South African Game Lodges – Game Reserves – Private Game Reserves

Kapama Private Game Reserve occupies a vast area between the northern Drakensberg mountains and the Greater Kruger National Park, in the north-east of South Africa. It spans 13 000 hectares of the magnificent South African bushveld, teeming with wildlife, yet is ideally situated to receive fly-in guests of scheduled flights from the nearby Eastgate Airport in Hoedspruit.

The Eastgate Airport, also know as Hoedspruit Airport, is just 10 minutes’ drive from the reserve entrance, and Kapama offers complimentary transfers in open game viewing vehicles directly to any of the four luxury game lodges on the reserve: River Lodge, Buffalo Camp, Kapama Karula and Southern Camp.

Situated in Limpopo province, an area renowned for its wildlife and superb safari destinations, Kapama Private Game Reserve is home to all the big game of Africa, with over 40 mammal species and 350 bird species. This equates to huge natural diversity and includes the famed dangerous Big Five of lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. Twice-daily game drives are conducted through the rolling savannah grasslands and riverine forests that make up this magnificent African reserve.

Game Drives
Two game drives a day are offered to all our guests. Accompanied by a skilled ranger and tracker, you can expect to encounter a diverse range of animal and bird species. Since this is a Big Five reserve, encountering lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo is possible over a two-day safari.

While seeing big game is always exhilarating, there are many other smaller species that are also captivating, and birding enthusiasts will be delighted at the approximately 350 species of bird recorded on the reserve. Throughout the day, it’s likely you will see wildlife such as nyala antelope, Vervet monkeys or even a few of the Big Five.

Bush Walks
Experience the African bush on foot under the guidance of a skilled ranger. Your guide will point out medicinal plants, insects and birdlife along the way, and share traditional tracking skills such as using animal footprints and scat to identify animals.

This truly memorable, authentic and intimate encounter with nature and our wildlife is included in the tariffs.

River lodge spa
Considered one of the finest safari spas in Africa, the River Lodge Spa is a firm favourite with all our guests. Lounge by the spa pool or get a quick workout in before you hand yourself over to our highly trained and experienced beauty therapists for one of our distinctly African treatments.

Karula spa & wellness centre
After a day out in the wild, there’s nothing more welcome than a pampering treatment. Our luxurious Karula Spa is a haven of relaxation and calm, especially with the new range of BABOR profession skincare treatments.

But if you’re in need of something more energetic, our state-of-the-art fitness centre may be just for you.

For those who aren’t quite sure, there’s always the steam room or spa pool – and even a curio shop where you can find that perfect gift for a loved one back home.

Exclusive dining
Enjoy a luxurious dining experience like no other at Kapama. We have various options for exclusive dining, as well as group dining.

Private Dinner
Indulge in royal treatment with our exclusive private dinners, for couples and groups. Your tables will be hosted in a secluded area at the lodge, with dedicated waiters, where you can also dine on our sumptuous safari menu.

Private bush breakfast or dinner
Begin your day with a robust and wholesome breakfast, or have dinner under the stars around a roaring fire after your game drive.

Private dinner set-up
Dinner is usually shared at a group table, along with your game driver and fellow drive guests. Should you prefer to dine on your own, you can request a private table at no additional cost.

Traditional African music
Infuse the rhythm of Africa into your dining experience, with one of our African musical performances. Sample the entertainment with traditional marimba music, our African choir or a tribal dance group to add authentic African flair.

Photographic workshops
capacity: 6 people
Interested in a photographic safari? World-class photographic training by leading South African wildlife photographer Albie Venter is aimed at beginner and intermediate photographers.

Bringing together like-minded people who enjoy both nature and photography, the workshop covers everything from operating a camera to how to compose and spot evocative images.

Whether you’ve never picked up a camera before or just want to learn to use the one you have better, the emphasis of the weekend is on learning both the technical and artistic sides of photography in a relaxing, natural environment.