Timbavati Game Reserve

Kambaku River Sands is perfectly situated on the banks of a dry river bed in the Timbavati Game Reserve, which makes up the western border of the Kruger National Park. Come and experience classic luxury in a pristine setting, with traditional Kambaku style and hospitality.
Being unfenced, the camp allows for free movement of game through the lodge. Game drives in open vehicles allow for excellent photographic opportunities, guided by experienced rangers passionate about the bush. Guests can also enjoy bush walks to explore the smaller gems of the bush.
Boma and bush dining are a regular affair in the Kambaku River Sands, and provide an exclusive African dinner experience - one never to be forgotten. Sit back and enjoy dinner under the stars, the local cuisine, and festivities often cause for singing and dancing.
All 10 suites are elegantly decorated, and boast private viewing decks with spectacular views of either the dry River bed or the surrounding bush. All sliding doors are protected with mosquito netting and beds draped with classic white satin nets.
The main lodge has a spacious lounge with 2 enormous open fireplaces, a pool and bar overlooking the waterhole, and well stocked wine cellar.
The spa provides a private swimming pool, gym, sauna and steam rooms, ideal for those who would like some pampering or those who feel the need to keep moving during their holiday. Relax and rejuvenate… and spoil yourself.
Our standard rates for a Thatched Chalet | ||||
Dates | Price | Basis | Type | Nights |
1 December 2023 to 8 December 2023 | closed / not available | |||
1 December 2023 to 31 December 2023 | GBP 478 USD 588 ZAR 10,760 EUR 550 | per person sharing | Contracted Min 2 Night Rate | 2+ nights |
9 December 2023 to 31 December 2023 | GBP 478 USD 588 ZAR 10,760 EUR 550 | per person sharing | Contracted Min 2 Night Rate | 2+ nights |
1 January 2024 to 9 February 2024 | GBP 498 USD 612 ZAR 11,195 EUR 572 | per person sharing | Contracted Early Bird 10% Discount Rate | 2+ nights |
1 January 2024 to 9 February 2024 | GBP 498 USD 612 ZAR 11,195 EUR 572 | per person sharing | Contracted Early Bird 5% Discount Rate | 2+ nights |
1 January 2024 to 9 February 2024 | GBP 498 USD 612 ZAR 11,195 EUR 572 | per person sharing | Contracted Min 2 Night Rate | 2+ nights |
10 February 2024 to 10 April 2024 | closed / not available | |||
10 February 2024 to 10 April 2024 | closed / not available | |||
10 February 2024 to 10 April 2024 | closed / not available | |||
1 January 2024 to 31 May 2024 | GBP 498 USD 612 ZAR 11,195 EUR 572 | per person sharing | Contracted Early Bird 10% Discount Rate | 2+ nights |
1 January 2024 to 31 May 2024 | GBP 498 USD 612 ZAR 11,195 EUR 572 | per person sharing | Contracted Early Bird 5% Discount Rate | 2+ nights |
1 January 2024 to 31 May 2024 | GBP 498 USD 612 ZAR 11,195 EUR 572 | per person sharing | Contracted Min 2 Night Rate | 2+ nights |
11 April 2024 to 31 May 2024 | GBP 498 USD 612 ZAR 11,195 EUR 572 | per person sharing | Contracted Early Bird 10% Discount Rate | 2+ nights |
11 April 2024 to 31 May 2024 | GBP 498 USD 612 ZAR 11,195 EUR 572 | per person sharing | Contracted Early Bird 5% Discount Rate | 2+ nights |
11 April 2024 to 31 May 2024 | GBP 498 USD 612 ZAR 11,195 EUR 572 | per person sharing | Contracted Min 2 Night Rate | 2+ nights |
1 June 2024 to 30 June 2024 | GBP 498 USD 612 ZAR 11,195 EUR 572 | per person sharing | Contracted Early Bird 10% Discount Rate | 2+ nights |
1 June 2024 to 30 June 2024 | GBP 498 USD 612 ZAR 11,195 EUR 572 | per person sharing | Contracted Early Bird 5% Discount Rate | 2+ nights |
1 June 2024 to 30 June 2024 | GBP 549 USD 676 ZAR 12,359 EUR 632 | per person sharing | Contracted Min 2 Night Rate | 2 to 3 nights |
1 June 2024 to 30 June 2024 | GBP 498 USD 612 ZAR 11,195 EUR 572 | per person sharing | Contracted Min 2 Night Rate | 2+ nights |
1 June 2024 to 30 June 2024 | GBP 549 USD 676 ZAR 12,359 EUR 632 | per person sharing | Contracted Stay 4 Pay 3 | 4+ nights |
1 July 2024 to 31 October 2024 | GBP 498 USD 612 ZAR 11,195 EUR 572 | per person sharing | Contracted Early Bird 10% Discount Rate | 2+ nights |
1 July 2024 to 31 October 2024 | GBP 498 USD 612 ZAR 11,195 EUR 572 | per person sharing | Contracted Early Bird 5% Discount Rate | 2+ nights |
1 July 2024 to 31 October 2024 | GBP 498 USD 612 ZAR 11,195 EUR 572 | per person sharing | Contracted Min 2 Night Rate | 2+ nights |
1 November 2024 to 30 November 2024 | GBP 498 USD 612 ZAR 11,195 EUR 572 | per person sharing | Contracted Early Bird 10% Discount Rate | 2+ nights |
1 November 2024 to 30 November 2024 | GBP 498 USD 612 ZAR 11,195 EUR 572 | per person sharing | Contracted Early Bird 5% Discount Rate | 2+ nights |
1 November 2024 to 30 November 2024 | GBP 549 USD 676 ZAR 12,359 EUR 632 | per person sharing | Contracted Min 2 Night Rate | 2 to 3 nights |
1 November 2024 to 30 November 2024 | GBP 498 USD 612 ZAR 11,195 EUR 572 | per person sharing | Contracted Min 2 Night Rate | 2+ nights |
1 November 2024 to 30 November 2024 | GBP 549 USD 676 ZAR 12,359 EUR 632 | per person sharing | Contracted Stay 4 Pay 3 | 4+ nights |
1 December 2024 to 31 December 2024 | GBP 549 USD 676 ZAR 12,359 EUR 632 | per person sharing | Contracted Min 2 Night Rate | 2+ nights |
Prices are on a per person sharing basis (pps).
Special offers for longer stays or when booked as part of a longer itinerary may apply - details on request.Rates Include
All meals; 2 shared safari game drives daily; bush walks; the Timbavati Conservation Levy; tea/coffee, soft drinks and local beers; unlimited Wi-Fi; and mini bar beverages are included. PLEASE NOTE: All other drinks are NOT included. IN ADDITION: For self-drive visitors, there is a vehicle entrance fee of R280 per vehicle (subject to change), which is payable at the Timbavati Gate (cash or Visa/MasterCard credit cards only).
Children Policy
Children aged 12 years and older are welcome. Rates available on request.
Special Offers
Special Offers
Kambaku River Sands Camp: Stay 4 nights for the price of 3

Code: SAF-6388
Stay 4 nights for the price of 3 at Kambaku River Sands Camp in Timbavati Game Reserve. Fully Inclusive basis.
Valid: 1 June 2024 - 30 June 2024.
Book Before: 26 June 2024.
Example price for 2 people staying 4 nights from:
Example price based on staying in a Thatched Chalet between 1 June 2024 and 30 June 2024.
Kambaku River Sands Camp: Stay 4 nights for the price of 3

Code: SAF-6389
Stay 4 nights for the price of 3 at Kambaku River Sands Camp in Timbavati Game Reserve. Fully Inclusive basis.
Valid: 1 November 2024 - 30 November 2024.
Book Before: 26 November 2024.
Example price for 2 people staying 4 nights from:
Example price based on staying in a Thatched Chalet between 1 November 2024 and 30 November 2024.
Kambaku River Sands Location.
Directions For Drivers
From Hazyview: Follow the R40 towards Klaserie. Once past Klaserie, continue along this road until you see the turning off to the right for Eastgate Airport. Turn right here and proceed along this road until you reach the main Timbavati Control Gate/Enkhulu Gate.
From Eastgate/Hoedspruit Airport: Turn left and proceed along this road until you reach the main Timbavati Control Gate/Enkhulu Gate.
From Johannesburg/Pretoria: Take the N12 or N4 highway to Witbank/eMalahleni (from Johannesburg Airport, follow signs to Boksburg to find the N12). Follow the N4 highway past Middleburg (Toll Plaza), Belfast/eMakhazeni and Machadodorp (Toll Plaza). Follow the Schoemanskloof option on the N4 and then take the R36 to Lydenburg/Mashishing.
Follow the R36 to Ohrigstad, go through the Strydom Tunnel and take the R527 to Hoedspruit. Turn right onto the R40 towards Klaserie, and continue along this road until you see the turning off to the left for Eastgate Airport. Turn left here and follow the directions as above From Eastgate/Hoedspruit Airport.
From Kruger National Park/Orpen Gate: Exit the Park, and continue along the R531. Turn right onto the R40, and continue along this road until you see the turning off to the right for Eastgate Airport. Turn right here follow the directions as above From Eastgate/Hoedspruit Airport.
ONCE AT THE TIMBAVATI CONTROL GATE: For self-drive visitors, there is a vehicle entrance cash fee of R280 per vehicle payable at the gate (cash or Visa/MasterCard credit cards only and subject to change). Please retain your receipt as proof of entrance and have it stamped at your destination when you are leaving, which acts as your Exit Permit. Once inside the gate, follow the signs to the lodge through the reserve.
Do not get out of your car until you reach the lodge. You may see some wildlife on your way - if you do, slow down and maintain a good distance. Do not drive off-road in any circumstances.
Also, we would advise that you do NOT use a GPS once in the Timbavati, as it is likely to give you incorrect directions!
General Information For Guests
Each of the thatched suites is en suite with a bath, double shower and private toilet. There is also an outdoor shower. The rooms offers air conditioning, a mini bar, butlers tray and a variety of guest amenities.
The main lodge area offers an infinity pool, the Matumi wrap-around bar with ice cold Craft beer on Tap, a sunken wine cellar overlooking the waterhole and two beautiful fire places for cold winter nights.
Facilities at the lodge include a raised bird hide; Wellness Centre with spa, gym, sauna and steam rooms, a curio shop; laundry facilities (additional cost), camera rental (additional cost)
Wi-Fi in all main areas; Large game viewing deck overlooking the waterhole and riverbed.
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.
The lodge has contact 24/7/365 with bush-trained medical personal telephonically and evaluation will be organised should the need arise. Otherwise Hoedspruit, the nearest town, has medical facilities including a military hospital.
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If you're not sure which place might be best for your own trip then either give us a call or get in touch via the website, and we'd be delighted to run through the options with you.