Perched comfortably on the banks of a perennial river, Kambaku River Sands is a luxurious but affordable safari destination in Timbavati Private Game Reserve. The camp is unfenced and shares unfenced borders with Kruger National Park, so wildlife - large and small - are free to roam through the camp and the reserve as a whole.

Highlights
  • Unfenced camp makes for free movement of wildlife
  • Game viewing from your own private deck
  • Morning and evening game drives
  • Bushwalks
  • Birding from the local hide at Twins Dam
  • Overnight sleep out
  • Indoor and outdoor pool
  • Spa treatments
  • Gym

When you're on safari at Kambaku River Sands, you'll be able to view the passing game from your own private deck or from the main lodge. Common visitors that you'll meet up close and personal include elephant, buffalo and bushbuck. It's an elephant-rich area and Kambaku shares its name with one of the legendary 'magnificent seven' large tuskers that roamed the area a century ago. The area is also famous for its White Lions of Timbavati.

Ancient history, modern comforts

All eight thatched suites are elegantly decorated, with private viewing decks offering spectacular views over the dry riverbed or the surrounding bush. All sliding doors are protected with mosquito screening and all beds are draped with classic white satin mosquito nets. These luxury suites are equipped with a minibar, butler's tray, en-suite bathroom with spa bath, indoor and outdoor shower and a private toilet overlooking the wild surrounds.

Luxurious main lodge

The main lodge has a spacious lounge with two enormous open fireplaces for the chilly winter nights. From the bar, you can watch elephants drinking out of the swimming pool while you enjoy a chilled glass of your favourite drink. A generous lookout deck has also been recently added.

Kambaku River Sands in South Africa's Timbavati Private Game Reserve

Superb wining and dining

Enjoy great wilderness cuisine perfected by your hosts, with good company and offerings from their wine cellar, stocked with a fine selection of the best South African wines. Weather permitting, you may also be treated to wonderful boma dinner evenings, complete with dancing.

Getting there

By air - Daily flights from Cape Town and Johannesburg land at nearby Eastgate Airport, and a shuttle to the lodge is available at an additional cost.

By road - By car, it's approximately a six-hour drive from Johannesburg. Charter flights and road transfers can also be arranged.

Our take on Kambaku River Sands

Owner-managed, Kambaku's Bryce and Nicola go out of their way to offer you a personal, guided wildlife experience that will leave you with incredible memories. We have no hesitation in recommending Kambaku River Sands for an affordable, luxury, up-close-and-personal safari experience of a lifetime.

Includes
  • Early morning game drive or bushwalk
  • Late afternoon/evening game drive
  • Game drive snacks, brunch, high tea and dinner
  • Unlimited Wi-Fi available in reception and main lodge areas
  • Tea, coffee, local beers and soft drinks
  • Minibars
Excludes
  • Timbavati gate fee
  • Timbavati conservation levies
  • Transfers to and from Kambaku Safari Lodge & Kambaku River Sands
  • Laundry
  • Curio shop items
  • Bar spirits, imported beers and wines
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The Timbavati Game Reserve is most famous for its white lions, which are still spotted in this area from time to time. The Timbavati is a collection of privately-owned game reserves which share an unfenced boundary with the Kruger National Park. It is a vast Big 5 game reserve situated to the west of Kruger, and to the north of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. The bush and game viewing in the Timbavati is similar to what you will find in the Kruger National Park.

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