Kapama Buffalo Camp, Kapama Private Game Reserve, Limpopo, South Africa

Author of ‘‘Exclusive Safari Lodges of South Africa’, Carrie Hampton took to the treetops of Kapama Buffalo Camp for some rustic bush living. Read this extract from her book, ‘‘Exclusive Safari Lodges of South Africa’ full of stunning wildlife photographs by Gerald Hoberman.

Kapama Buffalo Camp in the Kapama Private Game Reserve has a sense of timelessness. It is as if its tents were always there, merged with the bush. Each tented bedroom is set high on stilts in the canopy of the trees lining the steep riverbank.

The river below rarely flows, making it easy to spot the dainty footprints left in the sand by antelope. High above, in the branches of the bush willows and leadwood trees that crowd the balconies, birds sing loudly and vervet monkeys stare at you as you sit on a canvas chair in the dappled sunlight. Wooden walkways connect the tented safari rooms and lead back to the riverbank and the main lodge.

There are only eight safari tents, each offering a combination of comfort and style. Steeped in the best traditions associated with luxury bush camps, Buffalo Camp provides for a small number of guests who can get to know each other on the game drives and during the alfresco dinners around the open fire every evening.

Gardens of succulent aloes and euphorbia are tended around the thatched bar, dining room and camp fire, but the thick African bush is just a glance away, trying always to reclaim its terrain.

Lanterns, rather than electric lights, glow at night, creating an intimate ambience particular to Buffalo Camp. This African camp atmosphere is perpetuated at mealtimes with serve-yourself choices presented in heavy African cooking pots over a gentle flame. Hot and cold breakfast and lunch options are spread out across the servery, while dinner is prepared in the kitchen or cooked on the grill and served around an open fire in the circular traditional outdoor boma.

Safari weddings are something of a speciality at Kapama, which has three distinctive safari lodges on this large family-owned reserve; the rustic Buffalo Camp, large and sophisticated River Lodge and cottages set amongst gardens by the lake at Kapama Lodge). A wedding ceremony in the wilds of Africa is unlike any other celebration and a safari wedding is limited only by your imagination.

The only common factor is that guests are always offered two daily safaris drives, three delicious meals, and if the lodge is exclusive to your wedding guests, the staff and all the facilities are at your disposal.

Kapama recommend a late afternoon wedding ceremony, which allows sufficient time for photography before sunset. While the extended photo session is in progress, the rest of the party can go on a game drive.