
PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS:
- Elegant ultra-luxury safari lodge which enjoys a natural setting on the banks of the Klaserie River, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the bushveld.
- The lodge features one of the most stylish designs of any game lodge in South Africa, with interiors of white-washed woods, neutral colour palettes and vast sections of glass that make the most of the natural light and views. The open-plan concept and wide outdoor decks match the minimalist, airy and contemporary design.
- Kapama is known for its diverse wildlife experiences and bird-watching, and is home to the big five. With its two daily game drives and walking safaris, fascinating encounters with the prolific wildlife is ensured.
- The lodge features decadent suites with lavish en-suite bathrooms, private decks, heated pools and first-class amenities. The luxurious suites offer wrap-around views over the Klaserie River.
- For relaxation, guests can unwind in the Karula’s world class luxury spa, which is surrounded by glass to enhance the African bush scenery.
- Kapama Private Game Reserve is practically on the doorstep of Hoedspruit Airport, which makes it one of the easiest of the Kruger reserves to access.
EXCLUSIVE LUXE VOYAGER VIP BENEFITS & BEST PRICE
We negotiate rates & benefits for our clients directly with the hotels’ senior management. Our rates match or in many cases are lower than the best online rate for the property. Our clients also enjoy a suite of extra VIP privileges and recognition while staying at a partner hotel.
- Complimentary room upgrade on arrival.
- Daily complimentary buffet breakfast for two.
- Up to $100 dining or spa credit per stay, and or in-house dining / spa discounts.
- Welcome amenities (wine/chocolates/fruit) and card from the GM.
- Complimentary private airport transfers.
- Complimentary roll-away bed if required.
- Early check-in and late check-out.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi.
- Enhanced recognition through VIP status at all touch points in the guest experience.
A complete or partial suite of VIP benefits will be offered, subject to the property T&C, including availability, category of room & length of stay.
ACTIVITIES:
Across all of Kapama’s lodges, two daily game drives are offered and are included in the tariff. Accompanied by a skilled ranger and tracker, guests can expect to encounter a diverse range of animal and bird species on game drives. Since this is a Big Five reserve, seeing lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo is possible over a two-day safari in Kapama Private Game Reserve. The day starts with an early wake-up call between 5am and 5:30am. Tea, coffee and rusks are enjoyed together before heading out at first light. 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 birds recorded on the reserve. Halfway through the game drive, there’s a stop for hot drinks and snacks, before returning to the lodge at around 9am for a full breakfast. Throughout the day, it’s likely you will see wildlife around the lodge – nyala antelope and vervet monkeys are frequent visitors, though seeing some of the Big Five is also not uncommon.
Discerning travellers can now – on request – fly directly between Cape Town International or OR Tambo International and Kapama’s private airfield. Guests making use of this service will have access to the exclusive facilities at ORTIA that includes a gym, day rooms, boardrooms, and more. Similarly, guests flying in from Cape Town will have access to Signature Flight Services’ facilities. Flights from Johannesburg take only 50 minutes, and flights from Cape Town around 2 hours 45 minutes.
Feel Africa underfoot on a guided bush walk with a highly trained game ranger. The experience offers an intimate encounter with nature and wildlife, and medicinal and other plants are identified en route. Rangers also teach walkers to track wildlife in the traditional way, using animal footprints and scat. Expert trackers are able to tell the gender of many animals just from their footprints. Large and dangerous animals are avoided on walks, but many other species can be viewed from a safe distance at ground level. A bush walk through Kapama Private Game Reserve is a truly memorable and authentic encounter.
The Kapama Romantic Sleep-out offers a million-star overnight experience. Sleeping in the open air on the reserve, elevated high above the ground under the African night sky, is a uniquely romantic experience. A raised platform is evocatively furnished with an oversized bed festooned in white linen and billowing mosquito netting. It’s completely safe, while being surrounded by only wilderness and wildlife. The experience is guaranteed to take your breath away. You’ll arrive before sunset to watch the changing colours of evening and sip a sundowner. The African bush fairytale continues with a five-course dinner served to you by a personal chef at an intimate table for two on the platform. Or you can enjoy dinner at the lodge and arrive at your romantic sleep-out venue afterwards. By night, it will be encircled by a ring of golden lantern light. The platform and luxury bathroom underneath are both animal proof, but both a two-way radio and cellular phone are supplied for additional peace of mind. With a flush toilet, shower and his and hers basins, the bathroom has all comforts catered for.Your private night in the African bush continues until after dawn, when you will call your ranger by radio to transfer you back to your lodge. An appointed pick-up time may also be arranged in advance.
The elephant interaction offered by Kapama, is a unique opportunity for guests to get extremely close to the world’s largest land animals. This activity offers visitors the chance to learn about African elephants, both wild and habituated, as they interact and feed these gentle giants. This is an early morning experience starting at around 06:20 am. Bring a hat and sunscreen with you as the day will get hotter as the sun rises. Wear closed shoes preferably and don’t forget your camera! Then climb on board a game drive vehicle for your transfer to the designated location, where you will be met by one of the activity managers for a personal introduction to this unique elephant herd. The elephant experience starts with a brief history of Jabulani and the rest of the herd that came to be part of this unique elephant experience. This is a fascinating story, made even more riveting as the Elephant Manager has shared the journey of each elephant since the start of this endeavour. Learn about the bonds formed between the elephants and their grooms, and what it takes to care for this special herd.
To see rare wildlife up close, take a late morning trip – after the game drive and breakfast – to the nearby Hoedspruit Centre for Endangered Species. Here cheetah, wild dog, serval, caracal and various other species are rehabilitated and can be safely viewed from close range. Rare king cheetah can also be seen here. An educational video is shown as part of the tour and showcases the different projects undertaken by the centre. It’s followed by a guided tour to view cheetah and other fascinating wildlife. Guests to the centre will be accompanied by a Kapama lodge ranger.
A view from the top. Kapama Private Game Reserve offers guests an ultimate game and wildlife viewing on the Hot Air Balloon ride
Kapama Private Game Reserve is delighted to host world-class photographic training by a leading South African wildlife photographer – hands-on in the African bush. Kapama Private Game Reserve is offering this three-night photographic workshop package at its four diverse luxurious safari lodges. Hosted by professional wildlife photographer Albie Venter, the workshop is aimed at beginner and intermediate photographers. It also aims to bring together like-minded people who enjoy both nature and photography. During the workshop, you will learn everything from operating a camera to how to compose and spot evocative photographs. You will also be able to put your newly acquired knowledge into action, and hone your skills during private game drives through the bush. Whether you have 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.

Situated in the greater Kruger area, on banks of the Klaserie River, Kapama Private Game Reserve sweeps across 13,000 hectares of savannah and riverine forest. Kapama is known for its diverse wildlife experiences and is home to the big five. With its two daily game drives and walking safaris, fascinating encounters with the prolific wildlife is ensured. Kapama Karula means ‘place of peace’ in the local tribal language. This luxurious lodge teems with wildlife and countless birds attracted to the glistening pockets of river water. Luxury superior suites and exquisite family suites are positioned along the riverbank or tucked into the surrounding riverine bushveld, each one in its own private paradise. While Kapama Karula suites are spacious, they blend seamlessly into their surroundings and give a wraparound view of the surrounding bushveld.
The suites measure on average 100m² each, are fully air-conditioned, with a lavish en-suite bathroom, featuring indoor and outdoor showers, dual basins and a large designer bath. The suites are wrapped by glass sliding doors opening onto a private outside deck area with a full-size heated pool and a viewing deck with sun loungers for relaxation, enabling seamless views over the Klaserie River while spotting wildlife in the Game Reserve. The award-winning Spa offers world class facilities including a spa pool, vichy showers, hydro baths, 4 deluxe treatment rooms and a range of revitalizing health and beauty treatments. The contemporary-chic décor with natural tones, bleached wood, and richly textured fabrics offers the ultimate luxury safari lodge experience for discerning guests.
This Lodge, located within the Kapama Private Game Reserve, accommodates guests in 12 secluded en-suite luxury safari accommodation options. The riverside setting is shady and ideal for watching game at the waters edge. The elegant and stylish suites feature lots of light, airy, open spaces and views from every angle.


Superior villas
Our 90sqm superior villas feature wrap-around glass sliding doors that open onto an outside deck area with stunning views of the Klaserie River. Enjoy something refreshing from your personal minibar while lazing around in your own heated pool or relaxing on the patio. After a day in the bush, you can take a spectacular shower under the stars in your outdoor shower or, if the weather’s a bit chillier, cuddle up in your opulent villa while sipping champagne or any of our selection of fine wines available to you. Air con in the suites ensures you’ll always be comfortable and your personal Nespresso coffee machine means you can wake up to the smell of your favourite roast, warm and aromatic.For peace of mind, we’ve provided a lock-up safe for your valuables, and the suites are equipped with tech creature comforts – wi-fi, an iPod docking station and international adapters for your convenience.


Superior family villas
Karula’s superior 170sqm two bedroom family villas have expansive open-plan living rooms. Grab yourself something to drink from the minibar, or choose something more indulgent from our selection of fine wines and champagne. Open the floor-to-ceiling doors and you can step out onto your private deck, then take a dip in your heated swimming pool or relax in a lounger as you take in the views. Each bedroom is en-suite and spacious enough to offer privacy. If you’re travelling with the kids, you’ll be glad to know the second bedroom is equipped with a flat-screen TV, a selection of movies and a Wii game console. Air con in the suites ensures you’ll always be comfortable and your personal Nespresso coffee machine means you can wake up to the smell of your favourite roast, warm and aromatic.For peace of mind, we’ve provided a lock-up safe for your valuables, and the suites are equipped with tech creature comforts – wi-fi, an iPod docking station and international adapters for your convenience.
The delicious aroma of fresh pastries and coffee at the breakfast buffet before your game drive makes the early morning start even more worth it. On your return, a wholesome and hearty menu selection for brunch will have you agonizing over what to choose. Later in the afternoon, gather at the main lodge before your second game drive to sample a choice of delicacies from the high tea display. After sun downer drinks on your game drive, start the evening off with a cocktail at the bar before indulging in a sumptuous multi-course meal from the a la carte menu, served by your personal waiter.

Dining


Lounge Bar

Boma Dining

Private Dining
Take a dip in the inviting pool to beat the midday heat or update your online travel diary while browsing through the library’s extensive book collection.The Kapama Wellness Center has a wide range of health, beauty and wellness treatments to smooth out the creases after a day in a safari vehicle, or you may just want to simply relax and indulge your senses at a spa that is considered one of the finest of its kind in Africa.


Pool
The swimming pool at the Kapama Karula Lodge is surrounded by a wooden deck which offers guests the perfect location from where to enjoy the warm afternoon sunshine in between game viewing activities.

Spa
The luxury safari spa treatment menu includes a full range of body and beauty treatments.Highly trained and experienced beauty therapists remain abreast of global treatment trends, while giving them a uniquely African twist for Kapama’s Wellness Centre. After your treatment, take a swim in the lap pool or relax under bushveld skies before heading back to your luxury game lodge accommodation. Alternatively, if you’d like to work up a sweat, the state-of-the-art mini gym is fully equipped. There is both cardio and weight-lifting equipment, depending on if you want to tone or build muscle. What is guaranteed is that a visit to the Wellness Centre will energise and uplift you for the day.


Spa Pool




Spa Facilities

Library
The perfect place to get lost in a book, connect with the family back home via our media centre or even arrange a romantic firelit dinner for two.

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

Curio Shop
Area & Location
Area, Country
Hoedspruit, South Africa
Nearest Airport
OR Tambo International Airport
Local Currency
South African Rand (ZAR)
Time Change
GMT +2:00
Language
Afrikaans, English
Best time to go
Best visited between April through September
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