Our Grand Finale: Unforgettable Safari Adventures in South Africa’s Kapama Game Reserve

If you’ve been following along, this is the exciting conclusion to our unforgettable African honeymoon safari series! Don’t miss out on the previous chapters: part one, part two, part three, and part four, which covered our incredible experiences in Botswana and the majestic Victoria Falls.

The journey has officially reached its end, and I must confess, a touch of sadness accompanies wrapping up these safari chronicles. It has been an absolute joy – for the most part, as you’ll recall from our memorable elephant encounter – to relive every moment and share the intricate details of our adventure with you all. Your indulgence in these stories has been truly appreciated!

After a rejuvenating two-night stay near Victoria Falls, we were invigorated and eager for the final chapter of our safari, which would take us to South Africa. The following morning, our journey continued with a flight back to Johannesburg, where we made a seamless connection to Nelspruit Airport. From there, a scenic two-hour drive transported us to our ultimate destination: a luxurious camp nestled within the expansive Kapama Game Reserve, conveniently located near the renowned Kruger National Park. This transfer allowed us to fully appreciate the changing landscapes as we approached our final African bush experience.

Our experience at Kapama offered a distinct contrast to our Botswana safaris, which primarily took place within vast national parks where animals roam and migrate without human intervention. A game reserve, while also a natural habitat, operates under a different principle; it is a privately owned and managed wilderness area. However, it’s crucial to understand the scale: Kapama Game Reserve is impressively large, spanning approximately 50 square miles. This considerable size meant that, despite being a managed environment, we still embarked on extensive drives to reach the furthest corners of the property, providing an authentic sense of boundless wilderness.

While the landscape remains untouched and the animals are undeniably wild, the safari experience in a game reserve like Kapama is somewhat more “orchestrated,” if that’s the appropriate term. The owners actively manage the wildlife populations to maintain ecological balance. For instance, if the lion population within the reserve grows too large for the available land and food chain to sustainably support, some lions may be transferred to other game reserves in the region. This careful stewardship contributes to a healthy ecosystem and diverse wildlife viewing opportunities.

We arrived at our exquisite camp late that evening, settling into our beautifully appointed room before indulging in a sumptuous three-course dinner. The anticipation for our first game drive the following morning was palpable. The daily schedule at our Kapama camp proved to be a bit more intense than our previous locations. We woke even earlier, typically by 5:15 AM, grabbing a quick snack or a comforting cup of coffee before heading out for our game drive promptly at 6:00 AM. Breakfast was a well-deserved affair upon our return, usually around 9:15 AM, allowing us to recount the morning’s adventures.

One notable difference from our prior camps was the use of completely uncovered safari vehicles at Kapama. Furthermore, each game drive was staffed by two guides: a head guide who skillfully drove the vehicle and provided expert commentary on the wildlife and environment, and a dedicated tracker. The tracker, an incredibly brave individual, would sit on a small, exposed seat attached to the very front bumper of the jeep, without a seatbelt! Their keen eyes and exceptional knowledge of animal tracks were invaluable in locating wildlife, making for an incredibly interactive and thrilling experience.

If you observe the picture above closely, you can spot that intrepid tracker’s seat at the front. Imagine sitting there, completely exposed, mere feet away from powerful predators like lions, leopards, or formidable rhinos – all of which we were fortunate enough to encounter over the next few days. It truly felt like he was, quite literally, “lion bait,” showcasing an unparalleled level of courage and dedication that left us in awe.

The thought of being in such a vulnerable position, so close to these magnificent yet wild creatures, still sends shivers down my spine. It was a testament to the guides’ professionalism and the animals’ generally non-aggressive nature towards the vehicles, but the inherent thrill and danger were undeniable.

The topography of South Africa, particularly within Kapama Game Reserve, presented a dramatic contrast to the predominantly flat plains of Botswana. Here, the landscape was noticeably hillier, adorned with several impressive mountains that added a rugged beauty to the scenery. This region also proved to be drier, contributing to a distinct type of bushveld vegetation. The property meticulously maintained its network of roads, meaning we mostly traversed well-packed dirt tracks. This allowed our open-top safari vehicles to achieve higher speeds and cover significantly more ground, optimizing our chances of diverse wildlife sightings, though we did venture off-road a few times for closer encounters!

One of the very first captivating sights that greeted us was a group of graceful giraffes, leisurely munching on the thorny branches of umbrella thorn trees. It was astonishing to witness their feeding technique; these trees are armed with incredibly sharp thorns – so sharp that we had to duck low in our vehicle when off-roading to avoid them. Yet, the giraffes skillfully wrapped their long, prehensile tongues around the branches, expertly stripping off leaves without sustaining even the slightest injury. Their adaptability and unique foraging methods were truly a marvel to behold.

Shortly after our giraffe encounter, we came across a small herd of majestic elephants. Initially, a natural apprehension lingered from our previous, more intense elephant encounter in Botswana. However, for reasons that became apparent, we gradually began to feel much more comfortable in their presence. These elephants seemed slightly smaller and appeared far more accustomed to the proximity of vehicles and people. Given that Kapama Game Reserve hosts several camps, it’s highly probable these elephants encounter safari vehicles multiple times throughout their day, making them less reactive. Additionally, being within a managed, controlled environment means they haven’t experienced the threats of poachers or public vehicles, fostering a greater sense of security. Truthfully, they often barely spared us a glance, continuing their foraging with calm indifference.

After an exhilarating hour or so of driving and observation, our guides pulled over near a tranquil watering hole, inviting us to stretch our legs and indulge in a delightful mid-morning break. We savored fresh coffee, a variety of teas, and an assortment of delicious snacks amidst the serene bush surroundings. It felt incredibly luxurious, although I must admit, my “damaged safari person” instincts made me the only one who initially preferred to remain safely ensconced within the vehicle, ever-vigilant of our wild surroundings!

Despite my initial hesitation, I did eventually step out of the vehicle for a brief period to inspect an astonishing sight: an incredible, well-preserved giraffe carcass, located approximately 100 feet away. The guide explained that the giraffe had succumbed to old age several months prior, and its hide had completely dried out, leaving behind a stark yet captivating skeleton. Seeing such a large animal’s remains up close was a powerful and humbling reminder of the cycle of life and death in the wild, an experience that truly left an impression.

Soon after our coffee break, we stumbled upon a magnificent family of lions – two mothers and their four playful cubs – resting in an open plain. We followed them cautiously for a few hundred feet, observing the young cubs as they tumbled, wrestled, and pounced on each other with boundless energy. It was a truly heartwarming sight. Reflecting on our entire trip across Africa, I’m still amazed by the sheer number of lions we were fortunate enough to witness; each sighting was as thrilling as the last, offering unique insights into their social dynamics and behaviors.

Just look at those formidable paws! Even on the smallest cubs, they hint at the immense power and grace of these incredible predators.

Overall, it was an incredibly eventful morning drive! As we began our journey back to camp for a well-deserved breakfast, we spotted two other safari vehicles in the distance. Our guides quickly deduced they were observing a small family of white rhinos. These were our very first rhinos of the entire trip – a momentous sighting, as we knew they were scarce in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. These majestic creatures were absolutely enormous, even from a distance. Given the reserve’s strict rule of no more than two vehicles at a viewing area at any one time – a measure implemented to protect the animals from being overwhelmed – we had to depart relatively quickly. Fortunately, this wasn’t our last opportunity, as we were lucky enough to see a few more during our afternoon drive later that day!

One of the most appealing aspects of our camp experience at Kapama Game Reserve was the more relaxed schedule, which proved to be wonderfully conducive to downtime and much-needed relaxation. This was a welcome change after the preceding eight days of our trip, which had been fairly jam-packed with activities and early starts. Oh, and it certainly helped that a significant portion of that downtime was dedicated to enjoying exquisite meals, adding another layer of enjoyment to our stay.

While the camp itself was thoughtfully surrounded by an electric fence – primarily a deterrent for large game like Cape buffalos, big cats, and elephants – several other fascinating animals could be observed freely roaming within the property grounds. Among these were the truly gorgeous nyala, with their striking white stripes and spots that created a beautiful, intricate pattern against their coats. They were remarkably calm and allowed me to get quite close, especially with several fawns also present, providing ample opportunities for some wonderful photographs. A big thank you to those patient nyala!

Our afternoon game drive commenced around 4:00 PM, and in another departure from our previous camps, we actually remained out in the bush well past the breathtaking African sunset. This offered a unique opportunity to experience the transition from daylight to dusk, and eventually, the mysteries of the night, as nocturnal creatures began to stir.

One of the first incredible sights we were able to track and observe during our afternoon drive was a mother rhino with her adorable baby! Oh my goodness, you guys, if you think other baby animals are cute, rhino babies might just surpass them all. Their miniature horns and bulky yet playful demeanor were absolutely captivating, making for an incredibly precious and heartwarming encounter.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, our guide suggested we investigate a nearby hyena den to see if any emerged for their nocturnal hunt. The den itself was vast, an impressive network of burrows, and there, sitting all alone on the mound, was the tiniest of hyena pups. My goodness, while adult hyenas might not typically be described as the most beautiful creatures, these hyena pups were unbelievably cute – like normal puppies, but perhaps even more endearing with their gangly limbs and curious expressions. We waited patiently for about 20 minutes, hoping to catch a glimpse of the adults, but none appeared. Soon after, another pup emerged, followed by two more! Four hyena pups, completely alone, wrestling and playing while their parents were clearly out hunting for the night, providing an incredible glimpse into their secret lives.

Shortly after this enchanting encounter, our guide received an urgent radio call from another camp vehicle: a pride of lions had just taken down a zebra nearby. Our hearts pounded with excitement as we immediately headed in that direction, the path ahead illuminated only by the powerful headlights of our jeep, adding an element of raw adventure to the pursuit.

We spent the next 20 minutes intently searching for the lions. We could distinctly hear the unnerving sounds of them feeding, a guttural symphony that wasn’t exactly the most comforting sound I’ve ever experienced in the wild. We knew they were close, but thick shrubs and bushes stubbornly obscured our view. With an adventurous spirit, our guide decided to drive off the main track, pushing our vehicle directly through the dense vegetation. I literally had to crouch down in my seat and cover myself with a blanket to avoid being impaled by several of those formidable umbrella tree thorn branches! Then, suddenly, we stopped. Less than 10 feet away, partially hidden by the brush, three powerful lions were actively feasting on a freshly killed zebra carcass. IT WAS ABSOLUTELY INSANE. You can truly grasp the intensity by watching the video – skip to 4:08 for the full, raw night drive experience! It was an incredible sight, but undoubtedly unsettling. The lions were engrossed in their meal, yet they periodically cast their sharp, yellow eyes in our direction, a truly unnerving glance. We were only able to see them as the guide skillfully highlighted them with his flashlight. And yes, that second guide was still sitting completely exposed on the front of our safari vehicle, just feet from the feeding lions. I was undeniably relieved to return to the safety of our camp that night, enjoy dinner, and be surrounded by reassuring fences on all sides.

The following morning, we continued our incredible journey with an activity that seemed almost unbelievably audacious after our previous close call: an elephant back safari! I know what you might be thinking – just days prior, we were quite literally charged by an elephant and barely escaped with our lives. And here we were, voluntarily deciding to climb onto the back of a colossal elephant, without helmets no less, and embark on a ride through the heart of an open game reserve, a habitat teeming with lions and other formidable predators. Yes, it’s possible we had completely lost our minds.

This particular activity had been planned well in advance of our trip. Following the charging incident in Botswana, we had contacted the camp to inquire about the possibility of canceling our reservation. They were incredibly understanding, allowing us to defer our final decision until the night before. Ultimately, we concluded that this was a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, one we would likely regret missing. Furthermore, we knew that these elephants were exceptionally well-trained, and we hoped it might provide a positive, healing elephant memory to conclude our African adventure. We decided that if, upon arrival, we felt any discomfort whatsoever, we would simply opt out. However, the day didn’t start without a hitch. About half a mile from our camp, our safari vehicle suffered a flat tire, forcing an unexpected stop for a change. I was convinced this was a terrible omen, a clear sign of impending disaster (the “damaged safari person” mentality at its peak!), but we pressed on as planned, determined to make the most of the day.

The elephant back safari began with a comprehensive introduction to the camp and its resident elephants. Unlike some other facilities (which, sadly, have been criticized for unethical treatment of elephants), this reserve maintained an exceptionally positive and healthy relationship with its animals. Before our ride, we were given the incredible opportunity to hand-feed one of the elephants – and actually touch its tongue! – as well as pet its rough, textured hide. It was an absolutely astounding, tactile experience that forged an immediate connection. Connor and I had the privilege of riding together on the demonstration elephant, the magnificent creature featured in the video, accompanied by a seasoned trainer, while the other guests rode individually with their own trainers.

All of the elephants at this particular camp were rescued individuals, with several actually born within the sanctuary itself, and had been accustomed to human interaction for many years. Aside from their single daily ride, these gentle giants are allowed to roam freely and graze within the surrounding reserve. Interestingly, they choose to return to a covered shelter each night to sleep, displaying a curious preference for human company rather than being completely alone in the wild. This unique bond underscores the ethical and caring environment fostered at the facility.

The ride itself was surprisingly smooth, much more so than I had anticipated! We gracefully traversed the bush, feeling the rhythmic sway of the elephant beneath us. Along the way, we paused at a watering hole where the elephants quenched their thirst, providing us with a serene moment to observe them in their natural routine. We also spotted several giraffes, warthogs, and a variety of birds during our gentle trek. If you’ve ever embarked on a horseback trail ride, you know that horses often stop to graze along the way – and the elephants were no different. However, instead of nibbling on a bit of grass, our elephant would deliberately grab a sizable branch from a nearby tree, carry it with him for the remainder of the ride, and meticulously strip it of its bark, which is the only part they truly enjoy consuming. It was quite an amusing and unique behavior to witness.

We were also granted a special opportunity to stop and take pictures, an incredibly appreciated moment since we hadn’t had many chances for photos of the two of us throughout our entire trip. This shot instantly became a strong contender for a future Christmas card – a perfect keepsake from our extraordinary honeymoon!

After our enriching hour-long ride, we returned to the starting point and were given another cherished opportunity to interact with the elephants, petting them and capturing more photos, along with feeding them a few more times. It was a truly special and heartwarming experience. Yet, it was astonishing to reflect on the fact that an elephant of a similar, immense size had charged our vehicle just a few days earlier, and we had emerged completely unscathed. That reality, the sheer power of these creatures contrasted with our unharmed state, is still something I find difficult to fully comprehend.

To feed these magnificent creatures, you gently dropped specially formulated pellets, which they absolutely adore, directly into their waiting trunks! The clever warthogs in the vicinity had evidently discovered that the ground around the feeding area often becomes littered with excess pellets, so a sizable number of them could always be found hanging out nearby, eagerly awaiting their accidental bounty.

On our drive back to camp, we spotted a few more lions and a large herd of Cape buffalo, arriving just in time for a hearty breakfast. The rest of the day was wonderfully leisurely, especially as our thoughtful travel agent had arranged complimentary massages for us! Funnily enough, my masseuse remarked that I had extremely tense shoulders and back muscles – little did she know the adrenaline-fueled adventures that had caused it! That afternoon, we embarked on our absolute last game drive of the trip. We had decided to enjoy a rare lie-in the following morning, given our impending 30-plus-hour journey home. The drive itself proved to be relatively quiet in terms of major predator sightings, but we were treated to several stunning giraffes, all standing in perfect silhouette against the setting sun, and a small herd of Cape buffalo. As darkness fell, our guide’s flashlight revealed an entire rhino family peacefully grazing, providing a final, serene glimpse of these magnificent creatures.

We returned to camp and savored a delicious, traditional South African meal outdoors, sharing stories and laughter with our guide and fellow guests. Afterward, it was back to our room to pack up and get some much-needed sleep. Despite our best intentions to sleep in, our internal safari clocks had been irrevocably set, and we woke up promptly at 5:30 AM! We enjoyed a final breakfast and coffee outside before heading out to the airport. As we were driving out of the reserve, perhaps just 50 feet from the main entrance, we encountered several giraffes grazing incredibly close to our vehicle. As a devoted admirer of giraffes, I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect or beautiful way to conclude our incredible African adventure.

Thank you so incredibly much for joining me on this journey and allowing me to share the intimate details of our unforgettable honeymoon trip with you. I sincerely hope you enjoyed reliving these moments as much as I enjoyed recounting them. If any of you have questions about planning your own safari, or are considering traveling to these magnificent regions, please don’t hesitate to comment below or email me directly for advice or tips! This truly was the trip of a lifetime, an experience etched into my memory forever, and I am so grateful to have shared it.