Kariega Game Reserve

Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape

Virgin rating

The hotel

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, fire place and satellite TV, tea/coffee-making facilities and hairdryer. Sleeping maximum 3 adults or 2 adults and 1 child.

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.

Rating summary

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Traveller rating

  • Excellent (281)
  • Very good (30)
  • Average (4)
  • Poor (1)
  • Terrible (0)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Outstanding Trip

Nov 28, 2023 Dawn C Cardiff, United Kingdom

Spent 3 nights celebrating a special birthday with the family. Absolutely Beautiful Lodge, staff were so friendly and accommodating, the food was delicious, our accommodation exceeded 5* and our ranger JJ was so informative & enthusiastic
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Hopefully NOT a once in a lifetime experience!

Nov 20, 2023 gw132015 Wakefield, United Kingdom

Kariega Ukhozi Lodge was our first ever safari experience and was part of our golden wedding celebratory trip to South Africa. It's hard to find the appropriate words to describe this absolutely fantastic place. The whole experience far outlived our expectations. The warm welcome, not just on arrival but each time we returned from a game drive,… Read more
Kariega Ukhozi Lodge was our first ever safari experience and was part of our golden wedding celebratory trip to South Africa. It's hard to find the appropriate words to describe this absolutely fantastic place. The whole experience far outlived our expectations. The warm welcome, not just on arrival but each time we returned from a game drive, there was always a refreshing drink waiting for you from the happy, smiling staff. The accommodation is delightful, spacious, clean and with the most wonderful views from the lodge. The food was great - they do so well to prepare and serve such delicious food when they are truly in the middle of nowhere and always served with that infectious smile. However the highlight for us were most certainly the game drives. Thanks to our brilliant ranger Wayne we were lucky enough to see all of the big 5 close up - and we mean close up. We experienced five game drives in three days including a night safari and a river cruise safari. Wayne was incredibly knowledgeable, determined to find the animals whilst keeping us safe and patient in answering all our questions. Not only that he was great fun and added immensely to our enjoyment of the drives - the 'sundowners' will stay in our memory for a long time! - Kariega you're very lucky to have Wayne! Without the slightest hesitation we would recommend Ukhozi Lodge to anyone thinking about a safari. It's a wonderful place with the most welcoming and fun staff and we feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to be part of that for a few short days. Hopefully we will have the chance to go back some day and stay for longer. Thank you to everyone at Ukhozi for taking such good care of us and allowing us to share your wonderful animals for a short time. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Absolutely fantastic. Couldn't recommend the lodge more highly.

Nov 16, 2023 Simon R

Ukhozi Lodge is exceptional. From the arrival, the generous time spent on safari with our absolutely brilliant guide, the food, the accommodation, and the general ambience of convivial commonality with first class service and a breathtaking setting. It surpassed every expectation we had - we couldn't fault it. The communal area is beautiful, the… Read more
Ukhozi Lodge is exceptional. From the arrival, the generous time spent on safari with our absolutely brilliant guide, the food, the accommodation, and the general ambience of convivial commonality with first class service and a breathtaking setting. It surpassed every expectation we had - we couldn't fault it. The communal area is beautiful, the pool area modern but subtle with the landscape. The suites very generous, with a private plunge pool per suite. The safari offered some incredible moments, especially the closeness with elephant and rhino in particular - about a foot or so from the vehicle. It was perfect. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Amazing memories to last a lifetime

Nov 14, 2023 Natalie P

The safari experience at Ukhozi lodge at Kariega was incredible. The entire experience including the accommodations, the game drives, the warm and knowledgeable staff and the amenities were wonderful.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A Magical Place

Nov 12, 2023 fifi011 Wokingham, United Kingdom

We are just returning home from a magical four night stay at the Ukhozi Lodge at Kariega reserve. The lodges all have stunning views and are very comfortable with all the amenities you could wish for. The food is excellent; very tasty and plentiful, as was the wine and always served with a smile by the friendly and excellent staff. With thanks… Read more
We are just returning home from a magical four night stay at the Ukhozi Lodge at Kariega reserve. The lodges all have stunning views and are very comfortable with all the amenities you could wish for. The food is excellent; very tasty and plentiful, as was the wine and always served with a smile by the friendly and excellent staff. With thanks to Allen our excellent guide who was very knowledgeable, sought out and found the elephants, lions and giraffes (and many more) and who pours a very good G&T. The other guests in our group were great fun and we are going home with new friends….a bonus to any holiday. I couldn’t recommend Kariega Game Reserve more highly, we were truly sorry to leave. Read less