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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
To keep in touch with the rest of the world, River Lodge Media Room has satellite television and a DVD player. The Media Room can also easily be transformed into an intimate conference room for 20 delegates. Guest Internet facilities are adjacent, should you wish to connect with family and friends back home.