Kariega Game Reserve

Kariega Game Reserve is a family-owned and operated private game reserve. It stretches across 10,000 hectares of pristine wilderness in the Eastern Cape, South Africa and is malaria free. The reserve is home to some of the richest biodiversity in Southern Africa. In addition, the picturesque Kariega and Bushman’s Rivers’ run through the property, making for a very unique landscape.

The reserve incorporates luxury accommodation, game viewing (including the Big 5) and breath-taking vistas over the hills, valleys and rivers below. Kariega Game Reserve offers the ultimate in authentic South African safaris. 

• Malaria free
• Big 5
• Location
  Eastern Cape South Africa

• Transport
  Self – drive

• Duration 
  2 nights minimum
• Includes
  Full board, game drives and activities

• Each morning, a safari into the bush surrounding the lodge allows guests to experience the dawn of a new day as the landscape comes to life with the sunrise. Experience close up viewing of the Big 5 – lion, elephant, rhino, leopard and buffalo – as well as a host of other wildlife from the comfort of an open game drive vehicle. An abundance of indigenous wildlife spread across this vast tract of wilderness will ensure an authentic safari experience.
• During evening safaris you may be lucky enough to witness the thrill of a lion hunt, or watch as a family of hippo emerge from the water for a night of grazing. Complement your safari experience with a boat cruise down the Kariega River and take in the abundant birdlife, or take a kayak onto the river for a quiet paddle.
• In the evenings, relax and sit back with a sundowner to simply enjoy the tranquil sights and sounds.

A Garden Route Specialty

This perfect Big 5 South African safari destination is situated along the famous Garden Route and is the perfect end to a Cape Town visit. The Reserve is about 140 km from Port ideally situated near the coast.

Getting There

From Cape Town

You can hire a car and drive the Garden Route to Kariega. The Garden Route is aptly named and is one of the most beautiful coastal routes in the world. Famous stops include Mossel Bay, Wilderness, Knysna and Jeffrey’s Bay. We can tailor make an itinerary to suit your requirements.

From Cape Town or Johannesburg

By Air

Flights are available from Cape Town International or Johannesburg’s O.R Tambo into Port Elizabeth. The reserve is about 140 km (1 ½ hours) from the airport and road transfers to the lodge can be arranged

Indulge In Safari-Style Luxury

River Lodge

Nestled on the banks of the Bushman’s River, this Lodge is unique in that it connects a Big-5 game reserve to the sea. The optional daily boat cruises ferry our guests through the quaint village of Kenton-on-Sea to its picturesque beaches. The 10 spacious, air conditioned and tastefully appointed thatched suites meander along the banks of the river, offering the most discerning of guests luxurious peace and tranquillity. Relax at the pool or take in the view from the magnificent deck which overhangs the river. Unique activities include excellent river fishing and crabbing.

Main Lodge

The 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 overlooking the Kariega River Valley. Each has a spacious lounge and living area, fire place and satellite TV. The Lodge has been expertly integrated with the surrounding bush to create a natural environment where the guests can enjoy traditional meals in the restaurant or boma, a drink at the bar or a quiet swim in the pool.

Ukhozi Lodge

Ukhozi Lodge truly captures the romance of Africa. Nestled in the bush are 10 superbly appointed air-conditioned luxury log suites, each with a private plunge pool and deck offering panoramic views of the valley. The Lodge boasts unique African-style lounges, restaurant and boma with an outdoor pool. Here, guests can unwind in front of a quiet fire, enjoy sumptuous cuisine or simply enjoy the sounds of the African bush.

Species
Apart from the Big 5, the Kariega Game Reserve ecology hosts a variety of wildlife. Wild cats, lynx, hyenas, jackals, genets, bush pigs, warthogs, baboons, monkeys, honey badgers and porcupines are just some of the animal residents of the reserve. Kariega is bordered in the east and west by two magnificent rivers, a delight for birdwatchers that will have the chance to view an abundance of birdlife including the African Fish Eagle, and various species of kingfisher.

Game drives
Guests are taken out twice daily in open safari vehicles, usually in the early morning and late afternoon, although times are dependent on the season and weather. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the African bush, while your skilled ranger provides hidden details and fascinating facts about the surrounding wildlife. Game drives are the centre of the Kariega safari experience and guests will be thrilled by close-up encounters with lion, elephant and an abundance of other African wildlife.

Safari walks
Kariega offers a variety of well-marked hiking trails on the predator-free, eastern section of the reserve. This provides our guests with the opportunity of walking safely amongst more than 25 species of game and an abundance of birdlife.

River cruise
An abundance of bird and animal life makes for exciting game viewing whilst enjoying the peace and tranquillity of the river valley. During one of the morning game drives, guests at Main and Ukhozi Lodge will enjoy a majestic cruise down the Kariega River on the “Kariega Queen”. At River Lodge, optional daily boat cruises ferry guests down the Bushman’s River, through the quaint village of Kenton-on-Sea and to its picturesque beaches.

Canoeing
Take one of the canoes for a leisurely paddle down either the Kariega or the Bushman’s Rivers and watch in blissful silence as the river birds and animals go about their daily business.

Fishing
Guests at Main Lodge and Ukhozi Lodge are welcome to bring their own fishing equipment for fishing in the magnificent Kariega River. River Lodge is equipped with rods and is perfectly situated for the keen fisherman. Here, guests can fish from the Bushman’s River bank or from a canoe or boat.

Includes

• Two safari drives a day
• River cruises, walking safaris, fishing and canoeing
• All meals and selected beverages (Main Lodge excludes beverages)
• luxury suite with king-size bed (twin or double), private viewing patio, en-suite bathroom, inside shower and ornate bath, double vanity basin, hairdryer, air-conditioning and overhead fan, internet connectivity (in lodge, not in suites), safe (at reception), telephone, tea and coffee facilities