Kambaku Safari Lodge is well situated in the heart of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, which makes up the western boarder of the Kruger National Park.
KAMBAKU (Solitary Bull elephant), takes its name from one of the Magnificent Seven tuskers who roamed the Kruger Park for the greater part of the last century. These elephant were renowned for their impressive tusks having at least one tusk with the estimated weight of over 60kg.
The social areas include: - a lounge with fireplace - a bar - viewing deck overlooking a waterhole - dining area/boma - curio shop, stocked with a variety of carefully selected proudly South African items, and include KAMBAKU momentos - Wi-Fi area and mobile phone coverage
Dining at Kambaku Safari Lodge Dinners are a truly African affair. The Kambaku team will supervise any special dietary requirements and will ensure that every meal is presented with love, care and expertise.
Transfers Transfers can be booked through us from Hoedspruit Airport or OR Tambo airport. For transfers, please email us for a quote.
Timbavati gate fees of R160 per person (subject to change) once off upon entrance to the Reserve.
Accommodation at Kambaku Safari Lodge The eight thatched chalets at Kambaku accommodate just sixteen guests and comprise a variety of options ranging from the honeymoon suite, family suites to double and twin rooms, depending on specific requirements.
The accommodation is exclusive, yet affordable - four poster king size beds with classic draped mosquito nets - full en-suite bathrooms - lanterns for the evenings - although electricity is at a minimum, there are 220V power points which are sustained by eco-friendly solar charged battery system. - overhead fans - gas/solar ensure hot showers -each chalet also has its own veranda
Activities:
Game drives Birding Special day trip to local attractions in the area are available on request
As we are a children friendly lodge, we cater for child friendly game drives and walks, as well as educational games and discussions to keep the little ones busy during their stay.
Clothing and Accessories:
What to wear on safari? Cool, casual clothing for lodge wear is the order of the day. Short and sandals and swimwear for the pool are required. Sturdy closed trainers or walking boots are a must for bush walks, and long trousers are a better bet. Do not forget sunglasses, hats and sun-block, and often a lightweight cotton long-sleeved top should be considered for those with a more sensitive skin.
In winter jackets, beanies and scarves will definitely make the mornings and evenings a more comfortable experience, even so, blankets are provided on the drive, and ponchos for rainy days in summer.
Health and Climate:
Weather
Summers (September through to April) are extremely hot, peaking in January. They can be very humid, often with little relief overnight. Heavy downpours and thunder showers are common, and do bring some relief from the heat for a day or two. The summer vegetation in the bush is dense, with an amazing variety of insects, birds, flowers and animals big and small. The migratory species are also best viewed at this time of year. Day and night, the air is filled with the intoxicating aura and excitement of the African bush where the shimmering heat of mid-afternoon, makes way for a cataphony of night sounds as soon as darkness falls.
Winter (May through to August), are mostly dry and mild to warm, with cold (June-July) nights, and fresh morning game drives. Little rain falls and the bush in generally more sparse, ensuring that game viewing in these months is better than in the lush summer months. For those who prefer less bugs to more bugs should consider a trip in these months as most of the small creepy crawlies hide away!
Insects and Malaria Malaria is endemic to the area and tick bite fever is also quite common. Insect repellent on the body is a must, and keeps not only mosquitoes, but tick, spiders and the like at bay, although regular ‘body-bug’ inspections should be done.
Mosquito nets are found in all the rooms, however it is prudent still to take the necessary medications to prevent infection. Please consult your travel clinic or physician before embarking on your journey as there are a number of products on the market, each with their own pros and cons.
Rooms and Units Available:
Room 1 - King - Excludes Levies
Ensuite King Room - Honeymoon suite. This suite features traditional African décor, with a four-poster bed draped in a mosquito net. It contains a private patio overlooking the waterhole and a bathroom with a bath and shower.
Sleeps 2 Adults
Room 2 - Twin / King - Excludes Levies
En-Suite King Room with King room and Mosquito net, with separate tub and shower. Bathroom amenities, hairdryer, patio, safe sitting area, turndown service and wake-up calls. Partial waterhole view.
Sleeps 2 Adults
Room 3 - Family unit - Excludes Levies
Family Room ( King Room & Additional Twin Room) One en-suite bathroom. This room features traditional African décor, with a four-poster bed draped in a mosquito net. It contains a private patio, fan and the bathroom contains a bath and shower.
Sleeps 2 Adults
and 2 children
Room 5 - Twin / King - Excludes Levies
En-suite twin or king with separate bath and shower. Bathroom amenities, hairdryer, coffee/tea facilities, minibar and patio and safe. Can be booked with Room 6 for a family of 4.
Sleeps 2 Adults
Room 6 - King - Excludes Levies
This King Room has a perfect View of the Waterhole. Featuring free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, a bath and a hairdryer. Private entrance, soundproof walls. Can be booked with room 5 for a family of 4.
Sleeps 2 Adults
Room 7 - Twin / King - Excludes Levies
En suite twin or double room with separate bath and shower. Bathroom amenities, ceiling fan, hairdryer, minibar, patio and safe. Can be booked with Room 8 for a family of 4.
Sleeps 2 Adults
and 1 child
Room 8 - King - Excludes Levies
This King Room has a perfect view of the Waterhole. En-suite bathroom with separate bath and shower. Bathroom amenities, hairdryer, minibar, patio, safe, sitting area and wake-up calls. Can be booked with Room 7 for families of 4 On suite bathroom.
Sleeps 2 Adults
Facilities & Services available:
Children under 12 Elderly Honeymoon Couples Babysitting Service Laundry Service
Ironing Service Bar on the Premises Dining room Cots available Curio Shop
Fireplace on the Premises Garden Library Internet Access Wi-Fi
English Hiking / Walking Trails Swimming Pool No Pets Allowed
Cancellation Policy:
Four weeks before arrival: 25% of full amount Three weeks before arrival: 50% of full amount Two weeks before arrival: 75% of full amount One week or less: 100% of full amount
Directions:
From Johannesburg by road From Johannesburg head for eMalahleni (Witbank) on the N12 highway. This highway becomes the N4. Continue on the N4 until you see the Belfast turnoff. Take the Belfast turn off and head into the little town of Belfast. In the centre of town you will see a sign post for Dullstroom / Lydenburg. Turn right toward Dullstroom/Lydenburg. Continue on this road for approximately 30kms until you reach Dullstroom. Continue straight through the village of Dullstroom and head for Lydenburg, approximately 50kms. You will come to a T Junction. Turn left and head into the town of Lydenburg. At the second set of traffic lights, turn left. This is a ring road that will take you out of town and onto the R36 towards the village of Ohrigstad. Once on this road you will head directly for Hoedspruit. Once in Hoedspruit , continue straight through the town. You will go over a small bridge and then at the four way intersection you will turn right onto the R40. Head out of town for approximately 6 kms . Turn left at the Timbavati / Eastgate Airport road. You will go through a security/control gate and then head directly for the Timbavati Nature Reserve Gate which is roughly 18kms further on. Once at the Timbavati Nature Reserve Gate you will need to pay R120 per vehicle and the R160 per person conservation levy will be settled directly at the lodge. Once in the reserve continue straight for approximately 13kms, then turn right when you see the direction sign board. Follow the Kambaku signs to the lodge.
From Nelspruit by road From Nelspruit take the R40 past White River and continue on to Hazyview, then Bushbuckridge and Acornhoek. Carry on straight along this road past the Orpen road turnoff , until you see the Hoedspruit turn off to your right. Turn right and continue on this road until eventually you see the main Timbavati/ Eastgate Airport road on your right. Turn right here. You will go through a security/control gate and then head directly for the Timbavati Nature Reserve Gate which is roughly 18kms further on. Once at the Timbavati Nature Reserve Gate you will need to pay R120 per vehicle and the R160 per person conservation levy will be settled directly at the lodge. Once in the reserve continue straight for approximately 13kms, then turn right when you see the direction sign board. Follow the Kambaku signs to the lodge.
