Kirkman’s Kamp Sabi Sand South Africa

Located high on a ridge, the camp overlooks the Sand River like a stylish matriarch gazing down upon the landscape. The green tin roof and manicured grounds carve out a soft and cultured niche in the wild and tumbling bush. Enjoy the ritual of afternoon tea served on the spacious veranda or rolling lawn, perhaps in the company of a wild but friendly visitor or two.
The original homestead of Harry Kirkman has been beautifully restored; the 18 charming suites overlook the bushveld and beautiful lawns surround the lodge and swimming pool, with spectacular views of the unspoiled landscape surrounding the Sand River.
The moment you walk into the main guest area at Kirkman’s Kamp you’ll think you’ve been transported back in time. The fact that the lawn has warthog grazing on it instead of a neatly dressed party playing croquet does nothing to dispel this illusion; in fact, it all adds to the ambiance of this 1920s South African homestead.
Impeccable and gracious service completes the old world atmosphere, as the spirit of safari comes alive at this evocative camp, set in one of the most renowned wildlife regions in the world.
While gracious style abounds at &Beyond Kirkman’s, the landscape beyond is never forgotten. Wander through the spacious guest areas and admire the many mementos of a time gone by. Clean lines and authentic furniture transport you to the 1920s, while sheer creature comfort is never compromised.
Indulge in private time in the fascinating library or while away a few hours in front of the roaring fireplace in the guest sitting room. Leisure hours can be spent by the pool admiring the bush landscape and enjoying a special wildlife sighting in the river valley.
Private verandas attached to each suite offer a secluded spot to drink in the breathtaking views. Old-fashioned bedsteads combine seamlessly with modern comfort and souvenirs of bygone years to create a nostalgic safari atmosphere. Generous claw-foot bathtubs complete the picture, while stand-alone showers in each room provide an up-to-date touch.
Set out in an open 4×4 safari vehicle in the company of a ranger and tracker team, who will attempt to track your favourite animals. The Sabi Sand Game Reserve is well known for its leopard sightings and you may well spot one of these elusive cats resting after a successful night hunt. You will stop for refreshments at a scenic spot during your drive.
Abundant species diversity includes elephant, spotted hyena, leopard, large buffalo herds, rhino, hippo and the rare pangolin. The entire Big Five is well represented in Sabi Sand and other rare animals, such as the cheetah and hyena are often sighted.
Various antelope species, from impala, waterbuck and duiker to kudu, bushbuck and nyala can also be seen, as can giraffe and warthog. However, it is the leopard that is the real star of the show at Sabi Sand, with the area well known for some of the best leopard experiences in Africa. This shy and elusive animal, normally the most solitary of the African cats is often viewed both in daylight hours and during game drives.
A number of lion prides have territories in the Sabi Sand area and are regularly spotted on game drives. Although not as common as the leopard or lion, the cheetah is also occasionally seen at Sabi Sand. Built for speed instead of power, this formidable predator generally hunts during the day when its rivals, the lion and the leopard, are resting. This daytime hunting habit occasionally creates spectacular sightings of the fastest animal in the world in action. The fascinating social structure of the spotted hyena can also be clearly observed in a number of packs in the Sabi Sand.
Sabi Sand also boasts an ample array of bird life, ranging from water birds, which congregate in the riverside reeds to a staggering array of birds of prey. The bateleur, with its distinctive shape and energy-conserving flight technique, is a frequent sight in Sabi Sand’s skies. Africa’s largest eagle, the martial eagle, is also often spotted on the reserve. Their gigantic nests, in the shape of an inverted cone, decorate many a knob thorn or other large trees throughout Sabi Sand.
Children are welcome at the family-friendly &Beyond Kirkman’s Kamp. When available, booking an exclusive use safari vehicle means that game drives can be tailored for the shorter attention span of younger children, leaving and coming back to the lodge at any time. A swimming pool is available for families to enjoy. The lodge is also able to accommodate a limited number of triple rooms. This means that, should parents wish to share a room with younger children, an additional bed will be set up in the parents’ room for children 16 years or younger.
When not using an exclusive use vehicle, game drives are available to children aged twelve years and older. Children aged six to twelve are permitted on game drives at the lodge manager’s discretion. While children younger than six cannot participate in game drives, childminders can be arranged during game drives and meal times at an additional cost.
&Beyond’s professionally trained guides will ask you about your favourite wildlife and will do their best to ensure that your preferences are met, whether it is tracking a particular species or spending more time enjoying each sighting and getting to know the habits of the animals. They will also tell you about the vegetation of the region and will explain the behaviour of the animals that you come across. In some cases, the guides will be able to identify individual animals and let you know about their history and habits.
• Day and night game drives, walking safari and bush walks
• Historic atmosphere of authentic 1920s Transvaal homestead
• One of the best loved lodges in the Sabi Sand and perfect for all travellers – families and children welcome
• Imbued with the history of Harry Kirkman
• Relaxed and social family atmosphere
• Famed for leopard sightings
• Big Five game reserve shares unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park, traversing 6 300 hectares (15 000 acres)
What’s Included
• Accommodation
• Three meals daily
• Soft drinks
• House wines
• Local brand spirits and beers
• Teas and coffees
• Refreshments on game drives
• Laundry
• Safari activities
• One hour nature walks accompanied by experienced armed trackers (subject to availability)
• Emergency medical evacuation insurance
• VAT
• Transfers to and from the lodge airstrip
Price of 9075 ZAR fully Inclusive Per Person Per Night