Leon du Plessis (55) from Limpopo and his wife, Brenda du Plessis (56), spent more than three decades building Kambaku II Boat Safaris and Lodge into one of the most cherished nature experiences on the banks of the Olifants River. A sanctuary for wildlife lovers and adventure seekers from South Africa and abroad, the lodge was famed for its river boat safaris, Big 5 game drives, bush breakfasts, and authentic African experiences that drew guests year-round.
When devastating floods tore through the lodge earlier this month, the couple lost their home, their livelihood, and everything they owned. Just six days later, a powerful wave of public support followed, with R200 000 raised through a crowdfunding campaign, giving the couple breathing room during an otherwise overwhelming moment.
Support this campaign: read the campaign story on BackaBuddy.
Thirty years of work swept away overnight
Leon and Brenda’s journey began with a shared vision and decades of hard work. Over time, Kambaku II grew into more than a business. It was their home, their sole source of income, and a place filled with memories created alongside guests, staff, and the surrounding community.
“What began as a simple dream slowly grew into something much bigger,” they shared. “Over the past 30 years, Kambaku II became our life’s work, our home, our livelihood, and a place where we welcomed guests as family.”
The lodge was shaped by consistency and care, with many visitors forming lasting relationships with the couple and returning repeatedly. For Leon and Brenda, these connections were as meaningful as the lodge itself.
The night the floods arrived, everything changed.
“The water rose incredibly fast, far faster than we could ever have imagined,” Leon recalled. “Within moments, the lodge was surrounded, and then overtaken. We had no time to save belongings, only to get out alive.”
They escaped with nothing but the clothes they were wearing and were later airlifted to safety with their staff and a visiting guest.
Loss beyond buildings and belongings
Watching decades of effort disappear was deeply painful.
“The most painful moment was realising there was nothing we could do,” they said. “This wasn’t just a building. It was our home and our future.”
Beyond the physical damage, the couple lost irreplaceable personal items, photographs, and memories tied to a lifetime of work. Emotionally, the impact has been severe.
“There are moments of shock, grief, and disbelief,” they shared. “Sleeping is difficult, and the uncertainty weighs heavily on us every day.”
The loss has also affected their wider family. Leon and Brenda are supporting Leon’s mother, Charmaine (72), who is recovering from knee surgery and requires ongoing medical care, adding to the immediate financial strain.
R200,140 raised in six days, a turning point
In the aftermath of the floods, a crowdfunding campaign was launched to help Leon and Brenda cover basic living costs and medical expenses while they try to find their footing again. In just six days, 120 donors contributed R200,140, reaching 40% of the R500,000 fundraising goal.
The funds will be used to secure temporary accommodation, provide food, and cover medical needs as the couple navigates life without a home or income.
“Right now, we have no home and no livelihood,” they said. “This support helps us meet our most basic needs and gives us space to think about what comes next.”
For Leon and Brenda, the speed and generosity of the response has been deeply moving.
“Your kindness has reminded us that we are not alone,” they shared. “Any support, no matter how small, gives us hope and helps us believe that a new chapter may still be possible.”
To support the Kambaku II Safari Lodge, visit their BackaBuddy campaign here.
