Getting There

Kings Camp is located in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, on the boundary of Kruger National Park. The best way to get to Kings Camp is to take a flight from Johannesburg, South Africa to East Gate Airport, also known as Hoedspruit Airport. Then it will take approximately 30 minutes by car to arrive at Kings Camp. You can self-drive or book a transfer through Kings Camp. Stay alert as you spot animals everywhere. The animals travel freely between Kruger National Park and Kings Camp. When we arrived at the property, we were greeted with a refreshing cold beverage and completed our check-in paperwork. We were given a tour of the dining area, a meeting point for safari game drives, and our suite.

Accommodations

The suites are spectacular. The amount of natural light that pours into the room makes my heart sing. The first thing we noticed was the air conditioning – powerful. It is essential for relaxation, especially with hot temperatures in the bush. The decor is giving – we made it vibes. From the plants to the whiskey filled glass decanters and black and white animal prints – everything has its place. Kings Camp has the luxurious feel of a resort, but personal touches that make it feel like home. There are bath salts by the tub, an oil diffuser on the bathroom counter, and extra soft towels. Even the shower hooks are cute. There is an outdoor shower and an indoor shower – both with amazing water pressure.

Every room has a private deck with a plunge pool. There is a fence to protect us from any wild animals. There are (2) outdoor recliners with pillows, (2) chairs, and a sectional couch with a firepit. The staff surprised us by arranging a private dinner for two with the fire pit roaring when we returned from a safari game drive.

Kings Camp provides personalized water canisters with our names. In the evening, the staff provides turndown service which includes putting up a mosquito net, drawing the curtains, placing chocolates on the pillow, and leaving information cards on the table – detailing the weather for the following day. The staff genuinely cares and wants each guest to have the best experience.

Animal Sightings

Now, what everyone REALLY wants to know. How are the safari game drives? 5/5 Highly recommend. It is the best of the best. Within 5 minutes of a game drive, we spotted a leopard hanging out in a tree. For the record, many guests at other safari lodges never see one. Animal sightings are never guaranteed but the wildlife is abundant at Kings Camp. We saw the Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and African buffalo) within the first two game drives. The guides are knowledgeable, professional, and fun. The time flew by on the game drives which typically last 2.5-3 hours in the morning, as well as, in the evening. The game drive is not the only place to see animals. Kings Camp built an underground viewing point in front of the watering hole at the main camp. This is called “the hide.” This viewing point has modern amenities such as wifi, charging stations, tea and coffee, and comfy seating as we waited patiently for the animals to stop by. It was worth the wait as several elephants stopped by for a drink.

Dining

We enjoyed every meal outdoors. All the meals are included at Kings Camp. Before the morning game drive, there is an option to have a coffee, tea, fruit and biscuits. After the morning game drive, we were given a menu with 2 to 3 options. We typically picked a fruit platter and an eggs and bacon combo. For lunch and dinner, the chef showed their creativity and passion. You can tell by the presentation alone – that they love what they do. One night we were surprised with an outdoor BBQ called a bomba. We had our pick of chicken, lamb chops, beef, grilled corn, medley of veggies, and so much more.

Highlights

Kings Camp excels at making guests feel at ease. Between the unlimited laundry service to providing a booklet to track animal sightings, the staff knows your needs and desires before you ask. The attention to detail is impeccable and it feels like home away from home. The animal sightings are outstanding. The guides and trackers are allowed to offroad for the big 5 animal sightings. For me, this is crucial. I have been to other safari lodges where we missed out on sightings because you have to stay on the path.

We can’t say enough great things about Kings Camp. We had a phenomenal time. For reservations, you can book directly on the Kings Camp website. Please let them know Loren and Ken sent you.

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The Property

The Kapama Private Game Reserve is massive – approximately 15,000 hectares or 130 sq. kilometers. This is roughly the size of New York. After a week-long stay, you would still need more time to visit the entire reserve. It is a private reserve – meaning you will not see other safari lodges or their vehicles on the property. Once we entered the game reserve, it took 30 minutes to travel from the airport to Kapama Karula. We saw many animals along the way – hippos, zebras, impalas, birds, and giraffes. Apply sunblock and insect repellant before leaving the airport, as guests will be transported in an open vehicle to the lodge. Once we arrived, the staff greeted us with cool towels and refreshing drinks. Kapama Karula has a fitness center and spa on the property. Guests from the other Kapama safari lodges within the private reserve have access to these facilities, so reservations are recommended.

Superior Suite

After check-in, we were escorted to our suites. We stayed in a superior suite and it’s breathtaking. Each suite has over 1,000 sq footage of living space and feels even bigger with the high ceilings. The suite has an open layout with a living room, a wood-burning fireplace, a king-size bed, dual sinks, a bathtub, and an ensuite bathroom with a bidet. The room has a divider between the bathroom and bedroom for privacy, but we set it aside as we prefer the openness. The outdoor deck boasts an outdoor bed, additional seating, an outdoor shower, and a private heated swimming pool overlooking a river. Heating the pool requires advance notice. Each suite is fully stocked with a mini bar – freshly baked goods – the cookies are particularly delicious. The mini fridge is stocked with juices, water, carbonated beverages and beer. There are several bottles of wine displayed in the room – all included. The room has exceptional air conditioning, heating, and a remote-controlled ceiling fan. The staff are available 24/7 – so call them at your leisure for any requests.

The Dining

Kapama Karula provides breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and beverages as an all-inclusive safari lodge. The food tastes as good as it looks – fantastic. A few nights, we opted to have dinner in the library, as well, as in our suite. For the in-suite dining, our server brought each meal – course by course – so we didn’t feel rushed and each entree was freshly prepared. Typically on safari lodges, I have low expectations for food because it’s in a remote location, but Kapama Karula shines with its flavor profiles and various options. One of my favorite items was the exotic fruits each morning – from mango to dragon fruit.

What to Wear

The temperatures range greatly from the blistering sun to light rain and windy evenings. Wear light fabrics and dress in layers, so you can easily cool down or warm up at a moment’s notice. We experienced some cooler days on safari. One day the weather was around 65 degrees with wind and light rain and later in the afternoon, it was hot and humd, around 92 degrees with clear skies and direct sun. Pack for both temperatures – anything can happen. Kapama Karula offers ponchos and blankets to keep you warm and dry – as the safari game drives are offered – rain or shine.

Highlights of the Property

One of the unique features of the Kapama Private Game Reserve is that they keep their grounds in immaculate condition. I’ve become accustomed to a bouncy ride while on a game drive, but the roads and paths here are smooth. You want to be comfortable, especially when game drives last for 3 hours each session – 2(x) a day. After the safari game drive, walking back into the oasis of our suite was fantastic. It was almost as if – I didn’t spend three hours looking for animals in the bush. So instead of seeing elephant poo on the road, I’m relaxing in my private heated pool and the only thing I need to do is relax. The WiFi is strong throughout the entire property. Two words: unlimited laundry – what a perk! During my downtime, I have been cuddled up on the couch – watching the logs in our wooden fireplace burn – so beautiful.

Safari Games Drives

Two safari game drives are offered each day. Wake up call at 5:30 AM. Coffee, tea, and a light breakfast (yogurt parfait and pastries) are available in the common area before the meetup at 6:00 AM to head out for the day. The drive lasts 2.5-3 hours depending on sightings and weather conditions. For the evening game drive, we meet at 3:30 PM for another 2.5-3 hour drive for sightings. During each game drive, there is a break where the staff will provide drinks and refreshments. A popular favorite is “bush coffee” – a mixture of coffee and Amarula, a coffee liqueur.

A tracker and a guide will be assigned to guests during their stay. The tracker sits in an extension seat – in front of the vehicle. The tracker looks out for paw prints, bent branches, and fresh droppings to find the animals as soon as possible. The guide is a hospitable and knowledgeable driver. Feel free to ask any questions along the drive and inform the staff if there is a particular animal you want to see. Some guests prefer birding vs the Big 5, so it’s good to have open communication in advance.

The game reserve is fenced in – so no animals can go in or outside of the Kapama Private Game Reserve. This can be a positive experience because you are almost guaranteed to see wildlife on your game drive; however, I understand that some travelers like the idea of no fences so animals can come and go freely.

Animal Sightings

What didn’t we see? We saw so many animals, it was extraordinary. Not only did we see the big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and African buffalo) but we saw a leopard tortoise, owls, eagles, snakes, and so many different birds. The amount of animals we spotted and how frequently we saw them was the highlight of the game drive. At one point, we spotted new animals – every 20 minutes.

Improvements Needed

We encountered a couple of issues during our stay. The staff provided a QR code for check-in but it didn’t work. We were waiting around in the heat rather than being escorted to our air-conditioned room. We requested bug spray and my parents in another suite requested insect repellant and we received each other’s orders. At one point, our bathtub leaked, creating a pool of water, so we had to call maintenance for that. We weren’t given advance notice that we could have a private game drive, so that would have been helpful to know. We had an ant infestation in the outdoor entryway of our suite and by the pool deck. We spoke to management who apologized and informed us that the rooms were treated before our arrival. We didn’t have any bug issues at the two other safari lodges we visited, so to experience this at Kapama Karula was disappointing. While swimming in our private pool, I noticed several wasps swarming and the staff discovered two hives: one in the tree next to the pool, which they could remove and the other hive was under the pool that would require a third party to remove. One of the best features of Kapama Karula is the heated pool. You have to request this and the process to heat the pool takes approximately 3 hours. Advance notice of this arrangement from the safari lodge to the guests would be ideal so we could have put in the request before arrival.

Conclusion

Kapama Karula provides a trip of a lifetime with refinement and luxury. We enjoyed our time here, especially seeing the wildlife. I would recommend to travelers who prioritize magnificent accommodations, delicious food, and a smooth game drive experience. With some modifications, Kapama Karula is easily a 5-star resort. If you have any questions, please let us know. You can book directly on Kapama Karula’s website. If you decide to book, please let them know – Loren and Ken sent you.

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Check In Process

When we stepped out of the car, the staff greeted us with smiles, took care of our bags, and offered a choice of margarita or hibiscus water as a welcome drink. The check-in process was effortless and the staff conducted it outside. The lobby area is outdoors and located next to the tequila bar. The view is spectacular and I almost didn’t want to go to the room. Depending on where your suite is located, it may be a hike but they offer golf cart service to easily get around. We were whisked away to our room and our bags were already inside the room.



The Room

When you walk in – you will say WOW. It has that impact. Every room has a heated plunge pool. These rooms are fantastic. It is open concept with high ceilings and provides plenty of room (850 sq ft.) Next to your private pool, there are two couches, a table and two chairs. You can spend your entire vacation here and not feel the need to leave.

Within the room, there is a large screen, a fireplace that emits heat, and a mini fridge is complimentary with juice, bottled water, and sodas.

The shower is a downpour rain shower with a handheld shower head. The shower feels great but I wish the water pressure was stronger. The water drains easily – no build up on the floor. The mirrors never fogged up. The shower gel and lotion smell amazing with a green tea mint and ginger scent. Dual sinks with plenty of storage and counter space. Sometimes, it takes awhile for the water to heat up from the faucet. The bathtub can fit two adults and fills up quickly. I have never used a tray in the bathtub and I love it. It’s easy to hold a drink, a book, your cell phone or anything you need. There are over 10 light switches in the room and I don’t understand why. Day 3 and I still don’t know which light switch does what. My primary recommendation would be to reduce the light switches and have automated curtains for ease.

I love the big extra long fluffy towels. High Quality – soft, toilet paper. Every time I enjoy a luxury experience – I speak of these things. They matter. The robe matters. It’s made of microfiber with super soft terry cloth on the interior, lightweight but extremely warm – extra large pockets. It is very absorbent so you never feel wet after putting it on from the pool.



The Property

The Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedegral is an oceanfront property with unobstructed views. The property is kept in exceptional condition. The pools are heated and the hot tub is hot. It’s clean and constantly maintained to the highest caliber. 



Excellent Customer Service

The customer service is exceptional with some bumps along the way. Let’s start with the positives.

• Heated Towels are available when you get out of the pool at sunset
• Staff will move the pool umbrellas into any position, whenever you want and they are happy to do so
• Sun lotion and cold washcloths are brought to you by the pool (upon request)
• When you sit down at breakfast, they will bring you a bag rack for your Waldorf Astoria beach bag or any other items you have
• The concierge is happy to make any reservations for you – whether dining or excursions
• There was a wait for breakfast and the bartenders provided us with complimentary smoothies – which were fantastic (normally $16 each)
• When we saw whales from the pool, they brought us binoculars with a quick text message
• Daily serving of complimentary guacamole and chips with your choice of margarita or hibiscus water
• Turn down service nightly – room cleaned, organized charging cords, curtains drawn, slippers by bed, sweet treats
• Anytime you want your room cleaned – they will come
• Waldorf Astoria provides a complimentary beach bag and an amenity bag in the room (toothbrush, sewing cap, and shower cap inside)
• We missed the complimentary daily yoga session and we they had another session for us that day
• The staff hands out canopies and popiscles by the pool as a nice surprise
• The pools and hot tub are available 24/7. With a text, the concierge turned up the heat for the hot tub for us at 10 PM
• We wanted to watch Netflix and they provided an Apple TV module
• Returning to the property, the staff offers ice cold bottled waters

Constructive Feedback for Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos

With any place, there are pros and cons – I am providing full transparency.

– The dining charges are excessive. By the pool, it was $15 for chips and guacamole and $40 for a burger. The food is mediocre but the prices are excessive. I would recommend the 5 minute walk into town and to get some delicious food there.

– Service isn’t consistent. When we arrived, there was no mention of a personal concierge to text. Let’s say you want your room cleaned, make reservations – you would simply send a text. We were never given this option. We had to ask for this and I only knew about it because I researched it online before arriving.

– In our suite, we could hear the resort next door – MC on the mic, club music, etc. We asked to be moved to another room and they couldn’t honor the request until the following day. They did give us a $100 resort credit for the inconvenience. With the $1,800/night price tag, Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedegral claims to be a relaxing resort – you should be able to…relax.

– Our heated pool felt amazing but it made a loud gurgling noise. I have been in plenty of infinity pools and this is the loudest one. I was not able to hear the ocean sounds over the gurgling. The staff checked on the sound but informed us it was normal for this property.

– Back to the service, it wasn’t great at breakfast. They never stopped by to refill Ken’s coffee, He had to ask each time and didn’t bring him a spoon to stir in his cream and sugar – so he used a knife. Again for a place that costs $1,800/night – this shouldn’t be an issue.

– At the pool, I ordered the fish of the day but when I got a receipt the price didn’t match the menu. When I inquired about the discrepancy, the server informed me the dish was made a different restaurant. I wasn’t informed in advance. I spoke to the manager and it was removed from the bill.

– Our coffee machine didn’t work in the room. They quickly brought provided another one.

– The elevators you take to the room could use a refresh.

– You can’t swim in the ocean here. I get it – not everyone enjoys sand or even going into the ocean. Since this property is listed at a premium price, I would pick a place where you can easily go in and out of the ocean. Due to the rip tides, it’s dangerous yet I did see one brave or should we say foolish person go out for a swim.

– Housekeeping isn’t consistent. Again for a luxury resort, I have high expectations. An empty glass was left after the first night. Overall, the room has been clean but mistakes were made consistently.

Hilton Members

Travelers who are brand loyalists (Gold and Diamond members) to Hilton can expect a complimentary continental breakfast at Dan Manuel’s. We had an option of yogurt and granola or oatmeal with a fruit platter. With points, this property can be reserved for 150,000 Hilton points/per night.



Final Thoughts

I loved this property. The views are breathtaking. The whale watching was extraordinary. I would highly recommend staying here. The staff truly goes above and beyond to make this stay special. If you have any issue (big or small), they want to know. They want to ensure you leave with a priceless experience that you will remember for years to come.

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