Kambaku Safari Lodge

Nice staff, animal sighting needs to be the core focus and this lodge could be best-in-class in the “value-for-money” lo

Pros: 1) Manager and host are nice: Renee and Charity 2) Rooms are nicely cleaned 3) If you want a handful (maximum) of T shirts to be washed, they will hand wash them for free and dry them out under the sun, it’s ready in 24 hours (unless it’s pouring rain)

Cons: 1) Game drivers are shortened by 30 minutes half of the time, when they say 3 hours, it is 2 hours and a half, when they say 4 hours, it is 3 hours and a half; half of the time, they do last 3 or 4 hours 2) On top of the above, each game drive includes a break of 30 minutes (the car stops and you stand near the car, chatting with the other customers) during which you are offered a drink: beer, juice, water, glass of wine; they are trying to replicate the luxury experience without offering the luxury experience (which is normal, that lodge does not charge premium prices / luxury prices) so these 30 minutes are a total waste of time, even more so that you have 7 hours between the morning and afternoon drives to drink beer, wine, water, coffee (all included at the lodge); the luxury lodges will set up a table, and offer a high tea experience; standing next to the car for 30 minutes instead of enjoying the game drive is ridiculous 3) Game drives are shared with other customers (7 customers in total in each Range Rover / Land Cruiser maximum, which is good, it’s not too much): they will wait until everyone has waken up in the morning or everyone has waken up from their nap before leaving the lodge, which could be seriously annoying if you’re looking to maximise animal sightings; they should fix a start date and start the activity on time, instead of asking the on-time customers to wait for the late ones (if you want to have your game drives start whenever you want, then book private tours, not shared ones) I’ve shared feedback above with them (Renee) during the stay, not sure they will do anything about it.

From the kids: Absolutlely Mind Blowing! Too Good to be True!

Pros: It was a 4 nights family stay with 8 & 11 years. Our tracker Moses and guide Craig are perfect team together. Moses went on foot for hours to track leopard for us in the woods, we felt the dedication and genuine enthusiasm all the way through. Craig’s smile and wide range of animals and plant knowledge will for sure stay with the kids. This is our first safari, it has exceeded all our expectations, from animal sight seeing (all big five!) to being spoiled by the staffs (thanks to Renee) with food and drink (you will never run out of options). Considering how remote the lodge is, I think it is a WONDER! We will definitely come back!

Cons: NA

All the staff worked together to provide a charming personal service and facilitate an amazing experience.

Pros: This as my first safari experience. I loved the rustic luxury.

Wonderful bush experience

Pros: Superb location. Incredible game sightings. Lodge is on a pleasant waterhole. Staff fantastic and rangers very knowledgable and enthusiastic. Would definitely go back 10/10 experience

Fantastic stay - very special.

Pros: Incredible location and standards and very relaxed

Cons: Nothing!

Wilderness with comfort and a smile

Pros: Exceptional service, with a smile all the time. The Guides and Trackers are very knowledgeable about the wildlife. They go out of there way to make your stay comfortable. Every morning they make you coffee in the bush, and in the evenings you get a sundowner in the bush during your game drive. A scrumptious breakfast is served after the game drive, and local inspired dinners after your game drive in the evenings. Each time they set the tables in surprise locations around the camp, either around a boma or next to a watering hole.

Cons: That our holiday has ended :( wish I could stay forever.

Pros: The safari's were incredible. The atmosphere in the lodge is incredible, just as the frinedliness of the staff.

A gem in the Timbavati that leaves you feeling refreshed & relaxed while seeing the big 5!

Pros: The Kambaku staff work as a team to ensure that each guest is looked after from arrival to departure. Even if the assigned hostess or guide was not available someone else was happy to assist in anyway. A special touch is the photo taken at the end of the trip which is sent to guests as a memento ............. it just adds to the experience

Cons: A slightly different table set up for dinner would be nice where you could see everyone and interact as a group. Perhaps a u-table formation?

Simply superb!

Pros: Probably the best part of our South Africa trip! Everything was perfect! The safari drives were amazing (shout out to Eric and Gideon), the room was spacious and clean, the food was excellent, and the whole lodge is very well kept and maintained. Highly recommended!

Cons: Nothing!

Simply Superb. We will be back!

Pros: From the moment we arrived to the moment we left we were treated superbly by the lodge manager , safari guides and staff. Nothing too much trouble. The game drives were exceptional - Gideon and Eric were great company, very informative and tuned their information to the guests (we have been on safari many times) providing some real detailed knowledge. Food was great and a really great atmosphere to the whole experience.

Cons: Struggle to think of anything.....