Malaria-free Big 5 South African Safari.
Kariega Game Reserve is a family-owned and operated Big 5 private safari reserve located in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. The reserve is situated along the Garden Route, making it the perfect South African safari destination to compliment a Cape Town visit and a trip along the country’s beautiful coast.
This malaria-free game lodge incorporates 10,000 hectares of pristine African wilderness, as well as two abundant rivers - the Kariega and the Bushmans rivers. The reserve offers five safari lodges to suit all needs. Experience close up game viewing of the Big 5 - lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard - as well as multitudes of other South African wildlife from the comfort of an open game drive vehicle.
In addition to unforgettable game viewing from open vehicles with qualified game rangers, the Kariega experience is unique in its offering of a diversity of activities which include guided bush walks, river cruises, canoeing, fishing, an overnight bush camp activity, a spa and gym and visits to the nearby golden beaches of Kenton-on-Sea.
Situated on South Africa’s malaria-free Garden Route, Kariega Game Reserve spans across 10,000 hectares of pristine Eastern Cape wilderness and is home to the famous Big 5 as well as a multitude of African wildlife including hippo, giraffe and zebra. The reserve is also a paradise for birdlife, including resident and migrant birds.
Accommodation at Kariega Game Reserve:
The reserve comprises of 5 lodges.
- Main Lodge: Main Lodge offers families, friends and couples a relaxed and friendly environment to enjoy the African bush. All the log chalets are air conditioned, with en-suite bedrooms, and large private viewing decks.
- Ukhozi Lodge: Ukhozi Lodge truly captures the romance and intimacy of Africa. Meandering bush paths connect 10 superbly appointed air-conditioned luxury suites, each offering complete privacy with their own breath-taking vistas and private plunge pools.
- River Lodge: River Lodge is one-of-a-kind. 10 spacious, air conditioned and tastefully appointed suites offer the most discerning of guests luxurious peace and tranquility.
- Settlers Drift: Settlers Drift is a 5-star luxury tented lodge located in a remote part of the Kariega wilderness. The lodge consists of 9 spacious tented suites, each with stunning views and secluded viewing decks.
- The Homestead: The Homestead is a private lodge which offers its’ guests all the comfort, convenience and privacy of their own home. With a dedicated game ranger and chef, guests have the flexibility to plan their day according to their own specific needs.
The game reserve is located in the coastal belt of 1820 Settler Country, a natural extension to a visit to Cape Town and a trip along South Africa’s beautiful coast. The nearest airport is Port Elizabeth and is an 80 minute drive away, the seaside village of Kenton-on-Sea is 10 minutes drive and the historic town of Grahamstown can be reached in half an hour.
Stunning Safari Drives
Experience the ultimate in luxury safari holidays at the beautiful 10,000 hectare Kariega Private Game Reserve in malaria-free Eastern Cape, South Africa. Prepare to be captivated by close-up viewing of the Big 5 - lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard as well as a multitude of other African wild game and bird species.
River Cruises
An abundance of bird and animal life makes for exciting game viewing whilst enjoying the peace and tranquility of the dramatic river valley. During one of the morning game drives, guests at Main Lodge, Ukhozi Lodge and The Homestead can enjoy a majestic cruise down the Kariega river. At River Lodge, an optional daily boat cruise takes guests down the Bushmans river, through the quaint village of Kenton-on-Sea and to its picturesque beaches. Settlers Drift guests can also enjoy boat cruises on the Bushmans river.
Guided Bush Walks
Kariega offers guided bush walks with our experienced rangers. This provides our guests with the opportunity of walking amongst more than 25 species of game and abundant birdlife.
Canoeing
Take one the canoes for a leisurely paddle down either the Kariega or the Bushmans rivers and watch in blissful silence as the river birds and animals go about their daily business.
Fishing
Guests at all lodges can enjoy river fishing on either the Kariega or Bushmans rivers. River Lodge and Settlers Drift are perfectly situated for keen fisherman, where guests can fish in the Bushmans river from a boat or canoe.
Photographic Safaris
Photo safaris are an additional experience for Kariega safari guests. The cost is per person per day with accommodation at any of the Kariega lodges.
- Photographic safari guests must stay at one of Kariega’s lodges for a minimum of three nights (at normal accommodation rates).
- The rate is per person per day and excludes normal Kariega fully inclusive accommodation.
- The package is subject to a minimum of two people and must be booked for two days or more.
- A maximum of six guests can be accommodated.
- No photographic equipment is provided by Kariega.
- Pre-booking is essential as photographic safaris are subject to availability.
Main Lodge offers families, friends and couples a relaxed and friendly environment to enjoy the African bush. All the log chalets are air conditioned, with en-suite bedrooms, and large private viewing decks. Each has a spacious lounge and living area which is great for socializing before retreating to the privacy and comfort of your bedroom. The lodge has been expertly integrated with the surrounding bush to create a natural environment where guests can enjoy traditional meals in the restaurant or boma, a drink at the bar or a swim in the pool.
Ukhozi Lodge truly captures the romance and intimacy of Africa. Superbly sculptured from stone, wood and glass, this stylish and uniquely designed lodge forms idyllic spaces and nestles subtly into the landscape. Views are spectacular and the beautiful rim-flow pool on the valley edge is simply iconic – offering guests an unequalled panoramic view of the river plains teaming with wild animals. Meandering bush paths connect 10 luxurious suites, each offering complete privacy with their own breath-taking vistas and private plunge pools.
River Lodge is one-of-a-kind. 10 spacious, air conditioned and tastefully appointed suites offer the most discerning of guests luxurious peace and tranquility. Inside the lodge guests can find a quiet spot in one of the lounges, page through a book in the library, relax at the pool or take in the view from the magnificent deck which overhangs the Bushmans River. Unique features include excellent river fishing and canoeing.
Nestled on the banks of the Bushmans River, this thatched lodge is unique in that it connects a Big 5 game reserve to the sea. Our optional daily boat cruises ferry our guests through the quaint village of Kenton-on-Sea to its picturesque and user friendly beaches.
Located in a remote and untouched part of the Kariega wilderness, Settlers Drift offers a unique tented safari combined with 5-star luxury. The lodge consists of 9 spacious tented suites, each with stunning views and secluded viewing decks. Gazing down from the decks overlooking the Bushman’s River, it feels as if time has stood still since the last feet to have touched this remote valley were those of the 1820 Settlers as they guided their wagons across the river. The luxuriously appointed and perfectly positioned tented lodge delivers the ultimate guest experience.
Safari Lodge Facilities:
Restaurant, bar, wine cellar, spacious decks, pool, boma, curio shop, library and spa treatments.
The Homestead is a private lodge which offers its’ guests all the comfort, convenience and privacy of their own home. With dedicated hosts, game ranger and cook, guests have the flexibility to plan their day according to their own specific needs. The Homestead is set in a remote and private part of the reserve. With seven spacious bedrooms, all en suite, a bar, swimming pool, satellite TV, lounge, large garden, boma and spectacular views, it is the perfect lodge for the sole use of a group or family of up to 14 persons.
*Please note that rates apply to groups of up to 10 people (rates adjusted up when more than 10 people).
Main Reception - Main Lodge, Ukhozi Lodge & The Homestead
Travel the N2 from Cape Town along the Garden Route towards Grahamstown, and choose one of two alternative routes:
Route 1: The coastal route on the R72, via Alexandria to Kenton-on-Sea, where you turn inland and proceed 14 km on the R343.
Route 2: Proceed on the N2 towards Grahamstown for about 110km and turn right before reaching Grahamstown onto the tarred road (R343)to Kenton-on-Sea for a distance of 32km.
River Lodge Entrance
Travel from Port Elizabeth along the N2 towards Grahamstown for approximately 50 km and then take the Port Alfred turnoff, where you will then travel along the R72 towards Kenton-on-Sea and Port Alfred. The turnoff to River Lodge is signposted and is exactly 15 km beyond Alexandria.
Settlers Drift Entrance & Arrival Procedures
Travel from Port Elizabeth along the N2 towards Grahamstown for approximately 50 km and then take the Port Alfred turnoff, where you will then travel along the R72 towards Kenton-on-Sea and Port Alfred. The turnoff to Settlers Drift is signposted and is exactly 10 km beyond Alexandria.
Boat transfer
A boat transfer to Settlers Drift departs daily from the jetty at 13h30 (weather dependant) – therefore for guests to be able to enjoy this transfer, they must arrive at the gate by approx. 13h00.
Instructions for guests in time for the boat transfer
Once you have arrived at the Settlers Drift turnoff please proceed as follows:
Proceed on a gravel road through an electric gate (push button for intercom communication with the lodge) for approx. 2,8 kms to the Kariega Game Reserve and Settlers Drift entrance gate.
You will be met by a gate guard and given directions to the jetty and carports.
At the jetty you will be met by one of the Settlers Drift game rangers, who will then transfer you to the lodge by boat, which will take approx. 30 minutes.
Instructions for guests who are late for the boat transfer
Once you have arrived at the Settlers Drift turnoff please proceed as follows:
Proceed on a gravel road through an electric gate (push button for intercom communication with the lodge) for approx. 2,8 kms to the Kariega Game Reserve and Settlers Drift entrance gate.
You will be met by a gate guard and given directions to proceed for another approx. 6.5 kms to the lodge.
