A place of peace. That’s what Karula translates into, and it’s what you can expect to find when you book a stay in this lodge on the banks of the Klaserie River amid close to 15,000 hectares of prime South African safari country.

The Kapama Private Game Reserve is located between Kruger National Park and the northern reaches of the Drakensberg mountains. With 40 species of mammal including the Big 5 and more than 350 breeds of bird regularly spotted in the area, you can expect to safari in style here.

Getting to camp is easy too with many guests choosing to arrive by charter plane from Cape Town or Johannesburg, and taking the 10 minute drive from the landing strip.

A dozen modern villas

Ensuring you can live in comfort and enjoy the most panoramic views of your surroundings has driven the design of each of the 12 villas.

Open plan living rooms, wraparound verandas, floor to ceiling windows and doors, together with personalised air-conditioning systems are evidence of this.

Head out onto your private deck to get a unique angle on the beauty and tranquillity of life in and around the Klaserie River. You’ll also discover a private solar heated pool and an outdoor shower on your veranda.

Inside, as well as another shower in your bathroom, is a quality bed plus a minibar and Nespresso coffee machine to ensure you can always stay refreshed.

Two of the villas are designated as family accommodation, with two bedrooms instead of one. Interestingly, all 12 villas can be hired at once (subject to availability) if you are planning a party for up to 26 guests.

All villas are suitable for guests using wheelchairs, with the showers and toilets allowing wheelchair access.

Bush walks and game drives

If you can tear yourself away from your villa, you’ll have the chance to head out into the reserve on game drives or guided bush walks. Your rangers and trackers will be dab hands at knowing where and when to find the animals you’re most eager to see. Being so close to Kruger, your chances of seeing the Big 5 are better than average.

Fantastic facilities

The camp’s main lodge has a lounge bar where you can eat, drink and relax. On the menu foodwise, well, take your pick. Breakfasts and 3-course lunches and dinners are all served here.

And for a more personal, dare we say romantic meal experience, you can arrange dinner for two by the fire in the library. Just ask the team at reception.

Elsewhere, a communal viewing deck will give you a chance to view the water from a different angle compared to your villa. And the Karula Spa, which is proud to call itself award-winning, has a steam room, treatment rooms, spa jet pool and fitness centre all available for you to use.