Overview – Kapama GR

Philip Briggs
Expert
By Philip Briggs

Philip lives in South Africa and has authored many guidebooks to African destinations, including the Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa.

Philip lives in South Africa and has authored many Africa guidebooks, including the Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa.

Philip is the author of many Africa guidebooks, including the Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa.

Philip is author of the Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa.

Kapama is a private game reserve with several high-end safari lodges offering a range of activities, including day and night drives, bush walks, balloon safaris and elephant interaction. If you’re a keen photographer, you might like to fine-tune your skills in a field photography workshop. Although part of Greater Kruger, the large reserve is fully fenced and not part of a larger ecosystem.

 
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Best Time to Go May to September (Dry season)
High Season October to March (Few crowds)
Size 130km² / 50mi²
Altitude 405-569m / 1,329-1,867ft
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Pros & Cons

  • Game drives, bush walks, balloon safaris and elephant interation offered
  • Several luxury lodges with different styles and atmosphere
  • Excellent wellness center
  • Expensive packages and no self-drive option
  • Less authentic experience than in larger eco-systems

Kapama GR Safari Reviews

  • Wildlife
  • Scenery
  • Bush Vibe
  • Birding
  • Wildlife
  • Scenery
  • Bush Vibe
  • Birding

Wildlife

The reserve is a former cattle ranch and has been re-stocked with animals that would have previously occurred here naturally. All major safari animals are present, including the Big Five. Lion and cheetah are easily seen and even the shy leopard is quite habituated. Giraffe, wildebeest, greater kudu and impala are all numerous.

Scenery

Kapama's habitat consists of savannah woodland, grassland and riverine bush. Several waterholes and dams provide water throughout the year. Distant peaks of northern Drakensberg mountains form a beautiful backdrop to the reserve.

Weather & Climate

Kapama GR can get uncomfortably hot in summer, between October and April. These months tend to see the most rain – the combination of heat and moisture make for sticky conditions. In contrast, little rain falls during winter, from May to September, and the temperature hovers around an agreeable 27°C/81°F.

Best Time to Visit

As the vegetation shrinks back in the Dry season (May to September), and wildlife hangs around the few remaining water sources, this is the best time for viewing animals. Activities may be interrupted during the stormy, rainy season (October to April), although birders will appreciate the chance to see migratory species.

Want to Visit Kapama GR?

Kapama GR Safari Reviews

  • Wildlife
  • Scenery
  • Bush Vibe
  • Birding
  • Wildlife
  • Scenery
  • Bush Vibe
  • Birding
Most Helpful Expert Review
Expert
Stephen Cunliffe  –  
South Africa ZA

Stephen is a travel writer and avid conservationist whose work appears in prestigious magazines such as Africa Geographic and Travel Africa.

Expanding their Horizons
3/5

Kapama was for decades an island of a game reserve. Fenced off from its neighbours, it preferred to maintain itself as a small separate entity a stone’s throw from the Greater Kruger Park. However, in late 2011, an agreement was finally...

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All 3 Expert Reviews
Latest User Review
William Hui  –  
United States US
Reviewed: Jun 17, 2019
5/5

This private game reserve is a dream-like place. A resort with spas, infinity pools, and luxury accommodations. The animals on the game drives are so beautiful to see. I highly recommend Kapama!!!

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