Key Takeaways
- "Big 5" as well as cheetah and wild dog
- Game Drives, Walking Safaris and Bush Hide
- The owner ran and managed
- Fantastic for families and star gazing
- Traversing in both Timbavati and Klaserie Reserve
Lodge Information
- Lodge type; Safari Lodge
- Location; Timbavati Nature Reserve, South Africa
- Lodge size; 8 Rooms
- Recommended stay; 2-5 nights
Discover The Magic Of A Timbavati Safari Lodge When On A Kambaku Wildlife Safari
Renowned for its warm hospitality, Kambaku Safari Lodge is a small, intimate lodge perfect for both "Big 5" safaris and small family/friend safari groups.
Located in the famed Timbavati Nature Reserve, morning and afternoon game drives are combined with safari walks and time at the Twins Hide, making it the ideal lodge for a "Big Five" safari.
Being owner-run and managed means that safari can be a family adventure; travel together, eat together, laugh together and create lasting memories of a truly unique African Safari.
Reserve Information
The Timbavati Nature Reserve reserve covers approximately 60 000 hectares of pristine African bush adjacent to the world-famous Greater Kruger National Park of South Africa. All fences between the Timbavati, Kruger, Klaserie and Umbabat have been removed for years, and wildlife moves freely between areas as it once did.
The Timbavati Game Reserve, in which Kambaku is located, is famed for its birdlife (over 360 species) and wildlife (over 40 species of mammal), including white lions and the famed "Big Five".
Kambaku Safari Lodge is the only lodge to be able to traverse both the Timbavati Reserve and Klaserie Reserve. The lodge has over 1000ha of sole traverse area.
Rooms And Suites
Kambaku offers up eight individually decorated thatched chalets. Four-poster beds draped with mosquito nets offer a restful night's slumber, an en-suite bathroom with shower and bath and a private viewing veranda with views out over the waterhole.
Chalet Facilities:
- Overhead fan
- 220V power supply with adapters
- Mini safe.
Three inter-leading chalets allow families to be together within their own space from which to enjoy their safari time.
Cuisine And Wine
With the emphasis on warm hospitality, you can expect hearty brunches, delicious high teas and unforgettable dinners under the African sky. Bush dinners and Boma meals are also part of the safari experience (weather dependent).
Local branded beers and spirits, as well as house wines and soft drinks, are all included in the safari, including for the sundowner game drive. A selection of premium wines, champagnes and spirits are available; please ask the staff for pricing details.
The kitchen at Kambaku Safari Lodge strives to cater to all tastes and dietary requirements and will happily cater for vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free and Halal.
Please note that they are, however, unable to cater for Kosher dietary requirements.
Lodge Facilities
The main lodge area at Kambaku Safari Lodge is fully fenced and features a deck and swimming pool, bar area, boma, curio shop and safari library. On cool evenings the main lodge has a warm lounge with a fireplace to relax in after a day on safari.
An upper mezzanine level houses a pool table for the younger generation and a games corner with children's books, board games, puzzles and crafts. Childminding services are also available at an additional cost.
Being focused on the family safari, Kambaku Safari Lodge offers their Kub's Program to all children 6-12 years of age. A range of outdoor activities for children to participate in, from spoor casting and bush orientation to jewellery making at birding. The 'Junior Ranger for a Day' will also allow children to obtain a certificate to acknowledge their achievements while on safari.
Use of the gym facilities and spa treatments are available for the sister lodge - Kambaku River Sands.
Wi-Fi is available in the main reception area, and although there are no landline telephones, there is limited cell phone reception. Limited laundry service is included in your stay.
Safari Activities
Morning game drives depart just before sunrise; this a chance to see some of the region's rarest wildlife, white lion, African wild dog, and, if you are lucky, a bashful and shy aardvark. The expert guides at Kambaku Safari Lodge will try to ensure that your 3-hour drive in the early morning light reveals all of the bushes' secrets.
The afternoon game drive takes place after a sumptuous high tea, and the heat of the day is ending. There is always an opportunity for sundowner drinks before heading back to the lodge in the illuminated spotlight in search of the nocturnal creatures of the African bush.
The ultimate 'intimate encounter' with the indigenous beauty of the bushveld; a guided walking safari. Be led out into the immense richness of the savannah by your experienced and knowledgeable game ranger. Learn more about the environment you have been encountering on your drives, sample wild fruits and learn to identify animal spoor. A walking safari is one of the most riveting experiences in the Timbavati Reserve.
For those wishing to have a more 'private' safari and families with children younger than four years of age, a private vehicle can be booked at additional cost.
There is a hide at Twins Dam, which is particularly good for birdlife. Raised on slits and with a thatch roof, the wildlife hide is an excellent place to spend a few hours overlooking the dam in search of birds and wildlife. Sleepouts here can also be arranged.
"Photographic Safaris" and curated "Art Safaris" are occasionally available at Kambaku Safari Lodge (tutor and guide availability), a unique way to enhance your skills and fully appreciate your natural surroundings.
Family Friendly
Kambaku Safari Lodge is ideal for families looking to enjoy an unforgettable African safari experience in the Timbavati Game Reserve. Its unique location, nestled in the bushveld of the Greater Kruger National Park, ensures that guests can experience wildlife and nature at its best.
Kambaku Lodge prides itself on being family-friendly, providing all the amenities and activities necessary to ensure that both adults and children alike can enjoy their stay. From its "Family Suites" with interleading rooms to the Kambaku Kub's Program for kids from 6-12 years old, families are sure to have an amazing experience.
Children of all ages are welcome at Kambaku Safari Lodge, and whatever the age, children will be able to join in on game drives (at the ranger/management's discretion).
In Conclusion
Kambaku Safari Lodge is the perfect destination for those looking to experience a unique African safari. With its breathtaking views of the famed Timbavati wildlife and bird species, warm hospitality, and delicious cuisine included in your stay, Kambaku offers an unforgettable adventure that will create lasting memories.
Whether you are travelling with family or friends, Kambaku provides all the comforts of home while immersing yourself in nature's beauty.
With so much on offer, it is no wonder that Kambaku Safari Lodge has become one of the most popular destinations for family safaris!
Rates from R7 200.00 per person
- Kambaku Safari Lodge Rates
- Per person per night sharing (pp)
- Rates are in South African Rands
- *Rates may vary according to season
- Accommodation
- Two daily game drives and bush walks / walking safari
- All meals, teas and coffees
- House wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks
- Unlimited WiFi
- Laundry
- Use of the gym
- Premium wines and Champagne
- Spa Treatments
- Private safari vehicle (with ranger)
- Curio shop purchases
- Gratuities
- Entrance fee and Conservation levies
- Transfers and optional activities
Private Game Lodges Near Kruger National Park
A trip to Greater Kruger National Park in South Africa is an unparalleled experience, allowing visitors to observe some of the world's most spectacular wildlife in their natural habitat.
With access to exclusive areas of the park, luxurious accommodations, expert guides and personalised service, these private game lodges provide guests with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore and enjoy the African wilderness.
Singita Sweni Lodge Review
Are you looking to immerse yourself in a once-in-a-lifetime African safari experience? Look no further than the iconic Singita Sweni Lodge.
As one of South Africa’s premier safari lodges, Singita Sweni offers stunningly luxurious accommodations and an abundance of exciting wildlife sightings that will create memories to last a lifetime.
Greater Kruger Family Safari
"How many more sleeps?” this became our son's wake-up call as the days neared his first ‘safari’ to the Greater Kruger National Park.
James and I had decided to combine a bit of family time with a quick update of the 'family friendly safari lodges' in the greater Kruger area.
My 4 Day Kruger Adventure
My 4-Day Kruger Adventure was one of the highlights of my travelling; having not visited the area for such a long time, the Kruger National Park was stunning.
Leaving Cape Town and flying north to OR Tambo and then a 5-hour drive to the Kruger from where we stayed in parks board accommodation.