Tengile River Lodge vs. Kirkman's Kamp
Tengile River Lodge vs. Kirkman's Kamp: A Sabi Sands Showdown
As a seasoned travel advisor that specializes in adventure travel and African safaris, I'm often asked about the nuanced differences between two similar or nearby safari lodges. Below I will compare Tengile River Lodge and Kirkman's Kamp in South Africa from my firsthand experience. Both offer fantastic safari experiences, but they each cater to a distinct kind of adventurer. Let's delve into what sets them apart.
The Location
Both locations are located within the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve in South Africa. Tengile River Lodge and Kirkman's Kamp have exclusive traversing rights on more than 26,000 acres, which means guests can explore the reserve on-foot, go on a night drive, or go off-road to enable closer wildlife interactions. Both lodges are located in the Southern End of the Reserve. This offers a distinct advantage as the South side has a lot fewer properties (in comparison to the North Side) and the only other Lodge vehicles we ever saw out on drives were from Lion Sands.
The Sabi Sand Nature Reserve is one of the most prestigious wildlife reserves in the world, with unfenced borders neighboring the Kruger National Park, with wildlife freely passing freely back and forth. The uniqueness of the lodge is its ideal positioning on the Sand River with exclusive access to the riverbed. Game viewing in general is exceptional in Sabi Sands. I have never stayed in the Sabi Sands and not seen the Big 5 (although it can happen) and I have also seen the Big 7 (which adds in wild dogs and cheetahs). On my most recent visit to Tengile, I saw the Big 5 on my first game drive at the Lodge.
Sabi Sands is most well-known for its habitualized leopards. The leopards here, due to repeated and non-threatening exposure to vehicles their whole lives, are more accustomed to the presence of safari vehicles. Leopards are normally skittish and quite elusive, making them one of the hardest ones of the Big 5 to spot typically. However, since the Sabi Sands leopards are habitualized, the frequency and duration of the sightings of leopards in this reserve is much higher. Additionally, since the leopards are more comfortable with the safari vehicles here, guests have a better chance of witnessing more natural leopard behaviors, such as hunting, eating, grooming, or interacting with their cubs.
Because of the reputation of the Sabi Sand Reserve and the potential game viewing opportunities, this reserve is one of the most, if not the most, expensive private reserves in South Africa. You can expect to pay two to three times what you would pay in other reserves.
Getting Here
Skukuza airport is an easy 20-minute drive to the lodges and has direct flights to both Cape Town and Johannesburg. Alternatively, Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (Nelspruit, airport code MQP), a 2 hour drive away, offers more frequent daily flights, as well as additional direct flight options, such as Victoria Falls. Private charter flights can also be arranged to anywhere within South Africa and neighboring countries.
Tengile River Lodge
Tengile River Lodge, nestled along the banks of the Sand River in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, exudes modern sophistication, a unique experience while in the middle of the wild. The lodge's design seamlessly blends with its environment, offering panoramic views and an immersive bush experience.
The suites are 669 sq ft so they are positively enormous and one of the most gorgeous suites I have ever seen. Seriously, photos don’t do it justice. Each is air-conditioned and has a master bedroom with a fireplace and desk, gorgeous bathroom with soaking tub and unenclosed shower, walk-in closet, separate water closet, outdoor shower, living room, dining area, fully-stocked included bar, coffee station and sunken covered outdoor living room and dining area with overhead fan. The outdoor area also includes a private lap pool and spacious deck with lounge chairs overlooking the Sand River. The style here was very contemporary, sleek, and minimalist, with natural materials and lots of light.
One thing that we love here is that they will bring your lunch to your room. Typically, you head back to the main guests area for lunch at safari lodges. However, because the rooms are so spectacular here, you will not want to leave your room during siesta time. Thankfully, they make this easier by offering to deliver lunch to your room! Our butler, Errol, was incredible, and even fresh brewed a whole bottle of iced tea for us to have with our lunch when we asked for iced tea. It’s so lovely to enjoy lunch in the sunken living room, overlooking the River, before enjoying a dip in your private pool and an outdoor shower.
The resort had wifi in both guest rooms and public areas. The communal areas include a pool, The resort also has golf carts to shuttle guests around after dark - making this a great option for guests with mobility restrictions! With only 9 rooms, there are a maximum of 18 guests at one time at the lodge. Service is amazing and this is one of our favorite stops of the trip.
While not fully adults-only, only ages 12+ are welcome here and the atmosphere is definitely more adults-oriented - upscale and serene. There were not any children present when we were there and there was definitely a lively bar scene after safari each evening. There is only 1 interconnected Family Suite (max. 2 adults and 2 children) and only 2 people are allowed per room. There is also no children’s program. As such, families with younger children will likely be more comfortable at Kirkman’s Kamp.
Kirkman’s Kamp
Kirkman’s Kamp was opened in 1983 so it has a lot of history. The decor follows suit and is decorated in a colonial style. Cottages are cozy at 112 sq ft each. The room has a desk, a personal bar, a coffee station, air conditioning, and an overhead fan. Bathrooms have double sinks, an enclosed shower, and a separate water closet
Kirkman’s is very family friendly. It has various room configurations that work very well for families. Regular cottages have twin bed and triple bed options. The Camp also one Family Cottage, which is two cottages with an interleading doorway, connecting two bedrooms, each
with their own private ensuite bathroom. The WILDchild program offers activities for children ages 3 - 12 years. Your children will be supervised by guides and lodge staff, both at the camp and out in the bush. Each WILDchild receives a backpack filled with age-appropriate goodies and can participate in fun activities to interact with the bush, depending on their age, like bark rubbing, bug collecting, frog safaris, ‘poo walks’, baking with the chef, etc. The camp also has kids menus available so that children will always have something to eat.
Communal guest facilities include a pool, a spa, a gym, a library, and a pub. The verandas and guest pool overlook the Sand River, where guests can sometimes observe elephants and other wild animals.
Need to Know
Tengile River Lodge
No mosquito nets around the bed
Individual pools are not heated
Charging panels by the bed have not yet been completely modernized and there no USB-C charging ports
This is one for the few lodges that is AndBeyond managed, but not owned. Because of this, there are no bush dinners because of the fire risk. They make up for this by offering bush breakfasts instead.
Kirkman’s Kamp
Rooms are cozy at 112 sq ft each so note that a triple bed arrangement will be ever tighter
No mosquito nets around the bed
There are no USB ports or universal plugs so you definitely need travel adapters (note that South Africa has a separate one that is not included on universal travel adapters)
No private pools at the rooms
No bath tubs or outdoor showers in the rooms
The water closet door is lined glass so it offers minimal privacy
Cottages and verandas do share walls with other other cottages
Although the camp is family-friendly, there are minimum ages for activities and, ultimately, children participation is determined by lodge manager and ranger evaluation, even if they meet the minimum age requirements. Typically, children must be at least 6 to participate in game drives
The lodge is not fenced off and children are required to have an adult accompanying them at all times. Childminders (babysitters) are available for an additional cost but must be booked in advance or on the day of arrival.
Pricing
Tengile River Lodge offers a smaller, more intimate, and more luxurious experience, with only 9 Suites and a maximum of 18 guests. The price point reflects that and Tengile River Lodge is approximately 75% more expensive than Kirkman’s Kamp. The exact price will depend on the the number of nights, the other lodges you are staying at, etc (as that changes what kinds of offers you are eligible for),
While staying at either property, your rate includes your accommodation, three meals daily, afternoon tea, snacks, soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers, teas and coffees, refreshments on game drives, laundry, safari activities, 1-hour nature walks accompanied by experienced armed trackers (subject to availability), emergency medical evacuation cover, VAT, transfers to and from the lodge airstrip, a Guides' Journal with regional information and wildlife illustrations, and the use of one pair of SWAROVSKI OPTIK binoculars per room to share for the duration of your stay.
The rate excludes Administration fees, telephone calls, curio shop purchases, gratuities, all items of a personal nature, champagne, cognacs, fine wines, premium brand spirits and cigars, wellness treatments, private safari vehicles, government bed levies, conservancy fees, park fees, and landing fees.
We suggest you budget a minimum of the following amounts per night for gratuities at a safari lodge in South Africa:
Ranger/Guide: R 500 per couple per day (approx 27 USD)
Tracker: R 250 per couple per day (approx 14 USD)
Butler: R 250 per couple per day (approx 14 USD)
Lodge/Camp Staff: R 500 per couple per day (approx 27 USD)
Recommended Stay Length
I would generally recommend at least four nights here, unless you will be combining with another stay at a neighboring reserve, in which case, you could get away with a stay of three nights.
Choosing between Tengile River Lodge and Kirkman's Kamp ultimately depends on your personal preferences and who is in your travel party. Whether you crave the sleek, modern luxury of Tengile or the historical charm and colonial ambiance of Kirkman's, both promise an unforgettable safari adventure in the heart of the Sabi Sand Private Reserve.
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