Kariega Private Game Reserve
Just a short drive from Port Elizabeth, an authentic safari adventure in the midst of unspoilt nature awaits you at Kariega Private Game Reserve. In the 10,000-hectare, malaria-free game reserve in the Eastern Cape, you will encounter the Big Five, discover impressive river landscapes and enjoy activities such as game drives, bush walks or boat safaris. Whether as a romantic couple, as a family or in a private group - five individual lodges offer the right retreat for every style of traveller. Kariega combines luxurious accommodation with warm hospitality and sustainable nature conservation. An ideal place for safari newcomers and connoisseurs alike.
Details
Country
South Africa
Location
Kariega Private Game Reserve
Price
from 435€ per person/ night
Best time to travel
September - May
Rooms
In the Kariega Private Game Reserve, guests will find five individual lodges with their very own character - from family-friendly to exclusive and private. The Main Lodge offers spacious chalets with one to four bedrooms, all with a private terrace and some with a pool - ideal for families or small groups. Ukhozi Lodge is aimed at couples and those seeking peace and quiet. The luxurious suites with their own plunge pool blend harmoniously into the natural surroundings and offer spectacular views over the bushveld. The elegant River Lodge is located directly on the river. Its airy suites with thatched roofs combine modern design with a closeness to nature. The exclusive Settlers Drift Lodge impresses with just nine luxurious tented suites that combine modern elegance with a safari feeling. Spacious living areas, viewing decks and bathtubs with views of the greenery offer maximum comfort. The Homestead is a private safari house with six bedrooms, its own cook, ranger and vehicle.
Culinary
In the Kariega Private Game Reserve, good food is as much a part of the safari as the Big Five. All lodges offer varied, South African-inspired cuisine with fresh, regional ingredients - from hearty game dishes to vegetarian specialities. Depending on the lodge and the weather, meals are served in the stylish restaurant, on the terrace with a panoramic view or in the evening under the stars by the campfire. The traditional boma evenings with barbecue buffet and African sounds are particularly atmospheric. The Main Lodge and Ukhozi Lodge spoil guests with a daily changing menu and à la carte selection, accompanied by exquisite wines from South Africa's best wine-growing regions. At River Lodge, guests often enjoy their meals directly on the riverbank, while Settlers Drift stands for exclusive fine dining experiences in a private atmosphere. The Homestead offers complete flexibility: a private chef is on hand to cater to guests' every wish - be it a picnic in the bush, a braai evening on the terrace or an elegant dinner in the dining room.
Activities
The Kariega Private Game Reserve offers a varied activity programme for nature lovers, adventurers and those seeking relaxation. Two daily game drives with experienced rangers take you deep into the wilderness where, with a little luck, you can observe elephants, lions, rhinos, buffalo and leopards - the famous Big Five up close. A special highlight is the guided bush walks, where you can experience flora and fauna from a completely new perspective. At River Lodge and Settlers Drift, boat trips on the Bushman's River invite you to enjoy relaxed wildlife viewing from the water. If you want to take it easy, enjoy nature from the private terrace, visit the wellness centre at the Main Lodge or treat yourself to a massage. Whether active or relaxed: The activities at Kariega Game Reserve combine nature experiences, exclusivity and in-depth encounters with South Africa's fascinating wilderness.
Location
The Kariega Private Game Reserve is located in the picturesque Eastern Cape, only 80 kilometres north-east of Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) and therefore easily accessible by flight or hire car - perfect as the crowning glory of a trip along the Garden Route.
Amidst rolling hills, dense forests and open savannahs, the 10,000-hectare, malaria-free game reserve stretches between the Kariega and Bushman's Rivers - a varied landscape that provides habitat for the Big Five and numerous other animal species.
The Main Lodge and Ukhozi Lodge are centrally located in the reserve with sweeping views across the plains, while the River Lodge is idyllically situated directly on the Bushman's River - ideal for safari and boat trips. Settlers Drift Lodge is secluded in the unspoilt north-east of the reserve and can only be reached by boat or off-road vehicle - a real hideaway. The Homestead is somewhat secluded and offers maximum privacy with views of the surrounding hills.
