Kapama Private Game Reserve

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Large variety of birds and animals, pretty scenery, high level of hospitality.

Imagine Jurassic Park only with modern African fauna and flora and you're at Kapama.

First let me tell you that the staff at Kapama couldn't be friendlier or more attentive to a guests needs. I tell you this first because wherever you are, an unfriendly staff can ruin your visit. In addition to the regular staff, the guides were extremely knowledgeable wildlife experts who were clearly deeply interested in enjoying the bush and in enjoying parlaying their knowledge of the bush to their guests.

Now, as regards the wildlife, the experience at Kapama was something we can all only hope that future generations will be able to enjoy as much as I did. This is no zoo. You will find yourself very often so "up close and personal" with lions, elephants, etc. as to cause you to wonder how safe you really are, but don't worry, you are. These people know their business and the way the wildlife will react to your proximity. You will feel fear at times regardless, and that will definitely be part of the story you will tell when you get home.

The only problem with the accommodations was that I got so comfortable that when my four day stay ended, I didn't want to leave. My room was quite luxurious and one morning I got to share my back porch with a Kudu buck. Scared THE HELL out of me AND it when I walked out on to the porch with my coffee. It's another story I tell often.

For the skittish eaters among you, don't worry. Meals at Kapama are much like eating in a better New York City restaurant, only with friendlier service and often served outdoors.

The scenery is spectacular. You are in the African Bush. In the words of Simon and Garfunkel, you are "under African skies". We lucked out with the weather too. We never saw a drop of rain and the mildly hot days turned into downright chilly evenings.

I could easily spend a week or more at Kapama, not necessarily doing day and night game drives every day but just relaxing by the pool, sipping wine and chilling out.

By the way, be SURE to do the elephant back "safari" offered as a side excursion. This was yet another experience at Kapama that I tell people about regularly.