The Cape Rockjumper was chosen, by BirdLife South Africa as the Bird of the Year 2021. The main goal of this initiative is to raise awareness about this interesting little bird and in doing so contributing the conservation of the rockjumper. 

The Cape Rockjumper is endemic to the mountain fynbos region of South Africa. This medium-sized bird is aptly named and can often be seen jumping across both rocks and grassland. The black and orange rockjumper seldom actually takes flight. 

They are facing some challenges and are particularly vulnerable to climate change and habitat loss and are currently classified as ‘Near Threatened’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Cape Rockjumpers forage on mountains and slopes for insects like caterpillars, moths, grasshoppers and beetles. They will also eat geckos, scorpions and spiders. 

You can find the Cape Rockjumpers in family groups consisting of a breeding pair and one or two of the offspring from the previous season. The breeding pair build the nest together and share incubation responsibilities. They generally build their nests on the ground under rocky overhangs.

While you are not likely to spot this pretty little bird at Kambaku Lodges, if you are in the Western Cape are, be on the look out for them!

“Before you, the mountains. Behind you, the forest. On this expanse of forty hectares, our boutique hotel waits to envelop you in the beauty of this rich, natural environment.”

At Kambaku @Sea you are not simply a guest, rather you are family we are proud to host.

Located in Sedgefield along the Garden Route, Kambaku @Sea is the perfect getaway for anyone look to escape the madness.

We are so proud of our team at Kambaku @Sea who have won a few prestigious awards over the last 2 years.

We won in 2019:

Kambaku At Seahas won an Haute Grandeur Excellence Award for:

• Best Boutique Honeymoon Hotel in Africa
• Most Luxurious Suite in Africa (Honeymoon/Family Room 5)

And in 2020:

Kambaku @ Sea has won an Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Award for:

• Best Bed and Breakfast Hotel on a Global level
• Best Boutique Hotel in Africa
• Best Romantic Hotel in Africa
• Best Boutique Honeymoon Hotel in South Africa 

There really is so much to do when you stay at Kambaku @Sea. From sunset cruises to adventures on kayaks – there is something for both the adventure seeker and those who need to rewind and relax.

There is also an abundance of things you can do in Sedgefield.

Gerick’s Point beach walk 

Sedgefield Beaches – there are five of them to explore, each one as beautiful as the next.

Boating – the Swartvlei and other waterways – from Kambaku @Sea

Cloud 9 Paragliding – Soar with eagles and get a bird’s eye view of the Garden Route

Horse  Riding –  riding opportunities

Wild Oats Farmers Market

Scarab market

Timberlake

OystersRUs Restaurant

Sedgefield’s Slow Festival in March / April every year

Oudtshoorn – ostrich farms and vineyards

Knysna Oyster festival

George Transport Museum

Wilderness –  Eden Adventures :  Kloofing, Kayaking, canoeing  

Acrobranch Tree Adventures

Dolphin Point

If you want to experience this award winning accommodation, book here.

The world is opening for travel again and we are so excited! We know that COVID-19 is still very much a concern for everyone which is why we have put all the safety measures in place to make sure your stay with us is safe and memorable.

Kambaku is an exclusive game lodge

Kambaku River Sands has only 10 luxury thatched chalets, each with its own private en-suite with a bath and both an indoor and outdoor shower, offering you the perfect place to relax and unwind in between game drives. This means that even if we are fully booked, we keep to a max of only 16 people in the camp at any one time, affording you an exclusive getaway in one of the most beautiful locations in the world. Exclusive use rates are also available and affordable.

We have a remote location

The Timbavati really is far from the maddening crowd. Kambaku Lodges are located in the Timbavati Nature Private Nature Reserve which is around 450km from Johannesburg. Not only are we far from the big cities in South Africa but because we are a private reserve, we are able to limit the number of people who enter the reserve. Further ensuring your safety and guaranteeing a wonderful safari experience.

We have wide open spaces

One thing we have in abundance at Kambaku Lodges is wide open spaces. Our lodges are unfenced which means the animals are free to come and go as they please – it is possible for you to view some of the big 5 without even leaving the comfort of the lodge. The Timbavati covers an area of 53 392 hectares of land which is a lot of wide-open space that can be enjoyed and explored. 

We have strict COVID-19 protocols in place

We have all the necessary COVID-19 protocols in place to ensure your safety. Our staff have all been fully vaccinated. Masks are worn at all times. Our game drives are limited to 6 people per vehicle and all the tables in our dining areas are the correct distance apart. We have been given the TBCSA’s certificate of approval that we comply with the recommended industry protocols.

Less people means better sightings

Due to the months of lockdown, the Timbavati has been a lot quieter than normal. This does have some advantages in that we have been treated to some incredible sightings. 

Remote working is possible

We have wi-fi at our lodges which means you are able to work remotely during your stay with us. You can really have the best of both worlds – gorgeous early morning and evening game drives, lazy afternoons at the spa and some work in between. 

If you are looking for your next adventure, book a stay with Kambaku River Sands or Kambaku Safari Lodge.

Elephants are a huge part of life at Kambaku Lodges. They spend a lot of time using our swimming pool at Kambaku River Sands as their local watering hole which is always such a treat to experience.

Elephants are a keystone species. This means that they create and maintain the ecosystems that they live in which makes it possible for other plants and animal species to live in those environments. The loss of elephants to an ecosystem has a deep impact and can cause lasting chaos to the habitat, weakening the structure and the diversity of the ecosystem. 

The focus of World Elephant Day is raise the awareness around the plight of the elephants around the world. Elephant numbers have dropped by 62% over the last decade. An estimated 100 African elephants are killed each day by poachers seeking ivory, meat and body parts. If more is not done to protect these gentle giants, they are at risk.

Today we celebrate these incredible creatures and the joy that they bring to life in the Timbavati.

“You know… they say an elephant never forgets. What they don’t tell you is, you never forget an elephant.”

– Bill Murray.

• 

• 

• 

The Origins of Kambaku

Kambaku is a Tsonga word for Great Tusker or Old Elephant Bull. It was also the name given to one of the Magnificent Seven. These seven elephants all had tusks weighing over 50kg.

Kambaku moved over a large area ranging from Satara, the Timbavati and Crocodile bridge but he was most commonly spotted around the Kingfisherspruit area, always alone.

It was easy to identify Kambaku, he had a perfectly round hole in his ear, close to the outer edge. His trunk was also unique in that it had markings that looked like round patches of smooth skin.

You can view Kambaku’s tusks in a display at the Letaba Elephant Hall.

Lions in South Africa

Lions used to naturally occur all throughout South Africa but due mainly to hunting and other human associated behaviours, they are now largely restricted to protected areas. Lions can now be found in the greater Kruger National Park and the surrounding farms and reserves that border the park, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and Hluhluwe-Imfolozi in KwaZulu/Natal.

For any species to survive, genetic diversity is essential for survival but in some reserves in South Africa there is evidence of inbreeding, which reduces genetic diversity. Inbreeding has been shown to not only impact on reproductive success but also increases the susceptibility to disease.

In large, open wildlife systems, such as the Greater Kruger National Park, young males leave their prides to find new mating partners and in doing so prevent inbreeding. The main reason that conservation genetics is important is because it involves conserving the maximum genetic diversity which in turn preserves the evolutionary potential of the species. If a population does not have the necessary genetic diversity it needs, it runs the risk of not being able to adapt and survive environmental changes.  

Genetic analysis jas been conducted on the lions of the Timbavati  by Dr Desire Dalton and Susan Miller. Their analysis found that the lion population in the Timbavati has a high genetic diversity and the risk of inbreeding is low, due largely to the high number of lions available in the Greater Kruger National Park open system.

The Lions of the Timbavati

The Timbavati Private Nature reserve is the only reserve in the world where white lions occur naturally. These beautiful lions have intrigued people for many years with some believing they have mythical powers. Many also assume that these lions are albinos but this this not the case. You can read more about the genetic makeup of White Lions here.

Today, on World Lion Day, we take a look back on some of the Legends of the Timbavati.

Our beautiful Blue Eyes white lioness. Her territory extended through Kambaku Lodges. We were privileged enough to follow her journey from a young cub through to a very confident and successful lioness.

Unfortunately she met her end whilst defending her cubs against two male lions during a pride take over.

Black Dam, a big male lion who owned the territory which makes up our area of Timbavati. He successfully defended his territory on his own for almost two years, which in this area is no mean feat, given that most territories are owned by coalitions of two or more males.

Unfortunately he was mortally wounded in a buffalo hunt. Isn’t he absolutely magnificent.

The life of a lion cub is tough. This little one got a short glimpse of what life held in store for him. Unfortunately this young male cub did not make it to maturity.

Younger sister to Blue Eyes – another stunning white lioness with hazelnut eyes. We also had the pleasure of watching her grow from a cub into a beautiful lioness.

She was unfortunately killed by rogue males who surprised the pride on a buffalo kill. It was a devastating loss of a very promising lioness.

Another legend of the Timbavati known as the Timbavati male. He was one of the areas dominant males for many years with many war stories, evident by the scars on his face.

This was one of the last images we have of him before he disappeared!!

Today we are celebrating World Ranger Day.

There are an estimated 100,000 reserves, parks and protected areas around the world, most of these are being protected tirelessly by rangers. World Ranger Day was created by the International Ranger Federation and was first held in 2007 as a way to honor these brave men and women who are committed to preserve the nature they are surrounded by.

We have decided to turn the spotlight onto Gideon Marvin Khosa, one of the long standing professional field guides at Kambaku Lodges.

Bryce sat down with Gideon and had a chat to help you get to know him a little better.

Q: Gideon how long have you been a professional guide and where did it all begin for you?

A: I started my career as a professional field guide over 20 years ago now in Kruger National Park under Dion Pienaar as my mentor.

Q: So your career started in Kruger – where else has it taken you?

A: After working in Kruger for a few years I spent some time in the North West of the country in Madikwe but returned to the Kruger region and found my home at Kambaku in the Timbavati.

Q: What’s your favourite part of guiding?

A: I have a passion for walking and sharing knowledge on trees, plants, birds and the smaller things that make up the bush.

Q: If you could choose a favourite animal to view which would it be?

A: A tough decision but it would be a close call between elephant & leopard.

Q: I am sure you have had some amazing sightings in your career which one stands out for you as one of the best?

A: We had a sighting not so long ago not far from camp which really stands out.

We came across two large male lions known as the Maposa males on a young buffalo carcass surrounded by 18-20 hyenas. The hyenas were continuously pestering the lions and the sounds from both where just as amazing as the sighting itself. When we thought it couldn’t get any better a pack of 16 wild dogs arrived obviously attracted by all the noise and everything went crazy, eventually the two male lions chased everyone off and returned to finish their meal.

Q: Obviously guiding is your passion but outside of guiding what else do you enjoy?

A: Soccer and traditional dancing.

Q: What’s your favourite team both locally and internationally?

A: Kaizer Chiefs and Barcelona.

Q: Who’s your favourite players?

A: Locally Siphiwe Shabalala and internationally Messi and Ronaldo.

Q: The traditional dancing what is that all about?

A: It’s a tradition of my family the Khoza’s known as muchongolo. Every Sunday we dress in traditional clothing, animal skins, sandals, head bands etc. and perform traditional dances past down from generation to generation. We also do it as a life celebration of a family member at funerals.

Q: You are a proud Shongaan man tell us about your family?

A: My wife Tembe is also in the industry and works as a chef. I have three daughters, Pardon who is 24 and a nurse in Johannesburg, Trinity who is 18 and studying human resource management and Imbali who is 10 and still at school.

Q: Finally Gideon is there anyone you look up to in life?

A: Yes my uncle Nelson Theko he is a famer in Buffelshoek and has always been there for me.

We not only honor and celebrate Gideon and all the other rangers who form a part of our team at Kambaku Lodges but also those rangers who work throughout the Timbavati Reserve.

National Bee Day coincides with the birthday of Anton Jansa, a Slovenian born in 1734 and widely recognized as the pioneer of modern beekeeping.

National Bee Day gives us an opportunity to appreciate the critical role that bees play not only in nature but also in our everyday lives.

These small often ill-treated insects are critically important for our own survival. But unfortunately like so many species across the world their numbers are rapidly declining due to climate change, pollution and intensive agriculture.

Bees, butterflies and bats are responsible for the pollination of about 90% of the world’s wild flowering plants and at least 75% of the world’s food crops. As pollinators, they are therefore responsible for about a third of the food we eat.

Sadly due to human impact about 35% of these incredible pollinators are now facing global extinction. This ripple effect will be catastrophic for a host of other species that rely on these valuable pollinators for their very existence. This includes us.

The Renowned Honey Badger

In our area the honey badger, also known as the “Ratel”, is a tenacious small carnivore with a reputation for being completely fearless.

The Guinness Book of Records even recognizes this small mammal as the “most fearless animal in the world”. The honey badger gets it’s name from their love for honey and honeybee larvae. These fearless badgers have also developed a symbiotic relationship with the Honeyguide bird.

The honeyguide bird guides the badger to a hive. Unable to retrieve the honeycomb itself, the bird makes use of the tenacious badger. He can tolerate multiple stings whilst attaining the sweet prize. Once retrieved, the Honeyguide can feed to his heart’s content.

The honeyguide bird is also known to use man for the very same reason: something only a fortunate few have had the opportunity to experience.

5 Fun Facts About Bees

*Bees put the honey in Honeymoon 

Honey was used in the earliest known alcoholic beverage – mead. Mead played an important role in Nordic marriage rites as early as the 5th century. Newlywed couples would consume copious amounts of mead during the first full moon cycle, or month, of marriage (the now known “honeymoon”).  

*Bees can remember human faces

Although bees may have a brain the size of a poppy seed, they’re able to pick out individual features on human faces. This keen perception helps these highly social creatures recognize each other. It also helps them recognize and return to their favorite pollen producing flowers.

*Scientists use bees to study serial killers

Bees avoid detection by predators and parasites by creating a distraction zone — they leave flowers closest to their nest entrance untouched and feed further away from the hive. In 2008, a team team of researchers found that bees’ foraging patterns were as reliable and predictable as humans. Using insights from bee patterns, criminology experts can now refine geographic profiling methods. That’s because in general, repeat offenders avoid committing crimes close to where they live so they can avoid detection. 

*There are bees that can age backwards

Older bees have the ability to revert back to their more energetic, younger selves. This occurs when there is a lack of young worker bees to take on tasks. In fact, these bees end up living longer to pick up the slack. This incredible phenomenon is currently under investigation by researchers to better understand the underlying mechanisms and potential applications for age-related dementia in humans. 

*Bees are cold blooded but can defend their hives with giant balls of heat

Like all insects, bees are cold-blooded. But using their wings, they can fan hot air out of the hive to cool an area, or vibrate their flight muscles to heat it.  Using this technique, they can defend their hives by creating a giant ball around an invading hornet and use the same hive-heating techniques to cook the invader alive. 

So next time you hear the signature buzzing of bees around you – replace fear and the swatting frenzy with appreciation. Come on safari with us to celebrate National Bee Day and the blessing that bees are still here!!

Responsible, eco-conscious tourism is a buzz world you’ll hear a lot. It also sounds like a drag, right? Wrong! Being an eco-friendly tourist in South Africa is pretty simple, and won’t need you to do anything except enjoy the trip. Here’s the Kambaku Lodges top tips on ethical, responsible tourism – no hassle!

Know and say no… that’s all it takes

Knowing what eco matters matter most to the country you’re visiting is the first step to eco-conscious tourism. Game Reserves in Timbavati have concerns that may be different than your own hometown or country. Here, water can often be in short supply, so responsible water usage during your time here is critical. Take shorter showers, don’t leave taps dripping, and let us know if you spot a problem.

Likewise, it’s time to say ‘no’ to junk. From a lid on your coffee to the plastic straw in your soda, junk intruding on natural environments is becoming a serious issue worldwide. Do your part to keep unnecessary rubbish out of the landfills, and make sure to dispose of your own waste responsibly- that casually dropped bottle could choke and kill local wildlife or destroy their environment, after all.

In protected areas, it can also be illegal to pick or gather plants. As well as making sure to take your litter and waste with you, make sure you don’t disturb the natural environment too much- as the famous saying goes, take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints. Lastly, remember that- as exciting as your time on safari will be- this is a truly wild African experience. From the roaring lion to the tiniest Dwarf mongoose, these are not tame animals, and are always best left alone.

Supporting the locals responsibly

Modern tourism has evolved from an entity that only takes, to a supportive way to help grow local communities and support local development. If you can help contribute in a meaningful way, be it through safari activities that pay back to the community, or through local purchases, it’s always great. Sadly, however, there are always those who will make a living through preying on tourist empathy. Sometimes it’s a mere nuisance, as with touts, and other times it can outright bring crime to the local communities. Rather opt to support local artists, craftspeople and food vendors, and otherwise direct your money to positive upliftment programs for the area, if you wish to.

Lastly, you can always take a little care with your splurge purchases for the (unlucky) folks back home. Sustainable and eco-friendly crafts and mementoes are easy to find. Steer away from dubious or unethical products, or trophies from endangered and illegal wildlife poaching.

These actions may seem small, but being an eco-conscious tourist doesn’t take much at all. Added together, however, each of our small actions will have a huge impact on preserving the beauties of the Timbavati Game Reserve for future generations.

Keen to know more about responsible tourism? The team at the Kambaku Game Lodges are always happy to help visitors learn more about our beautiful corner of Africa.

South Africa’s Bird of the Year for 2020 is the Southern Ground-hornbill. This may be the very first time you’re hearing of this remarkable species, but for safari lodges in the Timbavati Game Reserve it’s long been a spectacular sighting. Here’s everything you didn’t know you needed to know about this fascinating bird.

1.  Precious and treasured…

Sometimes called the ‘Lightning’ or ‘Thunder’ bird, it’s the belief of many indigenous SA cultures that the Southern Ground-hornbill is a symbol of the coming of life-giving rains. This worked very much in the Hornbills favour over many centuries, as it was sacrilege to kill them. However, this has not been the case for all cultures, and in some, they are seen as an unlucky bird instead.

2.  …Yet sadly endangered

As society has changed, and mankind expanded like never before, however, this hallowed status has begun to fade. Today, it’s estimated that there are less than 1500 individuals remaining. They’re rarely spotted outside the confines of protected areas like the Timbavati Game Reserve and the Greater Kruger. Deforestation, grassland reduction, poisoning and electrocution have decimated the species, as has the loss of large trees throughout the ‘urban jungle’.

3.  Socially active

The Southern Ground-hornbill, surprisingly, operates more like a pack than a flock. They’re very slow breeders, and only one ‘alpha’ pair will breed in the flock, but they will work together cooperatively in groups of 2-9. They will produce 2 chicks, only one of which will live to maturity, and the breeding cycle takes 9 years. They have lived up to 70 years in captivity.

4.  A ferocious consumer

This is no harmless seedeater! Smaller animals run for cover when the Southern Ground-hornbill is around, as they’ll eat almost anything that crosses their path- including small lizards, insects, rodents, tortoises and even weighty snakes like the puff adder!

5.  Hear the dawn chorus

The flock will gather before dawn for a ‘chorus’ of repeated low grunting that sounds almost like a far-away lion. The big red wattle under the male’s bill helps amplify this across wide distances, easily carrying 3km or more. In females, the wattle is violet. It’s thought that this chorus helps establish and maintain their territory.

Keen to see more of this fascinating bird? With the Southern Ground-hornbill declared Bird of the Year, there’s no better time to visit the Greater Kruger National Park. With the Kambaku Lodges as your perfect accommodation for the stay, there’s no better time than the present to come and enjoy!

Myth or Misunderstood? Unique facts you need to know about the African Wild Dog

Safari Lodges near the Kruger Park may be best known for their Big 5 populations, but there’s many other unique animals that call these areas home. Of these, none is perhaps as mysterious (and often misunderstood) as the critically endangered African Wild Dog. This utterly unique canid species calls the area home, and here at the Kambaku Lodges your chances of a Wild Dog encounter are high as you safari with us, yet many fascinating facts about these unique animals remain unknown to our visitors. Here’s a few scintillating titbits about these iconic mammals.

Unique teeth, unique tempers

Life in the bush may be beautiful to behold, but it’s a do-or-die race for many of the animals that call it home. The African Wild Dog is no different. Despite being full predators, each individual dog is only a small mammal, so it’s no surprise they retain a canine-like tendency to hunt in packs. This cooperative effort makes hunting even pretty large prey easy- but with many larger and more dominant predators in the bush, doesn’t mean they’ll get to keep what they kill!

Nature has thus provided them with teeth very different from your (larger) average canid. These specially adapted teeth shred the carcasses of their kill rapidly, ensuring everyone gets a chance to eat before the risk of being driven off by other animals. This especially benefits the pups, who, as soon as they are able to eat solid food, are given priority over every other pack member to eat.

Home is where the family is

As with most members of the dog family, the African Wild Dog hunts in a pack led by a dominant pair. As younger members mature, however, it is the female offspring that leave the nest to seek out a pack of their own, not the males as with other species. Males thus form the nucleus of the pack. In a very human-like twist, wild dogs lose their coats as they age, leaving the oldest pack members almost naked. This fur is very unlike typical canine hair, comprising mostly of stiff bristles with no underlying undercoat, a unique adaptation to the African climate.

The Wild Dog pack is a democracy, with pack members voting before heading out on the kill. Their method of doing so, however, may surprise you- as it’s done through sneezing! While pack elders and leaders have more say in what the pack does, it’s perfectly possible for the ‘leadership’ to be outvoted by other members. Sneeze voting is a strange idea, but hey…. If it works, it works!

The African Wild Dog is a complex (and sadly, often misunderstood) animal as iconic to the game lodges of the Timbavati as our elephants and larger animals. During your stay at the Kambaku Lodges, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for these uniquely wonderful animals- and maybe, just maybe, your ears too, in case a fit of sneezes announces the pack’s new hunt!

An elephant experience like no other awaits at the Kambaku Lodges

Elephants are some of the most intelligent creatures to walk the face of the earth. Their complex consciousnesses feel strong emotions, bond like humans, and even grieve their dead. No matter where you turn in Africa, you’ll find an ingrained respect for these unique beings, and they play a significant role in many cultures because of it. For many of the overseas visitors to the Kambaku Lodges, they’re also a huge drawcard, evoking an immediate sense of Africa at it’s very best. If you want to know a little more about what Elephant experiences to expect here, as a game lodge in the Timbavati, keep reading- delights await you!

The allure of the African Elephant

Elephants are known for their intelligence, loyalty and gentle natures. As a keystone African species, they also play a huge part in maintaining the biodiversity of the unique environments in which they live. They are also undeniably tourism magnets, and few feel a trip to Africa is complete without an Elephant sighting or two. These charismatic animals float slowly over the landscape. Young ones remain with their mothers (and herds) for up to five years, and orphans are nursed within the herd too. These highly social creatures have remarkable memories, and are generally peaceable creatures who don’t seek trouble or pick fights. That’s not to say that a threatened Elephant won’t defend themselves, and many a disrespectful tourist has found their vehicle chased by an angry 7-ton Elephant trumpeting loudly!

Ensuring that man and elephant can coexist peacefully is a focus of many reputable wildlife programs, and the Elephants of the Timbavati are monitored through several projects, advancing our knowledge of these gentle giants and ensuring harmony between herds and local agricultural and cultural hubs.

Kambaku: an Elephant legacy that endures

The Kambaku Lodge family is named, of course, after one of the Kruger’s original ‘Magnificent Seven’. While these awe-inspiring ‘big tusk’ bull Elephants may have passed on, their legacy remains in the modern herds spotted throughout the greater Timbavati area. And you’ll have ample opportunity to experience this legacy for yourself during your stay. Elephants are a keystone of the safari experience, and your chances of a unique Elephant encounter are extremely high.

That’s not the only Elephant experience you’re likely to have, however. With our gorgeous infinity pool looking out directly into the surrounding bush, it’s not unknown for guests to have a truly unique Elephant experience as they enjoy themselves by the pool!

Accommodation in the Timbavati Game Reserve is uniquely placed to allow visitors fascinating elephant sightings up close and personal. Our Kambaku Lodges are perfectly situated within the reserve to ensure you have optimal chances to experience these unique beings first-hand, including a chance of an exciting poolside experience, too.

Book an incredible elephant experience at Kambaku Lodges today. We guarantee every encounter with these gentle giants will change your life.

The iconic image of an African safari wouldn’t be complete without the camera around your neck. Despite that, it can be tough to accurately capture the majesty of the bush on a standard tourism safari drive. Enter the photographic safari. Whether you’re an amateur hoping to capture some breathtaking moments, or a seasoned pro who lives through their lens, a photographic safari is the perfect way to ensure you get that shot that will immortalize your experience in the bush

What is a photographic safari?

Sometimes called ‘the only ethical wildlife hunts’, photographic safaris are specifically structured around ensuring you capture only the very best wildlife moments on camera. It’s not just a game drive, but an experience specifically constructed around capturing images of the trip that will ensnare the heart of any viewer.

This means that it’s essential to have a basic understanding of the animals in the bush if you want to get the right moment the right way. That’s why our expert guides are also trained in the art of photography as well as bushveld lore. They’ll guide you to understand more about the art of wildlife photography and the wildlife itself, helping you craft memories that will last a lifetime and showcase your skills.

Game Lodges in the Timbavati like Kambaku Lodges are perfectly placed for photographic safaris. With our fenceless borders allowing animals to free roam from the Kruger, and ample opportunity to spot the Big 5, there can be no better photographic safari experience.

What’s the best season for a photographic safari?

In honesty, if it’s the magic of the camera you’re looking to weave, there’s no peak season. Traditionally, the dry season has been seen as the best safari weather. Without rain to replenish water sources, animals are more likely to congregate together in larger numbers at waterholes. Meanwhile, the bush die-off over the dry season makes spotting animals a little easier.

However, when the rains sweep in and rejuvenate the bush, we’re gifted with an explosion of green to delight any heart. Spring brings wobbly baby animals begging to be immortalised, and winter sunsets that will capture your heart forever. Differing seasons allow you to capture different moments, but everyone will delight your heart.

At Kambaku lodges we offer premier photographic safari opportunities year-round. With luxury accommodation in the Timbavati to look forward to each evening, an experienced guide to help you make the very best of your gear, and small groups to ensure only the very best experience, you’ll fall in love with the bush all over again.

• 

• 

February is the month of love, and you may well have wedding bells on your mind. If you’re looking to plan the bushveld wedding experience of a lifetime, it’s time to let the experts at Kambaku Lodges help you make your bridal dreams come true.

Allow the beauty of the bush to woo you both

Destination weddings may be the rising wedding trend for 2020, but the magic of the African bushveld has been ensnaring happy couples for far longer than that. One night spent under the glittering stars, one crisp morning under achingly blue skies, or one heart-capturing sunset as the sky is painted in magical colours and you’ll understand why. Once you’ve fallen in love with the bush, there’s no destination that compares.

There’s a magic to the veld difficult to describe, but it will be tangible to your guests almost immediately. Soft rustles and low calls fill the bush with life, and yet the quiet serenity allows mundane cares to melt away. Animals play, birds soar, and nature weaves her spell no matter where you turn. Heart-stopping views create the perfect backdrop to celebrate your love and allow you to capture the magic of the moment for perfect photographs you’ll treasure forever.

There’s no better wedding experience than a bush wedding, and Kambaku Lodges is happy to help you create your dream day.

Kambaku Lodge’s wedding packages

One glimpse of our luxury accommodation in the Timbavati Game Reserve and you’ll understand why brides and grooms trust us to help them make their special day even more memorable. We know planning a wedding can be stressful, so we’ve made it our mission to help alleviate some of the strain. We offer 3 gorgeous wedding packages perfect for any budget, allowing you to pick the combo that best suits your needs.

Kick off the special day with a spa experience for the bride-to-be. Don’t worry, we’ll be handling the lodge’s setup for you! With an exclusive bridal suite, yours for the day, and delicious champagne and snack platters for the bridal party, you may be tempted to stay hidden away. Don’t forget, however, that you’ll also have access to private game vehicles for a safari! Should you desire, we can organise an officiant and witnesses at the lodge’s, too. Enjoy the splendours of an African tribal gift ceremony, and then let your guests tuck into a delicious plated dinner at the Boma.

Should you need a little more weight taken off your shoulders, we can add a spa day for him to the package and take the romance to the bush instead of the lodges. We can also see to it that your garments are pressed, organise flower arrangements, and offer a basic photography package.

Or go all-in and lets us handle the little details. Guests will enjoy their plated dinner in the bush, we’ll handle your bouquet and save-the-dates, and your hair and makeup too! Enjoy a special performance from the lodge’s choir to celebrate your union and take advantage of our professional photo team for a day that’s out of this world.

No matter what you dream for your special day, let Kambaku Lodges help you craft the African bush wedding experience that people will be talking about for years to come.

There’s one thing any safari lodge in the Greater Kruger National Park is familiar with, and that’s the Big 5. Although there’s tons of wildlife to be seen on any South African safari, it’s these iconic 5 land mammals that have caught the hearts and captured the imagination of everyone who visits here. The Kambaku Game Lodges in the Timbavati have the honour of living among these beautiful beings, and are proud to help our visitors experience their majesty for themselves. With that in mind, here’s everything you ever wanted to know about seeing the Big 5 in the Timbavati.

What are the ‘Big 5’, anyway?

The term ‘Big 5’ refers to 5 iconic African mammals. Namely the Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino and Cape Buffalo. Of these famous 5, the Lion is perhaps the most famous of all, roaming the bush in their hunting prides. The Leopard is a more solitary and shy creature and can be harder to spot on game drives. It’s difficult to miss an Elephant herd, and the Timbavati are blessed with a fairly substantial population. The Rhino and Cape Buffalo are often found alongside each other in their own herds, too.

Will I definitely see the ‘Big 5’ in the Timbavati?

Here’s the thing about safaris. Their very beauty lies in the unconquered bush, spotting these amazing animals in their natural habitats, living lives as untouched by man as possible. This is the nearest we’ll come to experiencing life in the wild, as lived by these untamed beasts. A safari is truly an experience like no other… but it’s also one that can’t be scripted, for exactly the same reasons that make it so alluring.

So, no animal sighting can ever be ‘guaranteed’, as you’re viewing animals living natural lives in pristine bushland. Some days it will seem like everything is being thrown at you at once, some days you’ll capture a live hunt, and other days will be quieter. Time of day, seasons, water conditions and a lot more will all have an effect on the animals you see, and what they’re doing when you spot them.

That said, the Timbavati is home to every one of the Big 5 in natural population numbers. This means that your chances of a spectacular sighting (or 5) are very strong indeed.  Our guides here at the Kambaku Lodges are all knowledgeable, and spend much time out-and-about on the reserve. This means they know the natural patterns of these animals, as well as where sightings are commonly encountered on the reserve. This makes your chances of a wildlife moment you’ll never forget as high as possible. Rest assured, no safari drive is ever wasted.

How do I maximise my chances of seeing the Big 5 on my safari?

While you can’t do much about the random patterns of wildlife movement, there’s a lot you can do to maximise your chances of Big 5 sightings. As we mentioned, the depth of knowledge of our guides will ensure they know where to take you, when, and how best to maximise your chances of a spectacular sighting. Be sure to listen to them, especially if they ask you to do something during your safari drives.

It also helps to let your guide know what type of sightings you are most interested in. The shy Leopard is most often spotted on more nocturnal or late evening drives, when they slink down to hunt their prey. Rhino and Cape Buffalo are often found (together with Zebra) near water sources during the heat of summer. So don’t be shy- let us know which of the Big 5 you’re particularly hoping to spot, so we can help you pick the very best options for your wishes.

You can also do a few things to make your safari drives as rewarding as possible. Opt for muted clothing colours, so you blend into the vehicle and don’t spook wildlife. That doesn’t mean you need a full safari suit! Simple keep to neutral tones and avoid bright shirts and accessories that may mirror the light. Keep your voice low and try to minimize unnecessary noises- you don’t want your ringtone frightening away a marvellous sighting, after all!

Your accommodation in the Timbavati Nature Reserve means you’re perfectly placed to have a wealth of exciting ‘Big 5’ encounters during your stay at the Kambaku Game Lodges. While we can’t guarantee what you’ll experience, we can guarantee the experience will stay with you for a lifetime. Let the Timbavati touch your soul- come and experience the ‘Big 5’ in their natural habitat today.

Game lodges in the Timbavati offer a chance to experience an Africa unspoilt by man, where animals roam free as nature intended. There’s a magic to the experience that’s unique to every individual. The Timbavati will speak to your soul, pushing the day-to-day cares of urban life from your mind and refreshing your spirit. We’re proud to offer guests a superlative experience of the African bush here at Kambaku Lodges, and it’s our aim to help every guest experience the magic of the Timbavati up-close-and-personal. Here’s a taste of what awaits you.

Spending time in a pristine bush environment

This is the heart of Africa. Safari lodges in the Timbavati Game Reserve offer visitors a glimpse of the beating pulse of the wild. This is no ‘Disney’ landscape. It’s a place where prey and predator dance, life and death are decided in a heartbeat, and beauty and harsh reality meet. It’s difficult to pin that experience to paper, as it’s something best felt- but you will feel it the moment you step onto the reserve. The aching openness of an empty sky. The urgency of life in the bush around you. And the peace that manages to seep through it all. This is Africa at her best, and she’s calling to you.

White lions, history and magical experiences

The Timbavati is never the same. The bush changes day to day, feeling the impact of weather, the seasons and the passage of time. While you can never go back to the iconic moment of yesterday’s safari drive, there’s always something new to look forward to and experience. So there’s a sense of an ever-changing landscape that never-the-less remains timeless. There’s no clock here, no scheduled break, no meetings… just you and the bush. The sun rises and falls, but the time in-between is wholly your own.

It’s difficult now to imagine what the conservationist landowners who established the Timbavati in 1956 must have experienced. They saw the devastation of a gorgeous natural environment by farming, and wanted to return it to the pristine wilderness we now see. Through their intense efforts, the land was rehabilitated and indigenous plants returned. 1993 saw the fences to the Greater Kruger Game Reserve drop, allowing natural wildlife migration patterns to rebirth the bush. Today, the area boasts some of the richest biodiversity in South Africa and a truly unique landscape. Here you’ll find Mopani woodlands and white lions, the Big 5 and tiny treasures, endangered wild dog packs and abundant birdlife.  Here you will be surrounded by the sounds and smells of nature and wild places. Without even stepping foot on a safari vehicle, you’ll feel the fulfilment of the experience in your soul. What’s even better is that it’s yours to explore however you choose.

No matter what you most want to experience on your time in the Timbavati, Kambaku Lodges will help you make the most of your time here. Offering some of the very best accommodations on the Timbavati Rreserve, we will help you make your African dreams come true with an authentic Timbavati experience that will uplift your spirits and soothe your soul even as the magic of the wildlife experiences blows your imagination wide open.

From game lodges near the Kruger National Park, to Garden Route accommodation that will win your heart forever, the Kambaku Lodge family has a little something for everyone. If you’re wondering what the Kambaku difference really is- and which of our gorgeous locales would be best for you- then today’s blog is exactly what you’re looking for.

The birth of a dream: Kambaku Safari Lodge

This is where it all began. The flagship of the proud Kambaku name is Kambaku Safari Lodge, a haven of wildlife, adventure and whole-family fun. With the heart of a traditional Kruger Park Game Lodge, the soul of the bush, and the backdrop of the spectacular Timbavati game reserve, this is the true African safari experience of your dreams.

The heart of Kambaku Safari Lodge lies in the bush, under the bright, open skies. You’ll keep your days packed with exciting safari activities- traditional game drives, photo safaris, and walking safaris. 4-poster beds swathed in mosquito nets evoke a typical safari atmosphere, while an overhead fan keeps the air moving no matter the heat. Hop onto the private viewing veranda when you’re in your room, and watch the bush come to life around you. Laze around the pool during the afternoon, or play a game of snooker. The kids can keep themselves fully entertained (and immersed in the experience) through our exciting kids’ program. There’s also a spa and gym facilities for patrons to focus on rejuvenating themselves.

From genuine safari ambience to mod cons and new friends- happiness is a place, and that place is Kambaku Safari Lodge

Space and time: Kambaku River Sands

Another of our game lodges in the Timbavati, Kambaku River Sands is the home of the reborn you. If you’re feeling rushed, harried and unable to decompress from the cares and strife of daily life, here is the perfect destination.

The experience of Kambaku River Sands gives you space and time. Pause, breathe and reconnect. Blissful solitude, peace and tranquillity surround you. Cheering sunlight streams through glass-encased spaces. Nature is calling you home! Let her soothe your cares away.

Kambaku River Sands carries the same sense of adventure and the same authentic African safari feel, but here the focus is on unwinding from the grind. You’ve come home to the land of the ‘cradle of mankind’, and Africa will nourish your soul. The staggering beauty of the Timbavati still beckons. Explore the bush, watch birds frolic from the bird hide, experience real safaris, spot the Big 5, and watch wildlife thrive. Wash the day’s cares away in indoor or outdoor showers while birds sing around you. The 8 luxury thatched chalets mean the area is quiet and peaceful, with no hustle and bustle around you.
Wash your cares away in the infinity pool, enjoy specialist wine tastings in the sunken wine cellar, or make new friends at the wrap-around bar. Allow our skilled spa team to help you decompress from the pace of life outside the lodge, or hit the gym to stay active.

As night falls, the experience continues to nourish your mind and body. World-class cuisine can be enjoyed al-fresco, or head to the riverbed and enjoy the campfires calling the stars home. This is an all-inclusive five-star experience- arrive expectant, but leave enchanted.

Kambaku @Sea

This unique Knysna accommodation lies nestled between land and sea. Here you’re at play in one of the most unique microbiomes in the world, and Kambaku @ Sea puts you in the heart of it. 40 hectares of unspoilt vegetation unrolls around you, while bushbuck, honey badgers and otters play. Here’ you’ll see a different side of Africa, with unique coastal safaris and the joys of the Garden Route close at hand. Mountains behind you, and forest before you.

Kambaku @ Sea is a haven of self-renewal and reinvigoration. Your feet will sink in sand as your heart soars. A mountain panorama of lush vegetation, beguiling scents and fresh hope awaits, with sunrises and sunsets you’ll never forget. Paddle the estuary in a kayak, or enjoy a sunset cruise.

5 luxury suites, each with private verandas, allow for complete privacy and relaxation. Our full-service spa will help your cares melt away, and remains a key feature of the Kambaku @ Sea experience. Browse the library, or get active with a host of watersports. Snorkelling, kayaking, and so much more coastal enchantment is open to you.Let the luxury and peace of Sedgefield seep into your bones at Kambaku @Sea.

3 locations. 3 incomparably unique experiences. One happy family. From the Timbavati to the Garden route, Kambaku Lodges offers you with the same quality service in three utterly unique locations- no matter where you roam. Which Kambaku Lodge will steal your heart today?

Did you know that South Africa is home to about a tenth of the bird species found worldwide? This makes our national parks an exceptional area for avid birders, as well as people here to enjoy the other diverse animal species that make up our rich biome. Kambaku Lodges offer superlative bird viewing for eager twitchers, and you’ll soon find our luxury accommodation on the Timbavati nature reserve is the perfect home base to spot feathery treasures.

Is the Timbavati a good area for birding?

The Timbavati is actually one of the best areas in South Africa for exceptional birding. Well over 350 bird species (of the 500 total Greater Kruger species) have been recorded in the area. While game lodges in the Timbavati tend to focus in on the ever-popular African mammals you’ll find here, serious birders will also find themselves dazzled and delighted, and we’d happily call it a birder’s paradise. During the migratory season, there’s some added beauty in the common visitors to the area, too. The distances roamed by these tiny creatures is remarkable! November to April sees birds arriving from all over Europe, Asia and the Americas to enjoy the African sunshine.

While the Timbavati river can be little more than a riverbed for most of the hot summers, you’ll find the flora there trends towards a mixed woodland that’s highly attractive to birds. That’s not to say you won’t encounter some spectacular winged sightings in the open plain too, however! In short, keep your eyes peeled- and your camera’s ready- wherever you roam, because a spectacular avian sighting can come at any moment.

More about the Greater Kruger’s unique bird species

So what treats await you as you explore the Timbavati with your Kambaku guide?

Southern Carmine bee-eater

This common migrant to the area makes a spectacular sighting, flocking in droves to areas of both South Africa and Namibia in the summer to dig deep nests and nurture their young. This spectacular mass migration is a favourite for photographers, especially as males will often ‘dogfight’ each other in spectacular aerial battles to impress the ladies.

Grey-headed bush shrike

The largest bush-shrike in our region and is known as the “Ghostbird” because of its mournful, haunting cry an iconic sound of the African bush.

The Pallid Harrier

If you spot a Pallid Harrier in the Timbavati, you know you’ve had a special treat. In fact, SAN parks, in conjunction with the Endangered Wildlife Trust, have actually asked for sightings of these rare and special birds to be reported to them, with notes on the date, time and specific location. They’re building a database on these unique animals, along with some species that might be found in other Kruger areas, for future scientific study. This migratory bird of prey hunts small mammals, lizards and other birds, and can sometimes be spotted looping in lazy circles as it scouts its prey.

These are far from the only spectacular sightings you can expect. The African spoonbill, Chinspot batis, Dideric cuckoo, collared pratincole, Harlequin  quail, Horus swift, Little bittern, plain-backed sunbird, Southern black flycatcher and Monagu’s harrier all call the Timbavati home too.

When is the best time to come to Safari lodges in the Timbavati specifically for birding?

For general wildlife viewing, the dry months of June to September are usually most recommended. If you’re keen to see all the beauty of the bush, this can be a good time to travel, and you’ll still have some magnificent bird encounters. From Nov to April, however, is prime birding season if that’s your sole focus for the trip. It’s the time of year our migratory birds arrive.

If you’re keen to make the very most of your birding experience, consider taking one of our specialised photographic safaris. These enhanced game drives combine the expertise of a guide with the keen eye of a wildlife photography specialist. Don’t just discover the birds of the bush- immortalise them forever.

Africa’s wildlife wealth shows in the gorgeous birds that play in the skies overhead. The Timbavati game reserve is prime for a birding experience, and with the luxurious accommodation of the Kambaku Lodges open to you, the holiday of your dreams awaits you.

While thoughts of the Big 5 tend to dominate the minds of most visitors to safari lodges in the Timbavati Game Reserve, Kambaku Lodges have an even more spectacular secret to share with you. The African Wild Dog, a shy and critically endangered species, also calls the Kruger home, and you have a chance of making a spectacular sighting during your stay at the Kambaku Lodges.

Painted wolves and wild dogs

The story of the African Wild Dog is a somewhat sad one. They’re a little-known African predator, with the more popular big cats often overshadowing them, and their pack hunting style and similarity to the domestic dog has led to a lot of misunderstanding and conflict in areas where humans are encroaching on wildlands. There’s only five or six thousand of these beautiful, remarkable animals left in the wild today, and very few chances to spot them outside of the Greater Kruger area.

It’s easy to see where they came by their Latin name, ‘painted wolf’. Their striking mottled coats are unique to each individual dog, making identification much easier for conservationists. A lean build sometimes leads to them being under-estimated, but their powerful bite is more than capable of bringing down their prey and shearing through bone.

Family matters- being one of the pack

African Wild Dogs are team players, hunting together as a pack to bring down remarkably big animals. They have a complex, structured society led by an Alpha Pair. They’re social animals, and love their family- we’ve even seen them aid ill and hurt pack members. Pups are cared for by all pack members, and you’ll see lots of touches and ‘talk’ happen in the pack. The Alpha female holds the pack together, and on her death, the males and females will split from each other and form new bonds elsewhere.

Heading out on the hunt

The hunt begins at dusk or dawn, and you’ll see pack members gather together to ‘talk’, twitter and sniff at each other before setting out to track their prey. Their low chatter and sharp ‘hoo’ call are icons of the African bush. Very occasionally, packs will hunt at the full moon, too, a fact that has led some to be superstitious of these remarkable animals.

The pack fans through the bush to hunt prey. When a target is spotted, a ‘scout’ will isolate it from the herd before the lead male takes over the chase. The pack will coordinate the hunt, driving the prey towards other pack members. When a kill is made, the babies eat first, followed by subordinate pack members, while the Alpha pair can snack as they will. Subordinate females will ‘carry’ food back to nursing mothers at the den by stuffing meat and regurgitating it for them to eat.

Conservation matters

Their uncanny pack coordination, and their ability to work together to tackle even the largest of prey (up to and including wildebeest), mean farmers often fear for their stock when the African Wild Dog is present, part of the current conflict between man and nature. Coupled with some easy zoonotics (diseases spread from domestic animals to the African Wild Dog more easily than other wildlife), and a nomadic nature that means they need big territories, the reason for their population decline is clearer.

Game lodges in the Timbavati are very lucky to have the opportunity to still play host to these remarkable, unique and irreplaceable members of the canine family. Lewis Marroquin, the source for the gorgeous photos in this article, had some remarkable encounters with these retiring, fascinating African animals. If you, too, are lucky enough to come across them during your stay at the Kambaku Lodges, you’ll know you’ve had a lucky encounter indeed!