Ah, what a magnificent place this is. There are too many choices at Kruger, one feels overwhelmed with options. You simply cannot go wrong with this one. We spent a long long time searching and reading of all options for places to stay at Kruger- north to south, top to bottom - every review imaginable, and we were flexible in most regards, including the airport to fly into.... but we did not wish to play the exorbitant in-park prices of some of the uber-luxury all inclusive options over the highest peak season in the area, yet still wanted as much of the luxury and awe experience as possible. Considering the many choices in the area I think the one we finally selected was far beyond all expectations, the absolute best- and having seen some of the top lodges in Kruger, I don't think Kambaku's rooms or setting are any lesser than the absolute best. Staff and service may be far more limited, as expected for a small place, but no matter- they are great. They don't use dynamic pricing, and the value for price is second to none. This is a lovely family run place, selected as a site for a lodge by someone with a dream of running such a place, who is clearly involved in every aspect of her property - from decorative touches, to attention to details and the day to day operation- and right there for every guest need and concern. The property is as magnificent as the images show - the rooms are beautiful, decorated with a specific unique taste, nice amenities, super comfortable beds, good linens, great showers, baths, AC, screens, anti-mosquito measures- anything you imagine you need. We loved it all. The views are peaceful and draw you in: Kruger and its animals, right in front of you - a fun surprise appearance every few hours! Every suite except one is directly facing the river, yet somehow built to be quite private. We saw lions, elephants, buffalo and hippos during our stay, both from our rooms and the viewing platforms, and of course even more amazing species on the safari excursions arranged by the property with two fantastic guides. Kruger, like all of South Africa, is magic, and the grounds of Kambaku lodge have their own surprise collection of fun living beings that come to visit you, especially the beautiful and endless variety of singing birds. Ah, the birds! If you love birds, this is the place for you. The food at the lodge is very good, fresh, and delcious--although one minor negative is the absolutely set dinner times that are sometimes announced via whatsapp, but sometimes not- and lack of any choice in food options at dinner is odd at first: you eat what is shopped for that morning, for that day, at a time for dinner that appears to be set in stone, likely because of the limitations of the traveling staff who are not on site --which once explained, you will be understanding of- but may still be a new concept and strange for some guests, even if they have stayed in set menu dinner-inclusive properties. I still like to imagine what happens if a meal is ruined, or you cannot consume the item brought at a certain time- even if allergies or preferences are pre-conveyed: there appears to be severe limitations in this regard, and they may have not yet run into the clients who want, for example, two portions of something delcious at dinner - it is unclear if special requests can at all be accomodated, as one would want for such a place- and all this could disappoint those wanting some level of flexibility in multiple aspects of dinner. But at the end of the day, many people staying here may be self catering and not care about such thing-- and its a very small price as all the food was always so delicious, high quality and done very nicely. Perhaps in the future some elements of choice or flexibility will be introduced, but even if not, the food is excellent and so most will be very happy. Breakfast choices are given and discussed each evening and breakfast is plentiful and also delicious. While dinner is set menu, and set quantity- lunch can be set at any time you wish, and you have a number of different options to select from- all excellent, well-priced and quantity is, of course, in your control. The wine list at any time is extensive and fantastic. Another aspect of the lodge, common in South Africa and South America, that may require adjusting for some North American or other clients, is communicaiton: be prepared to have to communicate via Whatsapp -down to any orders placed for drinks or snacks-- this is how you get information on dinner, and dinner times, and all other arrangements, since there isn't really an on site reception or desk. Everything with this system works well- but you must be willing to use this form of communication to, say, place a drink order or be attentive to receive notices. You can use email, but whatsapp is clearly the most efficient manner of exchange. The managers or owner have a common account and respond immediately, and everything is delivered exactly as requested, so the system generally works- but for those few averse to Mr. Zuckerberg's companies or use of mobile phones....good luck. Food is served outside-You get fires and lanterns lit for you each evening, and you eat at a table on your private veranda/patio area. It is lovely. We were worried about mosquitos but there were hardly any and anti-bug measures were provided in multiple forms. It is quiet, and beautiful. While all the physical amenities, features and beauty of the lodge are as good as it gets, I think what makes the place, at the end of the day, is the care and attention of the dedicated owner- and staff. The owner, who clearly loves the lodge a tremendous deal and wants every single person to have the best experience is right there to correct any mishap or miscommunication. Communication before arrival was excellent with the managers, and was an important factor in selecting the lodge. There are two managers, Luke and Anzelle, who take on many a task - even cooking- and all queries are answered almost immediately (and we had many)- with exact and specific clarity-- therefore every part of the booking, pick up, excursion planning went like clockwork-- thanks to these dedicated and efficient managers. The other staff are also very nice, and kind. We found they sometimes showed up unannounced to set tables or clear them, never intrusive- but we wish they would give some verbal notice of their arrival as the managers and owner did, before stepping into the private area facing the room. This was a minor observation of concern. At the end of the day, in midst of so many places of beauty, the Kambaku is truly a best-of-the-best. What makes or breaks this place is in good part the owner, who keeps a close eye, has great people and situation handling savvy, and knows how to communicate well with different clients. It is never possible to know how much of what seems true hospitality is practice and skill, and how much is a genuine from-the-heart caring for guests.....but at the end of the day, it matters little. If you convey a sense of caring and concern through all your actions, the why or the how of its origin is not relevant--that is all most guests want on their precious once in a lifetime visits to a place like this- to feel cared for- listened to-and you will feel very much cared for at this lodge. It is a wonderful place.…
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.