Luxury Lodges · Kariega Private Game Reserve, South Africa
Kariega Game Reserve
Overview
Kariega Game Reserve is a family-owned, Big 5 private game reserve set in South Africa’s Wild Eastern Cape.
Perfectly positioned as a South African safari destination, it seamlessly complements a Cape Town stay, a journey along the scenic Garden Route, or travel from anywhere in the country.
Spanning 12,000 hectares of pristine African bush with two majestic rivers, the extraordinary beauty and biodiversity of the reserve offer exceptional game viewing and birding, including the Big 5 – all from open safari vehicles with expert guides.
This malaria-free Eastern Cape game reserve offers five safari lodges (from 4 to 5-star) namely: Main Lodge & The Homestead (both 4-star lodges), Ukhozi Lodge & River Lodge (both 4-star superior lodges) and Settlers Drift (5-star luxury tented lodge). Each lodge is designed to cater to diverse travel needs while delivering warm hospitality and immersive nature experiences.
Through the Kariega Foundation, there is a deep commitment to conservation and community advancement, working to protect wildlife, preserve natural ecosystems, and support local communities. Every guest plays a meaningful role in supporting this shared vision for a sustainable future.
Suites & Rates
Choose how you stay
Main Lodge Chalet 1
All log chalets are air-conditioned with private living areas and viewing decks. Ideal for couples, families and groups. Rate includes all meals, game drives and activities (excludes beverages and conservation & community levy). Note:...
Main Lodge Chalet 2
All bedrooms en-suite & air-conditioned. Living area, fireplace & viewing deck. Rate includes all meals, game drives & activities (excludes beverages and conservation & community levy). Note: Bookings for 2 or less people may...
River Lodge Suite
Superbly appointed luxurious, spacious, air-conditioned, thatched suites. Special activities include boating, canoeing, fishing and daily boat trips to the Kenton beaches. Rate includes all meals, selected beverages, game drives and activities (excludes conservation &...
Settlers Drift Tented Suite
Private tented suites (each 110m²) - each offering opulent bedroom and living area, full bathroom, indoor/outdoor shower, mini-bar, stunning views and private viewing deck. Rate includes all meals, selected beverages, game drives and activities...
The Homestead
Private sole-use lodge for up to 10 guests offering secluded luxury & comfort with private safari vehicle, game ranger, chef, boma, bar, pool, satellite TV and spectacular views. Rate includes all meals, selected beverages,...
Ukhozi Lodge Suite
Meandering bush paths connect luxurious air-conditioned suites with open-plan bathroom, each offering complete privacy with their own breath-taking views and private plunge pools. Rate includes all meals, selected beverages, game drives and activities (excludes...
Details
Good to know
Accommodation & amenities
Klimaanlagen, Balkon / Deck, Badetücher, Bad, Bettwäsche, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Ventilator, Kühlschrank, Hairdryer, Handtücher, Heizstrahler, Wäscheservice (Verfügbar), Gesellschaftsraum, Tresor, Sala, Dusche, Tee / Kaffee, Telefon, Veranda, Kleiderschrank
Languages spoken
Afrikaans, Englisch, Xhosa
Ideal for
Big 5, Vogelbeobachtung, Angeln, Wandern, Freizeit, Natur, Erholung, Sternebeobachtung, Tierwelt
On-site activities
Big 5, Vogelbeobachtung, Bootfahren, Pirschfahrt, Tierbeobachtung, Safari zu Fuss, Massagen, Nächtliche Pirschfahrten, Safaris, Geführte Wanderungen
Services
24-Stunden bewacht, Flughafentransfer (Verfügbar), Kredikarteneinrichtungen, Behinderung, Wäscheservice (Verfügbar)
Nearby activities
Strand, Big 5, Vogelbeobachtung, Bootsfahrten, Bootfahren, Bowling, Sportfischen, Kultur Reisen, Radfahren, Hochseefischen, Angeln, Pirschfahrt, Tierbeobachtung, Allgemeine Besichtigungen, Golf, Reiten, Kayaken / Rudern, Abenteuer auf See, Meeresgezeiten Pool, Mountainbiken, Museum, Nächtliche Pirschfahrten, Flusskreuzfahrten, Safaris, Surfen, Tennisplatz, Geführte Wanderungen
Property facilities
Kreditkarten Werden Akzeptiert, Bar, Batterieladestation, Internetzugang (Kostenlos), Malaria Free, Handy-Empfang, Aussenpool / Pool Deck, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Shops, Spa, Vegetarier
Location
Where you'll be
Video
See the stay
Kariega Game Reserve
Kariega Game Reserve is a family-owned, Big 5 private game reserve set in South Africa’s Wild Eastern Cape. Perfectly positioned as a South African safari destination, it seamlessly complements a Cape Town stay, a journey along the scenic Garden Route, or travel from anywhere in the country. Spanning 12,000 hectares of pristine African bush with two majestic rivers, the extraordinary beauty and biodiversity of the reserve offer exceptional game viewing and birding, including the Big 5 – all from open safari vehicles with expert guides. This malaria-free Eastern Cape game reserve offers five safari lodges (from 4 to 5-star) namely: Main Lodge & The Homestead (both 4-star lodges), Ukhozi Lodge & River Lodge (both 4-star superior lodges) and Settlers Drift (5-star luxury tented lodge). Each lodge is designed to cater to diverse travel needs while delivering warm hospitality and immersive nature experiences Through the Kariega Foundation, there is a deep commitment to conservation and community advancement, working to protect wildlife, preserve natural ecosystems, and support local communities. Every guest plays a meaningful role in supporting this shared vision for a sustainable future.
Kariega Main Lodge
Main Lodge (4-star) offers families, friends and couples a relaxed and friendly environment to enjoy the African bush. Comprises 24 spacious chalets. The lodge and chalets, which enjoy stunning views, have been expertly integrated with the surrounding bush to create a natural environment. Children can enjoy the daily “Kids on Safari” programme. Children of all ages welcome.
Kariega Ukhozi Lodge
Ukhozi Lodge (4-star superior) 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. No children under 10 years.
Kariega River Lodge
River Lodge (4-star superior) is a unique thatched lodge situated on the banks of the Bushmans River, where guests can take in the magnificent views from the deck overhanging the river. Comprises 10 luxury thatched suites. Special activities include daily boat trips to the Kenton beaches. No children under 10 years.
Kariega Settlers Drift
Settlers Drift (5-star) is located in a remote and untouched part of the Kariega wilderness, offering a unique tented safari combined with 5-star luxury. The lodge consists of 9 Luxury tented suites (each 110m²) – offering opulent bedroom and living area, full bathroom, indoor/outdoor shower and private deck. This luxuriously appointed and perfectly positioned tented lodge delivers the ultimate guest experience, with unrivalled panoramic views over valley plains. No children under 10 years.
Kariega Homestead
The Homestead (4-star) is a private lodge with 7 en-suite bedrooms and offers guests secluded comfort, convenience and luxury. With a dedicated team, 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 and is the perfect lodge for the sole use of a group or family of up to 14 persons. Children of all ages welcome.
Game Activities & Wildlife Experience
Kariega’s landscape spans across five different eco systems, resulting in extremely high game carrying capacities which results in Kariega’s game viewing and birding experience being unsurpassed in the Eastern Cape. Having two major rivers incorporated into the reserve (the Kariega and Bushmans rivers) adds enormous beauty and value, where guests enjoy stunning river cruises, fishing on both rivers and canoeing on the Bushmans River.
Activities
What you can do
Canoeing
Try canoeing for a scenic exercise option, or opt for a leisurely paddle enjoying the sights and sounds of river life. A great activity for the whole family.
Fishing
Home to two abundant rivers - The Kariega and Bushman's rivers - Kariega is a great place for fishing.
Game Drives
The Kariega Game Reserve safari experience is centered around twice daily game drives. Guests will be delighted with close up viewing of a diversity of Big 5 including lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, hippo, giraffe, zebra, a host of antelope species, and much more including a myriad of exquisite birdlife. Skilled and knowledgeable guides will spend time unraveling some of the secrets of the African bush and will see to any specific requests and ensure that all your questions are answered.
Guided Walks
At Kariega Game Reserve there are a number of walking trails that guests can enjoy with their guide. Guided safari walks allow guests to experience the feel of the African bush and enjoy watching wildlife and birds on foot.
Kids on Safari Activities
Main Lodge is family-friendly and offers a children's play area as well as midday activities between 11am and 2pm. These are arranged with the guides. Children of all ages are encouraged to enjoy morning and afternoon game drives with their parents (as well as the river cruise). For children 5 years and under it is the guide's discretion as to whether they can be taken to sightings of the more dangerous Big 5 wildlife for safety reasons. A babysitting service is available at applicable rates.
River Cruises
Enjoy an early morning boat cruise on the Kariega river viewing exquisite scenery and enchanting birdlife including the crowned, martial and African fish eagles.
Wellness Centre
The Kariega Wellness Centre is a great place to unwind and relax, offering luxurious treatments and therapies. Sala's also available at Kariega River Lodge and Kariega Settlers Drift.
Ready to plan your stay?
Tell us your dates and we'll handle the rest — flights, transfers and the lodge itself.
Enquire nowKeep exploring
