Kapama Game Reserve
Kapama Game Reserve is in Limpopo, an area renowned for superb safari vacations. Kapama's 13000 hectares has all the big game of Africa with 42 mammal species and approximately 350 bird species. This equates to huge natural diversity and includes the famed 'Big Five' - lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. Game drives are conducted through the rolling savannah grasslands and riverine forests that make up this appealing African reserve.
Kapama Private Game Reserve occupies a vast area between the northern Drakensberg mountains and the Greater Kruger National Park. It is the largest single-owner game reserve in the region, and is perfectly situated to receive guests flying into Eastgate Airport (Hoedspruit).
Accommodation
There are four lodges in Kapama; Kapama Lodge, Kapama River Lodge, Kapama Buffalo Camp and Karula Lodge. These camps and lodges can accommodate a total of 208 people between them.
Wellness Centre
The latest addition to Kapama is the luxurious wellness centre. Exquisitely nestled in the African bush is a piece of paradise designed to uplift your mind, body and soul. Complete with a state of the art gym, equipped with cardio and weight training facilities, the centre energizes and uplifts in the healing presence of nature.
While connecting with the call of the wild indulge in an array of uniquely designed spa treatments. These include facial, body and beauty treatments. Two signature treatments romantically merge the needs of couples. The Marula Rasul Steam Treatment is a sensual experience for two. Merging the wisdom of the Orient with the raw energy of Africa, this magical treatment balances the elements of water, fire, earth and air within the body. Another unique treatment for couples is the Kapama Pinotage Bliss; combining a deep body massage with an aromatic bathing experience in a detoxifying vine extract.
Stepping from one invigorating treatment to the next, a lap pool welcomes you to lie back and relax under a breathtaking bushveld sky. Reconnect with your inner beauty and strength as you lose yourself in an African panoramic vista.
Game Viewing
Two daily game drives are part of the fully inclusive tariff and your skilled ranger and tracker do their best to find the animals of Africa for you to admire.
Expect a wake up call at between 5am and 5.30am and gather for tea or coffee and rusks before heading out at first light. If you are lucky, the big cats will still be around after their night of hunting. This is Big 5 country (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino and Buffalo) all of which are possible to see during a two-day safari in Kapama Game Reserve.
There are also many other species to be seen, large and small, as well as fascinating plants and colourful birds. Stop halfway through the morning game drive for hot drinks and rusks from the Landrover snack box and return at around 9am for breakfast. During the rest of the day, you are likely to see wildlife like nyala antelope and vervet monkeys around the lodges.
At about 3.30pm everybody convenes for high tea, before departing with the same ranger/tracker team for the day's second African bush safari.
Enjoy a sundowner drink along the way (not included in the tariff), and get out of the vehicle to stretch your legs and watch the sun go down over the distant Drakensberg Mountains.
As darkness descends it's time to return to the safety of the Landrover and let the tracker scan the landscape with a spotlight
picking out the glinting eyes of nocturnal animals. Return to the lodge at around 7pm, where there is time to freshen up before dinner.
Bush Walks
Get some African soil under your feet with a bush walk after breakfast. Explore the environment with your ranger, learn about curative properties of plants and identify animals from their footprints and dung. Large game is avoided when on foot but animals can often be seen from a safe distance.
Hot Air Balloon
The giant candy-striped balloons lift off at first light and drift at the mercy of the wind for about an hour. This usually means that you pass right over Kapama Game Reserve and the skill of the balloon pilot is such that you can skim the top of the trees and spot the wild animals below. The hot air balloon landing can be bumpy, so hold on tight then celebrate with a glass of bubbly. This memorable experience is highly recommended.
Elephant Back Safari
This is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity here in Kapama Game Reserve to ride on the back of an African elephant. Meet the herd in the early morning or late afternoon and learn just how to get onto the back of an elephant and move to its rhythm as they walk through the bush. Elephants need to feed for many hours a day, so just because you are on top, this doesn't stop them from pulling down branches and grabbing a trunk full of grass as they walk. They are the largest creatures in the African jungle so other animals that you may come across will give way to you. After walking for about an hour, the elephants will return you to the elephant boma. A video can be made of your experience for an additional fee.
Sleepout in Kapama Game Reserve
Sleeping out under the African moon on the Kapama Romance Platform could be one of the most memorable nights of your life! Arrive at the double-story wooden platform, to a vision of billowing white mosquito netting surrounding a giant bed of white linen. It will take your breath away. This is your most private night in the bush; it is just you and the African animals in the wilderness.
You are quite safe, as the platform and luxury bathroom underneath (complete with flush toilet, rose-head shower and his ‘n hers basins) are animal-proof. You are nevertheless, supplied with a radio and cellphone for your peace of mind.
Arrive before sunset and drink champagne with your picnic dinner, or come after your lodge dinner and witness an African bush fairytale, with lanterns glowing in the darkness. Relax and absorb the sights and sounds of wild Africa before sinking into a slumber, punctuated by the roar of a lion.
As dawn breaks you can call your ranger on the radio or set an appointed time in advance.
