Kapama Private Game Reserve Tourism (2025) - South Africa > Top Places, Travel Guide

Kapama Private Game Reserve Tourism

Kapama Private Game Reserve is a wildlife conservation area in South Africa's Limpopo province. Encompassing 15,000 hectares (32,000 acres), it's home to various wildlife, including the famous Big Five: elephants, lions, leopards, African buffalos, and rhinoceroses. Positioned close to Kruger National Park, it provides an accessible and authentic safari experience.

Kapama Private Game Reserve is made even more special by its proximity to the Blyde River Canyon and Drakensberg Mountains. The reserve has a diverse ecosystem with over 40 mammal species and around 350 bird species. Skilled guides lead game drives and walking safaris, giving visitors a chance to closely explore the reserve's ecosystems.

1. Game Drives

Game drives are guided excursions conducted in open safari vehicles. These drives are available during the early morning and late afternoon, with each drive lasting around 3 hours. Led by experienced (Read More)rangers, participants have the opportunity to observe a diverse range of wildlife, including the renowned Big Five.

2. Bush Walks

Bush walks offer guided walking safaris within the reserve. These walks take place during the early morning and typically last between 1.5 to 2 hours. Led by knowledgeable guides, participants gain in (Read More)sight into the intricate ecosystem of the area and the chance to encounter smaller wildlife up close.

3. Wellness & Spa

Kapama features spas at River Lodge and Kapama Karula, offering a variety of relaxation treatments. Spa timings are personalized, and the menu includes treatments for rejuvenation and relaxation.

4. Romantic Sleepout

The sleep-out venue lets guests spend a private night on a raised platform in the reserve, offering stargazing from a four-poster bed. A spiral staircase leads to a panoramic view for dining. Safety i (Read More)s ensured by a guide, and the experience is available year-round, weather permitting. It is popular among honeymooners.

5. Kapama Air

Kapama Air offers aerial safari experiences through scenic flights. The timing of these flights depends on booking arrangements and availability. Participants can enjoy bird's-eye views of the reserve (Read More) and its surrounding areas from the comfort of an aircraft.

6. Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre

A visit to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre offers an opportunity to explore a dedicated conservation centre. The prime visiting hours are in the morning, allowing for a comprehensive understa (Read More)nding of their initiatives and endangered species preservation efforts.

7. Blyde River Canyon (God's Window, Three Rondavels)

The Blyde River Canyon, which encompasses captivating viewpoints like God's Window and Three Rondavels, is best experienced during the early mornings and early afternoons.

8. Kruger National Park

For those interested in exploring the nearby Kruger National Park, it's advisable to plan visits during the early morning and late afternoon. These times are well-suited for wildlife sightings and obs (Read More)ervation. The park's diverse habitats and the potential to spot a variety of animals make these hours particularly rewarding for wildlife enthusiasts.

Must Know Before You Travel to Kapama Private Game Reserve

Pre-Booking: Pre-booking accommodations and activities like game drives and bush walks are advisable to secure preferred time slots and ensure availability, especially during peak seasons. Booking can be done on its official website.
Local Transportation: Within the reserve, the lodges typically provide transportation services for guests, including game drives and transfers. However, for exploring the nearby towns or attractions, local transportation options include taxis, shuttle services, and rental cars.
Seasonal Considerations: While Kapama is accessible throughout the year, weather conditions can impact road conditions and animal sightings. The dry season (May to September) is recommended for optimal wildlife viewing.
Water Potability: Tap water is not recommended for drinking.
Health and Safety: From October to April (summertime), there's a low risk of malaria in Kapama and the Greater Kruger area. To stay safe, take antimalarials and use effective mosquito repellents along with other necessary vaccinations.
Inclusive Services: The Reserve's tariff includes complimentary transfers between your lodge and Eastgate/Hoedspruit Airport, three daily meals, two guided game drives, and various amenities.
Excluded Fees: The tariff does not cover the Conservation Levy, which is $14 per person per night and increases to $16 during Peak season.
Payment Options: Payment can be made via credit card or local currency notes.
Check-in and Check-out: Check-in time is 02:00 PM, and check-out time is 11:00 AM.
Network Connectivity: While some lodges offer limited Wi-Fi, be prepared for intermittent or no mobile network connectivity due to the reserve's remote location.
Pet Policy: Pets are not permitted in the reserve.

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More on Kapama Private Game Reserve Travel

Accommodation at Kapama Private Game Reserve

Kapama Private Game Reserve offers a selection of lodges with distinct themes, catering to different preferences.

River Lodge: River Lodge, Kapama's largest camp, offers upscale accommodations along the reserve's riverbanks with prime wildlife viewing. Its expansive design and five-star amenities make it popular among young couples and friends.
Buffalo Camp: Situated close to Kruger National Park, Buffalo Camp features elevated old-world luxury tents accessible solely via wooden walkways.
Southern Camp: Kapama Southern Camp offers family-friendly suites near Kruger National Park, providing luxury five-star accommodations and catering to young children.
Kapama Karula: Karula, the flagship lodge of Kapama Private Game Reserve, is renowned for its elegant design, panoramic views, and luxurious accommodations featuring private pools.

Tariff at Kapama Private Game Reserve

The Reserve’s tariff covers complimentary road transfers between your Kapama Lodge and Eastgate / Hoedspruit Airport, three meals per day, two daily game drives in open safari vehicles with experienced guides and assistant guides, and additional amenities.
The price for the accommodation varies according to season and hence, it is recommended to check while booking.

River Lodge – Ranges from $423 to $792 per person, and $1425 to $1900 for family suites.
Buffalo Camp – Ranges from $523 to $687 per person.
Southern Camp – Ranges from $475 to $1056 per person, and $2415 to $3167 for family villas.
Kapama Karula – Ranges from $1109 to $1452 per person, and $3589 to $4750 for family villas.

Kapama Luxury Travel

Kapama Luxury Travel refers to a premium travel option and features various premium travel routes, including exclusive flights to and from the reserve. This option offers three standard routes:

Return flights from Wonderboom, Pretoria to Kapama (Including ground transfers from ORTIA to Wonderboom): $2111
Return flights from Johannesburg ORTIA to Kapama: $2958
Return flights from Cape Town International to Kapama: $12138
Flights from Johannesburg ORTIA to Kapama and onwards to Victoria Falls: $7125

Wildlife in Kapama Private Game Reserve

Among the most sought-after mammals are the renowned Big Five—African elephant, lion, leopard, African buffalo, and both black and white rhinoceros. The reserve also shelters cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and hippos, among others. African wild dogs, spotted hyenas, and various antelope species like impalas, kudus, and nyalas contribute to the reserve's dynamic ecosystem.

Additionally, the reserve's birdlife flourishes, with over 350 species recorded. Majestic eagles such as the African fish eagle, martial eagle, and Bateleur eagle share the skies with charismatic hornbills, kingfishers, and rollers. From the elusive ground hornbill to vibrant sunbirds and striking owls, Kapama offers a diverse avian spectacle.

History of Kapama Private Game Reserve

According to local Shangaan legend, chiefs of extreme bravery were said to be reborn as lions, and Kapama Reserve's name is said to trace back to a revered chief of this lineage. Folklore narrates the story of a lion named Kapama, embodying a wise king who guided his people through drought and hardship.

Johann Roode purchased Moria farm in 1986 for cattle grazing, but soon shifted his focus to ecotourism, resulting in the creation of Kapama Reserve. Construction began in 1989, and today, Kapama stands as a thriving wildlife haven. It remains owner-managed by Bernard Roode, the son of Johann Roode, with the tragic passing of Johann in 2002 paving the way for his vision to evolve.

The reserve expanded through the acquisition of additional land, notably Gwalagwala and Hongonyi, now home to Southern Camp and luxurious flagship Kapama Karula. This history, rooted in legend and dedication to preservation, has shaped Kapama Private Game Reserve into the thriving reserve it is today.

Best Time to Visit Kapama Private Game Reserve

How to Reach Kapama Private Game Reserve

How to Reach Overview

Kapama Private Game Reserve is situated near the town of Hoedspruit in the Limpopo province of South Africa.

Reaching the reserve from nearby cities is convenient, with preferred modes of transportation including connecting flights. For those departing from Johannesburg, a brief flight to Hoedspruit’s Eastgate Airport (HDS) covers approximately 440 kilometres. Similarly, travellers departing from Cape Town can opt for a flight to HDS, spanning around 1,500 kilometres. Road travel is also a viable option, with well-maintained routes connecting both Johannesburg and Cape Town to the reserve.

How to reach Kapama Private Game Reserve by flight

The nearest major airport to Kapama Private Game Reserve is Eastgate Airport (Hoedspruit Airport) situated in Hoedspruit, Limpopo. The airport is approximately 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) away from the reserve, and it offers both domestic and limited international flights.

The flight duration from Johannesburg is approximately 1.5 hours, while the flight from Cape Town takes about 2.5 hours.

SA Airlink and CemAir operate daily flights from Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport and regular flights from Cape Town International Airport to Eastgate Airport near Hoedspruit.

Airport transfers are usually offered complimentary to the stay. The journey from the airport to the reserve takes about 15-20 minutes.

How to reach Kapama Private Game Reserve by road

Traveling by road is a common way to reach Kapama Private Game Reserve. The reserve is located about 40 kilometres (25 miles) west of Hoedspruit town and approximately 30 kilometres (18.6 miles) west of the town of Phalaborwa. The journey from Hoedspruit takes roughly 40 minutes, while the drive from Phalaborwa takes around 30 minutes. Travellers can hire rental cars from either town or use private transfers arranged by the reserve.

Kapama Private Game Reserve Travel Guide

"Luxury safari in South Africa’s Big Five territory"