Within the expansive Kapama Private Game Reserve, River Lodge epitomises five-star safari accommodation. The majestic northern Drakensberg mountains form the backdrop to the 64-suite River Lodge, which is positioned along a bend of the seasonal Kapama River.
It’s the largest luxury game lodge in the Greater Kruger National Park area, and is stylishly furnished to ensure an unforgettable African safari experience.
Taking luxury game lodge accommodation a step further, River Lodge has two royal suites that offer substantial space and include a separate lounge and extended balcony, furnished with recliner couches.
The en-suite bathroom has a bath and a dual shower overlooking the surrounding bush and resident wildlife, while the bedroom is spacious and opulently appointed.
The 20 spa suites are positioned a little way from the lodge to ensure additional privacy and proximity to the spa for unique African spa treatments. Expansive glass doors and frameless windows allow unobstructed bush views, including from the bathroom.
Each suite is equipped with a minibar, coffee and tea-making facilities, as well as a safe, hairdryer and international plugs.
Located with the spa suites, the family rooms have triple balconies, along with spacious bedrooms that can accommodate an additional two beds for children sharing with their parents.
The rooms - measuring over 70 ㎡ with the balconies - are also ideal for couples wanting the additional comfort of an oversized bedroom.
River Lodge’s 40 spacious air-conditioned suites have uninterrupted views over the Big Five game reserve from private patios, and all feature full, en-suite bathrooms with lavish amenities replenished daily.
The suites are decorated to reflect old Africa in a luxury game lodge setting. Beverage stations for early morning coffee in suite and minibars for sundowners on your private patio are standard in all rooms.
In true African luxury safari style, Kapama offers guests three different dining venues.
As in classic old Africa, evening meals are often enjoyed seated around a roaring fire in the Rhino Boma. Here, buffet meals are served under open-sided thatch and showcase pan-African dishes prepared from fresh local ingredients. Traditional venison dishes also feature on this authentic African menu.
Romantic dining is epitomised by dinner set in the dry riverbed in front of the lodge, under a star-studded African night sky. The experience adds enchantment to any African luxury safari experience.
The Siyatla Lounge is purpose-built as an enclosed dining area, where breakfasts and lunches are served. It has its own bar and lounge with two large fireplaces, while glass stack doors open up the lounge to the surrounding bushveld. All cuisine at Kapama is prepared using fresh seasonal ingredients and herbs grown in the lodge gardens. Traditional South African dishes and accompaniments, such as mealie pap (African-style polenta) and chakalaka (a hot, spicy relish) further enhance the luxury game lodge experience by giving a taste of real Africa. Menus include warthog stew, kudu casserole, impala sausages and oxtail curry. Vegetarians, vegans and various other dietary requirements are easily catered for.
The group will end their game drive at a prearranged location to enjoy a private bush breakfast or dinner especially catered for them. Bathroom facilities are also available.
Private bush dinners are hosted around a roaring fire and encircled by lanterns, where diners will enjoy superb safari cuisine under open, star-spangled skies.
African artefacts adorn the lounges of River Lodge, and a palate of red and gold reflects the colours of Africa’s earth. Glass stack doors open onto the rim-flow pool to create an al fresco experience.
The long, L-shaped lounge and bar, under double-volume thatch, follow the line of the pool to create an airy but cosy atmosphere. In winter, a double-sided fireplace provides additional warmth.
Recliners under umbrellas beckon guests to enjoy shady relaxation around the pool, which is also a prime vantage point for game viewing.
A small, permanent waterhole lies just beyond the perimeter of River Lodge and attracts various antelope species, elephant and buffalo, so viewing the Big Five - cocktail in hand - is quite usual from here.
Couple or group will be hosted on their own, at a secluded dining venue within the camp.
This option ensures complete privacy.
Kapama River Lodge boasts a magnificent wine cellar, stocked with the finest South African wines. Over 600 bottles are on hand, stored in a carefully temperature-controlled and humidified environment.
With the exception of French champagne, all the wines and sparkling Méthode Cap Classiques are from choice South African vineyards.
If you’d like to work up a sweat, the state-of-the-art mini gym is fully equipped. There is both cardio and weight-lifting equipment, so you can tone or build muscle.
The luxury spa offers a range of health and beauty treatments in four deluxe treatment rooms.
Take a swim or relax under bushveld skies. The pool overlooks a waterhole where elephants and buffalo often come to quench their thirst or wallow in the mud.
Looking for an African bushveld safari adventure combined with top class spa treatments - then staying at Kapama River Lodge offers you both experiences in one five-star destination.
The experience offers an intimate encounter with nature and wildlife, and medicinal and other plants are identified en route.
The elephant interaction offered by Kapama, is a unique opportunity for guests to get extremely close to the world’s largest land animals.
Accompanied by a skilled ranger and tracker, guests can expect to encounter a diverse range of animal and bird species on game drives.
Here cheetah, wild dog, serval, caracal and various other species are rehabilitated and can be safely viewed from close range.
Privacy, romance, personalised service and unforgettable moments are guaranteed for your memorable occasion.
The giant candy-striped balloons lift off at first light and drift at the mercy of the wind for about an hour.
River Lodge Media Room has satellite television, DVD player and internet facilities. It can also easily be transformed into an intimate conference room.
During the workshop, you will learn everything from operating a camera to how to compose and spot evocative photographs.
A raised platform is evocatively furnished with an oversized bed festooned in white linen and billowing mosquito netting.
While guests dine, they are entertained either by a traditional marimba band, or by a tribal dance group adept in Africa’s unique rhythmic dance sequences - a fitting accompaniment to an authentic dining experience.
Each safari wedding at Kapama is a meticulously planned and coordinated event, further enhanced by dedication to creating an unforgettable day for the bridal couple.
KAPAMA RIVER LODGE
Kapama Private Game ReserveR40, Limpopo, 1380South Africa