Only one camp borders the mighty Kruger National Park while being part of the unfenced wilderness of the Timbavati Game Reserve and the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, and that’s Kambaku River Sands.

Named after a sadly departed elephant who sported huge tusks, it’s a luxury 5-star destination in Big Five country, with accommodation dotted along a riverbank in the shade of Jackalberry and Leadwood trees.

For all guests

The large lounge area gives you plenty of space to find solitude with that book you picked up at the airport, or to meet and share tales with fellow guests. Although this being a camp with just ten 2-person chalets, there’s never a danger of anywhere getting crowded.

An open fireplace will be roaring in here if the weather calls for it, and the nearby bar is where you’ll find a big selection of drinks as well as a rather wonderful view of the local waterhole – well, the animals get thirsty sometimes too.

Early morning, late night, and walking safaris

Kambaku River Sands is a 5-star lodge that people book if they want to see the Big Five – although of course there’s no guarantee. Game drives start in the early morning to give you the best chance of getting eyes-on the widest variety of wildlife. Some guests have been lucky enough to see white lion on their expeditions.

The lodge team also offer nighttime safaris, an opportunity to see what goes on in the bush when the big light in the sky goes out. During daylight hours, you can also head out into the bush on foot, led by experienced rangers who’ll let you get close to the plant life and smaller insects that live here. And there are special birdwatching tours too for those of you who like to keep your eyes on the skies.

Back at the lodge, you can choose to return to your room, take high tea in the lounge, go for a workout in the gym, or get a pampering in the spa before dinner by the river under the light of the stars and campfires.  

10 thatched chalets

Each air conditioned chalet sleeps two guests and has an ensuite bathroom with tub and double shower. Hope you like showers, because there’s also one outside.

All chalets are home to genuine African-made furnishings that strengthen the links between the lodge and local area. And you’ll get a great view of your surroundings from your private deck, which is the place to go to greet each new day and to return to for a sundowner at its end.