Best hotels in Kapama

Centred around a waterhole in the Kapama Game Reserve near Hoedspruit in Limpopo, Camp Jabulani is an exclusive safari lodge in this Big Five landscape. There may be many other camps of similar description in the Greater Kruger Park area, but Jabulani is different – it has a resident herd of trained elephants and is the only camp that offers night safaris on elephant back. Interacting with these intelligent and gracious mammals is a magical experience. The camp is small – there are just six suites – and the service is up there with the very best.

Kapama River lodge is tucked away in the Kapama Private Reserve in the Greater Kruger National Park. A large scale, high-end affair, beautifully positioned for picturesque views across the seasonal waters of the Kapama River, it's a well-oiled machine, with the air of a city hotel yet all the benefits of its untouched wilderness setting. Enjoy relaxing at the spa, indulging in the wine cellar, or exploring the untamed surrounds either by open-top Land Cruiser or on foot. With a local guide and lady luck on your side, encountering numerous species and the Big Five is a real possibility, no matter what time of year you visit.

We weren't at all surprised to hear that Kapama Karula actually means "place of peace." This ultra-luxurious lodge in one of South Africa's largest, privately-run game reserves, Kapama, is the definition of a relaxing and tranquil safari. So, what can you expect? Decadent accommodation and fine wining and dining both get big ticks, but even bigger ones for the wildlife experiences. Choose from elephant-back safaris through the bush, evocative hot air balloon rides, traditional Big Five game drives and walking safaris to complete a very memorable trip.