Overview–southafrica

Kapama Private Game Reserve

Kapama Game Reserve is a private Big Five reserve with several high-end safari lodges offering a range of activities, including day and night drives, bush walks, and romantic sleep-outs below the stars. If you’re a keen photographer, you might like to fine-tune your skills in a field photography workshop. Although this large reserve lies very close to Greater Kruger, it is fully fenced and not part of a larger ecosystem.

Best Time to Visit

Winter (May to September, also known as the Dry season) is the best time for wildlife viewing throughout the region. Vegetation thins during this time, while animals seeking water gather at rivers and waterholes, and this only gets better for wildlife watching as the winter goes on. However, because Kapama Game Reserve is a fenced ecosystem, wildlife viewing is less affected by season than would be the case if it formed part of a migratory ecosystem.

May to September –Dry Season – Winter

It’s easier to spot animals as they stay near water and the vegetation is thinner
Off-season for tourists
Clear, sunny skies
Temperate weather with very little humidity
Risk of malaria is low
Very dry and dusty
Warm clothing needed for chilly morning game drives

October to April –Wet Season – Summer

Fresh, lush green scenery
Animals are in good physical shape and there are many newborns
Birding is excellent due to the arrival of migratory birds
The Dry season has better wildlife viewing
Daytime is hot and humid
Antimalarials medication is needed

Scenery

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

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Rates

From: $204 to $1,223 pp/day

Best Time to Go

From: May to September (Dry season)

High Season

From: October to March (Few crowds)

Size

From: 150km² / 58mi²

Wildlife & Animals

Kapama Game Reserve is a fully enclosed, private reserve that is well stocked with large safari animals, including all of the Big Five. Lion and elephant are especially easy to see. Other large carnivores include the cheetah and the endangered African wild dog. Kudu, zebra, and giraffe are some of the other animals you are likely to encounter.

Wildlife Highlights

Game drives and bush walks in Kapama offer good general wildlife viewing. If ticking the Big Five is a priority, you are almost certain to see a lion, elephant, buffalo, and white rhino over the course of a few game drives. Leopards are more elusive and most likely to be seen on night drives. A small pack of African wild dogs was recently introduced to Kapama and is quite often seen trotting through the bush or in the hunt. Other safari favorites include cheetah, giraffe, zebra, warthog, and a variety of antelope.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

The Dry season (May to September) is the best time for wildlife viewing in Kapama. Highly recommended are the months of August and September as temperatures are warmer than in midwinter. It is also the end of a long, dry period and this causes the animals to gather around known water sources, making sightings even easier.

General Wheather

The hot and humid summer, from October through April, is known as the Wet season in Kapama Game Reserve. The mild winter months, from May to September, are the Dry season. It is necessary to pack warm clothing if visiting in winter as early morning game drives tend to be chilly. During the wet summertime, thunderstorms are common in the afternoons.

Dry Season –May to September – Winter

There is virtually no rainfall in the winter season, so animals come out of the dry bush in search of water. They tend to gather around permanent sources, such as waterholes and rivers, making them easier to spot.

May – Temperatures drop to an average range of 12°C/54°F at night to 28°C/82°F in the afternoon, as summer transitions into winter.
June, July & August – Average temperatures range from 11°C/52°F in the morning to 25°C/77°F in the afternoon. The skies are mostly clear and sunny. Bring warm clothing for early morning game drives.
September – Average temperatures range from 15°C/59°F in the morning to 27°C/81°F in the afternoon. The year’s first rains start, bringing the Dry season to its end.

Wet Season –October to April – Summer

The heat and humidity of the summer can be relentless. Temperatures can regularly climb to well over 40°C/104°F. Average daytime temperatures are about 31°C/88°F with damp, steamy conditions. Afternoon storms are normal, although day-long rains would be unusual.

October & November – Average temperatures range from between 18°C/64°F in the morning to 29°C/84°F in the afternoon. The heat gradually builds as afternoon rains become more frequent.
December, January & February – The highest temperatures and the most rain (creating high humidity) occur during this time. Downpours in the afternoon are common. The extreme heat at 40°C/104°F or higher can make conditions almost unbearable. Afternoon temperatures average 32°C/90°F.
March & April – There is a decrease in rainfall, and the weather cools. This trend continues throughout April, which is a lovely, temperate month. Nights remain cooler, yet fine, averaging 15°C/59°F. Daytime temperatures are around 31°C/88°F.

Prons

Plentiful wildlife includes all the Big Five, cheetahs, and African wild dog
Game drives, bush walks, night drives, and romantic sleep-outs offered
Several luxury lodges with different styles and atmospheres
Excellent spas, fitness, and wellness centers

Cons

Expensive packages and no self-drive option
Less authentic experience than in larger eco-systems

How To Get There

Most people visiting Kapama Game Reserve fly into Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) and continue with a connecting flight to Hoedspruit’s Eastgate Airport (HDS). The short airport transfer to the reserve is included in your stay.

Driving to the park from Johannesburg is also possible. Kapama is on the R40 near Hoedspruit west of Kruger National Park. The 450km/280mi drive takes around 4½ hours*.

*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.

Airlines & Ticket Prices

Please check Skyscanner to see which airlines can take you to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), and what tickets would cost.

www.skyscanner.com

Domestic Flights

Kapama offers packages including flights, using its own small aircraft, from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg or Cape Town International Airport (CPT) to its private airstrip.

There are several domestic carriers offering scheduled flights to Hoedspruit’s Eastgate Airport (HDS):

Passport, Visa & Other Entry Requirements

Please check our Getting There – South Africa page to learn more about passports, visas, COVID-19, and other entry requirements.