Kariega Game Reserve

Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape

Virgin rating

River Lodge
Kariega Main Lodge
Kariega Main Lodge, Kariega Private Game Reserve, South Africa
Kariega Main Lodge
Kariega Main Lodge
Kariega Main Lodge
Kariega Main Lodge
Kariega Main Lodge
Ukhozi Lodge
Ukhozi Lodge
Ukhozi Lodge Pool
Ukhozi Lodge
Ukhozi Lodge
Ukhozi Lodge
Guided Bush Walk
River Lodge
River Lodge Suite
River Lodge
River Lodge
River Lodge
River Lodge
River Lodge
River Lodge
River Lodge
Deck with Fire Pit, Settler's Drift, Kariega Private Game Reserve, South Africa
Settlers Drift
Tented Suite at Settlers Drift
Settlers Drift Bathroom
Settlers Drift
Settlers Drift
Dining area at Settlers Drift
River Lodge
A video preview image
Kariega Main Lodge
Kariega Main Lodge, Kariega Private Game Reserve, South Africa
Kariega Main Lodge
Kariega Main Lodge
Kariega Main Lodge
Kariega Main Lodge
Kariega Main Lodge
Ukhozi Lodge
Ukhozi Lodge
Ukhozi Lodge Pool
Ukhozi Lodge
Ukhozi Lodge
Ukhozi Lodge
Guided Bush Walk
River Lodge
River Lodge Suite
River Lodge
River Lodge
River Lodge
River Lodge
River Lodge
River Lodge
River Lodge
Deck with Fire Pit, Settler's Drift, Kariega Private Game Reserve, South Africa
Settlers Drift
Tented Suite at Settlers Drift
Settlers Drift Bathroom
Settlers Drift
Settlers Drift
Dining area at Settlers Drift

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

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (288)
  • Very good (30)
  • Average (4)
  • Poor (1)
  • Terrible (0)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A fabulous stay in a wonderful reserve. Spectacular safari experience

Mar 25, 2024 Explorer32919511999

From arrival to departure the staff were wonderful, the luxury room was clean and beautiful. The view itself stunning. Food excellent, room and surroundings spectacular. A special thanks to JJ our safari guide who was amazing. Very knowledgable and great safari experience.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A luxury African adventure

Mar 6, 2024 Elaine D

An absolutely fabulous few days at Kariega. Stunning location immaculate public areas and beautiful rooms/suites. Zukos and her team could not do enough for us and ensured our every need was catered for. The whole staff were exceptional helpful, efficient and extremely good at their jobs. Tandos looked after us at meal teams and ensured we were… Read more
An absolutely fabulous few days at Kariega. Stunning location immaculate public areas and beautiful rooms/suites. Zukos and her team could not do enough for us and ensured our every need was catered for. The whole staff were exceptional helpful, efficient and extremely good at their jobs. Tandos looked after us at meal teams and ensured we were looked after from the moment we walked through the door. Mabhuti & Pam entertained us with traditional songs and dance which was throughly entertaining. Then they both reverted back to their front of house jobs. The game runs with JJ our ranger were outstanding and he went the extra mile to ensure we were safe, & well informed on the different aspects of the landscape and the animals roaming on it. One not to forget Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Unmissable

Feb 19, 2024 Huwwilliams12345 Swansea, United Kingdom

This lodge is more adult themed as no children under 12 are permitted. Exceptional service (you are met after each drive with warm towels and a drink) The food and wine are up a notch from Main Lodge and the bar, dining room are superb with open fires roaring in the evenings. Ben, our guide was great. Fantastically knowledgable, skilful and with a… Read more
This lodge is more adult themed as no children under 12 are permitted. Exceptional service (you are met after each drive with warm towels and a drink) The food and wine are up a notch from Main Lodge and the bar, dining room are superb with open fires roaring in the evenings. Ben, our guide was great. Fantastically knowledgable, skilful and with a great sense of humour. Kariega has such varied topography so it is a pleasure to drive around. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Brilliant Ukhozi lodge stay

Feb 1, 2024 RachF81 Norwich, United Kingdom

This place is a dream. We had 3 nights at this beautiful resort as part of our honeymoon. The individual lodges are stunning with their views over the reserve and individual plunge pools. Staff and food are amazing! The main lodge is beautifully decorated and cosy in the evenings. Our guide JJ was fabulous - so knowledgeable and made our game… Read more
This place is a dream. We had 3 nights at this beautiful resort as part of our honeymoon. The individual lodges are stunning with their views over the reserve and individual plunge pools. Staff and food are amazing! The main lodge is beautifully decorated and cosy in the evenings. Our guide JJ was fabulous - so knowledgeable and made our game drives so much fun. This place is phenomenal and if you get the chance I urge you to go! Thanks for having us Ukhozi lodge :) Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Amazing Experiance

Jan 18, 2024 Chris G

Wow, what an experience me and my partner had, from the moment we arrived to the day we left. We did three nights at Ukhozi lodge, which is a beautiful building. The communal area is cosy with sofas and a fire place, as well as a bar and a viewing platform. There is also an area to sit and have breakfast, lunch and dinner. All the food we had… Read more
Wow, what an experience me and my partner had, from the moment we arrived to the day we left. We did three nights at Ukhozi lodge, which is a beautiful building. The communal area is cosy with sofas and a fire place, as well as a bar and a viewing platform. There is also an area to sit and have breakfast, lunch and dinner. All the food we had was lovely and was different everyday. My partner is gluten free and they catered perfectly to his dietary needs. Breakfast was a continental buffet with cooked breakfast orders. Lunch was a set menu and dinner was usually a sit down three course meal with different options. For this, me and my partner sat on a table together but on our final night we sat as our game drive group and guide which was lovely. One night was also a buffet bbq style. All the staff are attentive, welcoming and friendly and they really helped ukhozi have a relaxed, fun 5* experiance. We had a game drive very morning and late afternoon which were amazing, and our guide Ben was great. He focused on what we wanted to see and was always looking for tracks to see where the animals were. His knowledge was great and he answered all our questions. At the end of every drive, staff would welcome us with a drink. Our room had a plunge pool and view over the valley. Make sure you pack your binoculars to see the animals from the balcony. The main pool is pure luxury and we enjoyed relaxing there most afternoons. I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my 30th birthday. They left me a bottle of wine, baked me a cake and sang me happy birthday, really making my experience so special. Read less