Kapama River Lodge

Kapama River Lodge is situated within Kapama Game Reserve, a 15,000 hectare fenced reserve situated near the Kruger National Park. Here, you can find no less than 42 mammal species and approximately 350 bird species. Amongst the mammal species is the Big 5 - lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. Guests can enjoy day and night game drives on open safari vehicles in search of Africa's wildlife, in the company of experienced rangers and trackers. Guests are also encouraged to join their ranger on a morning bush walk to explore the environment.

The Rhino Boma dining area with tables tastefully arranged under a low thatch in a horseshoe shape has a central open area where a roaring fire gives a brilliant glow to evening meals. Buffet-style meals introduce Pan African flavors and dishes using fresh local ingredients and specialty dishes.

A large rim flow swimming pool with a view towards the Kapama River offer guests the opportunity to relax under the African sun while having the opportunity to view various animals drink water from the river dam. The Wellness Centre is a piece of paradise designed to uplift your mind, body and soul.

Kapama River Lodge is the largest luxury game lodge in the Greater Kruger National Park area and is stylishly furnished to ensure an unforgettable African safari experience.

Each of the spacious 7 Standard Suites all have air-conditioning and feature a small patio with views over the reserve. The 33 Deluxe Suites are larger and also have a patio with uninterrupted views over the reserve. The 16 Spa Suites are positioned close to the Spa on a private setting away from the rest of the lodge, and all rooms have magnificent views into the reserve from your balcony.  The 4 Family Rooms are located in the same area, and have triple balconies, along with spacious bedrooms that can accommodate an additional two beds for children sharing with their parents.

Finally, the 2 Royal Suites are bigger in every way and have a separate lounge and extended balcony with recliner couches.

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.

Bush Walks / Walking Safaris

All children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult during bush walks. Children will be permitted on game drives and walks at the discretion of the ranger.

Guest Rating: 4.6 / 5.0 based on 17 ratings

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 and allow 10-20 minutes to drive through the reserve to reach the lodge.

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. Sign in at the gate and allow 10-20 minutes to drive through the reserve to reach the lodge.

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 towards Klaserie, and continue along this road (go past the Eastgate Airport turn off, don’t turn left here) until you see the main Kapama Reserve gate on your left hand side. Follow the directions as above.

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

All suites are air conditioned and have tea/coffee making facilities and a mini bar, plus a hair dryer, a telephone and an in-room safe.

The lodge has a swimming pool, library, gym and a restaurant, plus a Media Room with satellite TV, DVD player and a curio shop.

Free Wi-Fi is available. All major credit cards are accepted.

The Kapama Wellness Centre has 6 treatment rooms.

A laundry service is available (additional cost).

Babysitting services are also available (additional cost).

Various activities are also available to book either before arrival (with a credit card to secure the booking) or upon arrival. 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.

Visits to the nearby Hoedspruit Centre for Endangered Species are done after your game drive and breakfast. 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. 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.

With the sleep out in the reserve you will arrive before sunset to watch the sun go down whilst sipping a sundowner. Then a 5 course dinner is served to you 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 lights. The platform and luxury bathroom underneath are both animal proof, but both a 2-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.

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.

Bush Walks / Walking Safaris

All children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult during bush walks. Children will be permitted on game drives and walks at the discretion of the ranger.

Popular Alternatives to Kapama River Lodge

These are the top properties booked by people who considered staying at Kapama River Lodge, but for one reason or another booked a different property. It may have been that Kapama River Lodge was not available on the nights they wanted to stay, or they decided that somewhere else was better suited to their budget or itinerary.

If you're not sure which place might be best for your own trip then either give us a call or get in touch via the website, and we'd be delighted to run through the options with you.