Satvik Backpackers

Have a high terrain vehicle, roads are slippery when rain fall is more than a day This is a lovely serene quiet place for an overnight stay Not longer than 2 days Noteworthy details: Louis Jordaan is an understanding, friendly & helpful gentleman, Petros is his right hand man

Satvik is a "Back to Basics" kind of stay in a Nature Reserve on Groot-Letaba just outside of Tzaneen. We stayed in the Family Cottage. Lets get started with the good: The Hosts are friendly and accommodating. The accommodation is basic and functional and lends itself to the "Backpackers" feel. You really get the feel of old style farming life back when things were simpler. The outdoor shower is an interesting touch and once we got used to the idea we really enjoyed it. We didn't find anything that we really didn't like. It is very close to Tzaneen and the surrounding areas so location is convenient and central. There is a communal lookout point and sundowner spot overlooking the Groot-Letaba that features a washing area, Braai Facilities and even a Wood fired Pizza Oven. It is a great place to relax and take in the natural Beauty. The Family Cottage had its own Fire Pit with a great view of the neighboring farms orchards. It had a Secluded and Cozy feel to it. As for the Not-So-Good: The main entrance road has been spoken of in other reviews, my recommendation is that you have a high ground clearance vehicle to enter via the main entrance. There is an alternative entrance for ordinary cars but it is not sign-posted. The roads are periodically maintained but being in a high rainfall area and on a steep incline they don't last long. There are no TV's, Cell Reception is Sketchy and there is no Wi-Fi but then again, I think those might just distract from the overall back to basics feel of the place. The accommodation was not "AirBnB" type luxury and as mentioned in another review feels somewhat like a contractors camp or more accurately like a farm workers residence. I think this adds to the atmosphere rather than detracting from the experience, getting a feel for how 95% of the rest of the world live while still having the comforts of basic modern amenities is really something everyone should experience now and then. Overall I would recommend Satvik Backpackers for families and groups. We had a great time playing board games, cards and generally talking amongst ourselves and the Hosts and other Guests. Human Social Interaction without the distractions of technology turned out to be a welcome change from the competitive traditional accommodation we have come to expect.

This campsite is located just far enough out of town to be secluded. Has a wonderful location on the dam side which is close enough to fish on. The campsite itself can be rather small for large groups. We went as a group of 7 in our one campsite and we might have struggled had we tried to fit more on. The bathrooms were clean and the showers are rustic and open to the elements for that "au natural" feel. Pity about the hot water though as the gas powered geyser struggles with high amounts of people needing to shower. Overall, a very nice stay.

We stayed at Satvik for two nights and the service was amazing! They're so incredibly accommodating and friendly. Curly Sue the dog and Tiger the cat made our stay extra special. Would highly recommend a stay in this place.

Rustic and relaxing - a great place to detox and close to things like very necessary cold beers.

Greatest service I've ever had! Friendly staff, amazing views. It's cozy and beautiful!

Amazing backpackers located near Tzaneen in a hidden valley covered in lakes and forest …unbelievableRooms: 5/5

Very very BAD Pictures and condition of road bathrooms and accommodation NOT AT ALL THE SAME AS IN THE PHOTOS. HAD ALOT OF DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE

Awesome gem hidden away, so relaxed beautifull scenery

What a BAD experience.It is a contractors camp. We left and look for alternative accomodation. Not at all what the pictures reflect!!!!!Rooms: 1/5