Kirkman's Kamp, Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, Mpumalanga, South Africa

Old colonial ranch life is brought to life at Kirkman’s Kamp in the big game reserve of Sabi Sand. Safari writer Carrie Hampton transports us back in time in this extract from her coffee table book; ‘Exclusive Safari Lodges of South Africa’, packed with Gerald Hoberman’s stunning photographs.

Steeped in history, this 1927 farmhouse was once home to Harry Kirkman – a ranch manager whose job it was to protect the farm owner’s cattle from predators. He spent much of his time alone in the bush, with occasional sorties to neighbouring farms for supper around the open fire, swapping stories of lion attacks and the hardships of living in the wild.

Kirkman’s Kamp - in the southern corner of South Africa’s most famous private game reserve, Sabi Sand - remains true to Harry’s era. It has leather club chairs that are as comfortable now as when Harry might have sat in them. His old rifle is mounted on the wall and so is the skull of the only lion to have sunk its teeth into Kirkman during his long stint as a lion hunter.

In typical 1920s South African style, the homestead has a wrap-around covered veranda giving shade throughout the day as the sun traverses the sky. And across the velvety lawns are eighteen guest cottages.

Afternoon tea on the lawn is in best colonial tradition, with a tiered cake stand displaying brandy snaps, petit fours and scones with jam and cream, all washed down with fragrant Earl Grey tea or iced coffee. Pre-dinner drinks and dinner are taken at the main house.

Beyond the verdant lawn lies real African bush and no amount of colonialism can keep it at bay. Long gone are the rifles and the cattle ranches; now a luxury safari getaway in Sabi Sand Game Reserve is all about shooting the images of Africa’s big game to mount as trophies in photo frames.