Kapama Game Reserve Safari: Our Unforgettable South Africa Honeymoon Adventure

Welcome to the grand finale of our extraordinary African honeymoon safari! If you’ve been following along, you’ve journeyed with us through the spectacular Okavango Delta in Botswana (Part One), continued the adventure in Part Two, experienced a thrilling elephant encounter in Part Three, and explored Chobe National Park and Victoria Falls in Part Four. Now, we’re excited to share the culmination of our incredible journey: our final safari experience in the breathtaking Kapama Game Reserve, South Africa.

Admittedly, wrapping up these safari chronicles brings a touch of sadness. It has been an absolute joy to relive every moment and share our adventures with you, and we truly appreciate you indulging us!

Journey to Kapama: The Gateway to a Unique Safari Experience

After two rejuvenating nights soaking in the majestic beauty of Victoria Falls, we were refreshed and ready for the next chapter of our honeymoon. Our adventure in South Africa began with a flight back to Johannesburg, where we connected to a regional flight bound for Nelspruit Airport. From Nelspruit, a scenic two-hour drive brought us to our final destination: a luxurious camp nestled within the sprawling Kapama Game Reserve, conveniently located adjacent to the world-renowned Kruger National Park.

Kapama offered a distinct safari experience compared to the national parks we explored in Botswana. While national parks boast vast, entirely wild landscapes where animals freely migrate, a game reserve operates as a technically enclosed, yet expansive, natural habitat. Kapama Game Reserve itself spans an impressive 50 square miles. To put this into perspective, even within its boundaries, game drives often require significant travel to reach the outer edges of the property, offering an authentic sense of wilderness.

Here, the landscape remains pristine and the animals are undeniably wild. However, the experience is more “orchestrated” in the sense that the reserve owners actively manage the wildlife population. For example, if the lion population thrives beyond what the local land and food chain can sustainably support, some lions might be relocated to other game reserves in the area. This careful management ensures a balanced ecosystem and optimal conditions for wildlife viewing.

A New Rhythm: Early Mornings and Thrilling Game Drives

Our late-night arrival at the camp was met with warm hospitality. We quickly settled into our beautiful room before indulging in a delicious three-course dinner, gearing up for the early start of our first Kapama game drive. The daily schedule here was even more rigorous than our previous camps. We typically woke up around 5:15 AM, enjoyed a quick snack or coffee, and departed for our game drive by 6:00 AM. Breakfast awaited our return at approximately 9:15 AM.

One notable difference at Kapama was the safari vehicles themselves: open-top jeeps, providing unobstructed views of the African bush. Each game drive was led by two guides. The head guide expertly navigated the terrain and shared fascinating insights about the animals we encountered, while the second guide, positioned on an external, utterly exposed seat at the very front of the jeep (without a seatbelt!), served as the dedicated tracker. This brave individual would scan the ground for tracks and signs of wildlife, putting them mere feet away from potential lions, leopards, or rhinos. It was an exhilarating, and frankly, somewhat unnerving sight!

Diverse Landscapes and Majestic Wildlife Encounters

The scenery in South Africa proved to be a striking contrast to Botswana’s predominantly flat plains. Here, the landscape was noticeably drier, characterized by rolling hills and several impressive mountains. The roads within the reserve were well-maintained dirt paths, allowing our open safari vehicle to travel at higher speeds and cover more ground efficiently, though we still ventured off-road for closer encounters with wildlife. This varied topography added another layer of beauty and excitement to our safari adventure.

One of our first memorable sightings was a group of giraffes gracefully munching on umbrella thorn trees. These trees are armed with incredibly sharp thorns, which we had to duck to avoid during some off-road excursions. Witnessing these magnificent creatures expertly wrap their long tongues around thorny branches and pluck leaves without a hint of injury was truly mesmerizing.

Soon after, we encountered a small herd of elephants. Initially, a flicker of nervousness from our previous encounter in Botswana remained, but we quickly grew comfortable in their presence. These elephants seemed slightly smaller and appeared far more accustomed to vehicles and people. Given the multiple camps within the reserve, it’s likely they interact with safari jeeps several times a day. Furthermore, being in a controlled environment, they are thankfully unacquainted with poachers or public vehicles, which contributes to their relaxed demeanor. Truthfully, most of the time, they barely gave us a second glance.

A Luxurious Bush Break and Surprising Discoveries

After an hour or so of driving, we paused near a watering hole for a luxurious bush break, complete with coffee, tea, and snacks. While I initially considered remaining safely inside the vehicle (a habit developed from my ‘damaged’ safari persona), I eventually ventured out to witness an extraordinary sight: an enormous giraffe carcass about 100 feet away. The giraffe had passed away months prior due to old age, leaving behind a perfectly dried-out hide. Seeing it up close was a stark, incredible reminder of nature’s cycle.

Majestic Lions and First Rhinos

Our morning continued with a phenomenal sighting: a pride of lions, comprising two mothers and four playful cubs, resting in an open plain. We quietly observed them for several minutes, captivated by the sight of the young cubs wrestling and tumbling. It’s truly astonishing how many lions we were fortunate enough to see throughout our entire African journey!

Just look at those formidable paws!

As our morning drive neared its end, we spotted two other safari vehicles in the distance, indicating a significant sighting. To our immense delight, they were observing a small family of white rhinos! These were our very first rhinos of the trip – a truly monumental moment, as they are exceptionally rare in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. These magnificent creatures were simply enormous.

Kapama Game Reserve enforces a rule of no more than two vehicles at a viewing area at any given time, a crucial measure to protect the animals and prevent overwhelming them. Thus, we had to depart fairly quickly. However, our luck held, and we anticipated seeing more during our afternoon drive!

Relaxation and Unique Wildlife Within the Camp

One of the most appealing aspects of our camp in Kapama Game Reserve was its schedule, which offered a welcome balance of thrilling game drives and ample downtime for relaxation. After eight days of jam-packed adventures, this more leisurely pace was incredibly refreshing. And, of course, a significant portion of this “downtime” was happily dedicated to enjoying delicious meals!

While the camp itself was secured by an electric fence to deter larger animals like buffalo, big cats, and elephants, it was not uncommon to see other beautiful creatures roaming freely within the property. Among them were the stunning nyala. Their distinct white stripes and spots were captivating, and they allowed us to get incredibly close, especially the adorable fawns, providing ample opportunities for memorable photographs. Thank you, nyala!

An Unforgettable Night Drive: Rhino Babies, Hyena Pups, and a Lion Kill

Our afternoon game drive commenced around 4:00 PM, and unlike our previous camps, this one extended well past sunset, transforming into a thrilling night safari. The transition from golden hour to twilight brought a whole new dimension to the bush, with different animals emerging and the sounds of the night coming alive.

One of our first and most heartwarming sightings of the evening was a mother rhino with her adorable baby! You guys, rhino babies are arguably the cutest of all animal infants. Their small horns and clumsy movements instantly stole our hearts.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, our guide suggested we visit a nearby hyena den, hoping to catch a glimpse of them as they prepared for their nocturnal hunt. The den itself was enormous, and to our delight, we spotted the tiniest hyena pup sitting all alone on the mound. Oh my goodness, while adult hyenas might not win beauty contests, their pups are incredibly, almost impossibly, cute! Like miniature, fluffier versions of puppies.

We patiently waited for about 20 minutes, hoping for the adults to emerge. Soon, another pup appeared, followed by two more! Four hyena pups, wrestling and playing, left alone while their parents were clearly out hunting for the night. This unexpected display of innocence in the wild was truly special.

Our quiet observation was interrupted by a radio call from another camp vehicle: several lions had just taken down a zebra nearby! Without hesitation, we headed in that direction, our path illuminated only by the powerful headlights of our jeep. The tension was palpable.

For the next 20 minutes, we meticulously searched for the lions, guided by the unnerving sounds of them feeding. We knew they were close, but thick shrubs and bushes obscured our view. Our guide made the bold decision to drive off-road, carefully pushing through the dense vegetation. I literally had to crouch down in my seat, covering myself with a blanket to avoid being impaled by the sharp umbrella tree thorns. And then, we stopped.

Less than 10 feet away, partially hidden by the brush, were three majestic lions, actively devouring a fresh zebra carcass. It was an absolutely insane, raw, and utterly unforgettable sight. You can even watch the video here (skip to 4:08 for the night drive segment!). Seeing them up close, their powerful jaws at work, was incredible yet deeply unnerving. Their piercing yellow eyes occasionally flickered our way, reminding us of their immense power. Our guide used a flashlight to partially illuminate the scene, making the sighting possible.

All the while, that second guide remained on his completely exposed seat at the front of our safari vehicle. I confess, I felt a significant wave of relief to return to camp that night, enjoy dinner, and be safely surrounded by the camp’s protective fences.

An Unconventional Elephant Back Safari: Healing Memories

The next morning brought another incredible, albeit initially daunting, activity: an elephant back safari. We understood the irony. Just days prior, we were charged by an elephant, narrowly escaping with our lives. Yet here we were, voluntarily choosing to climb onto the back of a huge elephant (without helmets, mind you) for a ride in an open game reserve, known to house lions and other predators. Yes, it felt like we might have lost our minds!

This activity had been planned long in advance, and after our harrowing elephant encounter, we contacted the camp to inquire about canceling. They were incredibly understanding, allowing us to defer our final decision until the night before. Ultimately, we decided it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience we might regret missing. Crucially, we knew these elephants were exceptionally well-trained, and we hoped this positive interaction would help us end our trip with a more joyful elephant memory. We agreed that if at any point we felt uncomfortable, we would simply opt out.

The day, however, didn’t start without a hitch. About half a mile from our camp, our safari vehicle got a flat tire, forcing an unscheduled stop to change it. I was convinced this was a bad omen – my ‘damaged safari person’ instincts kicking in – but we persevered.

Ethical Encounters: Connecting with Rescued Elephants

The experience began with an introduction to the camp and its magnificent elephants. Unlike some other elephant ride operations, which sadly have a reputation for mistreating animals, this facility maintained a profoundly positive and healthy relationship with its elephants. Before our ride, we had the incredible opportunity to feed one of the elephants – even touching its trunk and feeling its tongue! – and pet it. It was a truly humbling and magical interaction.

Connor and I rode together on the demonstration elephant, accompanied by a trainer, while other guests rode individually with their respective trainers. All the elephants at the camp were rescued, with several even born right there. They had been part of this program for many years, indicating a long-standing, stable relationship with their human companions.

Beyond their single daily ride, these elephants freely roamed and grazed in the surrounding reserve. However, they consistently returned to a covered shelter to sleep at night, as they actually disliked being out alone without human company. This provided a comforting reassurance about their welfare and bond with their caretakers.

The ride itself was surprisingly smooth and incredibly serene. Along the way, we stopped at a watering hole where the elephants quenched their thirst, and we had the chance to spot giraffes, warthogs, and various birds. Much like horses on a trail ride, the elephants frequently paused to snack. Instead of just a few blades of grass, however, our elephant would cleverly snap off a huge branch from a nearby tree, carry it with him, and meticulously strip off the bark – the only part they actually enjoy eating. It was quite amusing to watch!

We also cherished the opportunity to stop and take pictures, a rare moment for the two of us during our jam-packed trip. This delightful experience certainly produced a future Christmas card contender!

After our hour-long ride, we returned to the camp and were given another chance to pet and take pictures with the elephant, as well as feed it a few more times. It was a truly special moment, fostering a connection that helped mend the earlier fright. It was astonishing to consider that an elephant of similar immense size had charged our vehicle just days before, and yet, here we were, completely unharmed. Part of me still struggles to fully comprehend that.

To feed these gentle giants, we carefully dropped special pellets (which they absolutely adored!) directly into their trunks. The clever nearby warthogs had evidently discovered that the ground often became littered with spilled pellets during these feeding sessions, so a comical group of them often gathered nearby, hoping for an easy meal!

Farewell to the Bush: Last Encounters and Lasting Memories

On our drive back to camp after the elephant back safari, we were treated to sightings of a few lions and several impressive Cape buffalo, getting us back just in time for a hearty breakfast. The rest of the day was delightfully leisurely, enhanced by complimentary massages arranged by our thoughtful travel agent. Amusingly, my masseuse commented on my extremely tense shoulders and back muscles – little did she know the adventures they had endured!

That afternoon, we embarked on our very last game drive of the trip. We had decided to allow ourselves to sleep in the following morning, anticipating a marathon 30+ hour journey home. This final drive proved to be a relatively peaceful few hours on the road, though we were still graced by several giraffes standing in perfect silhouette against the setting sun and a small herd of Cape buffalo. Once darkness fell, our guide’s flashlight revealed the entire rhino family grazing peacefully, a beautiful final glimpse of these magnificent creatures.

We returned to camp for a traditional South African outdoor meal, sharing stories and laughter with our guide and fellow guests. After a delicious dinner, we headed back to our rooms to pack and catch some sleep. Despite our best intentions to sleep in, our internal safari clocks were firmly set, and we awoke at 5:30 AM! We enjoyed one last breakfast and coffee outdoors before heading to the airport.

As we drove out of the reserve, perhaps only 50 feet from the entrance, we came upon several giraffes standing just feet from our vehicle. It was an unexpected and perfect farewell. As a passionate admirer of giraffes, I couldn’t have asked for a more fitting or beautiful end to our incredible journey.

Thank you immensely for allowing us to share the story of our honeymoon with you. We sincerely hope you enjoyed reliving these moments. If any of you have questions or are planning your own travels to these magnificent areas and would appreciate advice or tips, please don’t hesitate to comment or email us directly. This truly was the trip of a lifetime, an experience we will cherish and never, ever forget.