Family owned and managed, it would be accurate to say that the gradual growth and development of the now expansive 12,000 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 12,000 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 Kariega’s other lodges namely Ukhozi Lodge, River Lodge,Settlers Drift and The Homestead are on a Fully Inclusive basis ie. allmeals, all selected beverages, two game-drives per day, river cruises andguided bush walks.
Full Board: All meals, two game-drives per day, river cruises and guided bush walks (excludingbeverages).
Please note that Full Board is only applicable to Main Lodge
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 365 reviews
Rating summary
Location
Sleep Quality
Rooms
Service
Value
Cleanliness
Traveller rating
Excellent (330)
Very good (30)
Average (4)
Poor (1)
Terrible (0)
One of the best experiences ever!
Mar 28, 2026_mckenna0dfDownham Market, United Kingdom
Absolutely brilliant from start to finish. All staff and service exceptional as was the food. JJ our safari guide was absolutely fantastic, the daily early morning and late afternoon safari drives were a wonderful experience and we saw absolutely everything hoped for including rhinos, elephants, hippos, cheaters, lions and much, much more, and…
Read more
Absolutely brilliant from start to finish. All staff and service exceptional as was the food. JJ our safari guide was absolutely fantastic, the daily early morning and late afternoon safari drives were a wonderful experience and we saw absolutely everything hoped for including rhinos, elephants, hippos, cheaters, lions and much, much more, and all close up. The afternoon break on the plains included wine and nibbles which was such a relaxing and unique treat.
Read less
Don’t think about it. Just go!
Mar 20, 2026Glenn T
Just go. Don’t pass Begin. Don’t collect $200.. just go.
The Jewel in the Crown of our South African trip
Mar 17, 2026Robin CLondon, United Kingdom
Deciding which private game reserve to book proved quite a challenge and we picked Kariega for its size (11,000 hectares). This meant that you really felt like you were in a major game park rather than some low-budget safari park. Our game drives (2 per day) were superbly led by Darryl who told us about all the wildlife and the wider environment.…
Read more
Deciding which private game reserve to book proved quite a challenge and we picked Kariega for its size (11,000 hectares). This meant that you really felt like you were in a major game park rather than some low-budget safari park. Our game drives (2 per day) were superbly led by Darryl who told us about all the wildlife and the wider environment. This is not a zoo so don't expect to tick every box in regard to species - rather enjoy what you see. I mentioned an interest in seeing an African Fish Eagle and there it was on our final drive. Drives are in open top Landcruisers and the going can get quite rough so this is not like a walk in your local park. Kariega has a varied landscape. including 2 rivers so a Hippo sighting is on the cards if you are interested. Lots of great sights and photo opportunities!
The hospitality and catering side of things was outstanding. Do we even have such levels of service in UK? Staff so friendly and helpful, lovely food and a large room at the Lodge with a view over the reserve. The Main part of Kariega is much busier and they cater for tour groups and children. If you want to avoid both (no kids at Ukhozi) then book this location.
Perhaps all the private reserves in this part of Eastern Cape - and there are several - are all to this high standard. I can only say that that Kariega has left us with a lifetime memory to be recalled with great pleasure.
Read less
A luxurious game reserve experience
Feb 28, 2026JD-MoonToronto, Canada
Everything about this lodge was wonderful, from the food to the amenities and the game drives. First class.
Unforgettable experience
Feb 21, 2026GCClowesStoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom
Audley Travel recommended Kariega Game Reserve for our group of eight friends.
This was my first Safari and it’s going to be a very hard one to beat.
We stayed in the Ukhozi Lodge. Our accommodation was a semi detached log cabin. We had a huge bed a, lovely sitting area, and great bathroom with free standing bath and shower cubicle. Outside we…
Read more
Audley Travel recommended Kariega Game Reserve for our group of eight friends.
This was my first Safari and it’s going to be a very hard one to beat.
We stayed in the Ukhozi Lodge. Our accommodation was a semi detached log cabin. We had a huge bed a, lovely sitting area, and great bathroom with free standing bath and shower cubicle. Outside we had a great decked area with plunge pool. The cabin had fabulous views down the hillside looking over the reserve. Giraffes, rhinos and many types of antelope in our back garden.
All guests shared the main Ukhozi Lodge, where we sat down to dine or relax with a glass of wine or what ever you fancied, it was all inclusive. No over crowding probably no more than twenty- thirty guests. Food was delicious and abundant.
Our group was allocated Nic as our guide for the four days of our stay. This included two drives a day. We would meet at 5.30am and again at 4.00pm
He was brilliant, each drive was like a new adventure and we couldn’t wait to go out with him. I’m not going to give too much information as I think it will spoil your own experience, but we loved it and we weren’t disappointed
Tip- take appropriate clothing, it’s cold in the mornings and very warm in the afternoons
Overall this was one of the best experiences of my life
Thank you to all the team at Kariega Game Reserve
Read less
One of the best experiences ever!