Kirkmans Kamp (Sabi Sand Game Reserve) South Africa
How the name came about...
Kirkman's Kamp was named in honor of W. Harry Kirkman, one of South Africa 's foremost conservationists, who started his illustrious career as a ranger on Mala Mala's neighboring farm, Toulon , in 1927 In those days the Transvaal Consolidated Land and Exploration Company owned Toulon . Harry's job was to protect the TCL cattle from predators who found the kraaled cattle a much easier prey than hunting antelope.
Fortunately for the cattle he was a fine shot, using a .303 rifle, he could fire an accurate headshot up to sixty yards Harry spent his life alone in the bush where he was happiest, but he always looked forward to the winter months as they brought company in the form of the farm owners. When Wac Campbell was in camp, Harry frequently joined them for supper in the evening, swapping stories around the fire in the boma before saddling up and riding the dark, lonely road back home to Toulon.
Location:
Kirkman’s Kamp is situated in the southern area of the famous Sabi Sand Game Reserve. The camp offers a return to the bushveld in the style of yester-year. Located on one of the most elevated sites overlooking the Sand River, the camp has spectacular views of the unspoiled wilderness as far as the eye can see. The Rattray family decided to name this camp in honor of W. Harry Kirkman, one of South Africa’s foremost conservationists.
Kirkman’s Kamp, with its spectacular views of the unspoilt wilderness and the Sabi Sand River, is regarded as one of the best loved lodges in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. A well known, historic camp, originally built in the early 1920’s, Kirkman's Kamp celebrates the atmosphere of an early South African lowveld homestead.
Accommodation:
Each air-conditioned cottage is furnished in the same style as the main house, featuring an en-suite bathroom with ball and claw baths, and its own private front verandah. Kirkman’s Kamp is historical Africa - the only facilities not in evidence in the 20’s, but which are now provided for your comfort, are a swimming pool and air-conditioning. The tennis court, which provided a venue for tennis tournaments as early as the 1930’s, can still be found in its original position.
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, bar and dining areas. Each of the 18 guest cottages has a private veranda and is furnished in the same charming style. 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 lantern lit bush settings.
Activities / Wildlife:
Highly experienced game rangers and trackers will be your guides, with comfortable 110 open Land Rovers for transportation. This interaction with ranger and tracker will be the highlight of your introduction to extensive legendary bush knowledge.
Game is abundant with lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, elephant and cheetah, to name a few, as well as a varied birdlife.
Enjoy sundowners in a secluded spot as the bush settles for the night, in anticipation of the spotlight night drive observing the predator's natural hunting ability to achieve the ultimate goal of survival whilst still enjoying the small secretive nocturnals. Back at the lodge the fire is lit in the traditional boma and the focus is on the beating drums and Shangaan singers with a choice of exotic venison dishes and excellent South African wines.
Accommodation Rates:- From $1100 per person sharing per night. Please contact us for a quote and suggested itinerary.