Kapama Buffalo Camp is situated in the 13 000 hectare Kapama Private Game Reserve, one of the best known private reserves in the country. Originally purchased as a cattle ranch by the late Johann Roode back in the 1980’s, the land was soon turned over to eco-tourism and expanded to its current size and now boasts a portfolio of 4 game lodges, all very different in character, which have rapidly built up an excellent reputation. With the mighty Drakensberg mountains in the distance and both the Kapama and Klaserie rivers running through the reserve providing an excellent water source to animals, the reserve is both scenic and a great game viewing destination.

Kapama’s portfolio of 4 lodges all offer completely different and complementary styles and atmospheres. Buffalo Camp is reminiscent of a traditional African safari camp from a bygone era and offers the ultimate luxurious and intimate tented accommodation experience.  The 10 spacious and plush tented suites are set on wooden decks perched on stilts over the tree shaded riverbank – each has been built from natural stone and wood and boasts décor accent colours of burnt red and gold. The result is a timelessly traditional yet somehow bang-up-to-date look that manages to conjure up the feeling of being on the set of Out of Africa whilst at the same time delivering on the contemporary luxury features expected by today’s discerning (and probably more pampered) travellers! So whilst the beds are dressed in white cotton linen with African design throws and there is air-conditioning for summer and heated under-blankets to keep the cold at bay on winter nights, not to mention a Nespresso machine and mini-bar, there are also elements like wooden floors, leather and dark wood finishes that simultaneously succeed in giving the tents a nostalgic air. A huge favourite for us are the stand-alone baths in the open-plan bedrooms – perfect for romantics!

Wooden walkways connect the tents to each other and the main lodge and at night, oil lanterns illuminate the walkways to create subtle light and an intimate ambience – a perfect setting for honeymooners and other romantics!

Throughout the day, you will see wildlife around the lodge – nyala, antelope and vervet monkeys are frequent visitors, though seeing some of the Big Five is also not uncommon. From the balcony of your tent you can enjoy fabulous views over the riverbed where you can and watch animal grazing below you - even in your PJ’s!

The communal areas are built on the riverbank, surrounded by wild gardens of aloe and euphorbia. An intimate lounge nestles under a thatched roof with ceiling fans, which create a welcome breeze in summer - it’s the perfect place to sink into a comfortable sofa and bird watch, or perhaps read a book while enjoying refreshments from the Buffalo Bar. To cool off you can slip into the elevated rim-flow pool with views directly into the forest canopy, then sun-dry yourself on the loungers before taking a lazy nap in the shade under a wide canvas umbrella. Breakfast and lunch are served under a canopy of thatch, while dinner is usually enjoyed in the rustic outdoor boma, around a roaring open fire or may also be served indoors. In fact, you have the option of dining with your ranger and fellow guests –this is true African-style safari dining and you may even be lucky enough to have the roar of lions and the calls of jackals and hyenas as natural background music!

Twice-daily game drives through the reserve, accompanied by expert rangers and trackers, ensure unforgettable wildlife encounters where you could get the chance to view the iconic and most dangerous wild animals of Africa – the Big Five – which are at home on Kapama, along with over 40 other mammal species and 350 different bird species! The 4x4 open vehicles are excellent for photography and you could have that opportunity to trail behind lions and watching them hunt, or find yourself snapping away in the middle of a breeding herd of ellies! As darkness falls, completely different species can be seen as the nocturnal animals come out and with the use of a spotlight your tracker will scan the bush for those give-away eyes!

For the more adventurous, guided walks will give you a feel of Africa underfoot and you can experience many other smaller creatures that are also captivating with intimate encounters with nature and wildlife. Just think about tracking wildlife in the traditional ways, using footprints and scat – expert trackers can even tell the gender of the animal! Game drives and bush walks offer fascinating encounters with wildlife, but also on offer is an unique and unforgettable African wildlife experience- the chance to interact with the herd of rescued elephants which are now based at Camp Jabulani.

Decadent African spa treatments at Kapama’s Wellness Centre (located at River Lodge) and romantic sleep-outs on the reserve are other enticing offerings that encourage complete relaxation. The romantic sleep-out offers a million-star overnight experience where you will arrive before sunset and watch the sky change colour as you sip your sundowner, elevated high above the ground with the African night sky – it’s a uniquely romantic experience and guaranteed to take your breath away!