Kambaku Safari Lodge offers a spectacular safari experience, made even more special by brilliant, friendly staff. The lodge is small, relaxed and friendly with just eight rooms clustered around a waterhole. The team, including owners Bryce & Nicola and managers David & Bongi, are clearly proud of the lodge and the wildlife around, eager to share knowledge and do everything they can to bring you close to the game and give you a deep insight into the bush. Kambaku is the perfect spot for anyone wanting a warm, personal wildlife holiday.

“We aim to provide a magical wildlife experience where our guests have an up-close-and-personal, interactive understanding of the bush and its inhabitants, but we are also conscious of the environment the animals live in and the world our children will grow up in. We have therefore worked hard to lower Kambaku’s carbon footprint and are proud to be the only fully solar powered lodge in the Timbavati. But, more than that, we are proud that our guests embrace our mission and leave with fantastic memories of the bush around us.”

Bryce & Nicola, Owners, Kambaku 

Kambaku Safari Lodge has 8 thatched chalets clustered in a semi-circle around a waterhole with two rooms having direct views.  The chalets have been carefully designed to offer beautifully relaxing surroundings that blend in with the charm and serenity of the bush. Different room configurations work perfectly to accommodate most group dynamics. The rooms are deigned to reflect the cool calmness in the heat of the African bush, four- poster beds with classic draped mosquito nets grace every room. With the carbon footprint in mind, the chalets are equipped with lanterns for the evenings, gas/solar ensure steamy hot showers in the cool of winter and although electricity is at a minimum, there are 220V power points which are sustained by eco-friendly solar charged battery system. Each chalet also has its own private veranda.

All meals, including safari snacks, brunch and dinner, as well as soft drinks and beer are included at Kambaku. Leisurely brunches, served after your morning game drive, allow you to choose breakfast or lunch dishes and you’ll often be entertained by the resident warthog family scurrying about on the lawn. Dinner are a truly African affair with delicious, plentiful bush style cuisine. Like game drives, meals are a sociable affair where you will mix with other guests. The main lodge has a balance between open plan and private space, with a spacious bar and lounge area leading to the mezzanine floor where one can take time out reading – there is a small library available – or head to the sundeck with a cocktail in hand, or enjoy a cooling dip in the pool.

The highlight of your stay at Kambaku will be the game drives. The rangers and trackers are outstanding, with an infectious enthusiasm for the bush and wildlife around them. They will tailor the game viewing to your interests amd fill you with fascinating facts and information about the local flora and fauna. Apart from the Big 5, the Timbavati also boasts a healthy population of wild dog and cheetah, and other safari animals often seen include hyena, ground hornbill (on the endangered list), over 350 bird species, waterbuck, wildebeest, zebra and giraffe to name but a few. Days start just before sunrise, with a 3 hour game drive, which may include a guided bush walk if the opportunity presents itself. Afternoon game drives fade into sundowners, and end with a drive in the dark, where nocturnal animals, for example the bush baby, may be spotted. Beautiful views over unspoilt bush, and the feeling that you are truly in the middle of nowhere, with miles and miles of bush and animals surrounding you, captivate the imagination, and there are frequently surprises around almost every corner.

Kambaku is child-friendly with tailored game drives and walks, as well as safari games and discussions to keep the little ones engaged during their stay. Bryce & Nicola understand that each child is different and will do all they can to ensure very member of the family gets the most out of their stay, be it with special eating times or shorter game drives. Young children will be on a separate vehicle with their family so that neither the family, nor other guests’ experience is sacrificed. A baby sitting service is also an optional extra.