Kambaku River Sands
Kambaku River Sands Is A Luxury Safari Lodge In Central Timbavati
Kambaku River Sands is an excellent safari lodge in the big game sanctuary that is Timbavati. The lodge is well run and has a friendly, relaxed atmosphere with enough space for guests to enjoy their privacy when they want it but also communal areas where guests can gather and socialise. The accommodation suites, food and service are all of a high standard, though the lodge is not aiming at the top end 5 star market, therefore offering decent value for money. This a really good all round safari lodge where you can enjoy incredible game-viewing combined with a luxurious stay, at a sensible price tag.
Rooms
Accommodation is provided in 10 thatched suites. Each suite is elegantly decorated with private viewing decks offering views of either the dry riverbed or surrounding bush. Each suite consists of double/twin beds, en suite bathroom with bath, indoor double shower, separate loo and outdoor shower. Other suite facilities include air-conditioning and minibar.
Central Areas
The central areas consist of the reception area, curio shop and small spa and gym at one end of the camp, and the main lodge overlooking a waterhole with comfortable lounge seating, a bar, the dining area and an underground wine cellar at the other end of camp. There is also an infinity swimming pool where elephants occasionally enjoy a drink from. Communal dinners are enjoyed either in the main area or in the Boma under the stars.
Facilities
Wi-Fi – Yes
Power for Charging – Yes
Swimming – Yes
Habitat and Wildlife
The Timbavati is a private wildlife reserve bordering the famous Kruger National Park. It was started in 1956 where conservation minded landowners decided to pool their individual farms and create a wilderness habitat. In 1993, the fence between the Kruger and the reserve was removed allowing animals to move freely between the two.
The habitat of the region is predominantly mopane/bushwillow woodland on an underlying strata of granite. The Oliphants River is the major watercourse through the reserve, flanked in places by open floodplains and in others by riverine woodland. Animal species likely to be seen include elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, rhino, buffalo, impala, duiker, giraffe, kudu, waterbuck, bushbuck, zebra, hippo, warthog and wild dog. Under the guidance of your ranger, you will be able to learn about the intricate workings of the habitat, and its inhabitants – the animals, birds, insects and reptiles. The birdlife of South Africa is exceptional, and the Timbavati is no exception. Birds likely to be seen include the beautiful rollers (Lilac Breasted and European), various kingfisher species, as well as a variety of species usually associated with the bush – shrikes, widowbirds, babblers, starlings, vultures and raptors.
Activities
Game viewing activities include morning and afternoon game drives on open vehicles. There are also opportunities to take part in guided bush walks.
During your stay, you will have the opportunity to experience the bush after dark. Using a spotlight on the vehicle, you may have the luck to see some of the many nocturnally active species of wildlife – honey badger, leopard, civet, serval, genet, aardvark, pangolin, African wild cat, bat-eared fox, black-backed jackal, and hyena.
There is also a sleepout hide available to all guests of all Kambaku lodges which comprises a three-levelled hide overlooking a waterhole. On the top level is the open sided sleeping deck with king-size bed under mosquito net and swing seats, and en suite bathroom to the rear. Steps lead down from the sleeping deck to a viewing deck with chairs. The ground level is a hide. This experience should be booked in advance (extra costs apply).
Seasons
Kambaku River Sands is open all year. Game viewing is superb all year round, though you could experience rain from November through to March.
Children 12 years and over are welcome, though with no dedicated family accommodation units, it is arguably best for families with older teenagers who can have their own separate suite.
Every guest who stays in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve pays a conservation levy which is crucial for the operational functioning of the reserve. It aids in funding essential activities such as fenceline maintenance, anti-poaching efforts, and overall security measures. Furthermore, 10% of all conservation levy income is used for community development projects through the Timbavati Foundation.
The primary objective of the Timbavati Foundation is to reach underprivileged communities neighbouring the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve with quality environmental education, skills-development opportunities, social upliftment projects and healthcare support.
Kambaku Lodges have adopted a comprehensive sustainability policy, from converting Kambaku Safari Lodge and Kambaku River Sands to operate entirely on solar power, to waste management and recycling.
Kambaku Lodges has also partnered with Indalo and the Timbavati Foundation to establish an Enterprise Supplier Development Programme to build and support a cohort of carefully selected community-based enterprises to supply goods and services, including fresh produce, required by the lodges.
