Kambaku River Sands
Two simple words that shape the way we experience the world.
- No booking fees, best price guarantee
- Flights and transfers in the same quote
- One specialist, from enquiry to the flight home
Kambaku River Sands
Space. And time.
Two simple words that shape the way we experience the world. In everyday life, we’re given only fragments of each. But here, a new perspective awaits.
At Kambaku River Sands, we’ve crafted an escape where space expands, time slows, and the present moment invites you to breathe, pause, and truly reconnect.
Our suites and bathrooms are sanctuaries of blissful solitude—glass-encased havens that dissolve the boundary between indoors and out. Here, nature isn’t just seen; it’s felt. The vastness of the wild becomes part of your private retreat.
Beyond your door lies the untamed beauty of the Timbavati Game Reserve—unfenced, open, and alive with possibility. This is a land shared with Africa’s iconic Big Five—leopard, lion, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo—along with countless other species that roam freely across this ancient terrain.
Our expert rangers are storytellers of the bush, ready to guide you through extraordinary encounters and deepen your understanding of the wildlife that calls this place home. Soon, their world will feel like your own.
And when you return from your adventures, Kambaku River Sands ensures your every need is met. From world-class cuisine and curated wine tastings to alfresco dining beneath the stars or beside a glowing riverbed fire, your stay is an immersive five-star journey—one that begins with a warm welcome and lingers in memory long after you leave.
Celebrated globally and cherished by returning guests, Kambaku River Sands stands among the most sought-after lodges in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve.
Arrive expectant. Leave enchanted.
Quick facts
A look around Kambaku River Sands
Where you’ll stay
1 accommodation type. Rates are the lodge’s contracted rates with African Safari Group, in South African rand; your consultant confirms the exact figure for your dates in writing. Every rate includes early morning game drive or bush walk, late afternoon/evening game drive, meals, tea & coffee, unlimited wi-fi available in reception and main lodge areas, house wines, local spirits, beers & soft drinks.
Luxury Suite
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. Room facilities include a mini bar, butlers tray as well as a variety of guest amenities, outdoor shower and air conditioning.
Rates by season · ZAR
Rates
| Dates | Basis | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 01 Jan 2026 - 31 Dec 2026 | Per person per night sharing | R17,500 |
| 01 Jan 2027 - 31 Dec 2027 | Per person per night sharing | R19,250 |
What the rate includes
The all-inclusive rate per person per night includes:
Things to do
Kambaku River Sands runs 10 activities led by the lodge’s own guides, with the mix shifting with the season. Availability depends on the season; your consultant advises for your dates.
What’s on offer
In the rooms · 16 items
Where Kambaku River Sands is
The Timbavati is reached by road from Johannesburg in about five and a half hours, or by scheduled flight from Johannesburg or Cape Town to Hoedspruit (Eastgate) Airport, about 30 minutes from the reserve gates. Lodges collect you at the airport or arrange the transfer.
Closest airports
Scheduled flights land at Hoedspruit (Eastgate); lodges collect you or arrange the road transfer. Soft bags advised.
Landmarks
Good to know
Distances are measured in straight lines. Your consultant books the flights and the transfer to the lodge with your stay.
Good to know
Arrival & policies
Rates
Best time to visit
May to September is the dry season: thin bush, cool mornings and animals holding to the rivers and waterholes. October to April is green, hot and better for birds and newborns.
May to September
Dry season and the best game viewing: thin bush, animals at the water, cool mornings on the vehicle and clear days.
April to May and September to October
Mild weather with little rain, the shoulder months regulars choose.
November to March
Green season: hot with afternoon storms, newborn animals, the best birding and quieter lodges.
Frequently asked
How do we get to Kambaku River Sands?
By road from Hoedspruit (Eastgate) Airport or from Johannesburg; the lodge collects you at the airport or arranges the transfer. Booked as part of your itinerary. The nearest airport is Hoedspruit (Eastgate) Airport (HDS), about 21 km in a straight line.
What is included in the rate at Kambaku River Sands?
Rates include early morning game drive or bush walk, late afternoon/evening game drive, meals, tea & coffee, unlimited wi-fi available in reception and main lodge areas, house wines, local spirits, beers & soft drinks, gym, laundry – 1 bag per day. Your consultant confirms the exact inclusions for your dates in writing.
What activities does Kambaku River Sands offer?
Game Viewing, High Tea, Wildlife Tours, Bird Watching, Game Viewing Hide, Massages, Game Drives, Game Walks. Availability depends on the season; your consultant advises for your dates.
What accommodation is there at Kambaku River Sands?
One room type: Luxury Suite.
Are children welcome at Kambaku River Sands?
Your consultant confirms minimum ages for the lodge and its game drives before you book.
Is the Timbavati a malaria area?
The Timbavati is a low-risk malaria area. Speak to your doctor or a travel clinic about prophylaxis before you travel, and use repellent in the evenings.
When is the best time to visit?
May to September is the dry season, when the bush thins out, surface water shrinks and animals concentrate along the rivers; it is peak game viewing. October to April is green and hot, with newborn animals, the best birding and quieter lodges.
How much does a stay at Kambaku River Sands cost?
From R17,500 pp / night sharing, from the lodge's contracted rate sheet in South African rand. The exact rate for your dates is confirmed in writing, with no booking fees.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in 1:00 PM; check-out 9:00 AM. Flights and transfers are timed around these by your consultant.
Who am I booking with?
With African Safari Group, which markets and sells Kambaku River Sands in partnership with the lodge. Your consultant, your written quote, your payment and your support before, during and after the trip are all with African Safari Group.
Two simple words that shape the way we experience the world.
What guests say about Kambaku River Sands
242 guest reviews of the lodge on TripAdvisor, shown through the licensed review widget. Reviews of African Safari Group as a booking partner are further down.
Why book Kambaku River Sands with African Safari Group
Consultation-led, with the lodge’s contracted rate. One specialist, one written quote, no booking fees.
Expert, local advice
Consultants based in Cape Town who know the Timbavati, its seasons and its transfers first-hand.
Best price guarantee
Contracted rates at Kambaku River Sands — you won’t find a better price for the same stay.
Support before, during and after
Your consultant stays with you from the first quote to the flight home, and is reachable while you travel.
No booking fees
Our advice and planning cost you nothing; there is no booking fee, ever.
Full service — flights and transfers
International flights, connecting flights and every transfer arranged in one itinerary, so nothing falls between the gaps.
One consultant, start to finish
A named specialist owns your booking from enquiry to return — no hand-offs between departments.
Booking Kambaku River Sands with us
Is this the lodge's own website?
No. This site is run by African Safari Group, which markets Kambaku River Sands in partnership with the lodge. You enquire and book with African Safari Group.
Why enquire through African Safari Group?
One safari specialist plans your whole trip, books the flights and transfers with the stay, and stays with you until you are home. There is no booking fee.
What happens after I enquire?
A named safari specialist checks availability for your dates and sends a written quote, within 15 minutes in working hours. Nothing is paid until you have it in writing.
Check availability and get a written quote
- No booking fees
- Best price guarantee
- Secure and private