andBeyond Kirkman's Kamp — Hotel in Bushbuckridge

A most disappointing experience. We have been to seven safari lodges previously, including three andBeyond safari camps, which have all been excellent. Unfortunately Kirkman's does not live up to the same standard, despite being one of the most expensive andBeyond lodges in South Africa. We were there for five nights, the nighly rate is ZAR 25450 per person per night, approximately £1024nper person per night, one of the more expensive 'andBeyond' lodges in South Africa. In contrast, Ulusaba Rock is £640 per person per night, with pay 3 stay 4 at certain time and is truly luxurious.||There are 14 rooms, all semi-detached, leading down a hill. The main areas, dining, bar and shop, are at the top of the hill. When we arrived we were offered lunch, I chose what was described as 'crumbed chicken salad'. When it arrived it was a reformed frozen chicken patty - not what one expects from a 'luxury' lodge. ||The dining tables had a moulded edge which was thick with dirt, I ran my finger around and the grease came off. I only saw tables being wiped with a grey cloth, no cleaning fluid. Food in previous lodges has been very good but here it was 'acceptable'. Hot food was largely luke warm. ||The breakfast table looks wonderful, however it is set by an open door, hence the food is covered in flies as there is no attempt to protect the food. We have never experienced this before. I normally have a cold breakfast but decided it was safer to have something cooked.||We found the staff to be loud, shouting and making comments to each other during service and generally not professional. ||The rooms are tiny and cramped and despite the brochure stating they had fire places, they do not. We also read that the rooms had a claw foot bath but there was only a large area with one shower head and a tiled floor which was slippy when wet. Apparently the rooms were 'upgraded' in 2021 but the information on the internet needs updating. There are still images of bathrooms with baths on some sites which is very misleading.||The cleaning of the rooms and general areas was poor. The veranda was very narrow with birds nesting in the roof. Unfortunately the bird droppings were never cleaned from the floor,||The rooms themselves are dingy, tiny and have inadequate storage facilities, we had to keep thing in suitcases or lying on the chaise lounge at the foot of the bed. On our first night when we pulled back the sheet it was covered in small black flies.||The pool area is very pleasant, although there is no one on duty there, It is also quite a walk from the rooms.||Safety was also a concern, normally on arrival at a lodge you are given a 'safety' talk, this was not done, nor were we shown where the horn was kept case we needed assistance as an animal was attacking, we found it when we were packing to leave.||When we went to the bar it was often unattended, one day we spent almost 15 minute looking for someone but there was no one about. Despite walking around all the public areas shouting for anyone no one came. The manager seemed to find this amusing until we pointed out that whilst it was annoying that we couldn't get a drink, more importantly, from a safety point of view, if we had had an accident, been taken ill or were being attacked by animal there was no one to help us. ||I did write to andBeyond to let them know of our experience and eventually received a reply in which there was an apology for the lateness of the reply, but otherwise very dismissive of my comments and no apology for the experience we had. I toook several photographs which I sent in the letter- one or two below.||My advice is don't go - for the price you can have a much better experience in many...

To say we had the experience of our lives would be a gross understatement. We traveled this year with our children, aged 9 and 11 to Kirkman’s Kamp. We stayed in the family cottage.||The accommodations are generous, well appointed and luxurious. We enjoyed lounging in between game drives on the porch and were delighted to watch the visiting animals every day - in our 4 day stay there were monkeys, impala, a water buck, warthogs, and even a visiting elephant that delighted all of us! ||The camp boasts a friendly, welcoming, old world atmosphere. We loved coming back from game drives in the evening to a roaring fire and a drink at Paul’s Pub to rehash what we saw that day. ||Game viewing was exceptional. We saw all Big 5 during our first 2 drives. We walked with lions, followed a leopard as she protected its kill, and spent lots of time marveling at the glory of the African Bush. Our conservationists - Tristan and Willy - were exceptional!!!! Personable, knowledgeable, they engaged both us and our children who were eager to go out each day. It was amazing to watch how they tracked animals and even took the time to show our children tracks and signs of how they find lions - noting indications of a kill with drag marks. They use all their senses and engaged our “team” to see the best Sabi Sands had to offer. We can’t say enough good things about the both of them - they really made the experience - and an amazing gin in tonic in nature!||The staff at the lodge went above and beyond to make our stay comfortable and welcoming. Friday - we love Friday! - made sure our every need was met. He anticipated our every need, knowing how we ordered our coffee and always having Apple juice ready for the kids. ||We felt pampered, cared for and above all educated about the wonder and magic of the African Bush. My one piece of advice is to book at least 4 nights at the camp - it allows the experience to be more leisurely and all of the...

Words can't quite do justice in describing my experience here and, like I, what waits you in this paradise, will be truly leave you speechless! Extremely difficult to be surpassed! I have found here, an exquisite Jewel and a rare diamond among hundreds of thousands of Parks world wide. It will arrest your heart, capture your soul and, raise you to highs you’ve only dreamed of! Hidden on the sores of the Sand River, it’s location in simply perfect, fascinating and breathtaking! The best of the best, in the Sabie Park, Kruger National Park. Known for its location and its direct flights into Skukuza Airport. It is rich of incredible wild life and beauty! All happening at once: untamed nature life right before your eyes unfolds beautiful adventures! And Beyond Kirkman’s Kamp is the camp to stay, because of its location accessibility impeccable grounds and exquisite facilities! The lodge and its Impeccable accommodation cared for unmatched service to guests. The staff treats you as the only person here. Amazing gastronomic experience with delicious delicacies. Great bar and selection of drinks. Kruger National, by far in the list of the top things to do while in South Africa. Whatever you do in SA. Please, make sure to include and do not miss one of the most wonderful and truly authentic Safari in this incredible location. A place teeming with life and unparalleled beauty awaits you for your best...