Kapama River Lodge marked its 21st anniversary this weekend, bringing together around 120 travel trade partners and suppliers to celebrate the property’s journey over the past two decades.
Hosted at the lodge on Saturday evening (August 1), the event reflected on the vision, partnerships and people that have shaped River Lodge since it opened in 2005.
Addressing guests, Kapama Managing Director Bernard Roode thanked the trade for supporting the business through its various stages of growth over the past 21 years.
Looking back on the lodge’s evolution, Roode recalled how River Lodge began as a simple accommodation offering before changing to an all-inclusive model as the business matured.
“Our journey went on. We added the spa, then came the reception and then came COVID. During COVID, we took a leap of faith. We literally broke it down to the ground and started from scratch. That was the first really big move of this value proposition.”
Despite the property’s growth, its development happened organically rather than according to a detailed master plan, Roode pointed out.
“We literally took every development step by step and kicked a bit of dust around and said this is where this must be. Now we look back and we can see His hand in all of this development.”
General Manager of Hospitality Christiaan Basson used the occasion to recognise the people behind River Lodge’s success, paying tribute to the original team that helped open the lodge 21 years ago. Several remain with Kapama today.
“The lodge is not only about the beautiful architecture, the interiors, the finishes or the spectacular wildlife,” he said. “It’s all about the people.”
The team’s role extends far beyond hospitality, Basson added.
“People often ask me what it is that we truly do. The best I can answer is we create memories.”
The anniversary comes as Kapama continues to invest in River Lodge, having recently completed a redesigned boma and unveiled new accommodation as part of the property’s ongoing refurbishment.
See some of the photos from the celebration below.
