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Kapama River Lodge
Kapama River Lodge
Kapama River Lodge
Kapama River Lodge
Kapama River Lodge
Kapama River Lodge
Kapama River Lodge
Kapama River Lodge
Kapama River Lodge
Kapama River Lodge
Kapama River Lodge
Kapama River Lodge
About This Package
This 3 Night Kapama River Lodge package offers an unmatched flagship safari experience in South Africa's Greater Kruger region. Set within the 13,500-hectare Kapama Private Game Reserve, River Lodge is the largest and most celebrated of the four Kapama properties, featuring 64 luxury suites set along the banks of the Klaserie River with sweeping bush and river views.
Priced at $2,300 per person sharing, this fully inclusive package covers accommodation, all meals, twice-daily Big Five game drives, guided bush walks, night drives, and selected beverages. With its iconic rim-flow swimming pool, full-service spa, and vibrant social atmosphere, River Lodge is ideal for couples, families, groups, and anyone seeking a world-class Big Five safari.
Kapama Game Reserve is home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), plus cheetah, wild dog, giraffe, zebra, hippo, and over 350 bird species. The reserve's prolific game populations and expert professional guides ensure every drive delivers extraordinary wildlife encounters.
Package Highlights
Luxury Suites & Villas
Choose from luxury suites, family spa suites, honeymoon suites, and the presidential villa — all with private decks, outdoor showers, and sweeping river or bush views.
Big Five Game Drives
Twice-daily guided game drives in open 4×4 vehicles with expert rangers and trackers across 13,500 hectares of exclusive Big Five terrain.
Night Drives & Spotlighting
After-dark drives reveal the reserve's nocturnal residents — leopard, hyena, African wild cat, genet, civets, and bushbabies.
Guided Bush Walks
Intimate walking safaris with armed rangers bring you face-to-face with the sights, smells, and sounds of the African bush.
Rim-Flow Pool & River Views
The iconic Kapama River Lodge pool — a sweeping rim-flow infinity pool perched above the Klaserie River, with panoramic views of the surrounding bush.
Optional HESC Visit
Visit the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre — get up close to cheetah, rhino, and wild dog in a world-class conservation facility.
Full-Service Spa
Indulge in massages, facials, and body treatments between game drives at the Kapama Spa — the perfect way to restore and relax.
Family & Group Friendly
With 64 suites, dedicated family suites, a junior rangers programme, and social spaces, River Lodge is perfectly suited for families and groups.
Daily Programme
- Arrive at Hoedspruit (HDS) or Eastgate Airport — transfers meet you on arrival
- Welcome drink and cold towel on arrival at Kapama River Lodge
- Orientation of the lodge, pool deck, and facilities
- Afternoon/evening game drive — first Big Five encounter
- Sundowner cocktails overlooking the Klaserie River
- Three-course boma dinner under the stars
- 05:30 – Wake-up call with hot beverages and rusks
- 06:00 – Morning Big Five game drive in open 4×4
- 09:00 – Full hot breakfast served on the deck with river views
- 10:30 – Leisure at the rim-flow pool or spa treatment
- 13:00 – Poolside lunch
- 15:00 – Optional guided bush walk with armed ranger
- 17:00 – Evening game drive with sundowners in the field
- 19:30 – Three-course dinner at the boma or main dining room
- 05:30 – Early morning Big Five game drive (if flight times allow)
- 09:00 – Full hot breakfast at lodge
- 11:00 – Leisure time: pool, spa, gift shop, or birding from your deck
- 13:00 – Light lunch
- 15:00 – Check-out and transfer to Hoedspruit or Eastgate Airport
Accommodation
Luxury Suite
2 guests
Spacious suites with private deck, outdoor shower, and sweeping bush or river views. King or twin beds, en-suite bathroom, air conditioning, and minibar.
Family Spa Suite
4 guests
Expansive family suites with separate children's sleeping area, private plunge pool, outdoor shower, and generous lounge. Perfect for families.
Honeymoon Suite
2 guests
Romantically appointed suite with private plunge pool, outdoor bath, king bed, and intimate outdoor living area overlooking the river.
Presidential Suite
4 guests
The ultimate indulgence — expansive private villa with full en-suite facilities, private pool, dedicated butler service, and panoramic river views.
All Suites Include:
Meals & Dining
All meals are included — breakfast, lunch, and dinner — plus selected beverages (house wines, local beers, soft drinks, and fruit juices). River Lodge's talented chefs deliver exceptional cuisine inspired by African flavours, served in memorable settings ranging from poolside lunches to lantern-lit boma dinners.
Breakfast
Full hot and cold buffet breakfast served on the river deck or in the main dining room — eggs, bacon, pastries, fresh fruit, and hot beverages.
Lunch
Light and refreshing poolside lunches — salads, grills, light mains, fresh fruit, and dessert in a relaxed al fresco setting.
Boma Dinner
Signature three-course dinners around the boma fire or in the main dining room, featuring South African cuisine and seasonal menus.
Wake-Up Refreshments
Hot coffee, tea and rusks served before early morning drives at 05:30 to fuel your Big Five adventure.
What's Included / Excluded
Included in $2,300 pp
- • 3 nights in a luxury suite
- • All meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
- • Selected beverages (house wine, beer, soft drinks)
- • Twice-daily Big Five game drives
- • Night drives with spotlight
- • Guided bush walks with armed ranger
- • Sundowner refreshments in the field
- • Park & conservation levies
- • VAT
Not Included
- • International & domestic flights
- • Airport transfers (available at extra cost)
- • Premium spirits & champagne
- • Spa treatments
- • HESC conservation tour
- • Gratuities for rangers & staff
- • Travel insurance
- • Curio shop purchases
- • Items of a personal nature
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Kapama Game Reserve in Limpopo Province has a warm bushveld climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The dry winter months (May–September) are widely considered the best time for safari — vegetation thins out, wildlife concentrates around waterholes, and cool mornings make game drives a delight.
Lush green bush, excellent birding, hot days. Wildlife spread out.
Rains easing, pleasant temperatures. Good wildlife viewing begins.
Peak season — cool mornings, clear skies. Best Big Five game viewing.
Very hot & dry. Excellent for game viewing at waterholes. Baby animals born.
First rains arrive, bush turns green. Good value rates available.
Getting There
✈️ By Air
Fly to Hoedspruit Airport (HDS) or Eastgate Airport (HLW) — both within 30–45 minutes of Kapama. Flights operate via Johannesburg O.R. Tambo (JNB). Alternatively fly into JNB and drive 5 hours via the N4 highway.
🚗 By Road
From Johannesburg: approximately 5 hours via the N4 to Lydenburg, then via R527 to Hoedspruit. The lodge coordinates are provided upon booking. Standard vehicles access the reserve easily.
🚌 Transfers
Airport transfers to/from Hoedspruit or Eastgate can be arranged at additional cost. Please advise flight details at time of booking so we can coordinate your arrival and departure seamlessly.
📍 Location
Kapama Private Game Reserve, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Situated adjacent to the Greater Kruger National Park — one of Africa's most prolific Big Five regions.
Essential Travel Tips
🎒 What to Pack
- • Neutral/khaki coloured clothing (no white or bright colours)
- • Warm fleece/jacket for early morning drives
- • Long sleeves & trousers for evenings
- • Wide-brimmed hat & sunglasses
- • High-factor sunscreen & lip balm
- • Binoculars & camera with zoom lens
- • Insect repellent (DEET-based)
- • Comfortable walking shoes
🏥 Health & Malaria
- • Kapama is in a malaria area — consult your doctor before travel
- • Anti-malarials recommended (e.g. Malarone)
- • No specific vaccinations required for SA, but check with your doctor
- • Comprehensive travel insurance strongly recommended
- • Nearest hospital: Hoedspruit (30 min)
- • Emergency medical evacuation available
📸 Photography Tips
- • Best light at golden hour (6–8am & 4–6pm)
- • Telephoto lens (300–500mm) ideal for wildlife
- • Bring extra batteries & memory cards
- • Set your camera to burst mode for action shots
- • Never use flash near animals at night
- • Bean bags on the vehicle door are great for stability
💡 Safari Etiquette
- • Always follow your ranger's instructions
- • Stay in the vehicle at all times unless instructed
- • Keep voices low — noise disturbs wildlife
- • Do not litter in the reserve
- • Switch phones to silent during drives
- • Tip rangers & trackers — they work incredibly hard
Explore More Kapama & South Africa
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