Nelspruit - When my wife casually announced she was taking a business trip to Europe, I did what any self-respecting man would do: began planning an equally awesome (but slightly less budget-breaking) holiday of my own.
I contacted an old friend I hadn’t seen in a long time and we excitedly began plotting a dream getaway, which we termed our “holiday bromance”. We were both keen to explore the Kruger Lowveld area and see what it had to offer, especially the game parks.
Airlink flies into Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) in Nelspruit, and from there we booked a rental car through Around About Cars to get us straight into Big Game Country. A few clicks of the mouse and we were ready for adventure!
A couple of weeks later, and I find myself crouching behind some shrubbery, eagerly watching a small herd of elephant come to drink at a waterhole just a stone’s throw away. It’s a potentially dangerous situation, but Bryce (our ranger) has been doing this pretty much his whole life.
We are at Kambaku River Sands Lodge, a beautiful escape tucked away in Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, bordering the Kruger National Park. The lodge is owned and managed by Bryce and Nicola, and their love for the wild is clear.
Bryce leads many of the game walks, where his knowledge of every aspect of the bush really is second to none. He is no mean photographer either, and the lodge is adorned with pictures he’s taken around the reserve.
Spending an evening over a beer, listening to his stories of the bush, makes for a memorable experience.
Kambaku River Sands Lodge is a special place that is sure to steal a piece of your heart, even on a short visit. Named after one of the famous elephant bulls that used to call the area home, the lodge is equipped with every comfort, including a spa and gym.
Each chalet has outside showers, luxurious baths and a porch with views out over the river bed – ideal for sundowners!
The lodge books a maximum of 20 guests, so the 26 friendly staff are more than able to cater to your every whim. Best of all, there are no fences around the lodge, so having large game stroll through the camp and drink from the swimming pool is a common occurrence. (As a precaution, guests are escorted back to their chalets by the staff after dinner.)
Our experience of Kambaku Safari Lodge was imemorable. Only a short distance away, this lodge is unique in that it is an eco-friendly camp totally off the grid, relying on solar panels (with a back-up generator for emergencies). However, going green doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort, and we relaxed in luxury.
The lodge is fenced off and so more suitable for young children, although there’s no shortage of excitement at this lodge either – the waterhole at the bottom of the camp attracts all sorts of interesting creatures.
The camp is run by David Hollingworth, an enthusiastic Brit who fell in love with the wild and now calls Timbavati home.
The 18 en suite chalets give the lodge an intimate feel, while the main lounge, with its bar and fireplace, creates a comfortable atmosphere for relaxing after game drives. Meals are fantastic – brunch after the morning drive, high tea in the afternoon and lavish three-course dinners after the evening drive.
We quickly fell into the daily routine of game park life. The early rising was tough at first, but the sensation of being out in the bushveld with the sights, sounds and scents of nature all around make it worthwhile.
Animals spotted on a game drive can be a bit of a lottery, depending on weather, season, food supply and plain luck.
Every experience is different, so I won’t boast about the hyena cubs we watched playing together, or Ntsongwaan the male leopard we followed, or the female cheetah we watched devouring her steenbuck kill while a hyena circled.
What I will say is that the rangers and trackers make sure every game drive is memorable. Their knowledge and their enthusiasm for the work they love is clear.
We didn’t spot any of the white lions for which Timbavati is renowned, but this gives us an excuse to return soon.
Timbavati Private Nature Reserve is 55 000 ha that form part of the Greater Kruger Park, with no fences to prevent the animals roaming where they please. Started in 1956, the reserve has managed to remain an untouched wilderness with minimal human disturbance. Over 40 mammal species and 360 bird species are to be found.
For those seeking something a little different from a romantic holiday, the bromance trip comes highly recommended.
The Mercury
If You Go...
Flights
Airlink offers a wide network of regional and domestic flights within southern Africa and operates as a franchisee to SAA. Direct scheduled flights are between Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, to Nelspruit KMIA as well as from Cape Town and Johannesburg to Skukuza Airport, gateway to the Kruger National Park. The direct flights from Nelspruit to Vilanculos offer a same-day bush and beach experience.
For more information go to www.flyairlink.com or call SAA Central Reservations at 011 978 1111.
Getting around
Around About Cars offer car rental from KMIA airport.
To book a car call 021 422 4022, or e-mail [email protected] or www.aroundaboutcars.com.
Where to stay
To book at Kambaku River Sands Lodge go to www.kambakulodge.com, call 015 001 7009 / 083 261 7091, Skype kambakulodge1, or e-mail [email protected].