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ashokmahindra
New Delhi, India

Fantastic views overlooking the Sand River but unfortunately very small rooms

4.0 of 5 bubblesReviewed 30 May 2023
We have stayed in some &Beyond lodges before and were looking forward to our stay of 4 nights at Kirkmans Kamp,Sabi Sand.As a wildlife photographer, I had prior booked 6 private paid for safaris.

What we liked at Kirkmans Kamp:

1.The views from the main patio and outside the rooms were phenomenal
2.Wildlife of the Nyala and other species were always visible on site in the surrounding gardens and patio area.
3.Buzzing bar
4.A lavish bush breakfast in a fixed spot in the forest
5.A very young and enthusiastic Ranger, Callum Robertson
6. A very punctual Tracker,Kenny who diligently carried my heavy camera equipment for me every safari to and from the vehicle
7.A beautiful display of the old history of this historic lodge in the common areas
8.The antics of the monkey trying to steal food from the guests during breakfast in the patio
9.The enchanting story of the mating leopards in the gardens overlooking the main patio (which we missed)!

The thoughtfulness and kindness displayed by the Camp Manager, Delmarie, when my wife had a small fall was touching.She contacted the doctor immediately , got medicines quickly and kept in constant touch with my wife through out.

The Ranger, Callum Robertson thought me all about night photography and we regularly practised this during every evening safari. He also, informed me about the very commendable and stringent rules of &Beyond on game drives - only 3 vehicles for lions, only one vehicle for leopard cubs from 2 months and 2 vehicles from 6 months.Also, on which species the spotlight can be used and not used.

My best safari on this trip covering 12 nights, 3 lodges and 24 safaris happened on the
morning safari on 25th May while at Kirkmans, when I saw:

1.Male leopard, Nweti walking the road
2.Seven Male lions from the Kruger National Park killing and eating an elderly lioness
3.Male Leopard, Nkova
4.Young male elephant eating a Maralu tree branch, and
5.A young Leopard Tortoise crossing the road minutes from the lodge

This exemplified to me the uncertainties and wonder of a safer at the Sabi Sand

Now for some niggles:

1.The rooms are very small and for a wildlife photographer hardly any space to manage the equipment, camera & lens . The patio outside the room is also small.

2.&Beyond is renown for its butler service(see my review of &Beyond's Bateleur Camp at Masa Mara, Kenya) and, here I think there is scope for improvement to match these high standards set by &Beyond.

3.Private Safaris paid for separately have flexi hours for game drives and do not have to adhere to the shared safari timings.This may be difficult to achieve if the Ranger is allotted other duties and training sessions to attend during this period.

Thank you, Kirkmans for a wonderful safari experience..
Date of stay: May 2023
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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Reviewed 21 May 2023

A short drive from Skukuza airport, Kirkman's Kamp is a true luxury safari experience. On arrival at Skukuza,I was met by my guide Callum. On arrival at Kirkman's you will be welcomed by the team with refreshments and given an orientation tour of the main building and your cottage.

Times may differ throughout the year, but at the beginning of October the morning game drive was 5.00am wakeup call for a 5.30am start (barista coffee, fruit, biscuits/muffin etc., available first). Breakfast is served afterwards, around 9.00am, or whenever your group returns. Lunch is a la carte and served from 1.00pm. Guests return to the main building for afternoon tea at 4.00pm, before heading out for the afternoon/ evening game drive at 4.30pm, which returns around 7.00pm. A quick shower/change and then dinner is served.

A personal bar was set up in the room, complete with bucket of ice on arrival and fresh lemon - full size bottle of Tanqueray gin, wine, brandy, beer and softdrinks/mixers were provided, but if you prefer something else, you just need to ask. Plenty of bottled water is also available in the room.

There is outdoor seating at the back, although the lower numbered cottages are level with the lawn, so not a good idea to be out there at night! Guest safety is paramount and guests are not permitted to walk without an escort at night.

Hairdryer, umbrellas, woven tote bag, insect repellent, bug spray, robes and slippers are provided. The room had both aircon and fan - much needed when the temps were in the high 30s! Small treat jars (fudge and biscotti) accompany the plunger coffee and tea selection. There are no irons in the room, however laundry is included during your stay and arrives back ironed. Soap powder is provided for you to handwash your underwear.

Game drives are done in an open top vehicle and there is a maximum of six guests, so nobody has to sit in the middle seat. Blankets and 8x30 Swarovski binoculars are provided on each vehicle. Morning game drives include a coffee stop (one location overlooked a dam with hippos and a croc sunning itself) and in the afternoon the bar is set up for sundowners with nibbles and a hot savoury snack. Insect repellent is carried in the vehicle in case there are mosquitoes about.

Ranger Callum and tracker Martin were two highly skilled professionals whose combined knowledge was incredible, from explaining animal tracks to so many interesting facts about animals, birds, insects and plants.

Over two days, sightings included leopard, lion, white rhino, baboon, spotted hyaena, dwarf mongoose, impala, kudu, African buffalo, waterbuck, elephant, giraffe, wildebeest, warthog, zebra, genet, side striped jackal, hippo, nyala, chameleon, crocodile, as well as a scops owl and plenty of other beautiful birds.

The meals are plentiful and delicious, with a good variety of options to suit all tastes. Breakfast is a continental buffet selection, with a cooked to order hot menu. One breakfast was set up in a clearing during a stop on our game drive, delicious cooked and continental selection for us and another vehicle. They didn't utilise the boma for dinner during my visit unfortunately, but it is an impressive looking dining area.

Kirkman's Kamp has certainly set the standard for future safari experiences and I would happily return.

Room tip: Room #1 is closest to the main lodge
Date of stay: October 2022
  • Trip type: Travelled solo
    • Value
    • Location
    • Service
2  Thank An_Drea_Travels_333
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 13 May 2023

Just a perfect experience! If you are thinking about the feel of a lovely 1920’s game lodge, Kirkman’s Kamp in Sabi Sands, checks all the boxes. The rooms and common areas are decorated in understated elegance. And what can you say about the staff? From the initial welcome upon our arrival from Patience, to Cynthia, who served us all our meals, and always greeted us with a beautiful smile, to all the members of the staff who welcomed us from safari with their two-handed wave and warm towels; we felt like we were coming home.
And what can we say about Richard and Martin, our guide and tracker, who seemed to know instinctively where the ‘Big Five’ were located. They were not only extremely knowledgeable but very warm, and friendly, and saw to all our personal needs while out in the bush.
Definitely an experience not to be missed!!

Room tip: Don’t miss this opportunity to experience this safari adventure.
Date of stay: April 2023
  • Trip type: Travelled as a couple
    • Value
    • Location
    • Service
1  Thank ScottL255
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 5 April 2023

I started my safari adventure with the first stop at Kirkman's Kamp from March 18-22, 2023. After a long flight from Dallas, Texas to Doha to Johannesburg SF and an overnight stay at City Lodge Hotel, I then caught a short flight to Skukuza Airstrip where I was met by a representative from Kirkman's Kamp. We then made the short drive from the airstrip to Kirkman's where I was met with open arms and smiles from what seemed like everyone at the Kamp along with a welcome drink. After a short tour around the luxury camp, I was shown to my room which was #14. A short walk to the main area. Upon entering I was stunned by the luxury and size of the room, bath and wide open deck to view the river and surrounding area. Since Room 14 is the end room and the largest and with no one next to me it is the quietest room. I rested for a few hours and then went to dinner which was top notch all the way with a full menu and wine list.

The next day started the first of our game drives at 6:30am until 11am, then back for lunch, then a short rest until mid-day drinks at 4pm and then the evening game drive and them back to well-deserved dinner and then to a great hot shower and then to bed. Just repeat the same the next few days. Such a treat to do.

My seasoned guide and driver was Jade who is also a Ranger, Tracker and Professional Photographer @ jadevheerden_photography. Out of 5 previous safari's she is the best I have ever had. Our tracker was named Jerry. With this great combo, they were able to put our truck on the animals on every game drive and see things most people would not see or learn about. A true lifetime experience for me.

I really hated to end my 4 days there as I knew this camp was the best and could not be beat and after 3 other camps in Botswana, I visited it was true.

I am already planning another trip back. Everyone associated with the camp was top notch, very friendly and willing to help with any request.

I would rate Kirkman's Kamp a 10 +. The food selection and quality a 10. The Staff and camp a 10. The pool was great as well. The guide Jade a 10+ and spotter Jerry 10+.

If I said any negative, I would not be telling the truth. If you need to start or end your safari this is the place.

Thanks again to everyone at Kirkman's. A dream planning and a dream come true staying at Kirkman's Kamp.

This great trip was put together by The Wild Source in Denver, Colorado. emily@thewildsource.com

Thanks and have a great safari and stay at Kirkman's Kamp.

Mark Dixon
Norman, Oklahoma

Date of stay: March 2023
  • Trip type: Travelled solo
    • Value
    • Location
    • Service
Thank mdixon15
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 11 March 2023

I first heard about Kirkmans Kamp on a Trip Advisor forum many years ago. I visited the website and the camp got stuck in my head as *the* Kruger safari experience. When I finally got around to planning last year, my consultant offered me several options in the Sabi Sands, and while they all were great in their own way, I had to go with Kirkmans.

The camp is like right out of an old movie, and I mean that in a good way. It feels like you've gone back in time. I stayed in Cabin 1 and I found it quite comfortable. I had an outdoor seating area looking over the Sand river (when there is water). The bathroom is quite large and theres in-room refreshments.

The staff go out of their way to make you happy. Sonny was my 'caretaker' during my stay and he always made sure I was having a good time. The food was excellent. This was one vacation where I came back weighing more than when I left.

Jade was our guide and Jerry was our tracker. They're a great combo. My first day we saw a young leopard in a tree eating. We got up close and personal with a pride of lions one night. They walked right by our truck and we slowly followed them down the road (it was the only way back to camp). Such a surreal experience.

My only criticism is not of Kirkmans, but of the Sabi Sands in general. There are so many camps in the immediate area, it almost feels "crowded". We'd regularly see vehicles from other camps and sometimes it felt like rush hour on the small roads. It also made me wonder if we're seeing "real" animal behavior b/c they're so used to all the vehicles.

Date of stay: November 2022
    • Value
    • Sleep Quality
    • Service
Thank Stacy C
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 13 February 2023 via mobile

We had an amazing time at Kirkman’s. The food was amazing and Cynthia had us very well fed and happy every day.

The game drives by Richard and Martin were awesome. We got to see the big five in two days thanks to their tracking skills. Their knowledge of the area and the animals really made the adventure so much more memorable.

Room tip: Sitting on the balcony with a pair of binoculars makes for a cool experience spotting animals
Date of stay: February 2023
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Thank annameif
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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