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 350 reviews
Rating summary
Location
Sleep Quality
Rooms
Service
Value
Cleanliness
Traveller rating
Excellent (315)
Very good (30)
Average (4)
Poor (1)
Terrible (0)
Take time to visit Kariega
Jun 22, 2025susanwL816ZI
First visited Ukhozi Lodge in 2023. Our 2nd visit did not disappoint. The lodge is lovely and the suites are spacious with everything you could want. The reserve has been extended since our last visit with predators being separated and furthest away from the lodge. However, the daily drives always produced sightings you wouldn't want to miss. Our…
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First visited Ukhozi Lodge in 2023. Our 2nd visit did not disappoint. The lodge is lovely and the suites are spacious with everything you could want. The reserve has been extended since our last visit with predators being separated and furthest away from the lodge. However, the daily drives always produced sightings you wouldn't want to miss. Our ranger Megan, assisted by Kianna, delivered on every level and made each drive an adventure. Ask to do the river cruise which was a lovely way to spend a morning. Kariega Ukhozi is well worth a visit if you're in the Eastern Cape.
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What a view!
May 23, 2025Faith_and_MeBrisbane, Australia
Stayed here 2 nights as part of a 7 day tour. Our suite was great with an awesome view down to the plains where we could see rhino ang giraffes wandering around in the distance. Unfortunately it was a bit too cool to use the plunge pool, but in warmer weather it would be a great spot to unwind with a drink and the view.
The facilities, food and…
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Stayed here 2 nights as part of a 7 day tour. Our suite was great with an awesome view down to the plains where we could see rhino ang giraffes wandering around in the distance. Unfortunately it was a bit too cool to use the plunge pool, but in warmer weather it would be a great spot to unwind with a drink and the view.
The facilities, food and staff were all excellent!
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"Best Honeymoon Adventure — Lions, Laughs, and the Legendary JJ!"
Apr 28, 2025Emma-Sharpe92
If you’re wondering whether to visit Kariega Game Reserve, stop thinking and just book it. My new husband and I came here as part of our honeymoon, and honestly, we’re questioning if our wedding day was even the highlight anymore!
From the second we arrived, we were treated like royalty (move over, Lion King). Speaking of kings, we got to see…
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If you’re wondering whether to visit Kariega Game Reserve, stop thinking and just book it. My new husband and I came here as part of our honeymoon, and honestly, we’re questioning if our wedding day was even the highlight anymore!
From the second we arrived, we were treated like royalty (move over, Lion King). Speaking of kings, we got to see lions, rhinos, elephants — basically everything except the cast of Madagascar breaking into song.
But the true legend of Kariega? Our guide, JJ. I’m convinced he’s secretly part-animal himself — the man could spot a chameleon clinging to a tree from half a mile away while driving, talking, and making us laugh hysterically. He had a story for everything, and every game drive felt like the most exciting safari/stand-up comedy show combo you could imagine.
We left with full hearts, about a thousand photos, and a deep suspicion that no future vacation will ever measure up. Thank you Kariega and JJ for giving our honeymoon the most unforgettable, wildly wonderful start!
P.S. JJ if you’re reading this: you’re an international treasure, and we are considering inviting you to future anniversaries.
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Five stars are not enough!
Apr 23, 2025SherrieP64Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom
Five stars are not enough!
We really cannot rate Ukhozi Lodge and it’s amazing staff highly enough. The lodge is fabulous, the animals incredible and the staff are just the BEST!
We stayed for 4 nights and had 7 drives with our guide, Megan. Megan is not just a fabulous guide she is also a lovely person and nothing is too much trouble for her.…
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Five stars are not enough!
We really cannot rate Ukhozi Lodge and it’s amazing staff highly enough. The lodge is fabulous, the animals incredible and the staff are just the BEST!
We stayed for 4 nights and had 7 drives with our guide, Megan. Megan is not just a fabulous guide she is also a lovely person and nothing is too much trouble for her. She really tries to ensure you get to see everything you hoped to and makes sure you get the best view possible without disturbing the wildlife.
Each game drive was incredible, we saw and learnt so much. Every night felt like Christmas Eve, I was that excited for the next day, I have never been so happy to wake at 5.15am each morning.
The food was superb and we sat with the other people in our jeep at mealtimes. We loved how your guide joined you for breakfast, it really allows you to get to know each other and chat about what you have seen and hope to see on any future drive.
I really didn’t want to leave; I have never suffered with holiday blues this bad before and I shall never be able to drink a gin and dry lemon again without thinking of wonderful Ukhozi.
Everything about Ukhozi surpassed our expectations, it was everything we had wished for and more.
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Would Recommend
Mar 22, 2025TheProfessor_2012London, United Kingdom
Echoing other reviews , can’t really fault this lodge , the staff or the experience.
Recommended.
We saw all the animals , lions giraffes etc.
Just so sad that many of these animals live under the risk of poachers. I hope that with your visit they can continue to protect these fantastic creatures in such a wonderful and mostly natural habitat.
Take time to visit Kariega