Overview – Kapama GR

Philip Briggs
Expert
By Philip Briggs

Philip lives in South Africa and is the author many guidebooks to African destinations, including the Bradt and Insight guide to South Africa.

Philip lives in South Africa and is the author many Africa guidebooks, including the Bradt and Insight guide to South Africa.

Philip is the author of many Africa guidebooks, including the Bradt and Insight guides to South Africa.

Philip is the author of the Bradt and Insight guides to South Africa.

Kapama is a private game reserve with several high-end safari lodges offering a range of activities, including elephant-back safaris and elephant interaction. Although all large safari animals are present, including the Big Five, the emphasis is more on the activities in this wild setting.

 
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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

  • Aside from game drives and bush walks, elephant back and balloon safaris are 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

All major safari animals are present in Kapama, including the Big Five. The reserve is a former cattle ranch and has been re-stocked with animals that would have previously occurred here naturally. It is fully fenced and isn’t part of a greater ecosystem, which takes away some of the wilderness appeal.

Scenery

Kapama's habitat consists of savannah woodland, grassland and riverine bush. Several waterholes and dams provide water throughout the year.

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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