Kings Camp
Luxury
₤ 625 (Pps)
Luxury
₤ 625 (Pps)
Kings Camp in the Kruger is a real 'find' hidden away deep in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve in the Greater Kruger Park. This delightful lodge exudes the charm and romance of a colonial past. Abundant comfort and impeccable gracious hospitality are the hallmarks of this 20-bedded lodge. Kings Camp faces an open savanna plain with a waterhole, which is frequented by a wide variety of wildlife day and night. Kings Camp is famous for its lush green gardens which offer a contrast to the dry savanna bushveld.
The 9 generously spacious suites are luxuriously equipped with air-conditioning, en-suite bathroom with Victorian ball-and-claw bath, indoor and outdoor double shower, fully stocked mini-bar and private veranda. Dark tones of wood and thatch offset the natural colors of the bushveld. Two of the suites inter-lead, making them ideal for a family group. The 2 honeymoon suites at Kings Camp are even larger with an open plan bathroom and enclosed toilet. They also have a private pool overlooking the bush.
Camp facilities include an inviting bar and lounge, viewing deck overlooking the spotlit waterhole, gym and sparkling pool. There's also a sala for spa treatments and a small gym. When not on safari, you can enjoy a range of massages in their small spa. A library with satellite television and Internet facilities ensures that you keep up to date with the latest news while relaxing in tranquility. The staff and rangers at Kings Camp are passionate about sharing their knowledge of the Timbavati Game Reserve and its wildlife.
Family safaris - As it is exclusive use, Waterbuck is ideal for family parties as kids of all ages can participate in the game drive. (Subject to the ranger's discretion if they are under six.) Kids of 6 and over are accommodated at the main lodge. One child can share with parents. But they also have a two bedroom suite which shares a terrace and private plunge pool which is ideal for older kids and teenagers. They offer a Junior ranger programme (creating animal masks, treasure hunts, making animal track moulds, colouring in, tree detectives and animal match-up games.)
Waterbuck offers the ultimate in safari privacy. It is a 4-bedroom villa with its own Landrover and game-ranger, as well as a personal butler and chef to take care of your every need. Waterbuck Private Camp is situated on a dry river bank, with great views. The camp can accommodate up to 8 guests in air-conditioned comfort. There is a master bedroom upstairs with great views and a massive terrace. Downstairs there are two further en suite bedrooms with a fourth bedroom with garden access.
As it has its own game vehicle, kids under 6 are allowed on game drives at Waterbuck, but at the ranger's discretion as it is a Big Five reserve,
I had visited Kings Camp before, but they were about to embark on a massive refurbishment (which was needed). So I decided to visit again to see the finished result. And very impressive it was too!
Kings Camp has a soft colonial style with an expansive lawn running down to the riverbed and a gracious ambience. This style may not suite everyone. But if you like that traditional style, Kings Camp does it very well.
However what they have now done is bring the rooms into the 21st century in terms of comfort and amenities. The Superior suites are still very much colonial in style. But the bathrooms are rather funky with an interesting baroque-meets-New -York-loft style. Ornate mirrors and sepia photos are mixed up with a black metal framed shower and toilet cubicle. A door from the indoor shower takes you to the outdoor shower in a small courtyard. Each luxury suite now has a private plunge pool and a private sunken seating area/firepit. The outside is distinctly modern in feel but blends beautifully with the flowing lawns.
Game-viewing - I experienced good game-viewing despite the rather extreme hear (it was mid December). However Grant's knowledge and fascinating deep explanations were what really stood out for me.
I also popped in on Waterbuck Camp which is their exclusive use villa only 5 mins away. This has not yet been refurbished and so was not looking as sparky. Again you would need to like the colonial decor look. You should also note that the main suite is a lot larger than the others. So this is a good option for a multi-generational family group for parents/grand-parents and the others for children. But not so good if it is several couples sharing.
Notifications