Kirkman's Kamp
Set high above the Sand River, along a ridge on the site of the original camp created in the early 1920s, the classic fresh homestead style of Kirkman’s Kamp brings to mind the tasteful comfort of the early-safari era. Historic pictures integrate with a sensual spectrum of lifestyle elements from the past that tell the stories of a bygone era.
This immaculate camp was named after W. Harry Kirkman, one of the founders of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve who transitioned from being a hunter to conservationist and became a ranger in the Kruger National Park from 1933. It reflects the down-to-earth spirit of pioneer days, yet offers contemporary amenities for total comfort and excellent sightings.
- Location
Tengile Game Reserve
Sabi Sand Nature Reserve
Greater Kruger National Park
South Africa- Highlights
An historically-rich ambience
Panoramic river views
Private sanctuary
Prolific abundance of big cats
Unscripted wildlife viewing
Camp Details
The Cottages
Each of the twelve spacious guest cottages (including a family unit) feature ensuite showers and private verandas with full views of the river and untouched bush that is home to an abundance of the most sought-after safari favourites. This is the perfect get-away for tranquil withdrawal.
Features
- Private cottages
- River-facing verandas
- Beautifully appointed rim-flow pool
- Antique charm with modern conveniences
- Personal bar and coffee station
Guest Area
A short stroll from the main area, immersed in the bush-scape, the rim-flow pool is the ideal place to continue your game-viewing across the river. Tea-time on the rolling lawn is a nostalgic experience and, if interesting old books are your thing, the library the ideal retreat.
The vintage sitting-room is a good place to meet up for pre-dinner drinks and the cool, wide verandas are ideal for leisurely lunches or breakfasts after your game drive.
Wellness
Natural, holistic spa treatments are the perfect post-safari way to unwind and relax. Massages in the spa area, in-suite or on your own veranda give you the seclusion and time to refresh and restore your balance in blissful surrounds.
Cuisine
There’s a thoughtfully curated collection of premium wines to complement every dish and delicious cuisine available throughout the day and evening. With a varied combination of creative global favourites and Pan-African dishes on offer, meals are served either in the convivial spacious dining-room, the surrounding veranda, in the ‘boma’ around the campfire or on the lawns with romantic candle-lit settings.
Activities
There are sunrise and sunset game drives, with exclusive traversing across 10 500ha of pristine land to explore.
Leopards are particularly prolific in this area and even the most seasoned traveller will agree there is nothing to match the thrill of spotting that flick-of-a-tail or twitching ear prior to seeing one of these magnificent cats slinking into full view. Always a breath-taking event!
Coffee and sundowner interludes in idyllic locations punctuate every drive. If you are keen to mix things up and explore on foot as well, we offer interpretive bush and nature walks accompanied by your guide. Exclusive safaris for groups can be easily organised and there’s croquet and tennis on the sprawling lawn for energetic guests.
Info
Useful Information
Guests travelling to the Greater Kruger region are encouraged to consult their physician or travel clinic prior to departure to discuss recommended vaccinations and malaria prevention. While the area is considered low risk, simple precautions such as using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves in the evening are advised. Guests should also travel with any required personal medications and ensure appropriate travel insurance is in place. The lodge team is always available to assist should any medical needs arise during your stay.
The Sabi Sand enjoys a warm, inviting climate year-round, making it a perfect safari destination in every season. Summer (October - April) brings warm days, often in the high 20s to mid-30s °C, with dramatic afternoon thunderstorms that refresh the bush and awaken vibrant birdlife and newborn wildlife.
Winter (May - September) offers crisp mornings and mild, sunlit days, with minimal rainfall and open vistas that make game viewing on the river and nearby waterholes especially rewarding.
By Air
Guests can fly from Johannesburg or Cape Town into Skukuza Airport, situated within the Kruger National Park, followed by a short road 15 – 20 minute transfer to the lodge. Alternatively, Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport offers convenient access to the reserve. Private charter flights to nearby airstrips are also available.
By Road
The lodge is accessible via a scenic drive from Johannesburg along established routes into the reserve, offering a gradual transition from city to wilderness.
For further details and personalised arrangements, kindly contact the concierge team.
Kirkman's Kamp welcomes children of all ages, with specific policies for pricing, accommodation, and activities. Youngsters under 5 stay for free, while those aged 6–16 receive a 50% discount when sharing with full-paying adults. While little ones under 5 are not permitted on standard game drives, babysitters can be arranged at an extra cost. Pre-teens are not allowed on bush walks, but childminders can be arranged on the day of arrival, allowing parents to enjoy uninterrupted moments in the bush.
Rack Rate 2026
11 Jan 2026 - 5 Jan 2027
All rates are quoted in ZAR and subject to change without prior notice.
Please enquire for your contracted Nett rates.
High
11 Jan - 31 May
01 Oct - 20 Dec
Peak
01 Jun - 30 Sep
21 Dec - 05 Jan
Cottage
Per person sharing, per night
R 26 450
R 28 500
Family Cottage *
Per cottage, per night (1-4 guests)
Max 2 adults and 2 children (0-16 yrs)
* Two interleading Cottages
R 92 575
R 99 750
Private Vehicle
Per vehicle, per night
R 23 000
Other Accommodations
Lodges & Camps
Our lodges and camps each offer a distinct expression of the wild, from earthy traditional and nostalgic charm to contemporary sophistication. Set along the Sand River, each retreat offers front-row seats to Africa’s most treasured wildlife, where every stay becomes part of the story.
