Kapama Karula
Kapama Game Reserve, South Africa
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KAPAMA KARULA -
KAPAMA GAME RESERVE
Kapama Private Game Reserve, with its portfolio of luxurious safari lodges, occupies a vast area between the northern Drakensberg mountains and the Greater Kruger National Park and is the largest single-owned game reserve in the region. The adjacent Eastgate airport (Hoedspruit) is perfectly situated to receive guests flying in from either Johannesburg or Capetown, and Kapama includes free transfers in open safari vehicles directly to any of our four lodges on Kapama namely River Lodge, Buffalo Camp, Karula and Southern Camp. These camps and lodges can accommodate a total number of 222 guests.
South Africa's Limpopo province in which Kapama is situated is renowned for its wildlife and includes areas such as the well known Kruger National Park. Our reserve with its 13000 hectares of pristine wilderness shares a large number of biomes with the Kruger Park and therefore are able to host all animals including the Big 5: Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Buffalo and Rhinoceros, to name but a few of the approximately 42 different mammal species calling Kapama home. Approximately 350 bird species and a myriad of smaller species can also be seen in their natural environment. Game drives are conducted twice daily with expert guides and trackers who will eagerly share their bush experiences and knowledge with you whilst driving through some of the most beautiful savannah woodlands, grassland and riverine bush which makes up the Kapama Game Reserve.
Set on the banks of the perennial Klaserie River is one of Kapama’s most secluded and prestigious safari camps named Karula. Karula means "place of peace" in the native tongue, and soon after your arrival you will know exactly why this name is just so perfect for this magnificent luxury safari camp. Peace is but one of the many emotions that will encompass your soul as you look at the serene waterway meandering gently past your doorstep and the age old saying "water is life" will begin to have a whole new meaning for you.
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Superior Rooms
There are five Superior suites at Kapama Karula, each enjoying their own exquisitely decorated and generous private space. The suites measures 130 square meters and each have inside and outside showers, his and hers basins, bath, full mini bar fridge, coffee station with coffee machine, safe box, air conditioning, overhead fans, telephones, wall mounted international adapter, WiFi connection, iPod docking station, gas fireplace and any other commodity a seasoned traveler deserves. The big glass sliding doors that wraps around the suites, offers the opportunity to have unrestricted views over the Klaserie river and all it's inhabitants. Each suite has its own outside deck area and private lap pool with comfortable sun loungers.
Two of the Superior suites, measuring 170 square meters are truly breathtaking and purposely build for guests traveling with children. The open plan living room with its own fire place blends perfectly into the master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and all the other standard luxuries of the superior suites included. Each suite is complimented with big glass sliding doors to enable unrestricted views over the river and breathtaking nature outside. Both suites have an outside deck with private lap pool and sun loungers.
The second bedroom leads from the main living room with an inter-leading door (or the room can be entered by its own separate entrance). This room is also en-suite and apart from the standard luxuries also includes a Flat screen TV with a Wii game console and a Blue Ray player. These suites offer the ultimate luxury to enjoy with your family on Safari.
Karula Suites
Also after the early 2012 floods, 5 new luxury suites were added to the already impressive portfolio of Karula, each suite measuring 85 square meters with inside and outside showers, his and hers basins, bath, full mini bar, coffee station with coffee machine, room safe, air conditioning, overhead fans, telephones, wall mounted international adapter, WiFi connection and iPod docking station.
Again the massive glass sliding doors offer breathtaking views over the Klaserie river and surrounds. Guests opting for these lovely suites are welcome to make unrestricted use of the spectacular public areas and all facilities the main areas has to offer.
Karula Tents
For a more "authentic" experience within the magnificence that is Karula, guests can also opt for one of two tents with full bush views under traditional canvas.
These are more secluded and nestled away from the suites and superior suites in the camp. These two Tents are en-suite with outside shower, his and hers basins, bath, mini bar and fridge, safe box, air conditioning, telephone, WiFi connection and an outside wooden deck.
A truly unique "timeless" experience.
Karula Lounge and Bar
The open plan lounge and bar area, with floor to ceiling glass doors illustrates the perfect balance with elegant light colors. This modern building with its whitewashed wooden structure, skylights and open air bar, creates a cozy feel to the lounge and makes it a day time favorite to enjoy a drink or just sit back and enjoy the sights Karula has to offer. The contemporary yet African feel to the camp will satisfy and exceed the expectations of even the most discerning connoisseurs. The outside wooden deck overlooking the Klaserie river gives you the opportunity to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and magnificent vistas the camp has to offer.
Karula Library and Media Room
A brilliant new addition and multi-purpose room that was built after the floods in January 2012. The library and media room boasts some of the best audio visual equipment but doubles as a library where you can read a good book in a breathtaking environment, or just take in nature’s views through the massive sliding windows. Keep in touch with family and loved ones at one of the two dedicated guest internet stations with WiFi on tap and free of charge. A private, romantic fireplace dinner can also be arranged with the camp personnel, and in a modern romantic setting like this, the answer can only be "Yes".
Kapama Nature Reserve History
Kapama Game Reserve had its origins in 1986, when the late Johann Roode purchased his first property in Hoedspruit called Moria farm. The name Kapama originated from a small railway station across the road and it is believed that Kapama was the name of a chief from a local tribe that used to live in the area of Thulumahashe.
The Moria portion of Kapama is where Kapama Buffalo Camp is positioned today. Johann decided to graze Bonsmara cattle on this newly acquired property but soon required more land for the increasing herd. Another portion of land known as Drakensig was bought and this is the where Kapama River Lodge is now situated.
Cattle farming proved to be unviable as the environment was harsh and predators and natural disease took their toll on the cattle. In 1987 Johan realized that eco-tourism was the only way to sustain this large property and in 1989 Kapama Lodge was constructed which marked the beginning, of what would in time, become one of the leading eco-tourism destinations in Africa. More land acquisitions followed and Kapama has now grown to be the biggest single owned Private Game Reserve in the lowveld safari region of South Africa. In 2002 Johan Roode tragically passed away at the early age of 58 after contracting some form of pneumonia.
Johann's wife and mother of their two children Bernard and Adine, took over the management of the Kapama business and completed the building of the luxurious Camp Jabulani on the Kapama Game Reserve in 2003. The Roode family decided to re-allocate responsibilities and the Kapama business was divided in two sections. Mrs LenteRoode and her daughter Adine continued to manage and operate Camp Jabulani as well as the world renowned Hoedspruit Centre for Endangered Species.
Johann's son Bernard took over control of the other Kapama Lodges and following in the tradition of his father, acquired more land with the last significant additions to Kapama being Gwala Gwala and Hongonyi farms which now host the magnificent Karula Lodge towards the east and modern Southern Camp in the extreme south of the reserve.
With Kapama River Lodge, Kapama Karula, Kapama Buffalo Camp and Kapama Southern Camp, Kapama’s portfolio of exclusive safari lodges, offering the best range of luxury safari accommodation in South Africa, is now complete.
Kapama Wellness Center
Exquisitely nestled in the African bush is a piece of paradise designed to uplift your mind, body and soul. Complete with state of the art gym, equipped with cardio and weight training facilities, the centre energizes and uplifts in the healing presence of nature. While connecting with the call of the wild, indulge in an array of specially designed spa treatments. These include facial, body and beauty treatments.
Embrace the essence of Africa, let your heart beat to its rhythm, let your body enjoy Kapama's magical Signature treatment: Marula Miracle Moments. Experience this journey to total euphoria of 4 hours. Wonderful treatments such as a Calabash Massage and Rasul treatment, to mention only two of the 5 magical treatments, are combined to ensure that your journey is perfectly completed.
Other unique treatments are available such as the "Kapama Pinotage Bliss" and the "Marula Sensual steam treatment" tailor made to meet the needs of couples or on your own.
Talented and experienced beauty technicians remain up to date with global treatments whilst ensuring the flow of African wisdom into the pampering experience. Stepping from one invigorating treatment to the next, a lap pool welcomes you to lie back and relax under a breathtaking bushveld sky.
Activities
Elephant Back Safari
This is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity here in Kapama Game Reserve to ride on the back of an African elephant. Meet the herd in the early morning or late afternoon and learn just how to get onto the back of an elephant and move to its rhythm as they walk through the bush. Elephants need to feed for many hours a day, so just because you are on top, this doesn't stop them from pulling down branches and grabbing a trunk full of grass as they walk. They are the largest creatures in the African jungle so other animals that you may come across will give way to you. After walking for about an hour, the elephants will return you to the elephant boma. A video can be made of your experience for an additional fee.
Bush Walks
Get some African soil under your feet with a bush walk after breakfast. Explore the environment with your ranger, learn about curative properties of plants and identify animals from their footprints and dung. Large game is avoided when on foot but animals can often be seen from a safe distance. Please note that this will be done under ranger discretion.
Game Drives
Two daily game drives are part of the fully inclusive tariff and your skilled ranger and tracker do their best to find the animals of Africa for you to admire.
Expect a wake up call at between 5am and 5.30am and gather for tea or coffee and rusks before heading out at first light. If you are lucky, the big cats will still be around after their night of hunting. This is Big 5 country (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino and Buffalo) all of which are possible to see during a two-day safari in Kapama Game Reserve.
There are also many other species to be seen, large and small, as well as fascinating plants and colourful birds. Stop halfway through the morning game drive for hot drinks and rusks from the Landrover snack box and return at around 9am for breakfast. During the rest of the day, you are likely to see wildlife like nyala antelope and vervet monkeys around the lodges.
At about 3.30pm everybody convenes for high tea, before departing with the same ranger/tracker team for the day's second African bush safari.
Enjoy a sundowner drink along the way (not included in the tariff), and get out of the vehicle to stretch your legs and watch the sun go down over the distant Drakensberg Mountains.
As darkness descends it's time to return to the safety of the Landrover and let the tracker scan the landscape with a spotlight
picking out the glinting eyes of nocturnal animals. Return to the lodge at around 7pm, where there is time to freshen up before dinner.
Elephant Interactions
The elephant interaction offers the visitor the unique opportunity to get amazingly close to an animal which can usually only be viewed from a respectful distance. This activity takes place after breakfast and guests return in time for lunch at the lodge. It is therefore ideal for guests who want to take full advantage of the morning and evening game drives but also wants the opportunity to interact with these gentle giants.
Your ranger will drive you to a pre-arranged location in the bush where you will get to see sixteen African Elephants, which range in age from less than eighteen months, to thirty years. These trained elephants take half an hour out of their day to act as ambassadors for their kind. After a brief introduction, some of the elephants are brought forward for you to meet and interact with. Here you can see, feel and even smell the elephant while both feeding and photographing them.
It is and ideal forum to learn about elephants, both wild and trained. An experienced handler accompanies each elephant and is there to educate and inform the guests about the individual animals, the herd in general and of course to answer any questions. You will see the behavior of the babies playing together while under the watchful eyes of their mothers, while witnessing the more mature habit of the adults.
At the end of your time with the elephants, guests are driven back to their lodge by a ranger while the elephants continue feeding in the bush.
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