MISAVA SAFARI CAMP
Luxury has been given a new name at Klaserie Drift, on the banks of the Klaserie River in Mpumalanga, and that name is Misava, which means Earth. Klaserie Drift owners and founders have opened Misava Safari Camp to the world, having breathed new life into one the original and oldest camps in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve.
This site was first purchased in 1936 by Edwin Crookes before the reserve was even formally established in 1969. This pristine land stayed in the family for six decades until 1997, when it was acquired by the current owners, who have fiercely preserved its history.
Travelers now enjoy serene luxury in five opulent units, overlooking the wilderness and river, and passing wildlife and birdlife. Three of the site’s original rondavels have been carefully converted to sumptuous fivestar rooms. Two additional villas were built from the ground up, as premium accommodation for honeymooners, romantic getaways, and travelers in search of ultimate luxury in the bush.
Each suite has received a native Shangaan name, after the five elements: Misava (Earth), Mati (Water), Moya (Air), Kwetsima (Spirit), and Ndzilo (Fire). Decorated in quintessential Klaserie Drift splendor and simple charm, the suites are equipped with modern conveniences and comforts. These include air conditioning and ceiling fans, kingsize beds, TVs with full DSTV bouquet, luxury amenities and turn-down service, private decks overlooking the wilderness, and, of course, free WiFi for on-thespot Instagramming.
A close-knit team with a family feel the Klaserie Drift team deliver a warm, personalized safari to travelers in search of a soulful African getaway. Misava Safari Camp is a small boutique lodge, offering exclusivity and a fivestar experience to a maximum of ten guests at a time. The 60 000-hectare Klaserie Private National Park is the expansive home to no more than five commercial lodge groups, which guarantees guests undisturbed enjoyment of the best animal sightings, low vehicle density, and personal attention.
The transformation of Misava Safari Camp has been a personal event for those who live and work at Klaserie Drift. The owners, a married couple, took a hands-on approach to the project with Adriaan Maarschalk, a qualified architect, taking charge of the architectural plans for the old rondavels and the new villas. Meanwhile, almost all the paintings in the lodge and in the suites are the artworks of co-owner and artist, Mariette Maarschalk, each offering a window into her deep love of Africa.