 
Laundry: Service provided at an extra charge for guests 

Transfers

2027:

HDS to Manyeleti – rate R 2700.00 per way (R 5400.00 roundtrip) – for 1-9 persons We require confirmed flight details to book the service, subject to availability.

Directions

Honeyguide Tented Safari Camps are situated in the Manyeleti Private Game Reserve. You will arrive at the Honeyguide Khoka Moya Camp and complete check in procedures & safety briefings. Guests will then depart on foot towards the Explorer Camp and their first walking safari experience.  

It is crucial that guests adhere to the check-in times (12:00-14:00) as the walk can only start once all guests are present. In the case of very late arrivals, it is possible that those guests may miss the first guided walk to the Explorer Camp.

By car from Johannesburg or Pretoria: 

Honeyguide Tented Safari Camps is approximately 6 hours’ drive from Johannesburg.  
 
From Johannesburg (R22), proceed towards Belfast. Exit the N4 at the Belfast intersection, enter town and turn right at the second stop sign in the direction of Dullstroom (R540). 
 
Continue to Lyndenburg via Dullstroom. In Lyndenburg turn left and take R36 to Origstad. Continue in the direction of Hoedspruit via Abel Erasmus pass and JG Stijdom Tunnel. 
 
Shortly after crossing the Blyde River, turn right in the direction of Orpen/Swadini (R531). Approximately 10km further, do not take the right turn to Swadini but continue straight in the direction of Klaserie. Continue pass Klaserie and turn left at the Orpen signpost and continue until you see the Manyeleti Reserve sign (approximately 36km). Turn right to enter the reserve and follow the Honeyguide Tented Safari Camp signs. 

By car from Hoedspruit: 

Honeyguide Tented Safari Camps is approximately 40 minutes’ drive from Hoedspruit Airport. 
 
From Hoedspruit Airport, travel south on the R527 towards Klaserie & continue past Klaserie, turn left at the Orpen signpost and continue until you see the Manyeleti Reserve sign (approximately 36km). Turn right to enter the reserve and follow the Honeyguide Tented Safari Camp signs. 
 
GPS Coordinates:  
 
24°32'06.9"S 31°24'00.4"E 

Rates

View 2027 RATES

Rate Inclusions

Accommodation
Game Drives & Bush Walks as per itinerary
Morning Walks with juice, water & snacks
Breakfast x 3 | Lunch x 3 | Dinner x 3
Local wines, spirits, beers, soft drinks, water, coffee & tea
Daily conservation fee.

Daily Planner

DAY 1: INTO THE WILD

Check-in: Mondays & Thursdays 12:00-14:00

Guests check in at Khoka Moya Camp, where safety briefings and formalities are completed. Time to relax in the lounge before setting off on foot for Honeyguide Explorer Camp. The walk to camp takes a few hours, focusing on indigenous flora and the smaller details of the bush. This is Big Five territory, so anything is possible. Lunch is enjoyed en route. Arrive at Explorer Camp with time to settle in before meeting around the boma for pre-dinner drinks and a relaxed dinner under the stars in our mess/lounge tent.

DAY 2: WALKING THE BIG 5

An early start with tea or coffee before heading out on a three-hour guided walk toward our sister property, Honeyguide Mantobeni Camp. Wildlife encounters are not guaranteed, but elephants are often on the move at this time of year, and you will almost surely encounter various other forms of wildlife.

On arrival, a well-earned breakfast awaits, followed by time to unwind by the pool or book a spa treatment. Later, guests are transferred back to Explorer Camp to freshen up before an afternoon game drive. The route, and the sightings, are decided by the bush on the day. Return to camp for pre-dinner drinks and dinner.

DAY 3: BUSH BREAKFAST & NEW HORIZONS

Wake to the sounds of the bush and enjoy a hot drink before heading out on a morning game drive. Instead of returning to camp, stop for a bush breakfast in the wild. Later, visit Nourish Eco Village, before returning to camp for lunch. In the afternoon, head out in the game cruiser to explore a new area of the reserve, returning to camp for a final evening around the fire and a memorable last dinner.

DAY 4: FAREWELL TO THE BUSH

Enjoy a final morning bush walk before returning to camp for breakfast. Guests are then transferred back to Honeyguide Khoka Moya Camp to complete check-out procedures.

No Under 18s.

Rate Exclusions

Gate fees
Premium wines
Laundry
Curio shop purchases
Gratuities