The Royal Portfolio, a South African luxury hospitality group, will officially open Masiya’s Camp on June 1 within the Thornybush Nature Reserve, part of the Greater Kruger National Park.
The camp, which is the group’s first tented property, offers a new take on safari accommodation through bold design and a focus on individualized guest experiences.
Masiya’s Camp is named in honor of Wilson Masiya, a certified Master Tracker who played a foundational role in the development of Royal Malewane’s safari experience.
A Mozambican refugee who became one of South Africa’s most respected trackers, Masiya worked with the company from its inception in 1999 until his passing in 2015.
Unlike many traditional safari lodges, the new camp features a design approach that favors vivid colors, eclectic furniture, and diverse African art.
Co-owner Liz Biden curated the interiors, incorporating art from regional artists like Tafadzwa Tega, Nontsikelelo Veleko, and Kate Gottgens. According to duty manager Ray Mayer, “The pink tents have been ‘the talk of the bush.’”
According to Travel + Leisure, the six tented suites range from 1,076 to 2,476 square feet and include private plunge pools, elevated decks, and minibars stocked with complimentary refreshments.
The open-plan layouts are divided by curtains rather than walls and feature both indoor and outdoor showers. Artisanal touches such as East African-style doors and Moroccan vases contribute to the camp’s distinctive aesthetic.
Safari activities include two daily game drives and optional guided bush walks. Due to its private reserve location, the camp offers a quieter game viewing experience, with the ability to drive off-road, explore on foot, and continue excursions after dark.
Over the course of a two-night stay, guests commonly encounter the Big Five and other notable wildlife.
Dining is flexible, with guests able to choose when and where they eat. Meals include vegetarian and lighter options, catering to modern dietary preferences.
Dishes range from grilled cheese with Bovril to impala loin and South African-inspired desserts like “bush banoffee.”
Though Masiya’s does not yet have its own spa, guests can book treatments at the nearby Royal Waters Spa or arrange in-tent massages.
The camp plans to add an on-site spa in the coming months. It currently accommodates children over 10, with younger guests permitted only if the entire camp is booked.
Sustainability measures include solar and hydronic energy systems, limited use of single-use plastics, and the use of mixed-use waste materials in flooring.
While two tents are step-free, the main area is not currently wheelchair accessible, though a ramp is planned for future use.
For operators in the outdoor hospitality industry, Masiya’s Camp offers a case study in blending luxury, sustainability, and strong storytelling.
Its integration of cultural identity, environmental consciousness, and premium service may provide insights for glamping operators and lodge owners seeking to differentiate their offerings in a competitive landscape.
The balance between off-grid experiences and high-end comfort reflects a growing trend in experiential travel, and its flexible meal service model could inspire similar innovations in guest autonomy.
Masiya’s Camp is accessible via flights to Hoedspruit Airport from Cape Town or Johannesburg, with a 40-minute transfer arranged by the property. Charter flights can also land directly at the Royal Malewane’s private airstrip.