About Kapama River Lodge
INCLUDES DRINKS! With 62 luxurious suites positioned along the seasonal Kapama river, it’s ideally suited to guests (often younger couples and groups of friends) looking a more “resorty” and quite social bush experience. The excellent Spa is also a huge drawcard!
Within the expansive Kapama reserve, 13 000 hectares of savannah and riverine forest that’s renowned for its high density of big game, lies Kapama River Lodge. This is by far the largest of the 4 lodges that makes up the Kapama portfolio – in fact with 62 luxurious suites it has more the feel of a small luxury resort or hotel than a typical bush lodge. This makes it suitable for travellers looking for a stylish and luxurious property with more facilities (especially the superb Spa!) and perhaps more of a “buzz” than smaller lodges – it also makes it a perfect option for corporate groups or management breakaways.
In many ways Kapama River Lodge has quite a "split personality" in that the hotel has both quite old-fashioned as well as bang-up-to-date contemporary elements existing side by side, courtesy of some extensive revamps and renovations that have been carried out over the years. This can be clearly seen in the 62 suites which are positioned along a bend of the seasonal Kapama River – on the older side of the spectrum are the 7 entry-level Standard Courtyard Suites (which to be absolutely honest would be our last choice as they are quite small, dark and old fashioned with views out over a courtyard) A definite step up are the 16 Spa Suites and 4 Family Spa Suites (which sleep 2 kids) which are more attractive and more modern, if not completely contemporary - they're positioned a little way from the main lodge wing to ensure additional privacy and proximity to the Spa, where you can enjoy unique African spa treatments. But our definite recommendation would be the 33 Deluxe Suites, the latest to be renovated and which boast a much more modern design feel, courtesy of their attractive light oak décor elements and matt plastered walls and which enjoy views out over the surrounding bush. Finally there are the 2 Royal Suites which are pretty much larger, more spacious versions of the Deluxe Suites and also offer spacious outside patio decks, perfect for relaxing whilst watching any passing wildlife!
That same "split personality" is evident in the main public areas of Kapama River Lodge too, where there is a mix of certain quite old-fashioned traditional elements (for example the old thatched, open sided Rhino Boma restaurant area, as well as the original lodge swimming pool and its adjacent lounge and bar area) living alongside other features which are absolutely modern and extremely contemporary in their styling (including the state-of-the-art Spa, the new main entrance/reception area, the new pool with its adjacent cocktail bar, not to mention the new dining area known as Xitsumbeni, which has its own bar with numerous lounge areas and fireplaces, two large firepits and floor to ceiling glass stack doors which open the lounge up to views of the surrounding bushveld) As you can see there's plenty of space and choice to find something that suits your personal preferences.
But perhaps the highlight of Kapama River Lodge for many guests is the stunning Wellness Centre – a sophisticated Spa facility which includes 6 gorgeous treatment rooms and a stunning lap pool overlooking the riverbed. Dermalogica and Matisse products are used and there is an innovative range of treatments infused with a unique African flavour. And if that all sounds a bit too laid-back and pampering, then fitness masochists (sorry, enthusiasts!) can enjoy making use of the state-of-the-art mini-gym!
It might not offer the feel of a typical game lodge, but guests at Kapama River Lodge definitely get to enjoy an excellent game viewing experience! Twice-daily game drives with a qualified and passionate ranger and expert tracker reveal Africa’s big game in all their glory, and you’ll get to share in their many secrets and stories of the bush – it makes for unforgettable wildlife encounters! You can expect to encounter a diverse range of animals on open 4x4 vehicles - it's a thrilling experience to find yourself surrounded by elephants or to spot a pride of lions with cubs! While seeing big game is always exhilarating, there are many other smaller species that are also captivating, and birding enthusiasts will be delighted. As darkness falls, the nocturnal animals come out and the skilled tracker will scan the landscape using a spotlight which illuminates animals’ eyes – and you will notice a completely different variety of species!
An interesting excursion on offer is to enjoy lovely views of the area from the air in a hot air balloon – with a glass of bubbly in your hand, what could be better! The Kapama reserve also offers you an unique and unforgettable African wildlife experience with the chance to interact with a herd of rescued elephants that now call Jabulani Safari home!
