&Beyond Kirkman’s Kamp is situated inside the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, adjacent to the world-renowned Kruger National Park. The Sabi Sand is part of a conservation area that covers over two million hectares (almost five million acres), in the north-east of South Africa, in the eastern part of the Mpumalanga province.
Sharing an unfenced boundary with the Kruger National Park, South Africa’s largest and most well-known game reserve in the world, the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve benefits from a great diversity of wildlife. The reserve is, however, world-renowned for its prolific leopard sightings that are just unmatched to anywhere else in the world. Guests staying at Kirkman’s Kamp have the privilege of traversing 10,500 hectares (26,000 acres) of exclusive-use land that is home to, not only the Big Five but other rare and iconic species. Safaris are led by expert &Beyond-trained ranger and tracker teams, that ensure sensitive off-roading practices and vehicle limits at sightings ensure the exclusivity of an up-close game viewing experience.
Back at the lodge, one steps back in time, into the classical ambience of an original 1920s homestead. &Beyond Kirkman’s Kamp has spectacular views of the unspoiled landscape that surrounds the Sand River from each of its 12 guest cottages, including a family cottage consisting of two interconnected reguale cottages. Here, old meets new; with antique-styled beds seamlessly blending with modern comforts, while private verandas creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
A library offers a sanctuary filled with interesting reads, while the classical sitting room provides the ultimate setting to enjoy a pre-dinner drink. Immersed in the bushscape is a rim-flow swimming pool with views of the Sand River. Guests enjoy tea on the rolling lawn, while breakfast and lunch are served on the shady and picturesque verandas. Dinner is a magnificent affair, where mouth-watering Pan-African menus can be enjoyed in a boma, on the lawns, or in a candlelit bush setting.
Choose from a variety of exciting activities such as twice-daily game drives, interpretive bush and nature walks, private, family, birding or photographic safaris, or even a game of croquet or tennis (complete with Pimms and strawberries). Our WILDchild programme is designed especially for children visiting our safari lodge and is filled with fun, interactive activities.
The Sabi Sand Nature Reserve is one of the most prestigious wildlife sanctuaries in the world, with unfenced borders neighbouring the Kruger National Park, and is famed for its leopards and incredible wildlife. The uniqueness of the lodge is its ideal positioning on the Sand River with exclusive access to the riverbed.
In addition to incredible leopard viewing, and the famous Big Five, discover a vast variety of plant and animal species that share the land with the Kruger National Park. Encounter a few of the over 500 bird species, 145 animal species, 110 reptile species and 45 fish species, that call this vast landscape home.
Kirkman’s Kamp has exclusive traversing rights on 10,500 hectares (26,000 acre) of wilderness land, which means our guests can explore the reserve on foot, free from the constraints of roads and vehicles, go on a night drive, or sensitively go off-road enabling you to get closer to wildlife.
Kirkman’s Kamp welcomes families and offers an incredible, fun-filled WILDchild experience, including croquet and cricket on the lawns, a game of tennis and cookie baking. The variety of children’s activities tie in with the particular environment, as well as the local heritage and culture of the region.
By staying with us at Kirkman’s Kamp, you are indirectly contributing to various conservation
initiatives across the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, from anti-poaching missions and general
wildlife management, to specific projects, such as The Southern Ground Hornbill Monitoring and
Support Programme, and The Leopard Conservation Project, which focuses on the active research,
monitoring and identifying of leopards by our guides, in partnership with Panthera.
Along with Africa Foundation, Kirkman’s Kamp works closely with the neighbouring communities of
Lilydale, Huntington, and Justicia, employing locally and investing in community education, healthcare
and small business development. Sustainability practices are a daily priority at Kirkman’s Kamp and
includes the elimination of plastic bottles and a focus on energy-saving initiatives.