Kirkman's Kamp is named for Harry Kirkman, a renowned cattle farmer turned conservationist, who first lived on the property in the early 1920s and went on to become one of the original founders of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. The original homestead, which was at that time part of a commercial cattle ranch and papaya plantation, now forms the main guest area at Kirkman's Kamp.

Kirkman’s Kamp is one of the oldest commercial lodges in the Sabi Sand and it is also the closest property to the confluence of the Sand and Sabi Rivers.

The verandah at Kirkman's Kamp set up for al-fresco dining.

The lodge and guest cottages are situated on a ridge overlooking the Sand River, which attracts wildlife all year. The grounds are unfenced and it is not uncommon for wildlife to be seen grazing along the perimeter of the property or even passing through the expansive lawn itself.

&Beyond have just two properties in its exclusive Kirkman's sector (Tengile River Lodge being the other), which lies in the game-rich southern portion of the Sabi Sand Reserve. The total game drive area enjoyed by guests at these two properties covers 40-square-mile (105-sq-km) and the very low density of guests in such a large game-drive area means visitors will enjoy an exclusive experience, free from any crowds at wildlife sightings.

Wildlife in the Kirman's sector includes all of Africa's Big Five animals (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo), as well as a variety of other species, including zebra, giraffe, greater kudu, impala, spotted hyena, African wild dog, cheetah, black-backed jackal, nyala, waterbuck, bushbuck, hippo, crocodile, warthog, and others.

The bar and lounge (Paul's Pub) at Kirkman's Kamp.

As is true throughout the Sabi Sand Reserve, but especially so for properties located along the Sand River, birding is very good, with a mix of grassland, forest, and water birds present. The species grows substantially when the migratory birds arrive to breed starting around October and remaining until the end of the rains in March.

Kirkman's Kamp offers 12 guest cottages, one of which is useable as a triple. The cottages have a timeless, old-world charm and comfort, with a mixture of contemporary and historic décor.

Wallpaper murals depict a safari savanna scene and the rooms are equipped with wardrobes and a well-stocked personal bar. The en-suite bathrooms include a shower and double vanities, which feature a 1920s design. The private verandas create a warm and inviting atmosphere overlooking the Sand River.

Guest cottage bedroom at Kirkman's Kamp.

The main guest area focuses on the original homestead, which includes historical furnishings, wall mounts, and photographs that blend with more contemporary furnishings and décor. The traditional sitting room and bar are popular gathering places before dinner in the old-world dining room. Meals are also offered on the verandah or on the expansive manicured lawn overlooking the river.

Activities offered at Kirkman's include day and night safari game drives in open 4x4 vehicles, guided nature walks, and cultural visits to one of the nearby communities outside the game reserve. Guests interested can partake in a game of croquet or cricket on the lawn, play tennis on the grass court, have a swim or relax with a drink at the swimming pool, or treat themselves to a wellness treatment in the privacy of their cottage.

AndBeyond are one of Africa's leading safari operators and they strive to minimize energy consumption at all their camps. Tengile River Lodge is connected to the national grid with a backup generator available. Strict eco-friendly environmental standards are maintained so that no harmful chemicals or waste is allowed to enter the pristine ecosystem of the Sabi Sand Reserve.

Dining on the lawn at Kirkman's Kamp.

About the Sabi Sand Game Reserve

The Sabi Sand Reserve directly borders the Kruger National Park and is without question one of Africa's best safari destinations. There is no better safari area for seeing all of the Big Five animals (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) in their natural habitat and it is not uncommon for visitors to see all five on a single game drive in the reserve.

The Sabi Sand is comprised of a diversity of habitats including open plains, rugged rocky outcrops, woodlands and riverine forests.

Wildlife in the reserve is diverse, and besides the Big Five, includes many other species, such as giraffe, zebra, impala, hippo, crocodile, spotted hyena, African wild dog (or painted wolf), cheetah, wildebeest, greater, kudu, warthog, and more. Both black and white rhino species are seen regularly. Common primates include chacma baboon and vervet monkey. Bird life is prolific and diverse.

Leopard sighting at Kirkman's Kamp.

The reserve is named for the two primary rivers that flow there. The Sand River enters the roughly square-shaped reserve in the northwest, flowing east and then south through the heart of the reserve, where it joins the Sabie River, which forms a portion of the reserve's southern border.

Some of Africa's most established safari operators have had safari camps in the reserve going back to the late 1940s and the long history of safaris over many decades had habituated the wildlife to the safari vehicles, which means they carry out their lives paying little attention to the vehicles.

Lions on the bank of the Sand River.

The Sabi Sand is most renowned for being the best place in Africa to see leopards, which in most safari areas are known to be elusive and sometimes difficult to see. This is not true in the Sabi Sand, which has miles of forested areas that are prime habitat for these beautiful big cats.

There are a multitude of safari camps in the Sabi Sand, each of which manages their own parcel of land, and all of them offer an excellent safari experience for their guests. Some of the best properties are those located along the Sand River.

The Sabi Sand Reserve is contiguous with Kruger National Park and the animals move freely between the two protected areas (the fence that once separated them was removed in 1993) as one large and spectacular ecosystem.

Elephants greeting on the road near Kirkman's Kamp.

Although Kruger and the Sabi Sand are a single uninterrupted ecosystem, the experience of staying at a camp in the national park is vastly different from that of staying in the private Sabi Sand Reserve.

Kruger National Park has strict regulations and far more visitors, with off-road driving prohibited, while camps in the Sabi Sand permit off-road driving to follow big cats or for a closer look at other unique sightings.

Click to learn more about the Sabi Sand Reserve.

ROOMS INCLUDES & EXCLUDES CHILDREN FACILITIES ACTIVITIES

Accommodation

12 guest accommodations in total comprising:

12 twin-bedded, air-conditioned cottages, each with two three-quarter beds (separate mattresses with shared base). Mattress converters are available that transform the twin beds into a king size bed. One of the cottages is available as a triple (adult(s) and children 16 years and younger).

Each air-conditioned guest cottage offers views over the Sand River. En-suite facilities include a double-basin vanity, indoor shower, and separate toilet. Large wooden and glass doors open onto a private veranda with comfortable seating for enjoying the views.

The cottages are connected to the camp's main area by sandy footpaths on the ground.

Guest bedroom at Kirkman's Kamp.

The guest cottages are reminiscent of the original farmstead and have an old-world charm, but with modern conveniences. The cottages are quaint but comfortably-sized, covering 366 square feet (34 sq meters) in area. The cottages are built in pairs, with each paired to one other, but with a distance of 10-20 feet (3-6 meters) between each pair.

Other items and features in the guest cottages include:

Air-conditioning unit for warm summer days and nights.
Heating for cold nights.
Private veranda overlooking the Sand River.
Private butler service with private dining option.
Healing Earth treatments offered in-room.
Private mini-bar and coffee station.
Complimentary pair of Swarovski binoculars (one per cottage).
In-room Wi-Fi (also available in main guest area).
Overhead fan.
Telephone.
Hairdryer.
In-room safe.

Kirkman's Kamp can accommodate a maximum of 25 guests in total: 2 persons in each of the 12 guest cottages with one cottage covetable to a triple.

Includes & Excludes

Includes:

All meals and local beverages including soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers, teas, and coffees.
Safari experiences (game drives, walking safaris, birding, and local community visit) accompanied by an experienced guide.
Africa Foundation community visit.
Guides' Journal with featuring wildlife checklists and maps.
Laundry services are provided on a daily basis (weather permitting, items will be returned on the same day). Laundry is dried by the sun and on most days any laundry placed out in the morning will be returned by the evening.
A complimentary pair of Swarovski Optik CL Companion 8×30 binoculars per cottage for use during your stay.
Emergency medical evacuation insurance.
Wi-Fi access.
Tourism Levy & VAT.

Excludes:

Purchases from the Safari Shop.
Champagne, cognacs, fine wines, premium brand spirits, and cigars.
Spa / wellness treatments.
Any applicable wildlife fee, park fee, reserve fee, concession fee, other land-use fee.

Single Supplement
A single supplement may apply for any room booked by a single traveler; please ask us for pricing.

Children

Families can rest assured that your children will always be safe and well cared for (both during activities and at the lodge) by the lodge staff.

Children aged 3 years and above are accommodated at Kirkman's Kamp:

1 triple cottage available.
Children under the age of 6 years are not permitted on game drives.
Children aged 6-11 years are permitted on game drives at the discretion of the ranger.
Children aged 6-11 years are not permitted on nature walks outside of the lodge grounds.
Children aged 12-16 years are permitted on game drives and nature walks.
The policies above apply to children participating on game drives with a private vehicle only. Children that share a vehicle with other guests not in their party may be subject to activities only at the lodge manager’s discretion.
Please note: The lodge is not fenced off and children are required to have an adult accompanying them at all times.

AndBeyond’s WILDchild programme, designed especially for children aged 3-12 years, is filled with fun, interactive activities that offer opportunities to learn and discover new experiences and cultures. Deeply rooted in the love for the African bush, it not only creates a series of unforgettable moments for the whole family, but forges strong bonds between young guests, our planet, and its people.

Facilities

Historic farmstead dating back to the 1920s provides an old-world mystique to those early days of safaris in this wildlife-rich land. The main lodge/house is furnished antiques, old photographs, and décor dating back to its time as a farmstead.

Main guest area facilities include:

Library with interesting reading material and a classical sitting room.
Rim-flow swimming pool and deck with loungers and views to the Sand River.
Expansive, rolling lawn which is sometimes used for al-fresco dining.
Croquet and cricket on the lawn.
Tennis court (grass surface).
Paul's Pub (the main house bar) for drinks before and after dinner.
Traditional boma for outdoor dining nights.
Wellness treatments are offered in the privacy of your cottage.
Wine storage.
Safari Store.
Complimentary Wi-Fi access (also available in the guest suites).
Guest toilets in main area.

Activities

Activities included in the rate:

Day and night game drives in open 4x4 Land Cruisers.
The safari drive vehicles can accommodate 10 guests, but the lodge allows a maximum of 6 guests per vehicle for shared groups.
A complimentary pair of Swarovski Optik CL Companion 8×30 binoculars per guest cottage for use during your stay.
Guided one-hour walking safaris.
Birding.
Africa Foundation community visit.
Stargazing.

Optional activities at additional cost:

Private activities are on offer (subject to vehicle availability which needs to be booked in advance).
Wellness treatments.

Example of a typical day:

Early morning wake-up call. Morning wake-up and activity times vary according to the seasons, activities on offer, and wildlife sightings.
Light breakfast before departing on the morning activity.
Return to camp for a meal and rest period.
Meet for afternoon tea and snacks (savory and sweet choices) before departing on the activity.
Return to camp - freshen up or meet for drinks, followed by dinner.
Enjoy a nightcap and/or discussion in the pub or on the main house veranda before retiring.

Great Good Fair Poor

WHEN TO GO

The Sabi Sand Reserve offers very good to excellent wildlife viewing throughout the year, but summer (December through mid-March) rains may interfere when they set in, particularly during especially wet years.

The animals in the Sabi Sands and the other private reserves around Kruger National Park do not migrate, although some may range widely between Kruger and the private reserves. During the middle and later stages of the rainy season, the grass becomes tall and the bush becomes lush and thick, which makes for lovely colors, but makes spotting wildlife more difficult.

The winter (June through August) is dry and cool and wildlife may be easier to find as rain water is evaporating and the rivers and deeper waterholes become more frequently visited by the animals.

Kirkman's Kamp is open year-round.

SUMMER & RAINS

Late spring and summer (from December into Mid-March) is the rainy season in this region and some rains can be heavy, so avoiding the months of January and February is a good idea if you want to avoid rainy days. Wildlife viewing can still be good during the rainy months and the landscape and dramatic skies make for exceptionally good photography.

Palaearctic migrant birds arrive to breed beginning in September and some herbivores (particularly impalas) time their birthing cycles to coincide with the rains so that the mothers have plenty of rich grasses and foliage to eat when they need to produce milk. Tourists may shy away from this season, so safari camp prices and availability is better.

The majority of rain comes between November and March, and January and February are the wettest months. Temperatures are hot and humid during the rains, with daytime temps averaging 90°F/30°C, but reaching as high as 104°F/40°C on some days.

WINTER / DRY SEASON

The winter months (June through August) are dry and the temperatures are comfortable during the midday, but chilly to cold overnight and in the early mornings. Game viewing gets better and better as the season progresses and the last of the rain-filled waterholes become drier and drier.

Once the temporary rain-filled waterholes dry up, the animals remain close to the permanent water in the rivers and scattered permanent water holes, making them easier to find. Warm clothing is advised for the chilly morning game drives in the open vehicles.

April and May are the transitional months between the end of summer and the start of winter. Morning temps are around 54°F/12°C and afternoons average 79°F/26°C.

June thru August are the middle of winter and rainfall is very rare. Mornings are quite chilly, averaging 48°F/9°C. The afternoons are clear and sunny, averaging 77°F/25°C. Wildlife viewing is excellent, with animals tending to congregate along the waterways and at the permanent water holes.

September is a lovely month in terms of both wildlife viewing and temperatures. A few brief rains may fall, but the days are typically beautiful, with afternoon temps averaging 82°F/28°C and mornings a comfortable 57°F/14°C. This is one of the busiest months for tourists and most lodges are booked out far in advance.

October is very dry, with much of the lush bush now in desperate need of the coming rains. Days can be blisteringly hot, but the game viewing is excellent.