Kirkmans Kamp

Sabi Sand Game Reserve

Take a step back in time at the gracious and historic &Beyond Kirkman’s Kamp.

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.

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.

While gracious style abounds at 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.

A Day at Kirkman's Kamp

Morning Game Drive

As dawn breaks over the African bush, a gentle tap on your door will wake you to the delights of a new day. Your ranger will discuss what you hope to see that day over fragrant tea or coffee and morning biscuits or rusks. Set out in an open 4x4 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.

Breakfast

Return to Kirkman's for a delicious breakfast, with platters of fruit and cheese followed by a selection of hot breakfast dishes. Choose from eggs, oats, waffles or a number of other options.

Lunch

If you wish, you can walk off your breakfast on a short walk near the Camp, accompanied by your ranger, who will share his insight into the smaller animals and vegetation in the area. Lunch is served on open air decks within sight of the river.

Afternoon Tea

Cool off with a refreshing dip in the pool, admiring the views over the Sand River, indulge in an afternoon siesta or enjoy a game of tennis or croquet. Over a late afternoon tea, your ranger will discuss what you hope to see during the afternoon game drive.

Evening Game Drive

This game drive begins in the late afternoon and lasts until after dark, when spotlights are used for a glimpse into the nocturnal bush life. Track spotted hyena as they call to each other on an evening hunt or look out for the beautifully patterned civet cat. Enjoy sundowners in a scenic location as the sun slowly sinks beneath the horizon.

Dinner

Return to Kirkman's for a mouthwatering dinner around a blazing fire in the boma with newfound friends. Linger over coffee and dessert, sharing memories of the day gone by.

Wildlife at Kirkman's Kamp

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.

Activities

Cascades and Canyon Spectacular

This spectacular helicopter flight takes off from Hazyview, near the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Soar over cascading waterfalls and along the escarpment to God's Window, with its panoramic views, and on to the Blyde River Canyon. Land at a magnificent viewpoint to enjoy a delicious picnic. After your flight, you will be taken back to your game lodge.

Children

Children are welcome at the family-friendly 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 WILDChild Programme

Designed especially for children visiting &Beyond's lodges, WILDchild is a filled with fun, interactive activities that offer opportunities to learn and discover new experiences and cultures. On arrival at &Beyond Kirkman's Kamp, each child will receive a WILDchild branded bag containing a logbook, crayons, pencils and a pawprint tattoo. There is a personalised welcome note for every child, with those under three getting an African-themed soft toy as well.

Rates

Please contact us for our latest rates and availability.

Included

Accommodation
Three meals daily
Soft drinks
House wines
Local brand spirits and beers
Teas and coffees
Refreshments on game drives
Laundry
Safari activities
1-hour nature walks accompanied by experienced armed trackers (subject to availability)
Emergency medical evacuation insurance
VAT
Transfers to and from the lodge airstrip

Not Included

Telephone calls
Safari shop purchases
Gratuities
All items of a personal nature
Champagne
Cognacs
Fine wines
Premium brand spirits and cigars
Government bed levy
Conservancy or park fees
Landing fees
Administration fee

Rate Conditions

All rates are inclusive of VAT and in South African Rand.
Accommodation rates are per person per night sharing.
Long-stay rates: may be applied for.
Single supplement: A single supplement of 50% applies from the first single room, throughout the year.

Children 6 to 16 years sharing with 1 or 2 adults are charged 50% of the adult rate. This is subject to the availability of triple rooms.

Children 6 to 16 years in own room: 1st child: adult rate; 2nd and 3rd child: 50% of adult rate (Max 3 children per room (subject to triple room availability).

All pricing is indicative and subject to change.
&Beyond Trading Terms apply