Kariega Private Game Reserve

This internationally renowned malaria-free “Big-5” family owned and operated private game reserve is set in 10,000 hectares of pristine African wilderness incorporating the picturesque Kariega and Bushman’s Rivers, just 10 minutes from Kenton-on-sea and 80 minutes from Port Elizabeth.

Situated in the heart of 1820 Settler Country, the reserve is a natural extension to Cape Town and South Africa’s famous Garden Route.

Kariega offers a combination of “Big-5” and general game viewing and an expansive variety of fauna, flora and bird life in a landscape that spans across 5 different eco systems offering the most dramatic views and vistas. The result is very powerful and truly unique to Kariega.

In addition to unforgettable game viewing from open vehicles with qualified game rangers, the Kariega experience is unique in its offering of a diversity of activities which include guided bush walks, river cruises, canoeing, fishing, a spa and gym and visits to the nearby golden beaches of Kenton-on-Sea.

A choice of 5 luxury lodges:

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.

The lodge has been expertly integrated with the surrounding bush to create a natural environment where guests can enjoy traditional meals in the restaurant or boma, a drink at the bar or a quiet swim in the pool.

Ukhozi Lodge truly captures the romance and intimacy of Africa. Nestled in the bush you will discover 10 superbly appointed air-conditioned luxury suites crafted from log, 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 warm log fires, enjoy sumptuous cuisine or simply share experiences of the African bush.

River Lodge is unique with 10 spacious, air conditioned and tastefully appointed thatched suites meandering along the banks of the Bushman’s River, offering the most discerning of guests luxurious peace and tranquillity.

Inside the lodge guests can find a quiet spot in one of the lounges, page through a book in the library, relax at the pool or take in the magnificent views from the deck overhanging the river. Special activities include daily boat trips to the Kenton beaches and excellent river fishing.

Settlers Drift is a 5-star luxury tented lodge 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 spacious tented suites (each 110m²) – offering opulent bedroom and living area, full bathroom, indoor/outdoor shower and private deck. The luxuriously appointed and perfectly positioned tented lodge delivers the ultimate guest experience.

The Homestead is a private lodge which offers guests secluded comfort, convenience and luxury.   With 7 spacious en-suite bedrooms, a bar, swimming pool, satellite TV, playroom for children and spectacular views, it is perfect for the sole use of a group or family of up to 14 persons.

Our Journey at Kariega:

Upon arrival, we were received by Rosie, our game ranger, at reception, and after checking in, we had to jump on the cruiser for our sunset game drive on route to The Homestead and Settlers Drift. The cruisers on the property are all open (no canopy), 3 tier with 3 seats per tier.

When checking in at  Kariega Private Game Reserve, a Game Ranger is allocated to you of the full duration of your stay. They conduct all the game drives, the talks on all animals and everything else you want to know about animals and everything else on their Property. The game rangers’ driving skills and knowledge ASTOUNDED us!

We were truly blown away in all directions – the scenic drives through the bush, the hospitality, knowledge of the game rangers and staff at the various facilities and so the list goes on! We knew we were enjoying something special that we can offer our clients – a very affordable and amazing SA SAFARI HOLIDAY!

On our way to The Homestead for our sunset game drive, we must have seen around 4-5 different types of buck which included, blesbuck, water buck, impala and a few others. We also got to see buffalo and blue wildebeest on route.

As we were on a site inspection of the full property, our travel time from the Main Lodge to The Homestead was roughly 1 hour as you can only get to the various other accommodation facilities via the game drive route throughout the property.

We were stocked with water, blankets and it was an amazing drive seeing and exploring the the wild stock and scenery offered on this massive property.

Below are links and images of the various options available at Kariega, including some pics and video clips of our time at this amazing Game Reserve!

The Homestead:

This lodge is suited for up to 14 guests – Rates are ALL INCLUSIVE, and you can view this staggering list of items HERE!

wetu gallery

Settlers Drift: