Family owned and managed, it would be accurate to say that the gradual growth and development of the now expansive 11,500 hectare malaria-free 'Big Five' reserve is one of the most accomplished conservation projects in the Eastern Cape to date. Kariega’s landscape spans across five different eco-systems, offering an exceptional game viewing and birding experience. Having two major rivers incorporated into the reserve (the Kariega and Bushmans rivers) adds enormous beauty and value. With a choice of lodges; Ukhozi and River Lodge offer a more intimate atmosphere, and the Main lodge is ideal for families; so whatever the occasion, Kariega Game reserve has something to suit your needs and create lasting memories.
Amenities
Families
Honeymoon
Safari
Bar
Swimming Pool
Where is it
On 11,500 hectares of natural bushveld in the Eastern Cape. Transfer time from Port Elizabeth Airport: 1 hour 30 minutes.
Hotel information
There are 5 different lodges: Main Lodge – has been expertly integrated with the surrounding bush offering stunning views of the reserve. The 24 log chalets enjoy complete privacy with large private viewing decks (some with private pools) and stunning views of the Kariega River valley. All chalets with air-conditioning, en-suite bedrooms, tea/coffee-making facilities and hairdryer. Sleeping maximum 6 adults or 4 adults and 2 children or 2 adults and 4 children.
All Inclusive of: all meals and selected beverages (bottled water, soft drinks, local beers, wines brandy, whiskey, gin etc). Two game-drives per day, river cruises, guided bush walks and canoeing.
Ukhozi Lodge – truly captures the romance and intimacy of Africa, offering10 luxury suites crafted from log, each with a private plunge pool and deck offering panoramic views of the river plains. Sleeping maximum 3 adults or 2 adults and 1 child (over 10 years old).
The River Lodge – is uniquely situated on the banks of the Bushmans River and comprises 10 luxury thatched suites. Special activities include daily boat trips to the Kenton beaches and river fishing. Sleeping maximum 3 adults or 2 adults and 1 child (over 10 years old).
Settlers Drift – is a 5-star luxury tented lodge, located in an untouched part of the Kariega wilderness, featuring 9 luxurious tented suites that offer a spacious living area and bedroom, full bathroom, indoor/outdoor shower, and a private deck with unrivalled panoramic views over valley plains, sleeping maximum 3 adults or 2 adults and 1 child (over 10 years old).
The Homestead – the Homestead is a private lodge set in a remote and private part of the reserve. With 7 bedrooms, all en suite, a bar, swimming pool, satellite TV, lounge, large garden, boma and spectacular views, it is a great choice for a group or family.
At each lodge – indoor and outdoor (boma) dining, lounges and bar, swimming pool, spacious decks, curio shop and spa treatments. Wine cellar (Settlers Drift and Ukhozi Lodge only). Activities include morning and evening game-drives, guided bush walks, river cruises, canoeing and fishing*. Activity programme for kids. Wellness Centre* at the Main Lodge and Ukhozi Lodge. Sala's at Settlers Drift and River Lodge. Complimentary WiFi is available at all lodges. Private laundry facilities.
* Denotes local charge.
Please note: all children are welcome at the Main Lodge. Children under 10 years are not permitted at River Lodge, Settlers Drift, and Ukhozi Lodge.
Based on 333 reviews
Rating summary
Location
Sleep Quality
Rooms
Service
Value
Cleanliness
Traveller rating
Excellent (298)
Very good (30)
Average (4)
Poor (1)
Terrible (0)
One of the highlights of our entire lives
Nov 4, 2024Andrew EChelmsford, United Kingdom
No hype or exaggeration, this was one of the best experiences of our lives. Starting with the lodge itself; the staff are fantastic, nothing is too much trouble and they are so attentive. The bar and restaurant area is lovely, has a really nice authentic atmosphere. The rooms are simply stunning; the biggest bed you have ever seen, enormous size,…
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No hype or exaggeration, this was one of the best experiences of our lives. Starting with the lodge itself; the staff are fantastic, nothing is too much trouble and they are so attentive. The bar and restaurant area is lovely, has a really nice authentic atmosphere. The rooms are simply stunning; the biggest bed you have ever seen, enormous size, fantastic facilities and a view that takes your breath away. Then there are the safaris. Our guide, Melissa, was fantastic and we saw so many different animals that it's too long to list them all, but the highlights were the elephants (who got so close to the truck that they brushed the sides), the lions (who strolled by only about 20 feet in front of us, unbelievable), a black rhino, a herd of white rhino, hippos, giraffes, zebras, monkeys, the list is endless. Melissa was so knowledgable and helpful and we were in awe of her skills as a ranger. We cannot recommend Kariega game reserve and Ukhozi Lodge highly enough, it was one of the best places we have ever stayed in anywhere in the world (and we have travelled a lot!) and an unforgettable, life changing experience.
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Dream. Come. True.
Oct 9, 2024Kirsten0306
Cannot put into words how amazing our stay was at Ukhozi Lodge. The staff cannot do enough for you, they are so welcoming. Thank you so much to everyone. The rooms, food, drinks, wellness center were all faultless. Big comfy bed in the room!
My dream was always to go on a safari, so I had high expectations and was so excited. Well, I cannot…
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Cannot put into words how amazing our stay was at Ukhozi Lodge. The staff cannot do enough for you, they are so welcoming. Thank you so much to everyone. The rooms, food, drinks, wellness center were all faultless. Big comfy bed in the room!
My dream was always to go on a safari, so I had high expectations and was so excited. Well, I cannot stress enough how much Megan our ranger guide/driver exceeded every expectation I had. What a wonderful person with so much information to share and a true passion for wild animals. The game reserve is beautiful, it is amazing to get so close to the animals whilst respecting their space and boundaries. To see Thandi in real life after reading so much about her… it was so special.
We were so emotional saying goodbye to Kariega and Megan. This was the best place we have ever visited and I have never felt happiness like it.
We will be back!!!!
Kirsten & Ben
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Kariega you are simply the best
Sep 23, 2024PaulineM716Maidenhead, United Kingdom
One of the best experiences we have ever had. A tough one to follow. We went to the paradise island of Mauritius for the second part of the holiday and said it was hard to beat our experience in Kariega.
From the minute we arrived we were looked after so well. the food was amazing, staff super attentive and friendly.our guide was simply the…
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One of the best experiences we have ever had. A tough one to follow. We went to the paradise island of Mauritius for the second part of the holiday and said it was hard to beat our experience in Kariega.
From the minute we arrived we were looked after so well. the food was amazing, staff super attentive and friendly.our guide was simply the best.Lloyd you made the whole experience one we will always remember. You were knowledgeable beyond your years….apart from grasses 😂. You made the safari such a wonderful time.we saw everything we wanted to see and more. We had fun, laughter, full days, full tummies and wonderful sleep. The rooms are first class. Huge and comfortable. Each with a plunge pool. The staff cannot do enough for you. Food was first class. No complaints at all. Our group bonded well which also made the holiday.
Forever in our hearts and we hope one day to return. We might need to be on commission as we keep telling people how wonderful Kariega is.
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Outstanding in every way
Aug 2, 2024685melcLondon, United Kingdom
The Ukhozi Lodge was stunning on every count possible, beautiful scenery, idyllic and calm, mixed with pure comfort and amazing food and drink. But all of that is nothing compared to the wonderful team who look after you. Oh my gosh, the service, the kindness, and constant warm smiles are truly what make this hotel the best I have ever stayed in.…
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The Ukhozi Lodge was stunning on every count possible, beautiful scenery, idyllic and calm, mixed with pure comfort and amazing food and drink. But all of that is nothing compared to the wonderful team who look after you. Oh my gosh, the service, the kindness, and constant warm smiles are truly what make this hotel the best I have ever stayed in. The individual lodges provide a scenic delight across part of the reserve as well as provide ultimate comfort.
Then, after all that, you get assigned a Ranger who remains your ranger for your stay, I had not read anything before we went.. but I can tell you from a very biased perspective we had the best... Melissa.
She was amazing, so knowledgeable and for sure the best driver I have ever seen!! Her superb reversing skills are a must for those moments when the track is only wide enough for you and the Bull Elephant!!!
Melissa knows that Reserve like the back of her hand and was relentless in ensuring that we saw every animal possible from cheetahs to Rhino's to the pack of teenage Lions and mum fresh with their kill. The hippos, the birds, every type of antelope, and the stealers of our hearts the crazy warthogs.. finally, on our last day, she rearranged the morning drive so we could attend and be back for our 9.00 am pick up.. and to top it off with minutes to spare, she managed to show us elusive male pair of Lions.
Honestly, Kariega is more than your average safari.. the landscape alone sets it apart from many others. We will defo return and will be bringing our tribe to share the beauty with our friends and family.. and maybe we will get lucky and get Mellisa as our Ranger Guide again
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Lifetime Safari experience
Aug 1, 2024Road259766
… a bucket list trip filled with big expectations and Kariega more than delivered !!! Nic our guide/ranger was not only extremely knowledgeable in all animals, wildlife and birds, but a pleasure to hang out with. This trip was respectful of all animals, even tho you might sometimes get very close - but isn’t that part of the experience? Two treks…
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… a bucket list trip filled with big expectations and Kariega more than delivered !!! Nic our guide/ranger was not only extremely knowledgeable in all animals, wildlife and birds, but a pleasure to hang out with. This trip was respectful of all animals, even tho you might sometimes get very close - but isn’t that part of the experience? Two treks a day, with each day being better than the previous. Lodge staff very friendly and attentive. Can’t say enough about this place other than run, don’t walk and book a few days. Absolutely worth it. Thanks Nic, you made the trip.
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One of the highlights of our entire lives