Fantastic stay at Kambaku River Lodge for a first time safari trip! My room (The Ndlulamithi suite) was nice, clean, luxurious, charming and had all the necessary amenities. The food was amazing every night. Breakfast was plentiful and on game drive morning, was packed to take with you. The location is ideal (15 mins to Malelane gate) and ~45 mins from KMI airport. Right on the river front, quiet and serene. Often had elephants and hippos playing and bathing within view from our backyard and even from the rooms. Elvis was fantastic for the game drives! Saw all the big 5 basically on the 1st half day and everything after was a bonus! The Panorama day tour is a must see with beautiful drives the entire way and every stop being incredibly scenic and stunning. And the Sudwala caves is a nice 3-4hr half day activity. The staff were all friendly, helpful and accommodating. Most of the communication and organisation is via whatsapp. Thanks to Garry, Leanne, Elvis and all the staff for a lovely time
Gem on the Croc River
This will be our 4th visit to this stunning spot. Everything was perfect . A huge thank you to Leanne,Gary,Dennis and the Kambaku team This place is such a pleasure , we will,return again and again ……
Die Lodge ist sehr schön am Fluss direkt entlang des Kruger Nationalparks gelegen. Man hört und sieht sehr viele Vögel. Auch Hippos sind oft zu hören. Wie bei Game Drives ist viel Glück dabei ob und welche Tiere man zu Gesicht bekommt, zumindest Impala und Hippos haben wir auch gesehen. Die Anlage ist sehr schön mit Liebe zum Detail gestaltet. Es ist sehr ruhig. Das Essen ist sehr lecker. Der hauseigene Safari Driver ist freundlich, kompetent und gut.
Das Essen wird ausschließlich auf der zum Zimmer gehörigen Terrasse serviert. Dadurch bleibt es eine recht intime Atmosphäre, Austausch mit anderen Gästen kommt dadurch dafür nicht zustande. Das Bestellen des Frühstücks und sämtlicher Getränke läuft über einen Link im Browser und ein Versenden der Bestellnung schlussendlich über WhatsApp.
Negativ fielen mir auf, dass unser Frühstück vergessen und daher erst eine Stunde später als bestellt serviert wurde. Die Gläser wurden abends anders als Besteck und Geschirr weder bereitgestellt noch abgeräumt, sondern erst am Folgetag. Die Gerichte wurden leider mehrheitlich beim Servieren nicht benannt und das Menü war auch nirgendwo sonst einsehbar.
Vor dem Abendessen wurde ein Feuer angezündet, was sehr schön war. Es gab aber kein Holz zum Nachlegen (außer man kauft es sackweise) sodass es bis zum Ende des Essen komplett abgebrannt war. Ich hätte sonst gerne noch mal am Feuer gesessen.
Ich hätte mir auch gewünscht, dass wir vorab informiert worden wären, dass es nicht genug Safariautos (und Guides) für alle Gäste gibt und daher eine Vorbuchung möglich und notwendig sein kann. Sonst hätten wir das auch gerne getan. Einmal konnte durch den Betreiber ein alternativer Guide organisiert werden, das andere Mal gingen wir aber leer aus. Zumindest hat man sich sehr bemüht uns durch eine Karte usw beim selbst fahren zu helfen. Auch wäre es gut vorab mitzuteilen, dass wir an der Nachmittagssafari nur teilnehmen können, wenn wir es bis Punkt 14 Uhr schaffen.
Also zusammenfassend ist es ein sehr schöner Ort mit einem freundlichen und bemühten Team. Die Zeit war sehr schön. Einen kleinen Abzug gibt es dafür, dass es insgesamt nicht den umfassenden Service bietet, den ich für den Preis erwartet hätte und in anderen, ähnlich hochpreisigen Unterkünften erhalten habe.
Thank you so much for leaving us a review, we always value your feedback.
We always try to create an intimate setting for our guests, as to give everyone their own privacy - This is the exact reason we serve dinner privately on your own patio next to your bonfire. We also have many communal areas such as the pool, deck and platforms on the fence where our guests like to mingle and interact, but still have their privacy if they choose to be alone.
We created our very own unique app system for orders which works so well, for the exact reason that we are available only when needed, as we know, sometimes technology fails us... And in this case we take full responsibility for your late breakfast and we are truly sorry for this, as it almost never happens. We did inform you what had happened and I got my kitchen to get to it as quickly as possible.
Our suites are also equipped and fully stocked for self-catering options and these are the reasons why our glasses are kept in the cupboards, for guests to have access to them at any time.
Unfortunately, because we live in the bush our staff do not stay on site and have to be transported home every evening after dinner service, so instead clearing the glasses, we let the guests enjoy their drinks after dinner whilst sitting around the fire. It is so unfortunate that you did not manage to order extra wood or even ask ask about it, as you would've remembered I told you during check, that all your orders for drinks, lunches, fire wood can be placed on the app system.
Our lodge offers many safaris and activities, which we organise for our guests - and because we have a small lodge we don't have extra vehicles and guides waiting around. Most of our guests book a safari package which is secured in advance - and unfortunately you only booked an accommodation package. You informed us on your day of arrival that you would like to book some safaris and because we already had a full vehicle, we had to try secure an additional vehicle and guide on a last minute basis and sadly these are not always available. We did however manage to secure you an afternoon and morning (even having your own private safari with just the 2 of you)
Like anywhere else, our safaris depart at set times and because you only informed us on the day of arrival that you wish to join the afternoon drive, you had to be here in time for departure, even though its before our check-in time.
We really hope you would come stay again in the near future, to experience the lodge for it has to offer as a full package. We only always give the best service and attention to our guests and think all our excellent reviews are testament to that.
Thank you for staying with us.
Safe Travels
Mariette Steyn2026.05.22
It was my second visit to Kambaku River Lodge. Well, from the setting next to the river, the attention to detail in the rooms, the delicious meals, the attentive staff and feeling like family, make for a fantastic experience. The hide which is often visited by a herd of elephants is a very unique and wonderful experience and the lodge's tracker/driver Elvis who takes you into Kruger on drives is in a league of his own. I will most definitely be back and can highly recommend this wonderful lodge.
Excepcional
☺ Die Kambaku River Lodge hat unsere Erwartungen übertroffen. Der Manager hat uns sogar ein kostenloses Upgrade auf das Mainhouse gegeben. Das Haus und der Garten sind überwältigend. Jeden Abend kommen die Elefanten auf unsere Flussseite. Das Personal ist superfreundlich und diskret.
☹ Das wir wieder von dort weg mussten
Thank you so much for taking the time to give us such a fantastic review! It was wonderful to have you and your family stay with us. We look forward to hopefully welcoming you back in the near future!
Marty Epstein2026.05.10
We loved staying here at the Shengwezi family suite. The staff were amazing and got us anything we wanted quickly. Breakfast and dinners were superb and served privately to our room. Location is great to get into Kruger park. The lodge cats are also fun!
Wir waren hier zu Beginn unserer Südafrika-Reise, und es war traumhaft! Eine wunderschöne Lodge am Fluss. Nyalas laufen herum, Vögel zwitschern, am anderen Ufer laufen die Elefanten (manchmal kommen sie auch rüber) und die Nilpferde. Leanne war großartig, Elvis hat uns gleich mal am 1. Morgen die Big 5 präsentiert und das Essen war so gut! Es ist ein wunderschöner Ort um zur Ruhe zu kommen und gleichzeitig auf den Safaris den Kruger NP zu entdecken. Wir kommen auf jeden Fall wieder! Das gesamte Personal ist sehr freundlich. Bis bald!
Fabulous private lodge. Situated on the crocodile river so animals come naturally to drink and swim we saw elephants, hippos, impalas, and lots of birds. Food was exceptional. We had the honeymoon suite for our anniversary and it had a small private plunge pool. The game drives were just as we expected and the guide (Elvis) knew where to spot animals. Staff was helpful and friendly. The lodge is only about 40 min from the airport which is what we wanted. It’s not the cheapest, but we were treated royally and we highly recommend this lodge to anyone, especially for your first visit to Africa!
I honestly don’t even know where to begin… Kambaku River Resort exceeded all expectations.
From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with such warmth and kindness that we instantly felt at home. We rented two houses, and both were absolutely stunning — beautifully decorated rooms, with incredible attention to detail and a cozy, inviting atmosphere in every corner.
The food? Absolutely delicious. Every meal felt like a special experience.
It’s one of those rare places where you feel so comfortable and happy that it’s genuinely hard to leave… and honestly, I didn’t want to go.
The safari was another highlight — simply perfect. We were lucky enough to see the Big Five, and our guide, Alves (I believe that was his name), made the experience even more special with his knowledge and dedication.
To make everything even more memorable, the owner personally came to speak with us to make sure everything was perfect — a gesture that truly reflects the level of care and attention to detail.
Without a doubt, an unforgettable experience. Everything — truly everything — was perfect.
Absolutely Breathtaking!!!
We had the most incredible stay at Kambaku River Lodge! My husband and I first came for our honeymoon and loved it so much that we returned for our second anniversary. The staff are amazing, and Leanne, the owner, is truly phenomenal. A big thank you to Dennis and Gary for making our stay so special. And a special shoutout to Elvis, our game driver-his professionalism and knowledge are unmatched. We were lucky enough to see the Big 5 in one day! The food is incredible, the accommodation is beautiful, and the views over the Crocodile River are breathtaking. A truly sensational, boutique experience right by Malelane Gate. We will definitely be back!
Great place to stay on your Kruger park adventure. Its family owned and thus Leanne ad her team keeps it really cozy and it really feels like home. We are family with two kids and we got a house with two bedrooms and a kitchen. We were taken care of better than in Ritz))) Safari was also amazing, our guide Elvis knows where to look for animals and we in the best spot to observe wildlife. Food was also beyong our expectations. In the evening you can sit by the river with binos and look for wildlife! Thank you Kambaku river lodge!!!
Dear Igor
We loved having you stay with us and
to share our little paradise with you . Thank you so much for taking the time to give us a fabulous review. We hope to see you again .
Warm regards Leanne and
the Kambaku River Lodge team.
Anneli Pieterse2026.03.31
We had the most incredible stay at Kambaku River Lodge! My husband and I first came for our honeymoon and loved it so much that we returned for our second anniversary.
The staff are amazing, and Leanne, the owner, is truly phenomenal. A big thank you to Dennis and Gary for making our stay so special. And a special shoutout to Elvis, our game driver-his professionalism and knowledge are unmatched. We were lucky enough to see the Big 5 in one day!
The food is incredible, the accommodation is beautiful, and the views over the Crocodile River are breathtaking. A truly sensational, boutique experience right by Malelane Gate. We will definitely be back!
Thank you so much for the beautiful review! We absolutely loved having you stay with us again.
We look forward to seeing you again soon in the near future.
Safe travels
The Kambaku Team
Brian L2026.03.22
Verified
Fantastic place to stay
This lodge is fantastic overall and the food is outstanding! Just about the best lamb chops and steak we’ve ever had anywhere! Ordering on their app was super easy. Location is great as it sits on the crocodile river and animals (hippos, elephants, impalas) came to drink. Note that it is not close any “town” so plan to stay at the lodge. They do arrange game drives into Kruger. Airport transfers (50 min away) are also available. Friendly and helpful staff. Highly recommend this lodge if you’re in that area.
Thank you so much for taking the time to give us a wonderful review. We are so happy that you loved your stay with us and enjoyed our food. The kitchen staff had big smiles when I read them your review. Warm regardsLeanne and the Kambaku River Lodge team.
Mauricio Carmona Cárdenas2026.03.01
Even better in person that we have reviewed online. The staff service and attention is amazing. Tours guides are friendly and very professional. 11/10 experience
Aah thank you so much for a wonderful
Review! We love the 11/10
Warm regards Leanne and the Kambaku River Lodge team .
Andrea Kirkpatrick2026.02.22
Absolutely amazing experience, location, and care given during our honeymoon stay at Kambaku. Food was second to none, Kruger tours were fantastic, and the lodging themselves were spectacular with their river-side location. 10/10, highly recommend!!
Thank you so much for taking the time to give us a fabulous review! We are so happy that you loved your stay with us .
Regards Leanne and the Kambaku River Lodge team
Excellent
What a fantastic place! From the moment we were picked up at the airport until the moment we left, the service from Leanne and team was outstanding. The accommodation was luxurious and the food sublime. Elvis took us on our game drives and within 5 minutes of entering the park a leopard! Elvis ensured we saw the big 5 and fulfilled a dream of mine in ensuring we saw wild dogs, and not just 1, a pack of 22! It really was a fantastic sighting. Kambaku River Lodge really is a special place, if you get the change, stay here, you wont regret it.
Date of experience: 08 January, 2026
This was our second time to the lodge, after falling in love with it on our first stay 8 years ago.
we couldn’t not return for our honeymoon.
We had such a great time. The lodge really is a home from home, such modern contemporary mixed with culture, creating the stunning space.
The details on our stay was outstanding the friendly staff can not to enough for you, great day trips Dennis really showed us true African culture and it the day trips such great fun.
Elvis the best safari guide there is, this truly shows with the love he has for making it special for the guests.
We was extremely lucky to see everything and more, we even got to see elephant and leopard and many more up close at the lodge.
One part that makes the lodge so special is how personal Leanne and her team make it for it individually guest.
We can not wait to return one day.
Best wishes
Jade and Connor
Aah guys thank you so much for your wonderful review and we look forward to your next visit 😁
Warm regards Leanne and the Kambaku River Lodge team .
Friedrich Neukirch2026.01.24
Im Rahmen unserer Südafrika-Rundreise wurde uns Ihre Lodge wärmstens empfohlen – und nach unserem Aufenthalt können wir diese Empfehlung aus voller Überzeugung weitergeben.
Es ist nicht nur die fantastische Lage, die begeistert, sondern vor allem die liebenswerten, aufmerksamen und ausgesprochen freundlichen Menschen, die einen hier umsorgen. Dass man dabei sogar vorbeiziehende Elefanten beobachten kann, macht den Aufenthalt vollkommen.
Das ausgezeichnete Frühstück, das man ganz bequem per WhatsApp zusammenstellen kann, ebenso wie das sehr geschmackvolle Abendessen auf der eigenen Terrasse, verleihen dem Aufenthalt eine besonders individuelle und gemütliche Atmosphäre.
Nochmals herzlichen Dank für diesen wunderschönen Aufenthalt, den Sie uns ermöglicht haben.
Ihre
Dorothee & Fritz Neukirch
Verified Company
