Kambaku River Lodge

South Africa , Mpumalanga-Kruger Area
MALELANE, 142 Strathmore Rockvale
Show on Google | Map

50 reviews shown

10/10

Exceptional

04 May 2026

Michael

Our three-night stay at Kambaku River Lodge was nothing short of unforgettable. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with genuine warmth and hospitality from Garry that immediately set the tone for the entire experience.
The lodge itself is beautifully designed, blending comfort with an authentic safari atmosphere. Our room was spacious, impeccably clean, and offered stunning views of Kruger National Park and the Crocodile River. We shared the outside space with a few nyalas who took little notice of us! Waking up to the sounds of nature each morning was truly special.
What made the stay exceptional, however, was the incredible safari experience. The game drives were expertly guided, with Elvis, our knowledgeable ranger who went above and beyond to ensure we saw as much wildlife as possible while also educating us about the ecosystem. Both drives felt unique and exciting.
The food was another highlight — consistently delicious, delivered to us by drumbeat, thoughtfully prepared, and enjoyed in a relaxed, scenic setting with a log burner adding to the special atmosphere. Dining under the stars added a magical touch to the evenings.
Most of all, the staff made this trip memorable. Their attentiveness, friendliness, and passion for what they do created a welcoming and personal atmosphere throughout our stay.
We left feeling relaxed, inspired, and already planning a return visit. Kambaku River Lodge is truly a special place, and we couldn’t recommend it more highly.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 May 2026

Anselmo

From the second that Dennys picked us up, it was just like Home. Awesome Guy.
The Food was Stunning, the Installations were Flawless and the Elephants, Giraffes and Hippos accross the river was amazing.
The owner/manager was super friendly and our Safari Driver Elvis Was unbelievable funny and knowledgeable.
Highly recommended.

10/10

Exceptional

11 Nov 2025

Graham

Everything was beyond our wildest expectations. A stay forever etched in our hearts.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Jul 2025

Ari

Staff is phenomenal!
Beautiful property with great river views with awesome wildlife sightings.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Jun 2025

Jacob

This is one of the best places I have ever stayed. Every aspect of it is top notch, from the food and accomodation to the incredible location and staff.

Recommend to everybody.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

05 Dec 2023

Diane

Fantastic location, luxurious peaceful stay

The location is wonderful with game regularly visiting the river from the Kruger opposite. When we arrived, about a dozen elephant were wading across and hippo were wallowing. The rooms each have their own private terraces where fires are lit each night, and open up into a lovely common area where birds and the 3 incumbent nyala are encouraged. Meals are served on your terrace, ask if you want tea or coffee delivered with breakfast rather than make your own from the room tray. Rooms are comfortable, it's about 15min drive to Melelane gate.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Aug 2023

Ian

Kambuka River Lodge S.A

We stayed at Kambuka 30th July for 3 Nights celebrating our 30 year anniversary and can honestly say this Lodge is worth every one of its 5 Stars - its Pure Luxury.
The Location, service, food, staff, rooms and grounds are Truly Exceptional.
The WOW factor you get as you enter the lodge is one that will remain with us for years to come, Likewise the room is probably the best room we have ever stayed in.
We also went on a game drive in Kruger with Elvis 'The Driver' and again this exceeded all our expectations
The elephants, crocodiles and Hippos were regular visitors to Kambuka Lodge - Literally came up to the lodges viewing platform and this is a sight to behold.
That personal touch you receive from all staff is one that sets this lodge aside from others
Honestly this lodge is wonderful and one we will absolutely be returning to.
You have to see this Lodge to believe luxury of this quality exists
Thank you so much Kambuka for a wonderful stay
Ian and Katrina - UK

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Jun 2023

Keith

Excellent facility with best in class service.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

01 Jun 2021

Johan

It was Great!
We’ve booked the self catering facility
However, i think it needs to be clearer that you can have full board as well..even in the self catering unit
At the price charged , i would expect a stocked fridge....
No questipon asked....

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

15 Feb 2021

Patrick

Excelletn

My stay was excellent. Friendly staff and very clean place with an excellent view overlooking our room.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Mar 2020

Verified traveler

Absolutely fantastic. A beautifully designed, maintained and serviced property on the banks of the Crocodile River, running along the southern boundary of the stunning Kruger National Park.

Leanne and her delightful team provide a first class service, complete tranquility and privacy. Food served in your private residence is delicious and plentiful, rooms and grounds are immaculate.

We spent 2 nights here and one day lounging in our private pool, watching buffalo, hippo, deer and unidentified animals drinking and playing in the river all day.

A truly fantastic place that I recommend without hesitation.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Mar 2020

Verified traveler

It was a treat to stay at Kambaku River Lodge. The ritual for breakfast and dinner is very special, with food arriving to the beat of a drum, a fire pit blazing and a lantern lit table, on your patio. The food was excellent and the fillet steak to die for...melt in your mouth.
We were lucky to see hippos in the river and another day a herd of elephants. We also spotted a buffalo, kudu and a family of warthogs as well as the usual herd of impalas that graze each day. The viewing platforms are terrific, with comfortable camp chairs and umbrella. Safaris into Kruger National Park are available if you wish to venture further than this piece of paradise. Bird feeders on the lawn attract all sorts of colourful birds with characteristics to amaze. We had the honeymoon suite with its private dipping pool. The kitchen is well equipped. Beds very comfortable and luxurious.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Feb 2020

Verified traveler

The view was stunning. We saw elephants, giraffe, hippos, crocodiles, warthog.... all from our terrace!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Dec 2019

Jean Paul

Nothing Short of Excellent

Our stay at Kambaku was absolutely magnificent! Leanne and her wonderful staff kept this place pristine and catered to all of our needs. We loved the food, the wine, the grounds, the friends we made, and of course mother nature. Stay here!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 Nov 2019

Verified traveler

Very friendly team to take care of you.
Excellent eye to detail all little things taken care of to make your stay as easy and relaxing as possible.
Beautiful setting overlooking the river into the park.

Friends_and_family Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 Aug 2019

Verified traveler

For anyone with an interest in wildlife this is a must, a real gem with a wonderful owner and lovely staff who give you a fantastic reception. Nothing is too much trouble and everyone is so friendly. If you do not want to go into the Krugar all the time you can see plenty of wildlife sitting in the garden. A place you will always want to go back to.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Dec 2018

Verified traveler

Wonderful stay!

Had a fabulous stay at Kambaku. Great location for exploring Kruger and other areas of interest. Fantastic animal sightings from the viewing deck!
Very comfortable accommodation, warm and welcoming staff who did everything they could to make our stay memorable. Self catering facility but delicious meals available by arrangement - what a treat!
Hope to return.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Oct 2018

Sonja

Heardwarming hosts and an outstanding location. It was so great to see the buffalos, elephants and giraffs directly from the own terrasse. Leanne and her team are so lovely. Thanks for the great time!

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jul 2018

Kelly

Great Location for Kruger National Park

I was visiting Kruger National Park and Kambaku River Lodge was perfect. While the website described it as a hotel room it was really more like having my own house, or at least half of a house. It had a kitchen, large bedroom, and huge sliding doors that opened to a view of the park. Each night the staff would come and lit a fire and lanterns for each unit. There was also a viewing platform where you could sit and watch for animals.

The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. Meals were available and they also offered assistance with booking tours and restaurant recommendations.

Instead of booking a safari I rented a car so I could drive through the park myself. This worked extremely well because I could stay in the park as long as I wanted and wasn't confined to a single lodge. Kambaku River Lodge is near the Malelane gate so this worked extremely well.

10/10

Exceptional

18 Jun 2018

Verified traveler

Idyllic location, immaculately kept, amazing friendly staff. Would revisit in a heartbeat. I could spend entire days on that deck watching the wildlife and beautiful scenery.

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jul 2017

Jodi

Great lodge should not be missed!

Above expectations- the location provides animal sightings all day- elephants, hippos, crocs, water buffalo- just amazing. And service is top notch, as well as all the meals you can order!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Jun 2017

Verified traveler

Great stay

A great place to stay. Easy access to the park for safaris. Peaceful, safe and quiet place to relax and enjoy the fantastic fauna that Kruger has to offer from your villa.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Mar 2017

Joe

Amazing Place!

Amazing views over the Crocodile River into the Kruger National Park. Shared our sunsets with Hippos, Elephants and Rhinos!
Made to feel very welcome.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Feb 2026

Ronald

De locatie is in 1 woord geweldig: ons huisje kwam uit op de grote tuin die aan de Crocodile river grenst. Wij hebben meerdere keren olifanten zien oversteken en nijlpaarden en andere dieren aan de overkant gezien. Het huisje is mooi ingericht, alles is aanwezig en het personeel is heel vriendelijk en op service gericht. En het eten was ook nog eens heerlijk. Kortom: wij komen graag nog een keer terug!

Partner

8/10

Excellent

31 Jan 2026

Stefanie

Das Personal ist sehr freundlich, Ausflüge sind nur zu empfehlen,Lage super, Abendessen top, Frühstück war auch gut
Nicht so gefallen hat uns die Lunchbox Zuviel ungesundes,Lodge hatte keine so gute Aufteilung für 4 Personen

10/10

Exceptional

17 Jan 2024

JEAN MICHEL

Hébergement de très haut niveau bien situé avec vue sur le fleuve crocodile river et le Kruger personnel parfait ainsi que la cuisine quatrième séjour réussi

8/10

Excellent

22 Dec 2020

Verified traveler

のんびりするにはぴったりの場所

プール付のお部屋に2泊滞在しました。

ロッジの部屋から見える川にはカバやウォーターボックなどの動物が見られ、椅子に座ってのんびりするだけでも最高の時間でした！

クルーガーは今回が初めてでしたが、チェックイン時にゲームドライブに参加したいと伝えると、翌朝のロッジ主催のゲームドライブをブッキングしてくれました。
しかし、朝のゲームドライブ後に夜も参加したいと伝えるとフルブッキングだったので、予定が決まっている方は事前に予約した方が良さそうです。
朝食は朝のゲームドライブに行く場合、パックして前日の夜に渡してもらえます。
朝食、ディナーともにボリュームもちょうど良く、美味しかったです！
ただ、配膳してくれる方に英語がたまに通じなかったり、スタッフのサービスにばらつきがあるように感じました。
全体的にはお部屋、プールも綺麗で、心地の良い滞在でした。

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Mar 2020

Kurt

Beautiful place

A really beautiful place. We felt very welcome from the first minute. Breakfast and dinner are served on your own terrace. Everything tasted great. The fire in the fire bowl made the dinner very atmospheric. Unfortunately we didn't have time to go on a safari. We would love to come back.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 Nov 2019

Verified traveler

Das Paradies am Krüger Nationalpark. Tolle Anlage mit Blick in den Krüger, hier sieht man so einige Tiere

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

07 Oct 2019

Verified traveler

Prachtige plek tegenover het Kruger Park (de Crocodile river ligt er tussen). Prachtige ruime kamer inclusief volledig ingerichte keuken en prachtige badkamer. Ontbijt en evt. lunch/diner worden op je eigen veranda geserveerd. En gastvrij en lief personeel!

Leisure Partner

2/10

Poor

15 Jul 2019

Giovanna

Show de Horror! Nunca passei tanto nervoso!

Parecia filme de terror! Reservei esse hotel para passar minha lua de mel e foi um show de horror! Vou descrever algumas coisas pelas quais passei. 1)Longe de tudo: o hotel fica há proximadamente 40 minutos do aeroporto internacional do Kruger. Você precisa pegar uma estrada de terra, passar por umas fazendas para chegar no hotel. Super afastado de tudo! Por ser uma cidade pequena não há taxis e nem uber, somente transfers que custam caríssimo! SE VOCÊS NÃO FOREM ALUGAR CARRO, NEM VENHAM!
2) ME COBRARAM POR UM SAFARI QUE NÃO FIZ! Teve um dia que nós queríamos marcar um safari e pedimos para a dona do hotel agendar. A resposta dela foi que ela já tinha agendado. Como que ela agenda antes de nós pedirmos? Super estranho! Depois desta resposta dela, perguntei se aceitavam o cartão American Express e ela disse que não.
Diante dessa resposta eu falei pra ela que então precisava cancelar o safari pois eu não tinha outro cartão, nem uma quantidade grande de dinheiro vivo para pagar safari + hotel.
A resposta dela foi: Infelizmente eu já reservei e agora vocês vão ter que pagar! E ainda me disse que se eu quisesse ela me levava no banco pra sacar dinheiro! Como assim??? Eu cancelei com umas 10 horas de antecedência! ! E como que ela me marca um safari antes mesmo de eu pedir?
3) No hotel não servem almoço! Passei fome! Funcionários mal educados! Lugar longe de tudo! Não tem taxi nem uber na cidade! HORRIVEL

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 May 2019

Verified traveler

super Lage, super nettes Personal, super saubere Zimmer und Ausstattung, super Frühstück. Kann unbedingt weiter empfehlen.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 May 2019

YUKO

本当に快適な宿！

クルーガー国立公園とは川を挟んで対岸に位置する広大な敷地に点在する、２棟式のコテージ。
部屋は広く解放的で、ディナーは外の半野外空間でサバンナの空気を感じながら取ることができる。
夜は一部屋一部屋に篝火を焚いてくれて、古きアフリカンサファリの気分。
コーヒーを片手に目の前の雄大な景色を見ることができる、至福の時を過ごすことができた。

この宿にはフロントがなく、到着とチェックアウトの時には直接部屋で行う。
HPにはチェックイン時間が１８時までとなっているが、連絡しておけば大丈夫。
チェックアウトも臨機応変に対応してくれ、ゲストの利便性を第一に考えてくれるホスピタリティは素晴らしい。全員が評価１０をつけるのには本当に納得の宿だった。
次には一週間くらい、何もせずに滞在してみたい。

自炊設備があるが、夕食も出してくれる。前もって確認すると良い。
ネルスプロイト空港への送迎や、各種エクスカーションも手配してくれる。

余談だが、サファリはレンタカーを借りて自分で周っても良いが、ガイド同士で動物の目撃情報を交換して連れて行ってくれるので、ガイド付きツアーをオススメする。

10/10

Exceptional

19 Mar 2019

Iris

Great Place

Tiere aus dem Krüger Park spazieren direkt vor der Terasse vorbei...großartig

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jan 2019

Verified traveler

Fantastisch!!! Wir kommen nächstes Jahr wieder.
Personal klasse, Zimmer klasse, Aussicht der Tiere klasse, Essen klasse, .....

10/10

Exceptional

31 Dec 2018

Amarildo

Surpreendente

O melhor hotel que já fiquei. Além da estadia ser super limpa e bem cuidada, a comida é maravilhosa. O café da manhã e jantar são servidos na varanda do quarto. Na frente tem uma piscina e um espaço lindo de frente a um rio onde podemos ver de perto elefantes e hipopótamos. O atendimento é excelente, e a comunicação via whats, super tranquila. Oferecem safari particular em veículo próprio do hotel, o guia é muito querido e super simpático! amamos tudo! Não vejo a hora de retornar a esse lugar maravilhoso! Nos surpreendeu muito!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Dec 2018

Daniel

Absolute amazing!

Thanks Martha, Anzelle, Leanne, Elvis and Denis for making our stay so perfect. We can see how much love and care you put in everything you do around here. We felt as if we were at our home! :)
Congrats for running this amazing place and we hope to come back someday!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 Sep 2018

Roland

Überragend !

Zum Abschluß unserer Safari 2 Nächte in Kambaku übernachtet.
Einfach alles Überragend !!!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Sep 2018

Mauro

excepcional

O lodge é muito melhor que imaginávamos. Fomos recepcionados com 3 Cheetas, 3 búfalos e um elefante em frente à nossa cerca. Os animais ficam junto ao rio para se refrescar. O atendimento foi impecável, o que complementa o luxo e a sofisticação do local. Local dos sonhos para lua de mel. Viajei quase o mundo todo e este foi o melhor lugar que já estive. Nota 1000. Sorte de quem consegue uma reserva.

10/10

Exceptional

24 Sep 2018

NIVALDO

Ótima Localização e Ótimo atendimento.

Ótimo Lodge bem na fronteira sul do Kruger, em frente ao Rio dos Crocodilos, com excelente visão do Parque, onde foi possível avistar Rinocerontes, Crocodilos, Elefantes e Hipopótamos bebendo água ou se alimentando nas margens do Rio.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Sep 2018

Alain

5 sterren service

Leanne en Anzelle doen hun uiterste best om hun gasten zich te laten thuisvoelen. Het heerlijke ontbijt en avondeten worden geserveerd op je privé terras bij je eigen open haard vuur, met zicht op Kruger Nationaal Park. Onvergetelijk! Het is slechts 10 minuten rijden tot de Malalane Gate. \"We'll be back !!\"

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Sep 2018

Andreas

Am Crocodile River

Super Unterkunft zum Start unserer SA Reise. Hatten die Shingwedzin River Suite, war die einzige die etwas zurückgesetzt war zu den anderen Suiten im Verhältnis zum Flussufer. Dadurch Blick etwas eingeschränkt aber nicht störend. Lage ist genial, dirket am Fluss. Je nach Glück können bis 200 Buffalo stehen, oder Elefanten, Hippos (die auch immer zu hören sind), Antilopen etc. Man kann den ganzen Tag Tiere beobachten. Die Suite war sehr liebevoll ausgesttatet, wer auf old colonial style steht kommt voll auf seine Kosten, wer es schlicht modern mag, wird es akzeptieren, tolle Betten.Super Gastgeber und Staff Ladys die einen jeden Morgen auf der eigenen Terrasse ein super Frühstück nach Wunsch auftischen. Ach übrigens Eingang Malelane Krüger NP liegt nur ganz wenige km entfernt.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

14 May 2018

Verified traveler

sehr relaxt ..........................................

10/10

Exceptional

01 May 2018

Verified traveler

Oasi di pace di fronte al Kruger

Accoglienza e disponibilità unica. Location e posizione favolosa con camere curate nei minimi dettagli. Pasti eccellenti.

10/10

Exceptional

03 Apr 2018

Sven

a little dream :)

very nice and beautiful ! At the first evening we have seen about 30 hippos.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

10 Mar 2018

Carlos

Wonderful stay

Everything is perfect. From the facilities to the food and the staff. Everything is wonderful.

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jan 2018

Christoph

Traumhafte Lodge direkt an der Grenze zum Kruger

Wenn man beim Frühstück von der eigenen Terrasse bereits Elefanten und Hippos beobachten kann, dann ist es einfach unbeschreiblich. Eine traumhafte Anlage, herzliche Gastgeber, einfach perfekt vom Service und dem Ambiente!

10/10

Exceptional

10 Dec 2017

Piet

Als in een filmdecor gelegen lodge.

De lodge ligt aan de krokodilrivier. Aan de overkant is het Krugerpark. Het uitzicht op de olifanten, nijlpaarden, buffels enz. Is prachtig. In de grote tuin krioelt het van de vogels. De staf is zeer zorgzaam en de maaltijden zijn prima verzorgd. Kortom, beter dan deze lodge zul je niet snel vinden.

10/10

Exceptional

25 Nov 2017

Michael

Lodge mit Sicht auf Hippos, Buffalos, Elefanten us

Wir hatten einen wunderschönen Aufenthalt im Honeymoon-Zimmer mit eigenem kleinem Pool. Von der Unterkunft aus haben wir jeden Tag neue Besucher (Tiere) aus dem Krüger-Park begrüssen dürfen. Darunter waren Hippos, Elefanten, Rhinos und Buffalos. Das Personal und die Inhaberin waren super freundlich, hilfsbereit und sehr unkompliziert. Die Erholung ist in der Kambaku River Lodge garantiert! Das Malelane Gate zum Krüger Park ist nur 10-15min entfernt. Eine Tour auf eigene Faust lohnt sich genau so, wie eine geführte Game Fahrt. Wir kommen gerne wieder!

10/10

Exceptional

10 Nov 2017

Verified traveler

Dem Himmel gleich!

Dieses Fleckchen Erde, gepaart mit der Liebe fürs Detail sowie der Leidenschaft der Besitzer und Mitarbeiter ist mit Worten kaum zu beschreiben.