The best, most characterful game lodges always have that special something that makes them unique, a specific feature that gives them the “wow’ factor and has guests remembering their stay there for years! When it comes to Klaserie Drift Misava Camp (previously known as Angela's Camp), that special something isn’t too hard to identify (in fact it’ll have you standing in awe when you first see it) – it has to be the absolutely jaw-dropping views from the lodge’s pool deck set on a cliff high above the Klaserie River!

Whether you’re relaxing in a comfortable lounger or (even better!) relaxing in the enticing infinity-edge pool during the heat of the day, chances are you’ll spend a massive chunk of the hours between game drives on the deck drinking in the views! Overlooking a huge expanse of the unspoilt bushveld that makes up the Klaserie reserve, you’ll no doubt enjoy unforgettable sightings of animals in the river below and wandering in the bush beyond the far bank!

So how come chances are that you’ve probably never previously heard of Klaserie Drift Misava Camp? The reason lies in the fact that the Klaserie reserve (and its lodges) are perhaps the least well-known of all the private reserves lying on the western border of the Kruger Park, the reserves renowned as offering the best game viewing in the country. In contrast with its better-known immediate neighbour, the Timbavati for example, the Klaserie has enjoyed a much lower public profile up to now (even though it is effectively the same reserve, with the Timbavati lying on the right-hand side of the main access road into the reserve, whilst the Klaserie lies to the left)

The main reason for this lack of a high profile is pretty simple: compared to other prestigious reserves like the Sabi Sand and Timbavati with their profusion of famous luxury lodges, the Klaserie has until very recently being dominated by non-commercial lodges used almost exclusively by their owners as a private retreat for immediate family and friends. Now though, the Klaserie is rapidly starting to open up and many of the old private lodges are re-opening as commercial lodges now bookable by the public.

Klaserie Drift Misava is a recent example of this trend for long-established and well-loved old family camps being extensively refurbished and have now re-opened their doors for public business. Traversing over 10 000 hectares of prime big game territory (including 3 000 hectares for their exclusive use) and having been in private operation since the 1990’s, the game viewing experience is well established and of a superb quality even if the lodge is relatively “new” – the staff here know this land and the animals on it like the back of their hands and are hence able to deliver an absolutely top-notch game viewing experience!

Misava Camp consists of 9 stand-alone rooms of 3 types: there are 4 Garden Suites in the form of traditional rondavels which have been attractively renovated and modernised with air-con etc. (although it’s probably still fair to say that if you’re looking for cutting-edge contemporary style and décor then you would be better off looking at a “new build” lodge); then there are 2 River View Suites which boast lovely views out over the Klaserie River from their position high up on the bluff overlooking the river.

But it's the 3 brand-new River View Villas with Pools that promise to take the lodge to an entirely new level of style and luxury!  The recipe is frankly mouth-watering: the new villas are massively spacious at 145 m2 and boast breathtaking views of the river and expansive surroundings which you can enjoy whilst relaxing in your own rim-flow plunge pool! The style is bang-up-to-date contemporary, with huge floor to ceiling glazing ensuring that you can truly enjoy the stunning views. The villas are well equipped too, with a stand-out feature being the star-beds on the upper roof deck, luxurious indoor and outdoor showers and even gym equipment to lessen your chances of putting on too much weight during your stay (we know how tempting all that delicious food can be!)

The main lodge entertainment areas are in and around a thatched building with a comfortable seating area with TV lounge (with DSTV) and an unusual feature is that the kitchen is open-plan, so you can wander past and watch the chef preparing your next delicious meal! Then there's the stylish newly built open-air bar and boma complete with atmospheric fire-pit – the perfect place enjoy your evenings chatting with fellow guests around the fire with a cold beer or glass of wine in hand before enjoying another delicious dinner under the stars! This area also overlooks a waterhole for some close-up game viewing opportunities.

With its open borders to the Timbavati and Kruger beyond, the twice-daily game drives are likely to satisfy the fussiest of true bush connoisseurs! With traversing over Klaserie Drift’s own 3 000 hectares plus the option to venture further onto neighbouring land, what stands out at Klaserie Drift is both the quality of the game viewing on offer, as well as how uncrowded and unrushed the whole experience is. Unlike other private reserves which have many more lodges and hence many more vehicles, coming across another game vehicle here is the exception rather than the rule. This leads to a much more exclusive and unspoiled feeling with the enthusiastic rangers giving guests the opportunity to enjoy unrushed sightings of the Big Five and other animals that call this uncrowded neck of the Klaserie home!