What to Bring with you on your Kapama Safari

People often ask us to recommend things which we think they should bring with them when coming on a safari to Kapama Private Game Reserve.

Through our own and previous guests experiences we have compiled a list of those items we have found to be useful and necessary.

Our summer months are from August to April with the hottest period from October to February. One should expect rain storms or drizzle on any of these days. It hardly ever rains continually though and generally the rain storms last for only an hour or so. We provide rainproof ponchos for guest to use on the vehicles during game drives and there are sufficient umbrellas for guest to use at the lodges.

Our winter is from May to July with the coldest period being towards the end of June and July. We provide fleece blankets for guests to use on the vehicles during game drives.

During our winter months

• It may at times be very cold during in the early morning and during the evening safari. A warm fleece jacket, a fleece scarf and a warm hat will be needed. A warm pair of gloves may also be an added advantage. You may also want to bring a warm track suite to wear instead of a dress or light trousers.

During the summer months

• Although it is not generally very cold during these months is may be chilly in the early morning so it is advisable to bring a light warm jacket and a hat that will not blow off in the wind.
• You may also want to pack some short sleeve shirts and short pants for the trip as the midday temperatures can be extremely warm during this period.
• Pack a costume as you might want to spend the noonday period lazing around one of our swimming pools. We have swimming pool towels available for guest use at all our lodges.
• Because of the heat it is also advisable to bring sun screen or a sun block lotion with a high protection factor. You may also require some lip balm and sunglasses.
• Insect repellent is also something that could come in handy and this may be in the form of a lotion or repellent spray. The rangers also have repellent spray available on their vehicles should you run out or mislay yours.

Other important points

• Try to keep the colours of your clothing as neutral as possible in order to blend in with the environment. Khaki colours and browns or greens are generally the best. Darker colours and colours that are very bright tend to attract unwanted insects such as mosquitoes and other bug type visitors.
• Remember to also bring your malaria prophylaxis medication with you.
• You should bring a comfortable pair of walking shoes for use during bush walks or when off the game drive vehicle and a pair of slip-slops or sandals to wear around the lodge or to meals.
• Meal times are generally informal so it is not necessary to dress up in formal clothing for dinner.
• If you wear prescriptions eye glasses or contact lenses it may be an idea to bring a spare pair in case yours get mislaid or broken. Also ensure that you have sufficient lens cleaning lotion as the outdoor environment may at times become extremely dusty which could require frequent cleaning.
• Our electricity works on a 220 volt alternating current system. Wall plug units take a round pin 15 Amp plug. It is advisable to bring the necessary converter or adapter from your country should you want to charge anything or use your own electrical appliances on our electrical supply systems anywhere in South Africa.
• You should also bring a video or normal camera (with a good telephoto lens if you have one), a good pair of binoculars, enough memory cards for your camera (or film for those who still prefer to use film) and your plug and charger for the camera equipment.
• Should you want to send emails or photos home to friends or family you should bring your Laptop or personal computer. We have wireless internet spots at some of our lodges. We also have a dedicated computer which is set aside for guests at all of our lodges.
• Cellular phones work most places in the country and also in the game reserve although it is not permissible to take them on safari as they are considered an intrusion during the safari. It is possible to buy cellular phone cards at most South African international airports for use in your personal cellular phones.
• All our rooms are supplied with basic amenities such as soap, shampoo and body lotions. You may however want to bring your own favourite items with you as well.
• We have a reasonably priced 24 hour laundry service available for guest use at all our lodges.
• There are curio shops at all of our lodges so it is possible to purchase most of the items listed above should any of them be forgotten.

At Kapama Private Game Reserve we would like your stay to be both memorable and exciting. Please feel free to contact us directly should you have any questions regarding your forthcoming safari.

Our team looks forward to your visit with us.