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Kambuka River Sands Lodge

Located on the western end of the Kruger National Park, River Sands Lodge is set within the Timbavati Private Game Reserve. Kambuka River Sands is the only lodge with traversing rights on both Timbavati and Klaserie Reserves of over 12 000 hectares of wildlife sighting territory. The lodge boasts over 1000 hectares of sole traverse area, meaning you can be assured of uncrowded safari drives and exclusive animal sightings of lion, leopard, elephant, Cape buffalo, hippo, zebra, and a variety of antelope.

Your Big 5 safari experience at Kambuka River Sands Lodge includes outstanding game drives, off-road game viewing, night drives, and guided nature walks. Birdwatchers can also enjoy seeing a variety of birdlife from the Hide at Twins Dam. The reserves expert game rangers go all out to track the animals you want to see, ensuring thrilling wildlife encounters. This spectacular destination is one of the only areas in Africa where the majestic White Lion can be found. This alone makes it a very worthwhile and unique setting.

This unique, unfenced camp allows guests to experience free-roaming wildlife from their own private viewing decks. The intimate setting of 8 luxury suites offers special personalized service and attention to detail. Cozy, romantic, and elegant, the main lodge features two fireplaces, outstanding wine cellar, Matumi wrap-around bar and small library. A gorgeous infinity pool at Kambuka River Sands Lodge and expansive viewing deck make for great relaxation, while spectacular dinners can be savoured in the boma for enchanting nights under the glistening Milky Way.

Gallery

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Wildlife:

High concentration of Big 5 with large herds of elephant and buffalo, as well as large lion prides.
Other wildlife include but are not limited to the hippopotamus, giraffe, zebra, cheetah, African wild dog, hyaena, warthog and many other cat and antelope species.
Large antelope herds support the populations of predators in the reserve.
Over 500 bird species have been recorded in the region. Many can be seen in the reserve.

Game Drives:

Game drives take place twice a day in the early mornings and afternoons for a duration of 3-4 hours.
Game drives are led by an experienced guide and tracker team.
Vehicles are allowed to go off road to track and follow the wildlife.
Strict traverse rules are in place and vehicle numbers are limited in each reserve. A maximum of two vehicles are allowed at any sighting.
Night drives and guided bushwalks are permitted.

Activities & facilities:

Game drives
Guided bushwalks
Stargazing
Birdwatching
Kambaku Hide
Swimming pool
Indoor pool
Restaurant
Open-air African Boma
Spa & gym
Viewing deck
Bar & lounge
Library

Highlights:

8 Luxury thatch chalets in standalone positions around the main lodge.
Internationally acclaimed as one of the most frequented safari lodges in the Timbavati Nature Reserve.
World-class cuisine paired and specialist wine tastings.
Open-air dining experiences by the riverbed or surrounded by campfires in the African Boma.
Exciting Big-5 game drives with game rangers and trackers.
Renowned for sightings of leopards, white lions and the wild African dog.

Getting there:

There are several private airstrips in Timbavati, two daily chartered flights from Johannesburg are operated by Federal Airlines.
Hoedspruit (HDS) is the closet commercial airport to the Kambuka River Sands, daily flights operate from Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Flight time from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit or private airstrip: 60 minutes.
Flight time from Cape Town to Hoedspruit: 2 hours 30 minutes.
Road transfers from Hoedspruit to Kambuka River Sands take 45 minutes.

Location:

Located in the western region of the Greater Kruger and borders the Kruger National Park, Klaserie Game Reserve, Umbabat Game Reserve and Thornybush Game Reserve.
The Kruger National Park is almost 2 million hectares and lies in the north-eastern corner of South Africa in the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces.

Special offers:

Enjoy one free night with our PAY 3 STAY 4 offers.
Special offers valid 15 Jan – 15 Mar, 01 – 30 Jun & 01 – 30 Nov.
Honeymoon offers include 50% off one partners accommodation, plus extras.
Honeymoon special valid all year round.
South African resident rates are bookable 30 days prior to arrival date only.

Child Policy:

Kambaku River Sands welcomes children from 12 years.

Inclusions & Exclusions:

Included: 2 x Game drives per day, guided bush walks, all meals, soft drinks, selected alcoholic beverages, and private airstrip transfers.
Excluded: Premium branded drinks, conservation levies, commercial airport transfers, and anything of personal nature.

Rates:

The updated rates are displayed for each room category below.
Rates are charged per person, per night.
Rates displayed are valid until 31 December 2025.

Accommodation Options

Thatch Suites

Sleeps 2 Adults

PAY 3 STAY 4

River Sands boasts 8 luxurious thatch suites set on a perennial river system making it the perfect spot for birdwatching and wildlife sightings from your private viewing deck. Each expansive suite is equipped with air-conditioning, a minibar, Read moreen-suite bathroom with spa bath, indoor double shower, and delightful outdoor shower. No family suites are available; however, a fold-away bed can be arranged for a child over 12 years sharing. Less