KIRKMENS CAMP
Kruger Park, South Africa

Introduction

Kirkman’s Kamp, with its spectacular views of the unspoiled wilderness and of the Sand River, is regarded as one of the best loved lodges in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve.

It is a well known historic camp, originally built in the early 1920’s, and celebrates the atmosphere of an early South African lowveld homestead. The colonial atmosphere of gracious style and luxury has been retained, and guests step back in time upon entering the original homestead, which now houses the Lodge’s sitting, dining and bar areas. Each of the 18 guest cottages has a private veranda and is furnished in the same charming style with ensuite bathrooms.

The large sitting room, with a 1920’s ambience, leads through double French doors onto rolling lawns that provide a velvety contrast to the wild and tumbling bush surrounding the Lodge. Breakfast and lunch are served on shady verandas, and dinners are shared in the dramatic boma or in romantic lanternlit bush settings.

Camp Description

Kirkman’s Kamp at a glance

• 18 cottages – air conditioned
• Private verandas
• Rim-flow swimming pool
• Boma
• Safari shop
• Traversing 6 300 hectares
Game Viewing

Kirkman’s Kamp Wildlife Habitats: Kirkman's mixed bush savanna habitat is dominated by acacia, marula and combretum trees, with tamboti and weeping boerbean on raised termite mound thickets. A narrow band of riverine forest lines the Sand River and its drainage lines. These wooded habitats provide the ideal conditions for leopard, bushbuck and a variety of shade-loving birds. Rock outcrops (koppies) north of the Sand River support trees such as large-leaved rock fig and jacketplum.

Mammals at Kirkman’s Kamp: Our guests are extremely likely to see territorial and individually recognizable leopard and lion which are tracked on a daily basis. Several clans of spotted hyena den in collapsed termite mounds. Impala are the most abundant antelope, with common waterbuck and grey duiker also frequently seen. Greater kudu, bushbuck and nyala favour thickets and riverine forest, whilst buffalo herds graze in tall grasslands. Waterholes attract elephant, white rhino, giraffe and warthog and many other African wildlife species during the dry season (May to October). Cape clawless otter and hippo are resident in the Sand River. Nocturnal white-tailed mongoose, African civet and large-spotted genet are frequently encountered on night game drives. Rock hyrax and klipspringer love on rocky outcrops.

Birds at Kirkman's Kamp: There are more than 300 bird species recorded at Kirkmans Kamp. White-crested helmetshrike, lilac-breasted roller, brown-headed parrot, emerald-spotted dove and scarlet-chested sunbird are among the colourful savanna residents. Woodland kingfisher, red-chested cuckoo and Wahlberg’s eagle are breeding visitors from tropical Africa during the wet summer months (October to March). The distinctive call of African scops-owl punctuates the night throughout the year. Crested francolin and helmeted guineafowl wonder on sand tracks during the early mornings and late afternoons. Saddle-billed stork, grey heron and pied kingfisher feed at waterholes and pools in the Sand River.

Other African Wildlife: Large golden orb-web spiders hang their webs in dense vegetation. It is a unique experience to see chains of processionary caterpillars as they cross the sand tracks at the end of summer (April to May). Dung beetles actively go about their business where elephant and rhino have been. Tree monitor and water monitor are frequently encountered in savanna and riverside habitats respectively. Nile crocodiles are resident in the Sand River. Large leopard tortoise and flap-necked chameleon are other interesting reptiles. The conspicuous meringue-like nests of foam-nest frogs hang above waterholes after summer rains and 18 species of frog may breed in seasonal water bodies.

Pricing

Please contact us for current rates:

Suggested Daily Activity Schedule

All times are a guide only. Times can and do change depending on local conditions. summer/winter
05h00/06h00 - Wake up call. Light continental breakfast consisting of cereals, tea/coffee/juices and pastries to be served in the dining area.
05h30/06h30 - Depart on morning activity, returning to camp at approximately 10h00.
10h00/11h00 - Brunch wil be served, this will consist of a selection of breakfast and lunch dishes. From now until afternoon tea, guests are at leisure.
16h00/15h00 - Afternoon tea is served - this consists of a selection of sweet and savoury snacks.
16h30/15h30 - Depart on afternoon game viewing activity - drinks and snacks will be served for sundowners during the course of the activity.
19h30/19h00 - Return to camp after dark so guests have a night drive (but could be later if there are good game sitings).
20h00/19h30 - Pre-dinner drinks and snacks are served at the pub.
20h30/20h00 - Three course dinner - generally speaking the starter and desert is served, whilst the main course is buffet style.
21h30/21h00 - Coffee and liqueurs will be served at the camp fire.

How to get there

Closest airports are Hoedspruit or Nelspruit and then road transfer. Sun Safaris can arrange all transfers. Self drive to the lodge is also possible. Flying into the camps airstrip is also possible. Please contact us for further details.

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The Kruger National Park & Private Game Reserves

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