Kambaku River Sands

“Unforgettable Experience-truly the best experience”

We just got back from a 5-day stay at Kambaku River Sands, and saying goodbye was incredibly hard. The entire experience was easily the best we’ve ever had, largely because the people here are just amazing. The facilities are absolutely top-notch, and the food was consistently really good, but the… more

We just got back from a 5-day stay at Kambaku River Sands, and saying goodbye was incredibly hard. The entire experience was easily the best we’ve ever had, largely because the people here are just amazing. The facilities are absolutely top-notch, and the food was consistently really good, but the safaris themselves were the real highlight. They happen twice a day for about three hours each, with breaks for drinks and snacks out in the bush. The topography varies quite a bit, with mostly rolling hills and bushveld. It feels entirely authentic because you’re actually tracking and finding the animals through the landscape, rather than just driving up to them on a flat plain surrounded by ten other vehicles. Because it’s a real, wild environment and not a zoo, the animals are on the move. On the quiet stretches, the guides filled the time seamlessly, pointing out fascinating details about the birds, flora, and smaller tracks. Their knowledge is just incredible. We ended up seeing all of the Big 5 multiple times, and we actually checked off the whole list by day two! We were incredibly close to the action—honestly, you don’t even need fancy camera gear because a standard iPhone easily takes decent quality photos at these distances. We even saw baby animals for almost every major species, except for the leopards (though we did see a male and a female in different spots). Every single outing brought something completely new, making the full 5 days well worth it. On our very last drive, we watched three lions probing a herd of over 100 cape buffalo, complete with charges into the herd. It was unforgettable. A few practical tips for anyone planning a trip: it gets incredibly cold whenever the sun is down. For the morning drives, you'll want to dress in heavy layers. For the evening outings, bring warm gear to layer up the second the sun starts setting. Dinners are held outdoors at the lodge, so you will definitely want those warm clothes at the dinner table too! We can't recommend this place enough. The team, the guides, and the wildlife made it a trip of a lifetime.

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“Unforgettable experience!”

This was our first stay in Africa and it was one of the coolest places I’ve ever stayed in. We were there for four nights, and the staff was awesome! From the welcoming drinks to the closing goodbye they took great care of us. We took two safaris a day in a Range Rover. On our first safari we sa… more

This was our first stay in Africa and it was one of the coolest places I’ve ever stayed in. We were there for four nights, and the staff was awesome! From the welcoming drinks to the closing goodbye they took great care of us. We took two safaris a day in a Range Rover. On our first safari we saw the big five in the first few hours. Our guide, Phani, knew where to go for the best views. He served us delicious drinks and snacks on every game drive and provided parkas and blankets when it was cold. He was also available to walk us to and from the lodge after dark to keep us safe. The food was excellent and always prepared by chefs and the family atmosphere was appreciated. Laundry was done daily and the room fridge always stocked. This was an experience our family will never forget and I’d highly recommend it!

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“The warmest, most scenic big five safari in Greater Kruger.”

As a former guide, I've been to MANY camps and lodges in Greater Kruger and across Africa, and Kambaku River Sands stands out in the best way. The arrival is a hug, not a handshake, which sets the tone for being brought into the family here. With many staff being here for over 15 years, you can fee… more

As a former guide, I've been to MANY camps and lodges in Greater Kruger and across Africa, and Kambaku River Sands stands out in the best way. The arrival is a hug, not a handshake, which sets the tone for being brought into the family here. With many staff being here for over 15 years, you can feel the love and joy here. The area explored on game drives is one of the prettiest in Timbavati, and one evening we watched lion, elephant and a white rhino all at once as the sun went down. The boma dinner was a highlight, and in 24 hours I has three leopard sightings and all the big five (the buffalo walked past my bath!). Thank you to all the team (+LJ!).

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“Kambaku River Sands delivers on every aspect of a safari.”

Kambaku River Sands is in the Timbavati National Park about 40 minutes from Hoedspruit airport making it very accessible. Chelsea front of house and Cordy from the minute you arrive making checking in and explaining everything very simple. The Rangers and trackers knew the park inside out and the … more

Kambaku River Sands is in the Timbavati National Park about 40 minutes from Hoedspruit airport making it very accessible. Chelsea front of house and Cordy from the minute you arrive making checking in and explaining everything very simple. The Rangers and trackers knew the park inside out and the night drives and early mornings in the dark where excellent. Big shout to Palance and Kenny our guides and Chad also great knowledge. We seen all the big 5 as well as wild dogs, crocodile, hippo out of the water and numerous bird species. The rooms are huge as are the bathroom area, you also have an inside and outside shower as well as big bath. If you are celebrating a honeymoon (we had 2 couples during our stay) book a private dinning night in the wine cellar, you will not regret it. We did 4 nights and could of stayed for much longer as they make you feel at home as all staff are so friendly. These are the type of people you would want as good friends. We would go back in a heartbeat and thoroughly recommend Kambaku River sands.

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