Kapama Karula is a small, intimate safari lodge offering luxury accommodation in the Kapama Game Reserve, a 15,000 hectare fenced reserve situated near the Kruger National Park. The lodge is built on the banks of the Klaserie River in undisturbed riverine forest. Characterised by rolling savannah grasslands and riverine forests, the reserve supports no less than 42 mammal species and approximately 350 bird species. Amongst the animal species is the Big 5 - lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino.
Guests can enjoy morning and evening game drives on open safari vehicles in search of Africa's wildlife, in the company of experienced rangers and trackers.
The open plan lounge and bar area is a day time favourite to enjoy a drink or just sit back and enjoy the sights Karula has to offer. The outside wooden deck overlooking the Klaserie river gives you the opportunity to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and magnificent vistas. The luxury spa offers a range of treatments designed to pamper and relax you.
There are 12 villas at Kapama Karula, each enjoying their own exquisitely decorated and generous private space. The big glass sliding doors that wraps around the suites, offers the opportunity to have unrestricted views over the Klaserie River and all its wildlife. Each villa has its own outside deck area and private pool with comfortable sun loungers.
Two of the villas are purpose-built for families, with 2 bedrooms, and include the use of a private vehicle and guide/tracker team.
The lodge has been awarded the exclusive and elite 5* Premium Status by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) - a status that recognises establishments which epitomise the highest levels of world class luxury in both unique product quality and service going above and beyond other 5* properties.
Rates Include
Three meals per day; tea/coffee; afternoon teatime snacks; 2 daily shared game drives daily in open safari vehicles; bush walks; all local and select premium beverages; the Kapama Conservation Levy; and complimentary road transfers between the camp and Eastgate/Hoedspruit Airport for scheduled flights are included.
Children Policy
Children of any age are welcome. Rates available on request. Children under the age of 6 are not permitted on game drives.
Directions For Drivers
From Hazyview: Follow the R40 towards Klaserie. Once past Klaserie, continue along this road until you see the main Kapama Reserve gate on your right hand side. Sign in at the gate.
Please note that it is about a 25 minute wait for the ranger to meet you at the gate - therefore please supply arrival details or call en-route (+27 (0) 15 793 3491) so the lodge knows approximately what time to meet you at the gate.
Do not get out of your car until you reach the lodge. You may see some wildlife on your way - if you do, slow down and maintain a good distance. Do not drive off-road in any circumstances.
From Eastgate/Hoedspruit Airport: Turn right out of the airport (ignore the gate that is immediately opposite the airport – this is not the main entrance gate) and then turn left onto the R40 towards Klaserie. Continue along this road until you see the main Kapama Reserve gate on your left hand side.
From Johannesburg/Pretoria: Take the N12 or N4 highway to Witbank/eMalahleni (from Johannesburg Airport, follow signs to Boksburg to find the N12). Follow the N4 highway past Middleburg (Toll Plaza), Belfast and Machadodorp (Toll Plaza). Follow the Schoemanskloof option on the N4 and then take the R36 to Lydenburg/Mashishing.
Follow the R36 to Ohrigstad, go through the Strydom Tunnel and take the R527 to Hoedspruit. Turn right onto the R40, and continue along this road until you see the main Kapama Reserve gate on your left hand side.
From Kruger National Park/Orpen Gate: Exit the Park, and continue along the R531. Turn right onto the R40, and continue along this road until you see the main Kapama Reserve gate on your right hand side.
PLEASE NOTE : On some signposts/maps, Belfast MAY also be referred to eMakhazeni.
General Information For Guests
Each suite has a mini bar with an extensive selection of wines and champagne, a Nespresso coffee machine, a safe and wall-mounted international adaptors. There is also a telephone, overhead fan, and air conditioning.For connectivity and entertainment, there is Wi-Fi and an iPod docking station.
Each tent has air conditioning, a telephone and Wi-Fi, a fully stocked minibar, a Nespresso coffee machine and a safe.
The multipurpose library is equipped with audiovisual equipment. Two Internet stations with complimentary Wi-Fi are available to lodge guests wanting to connect to home. A romantic fireside dinner for 2 can be enjoyed in the library, with prior arrangement.
There is a spa offering a range of treatments. The lodge offers complimentary Wi-Fi.
All major credit cards are accepted.
Various activities are also available to book either before arrival (with a credit card to secure the booking) or upon arrival.andnbsp; These include elephant interactions, a visit to the Hoedspruit Centre for Endangered Species, a romantic sleep out in the Reserve, and hot air ballooning. More details/rates available on request.
Your rate includes a Conservation Levy which goes towards the conservation efforts and the work of the Anti-Poaching Unit in their on-going wildlife protection efforts in Kapama Game Reserve and the surrounding area.
The accomodation and staff at Gwalagwala (now known as Kapama Karula) were great. I would recommend to others.Thanks again. I was very impressed with the personal service you provided when I was planning this holiday, and will certainly contact you again when we next travel to Africa.