Kariega Game Reserve

Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape

Star 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
Settlers Drift
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
Settlers Drift
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, 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.

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 (311)
  • Very good (30)
  • Average (4)
  • Poor (1)
  • Terrible (0)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Would Recommend

Mar 22, 2025 TheProfessor_2012 London, 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.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Honeymoon 5⭐️

Mar 9, 2025 NaomiTraynor

The most amazing place . We stayed is as the last part of our honeymoon. And as the saying goes “we saved the best to last”. Everything from our room/lodge to the resort Itself, the food, drink and most of all staff with a special mention to our game guide Nick. I cannot recommend this place enough. The ladies cannot do enough for you, the… Read more
The most amazing place . We stayed is as the last part of our honeymoon. And as the saying goes “we saved the best to last”. Everything from our room/lodge to the resort Itself, the food, drink and most of all staff with a special mention to our game guide Nick. I cannot recommend this place enough. The ladies cannot do enough for you, the service received at all meal times was amazing. Nick our guide was outstanding with such knowledge when it came to everything from animals to plants. He really went above and beyond for us even bringing us simba chips on our drive when he realised we loved them. I really hope some day I am lucky enough to go back to Kariega. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A very special place.

Mar 8, 2025 Go02094891592 Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom

We have had the most amazing stay at kariega ukhozi. Can honestly say we have never suffered the holiday blues so badly after staying here, we didn't want to leave! The game drives were fantastic. We stayed 4 nights, did 9 drives in total and and every one we saw something a little different. Our ranger was JJ- he was just brilliant and we feel… Read more
We have had the most amazing stay at kariega ukhozi. Can honestly say we have never suffered the holiday blues so badly after staying here, we didn't want to leave! The game drives were fantastic. We stayed 4 nights, did 9 drives in total and and every one we saw something a little different. Our ranger was JJ- he was just brilliant and we feel very lucky to have had him. He is extremely knowledgeable and reads the reserve like a book. It was fascinating to learn from him and see how he tracks and identifies the animals and we were fortunate enough to see all the lions on the reserve during our stay as well as many other fascinating animals! We felt he went above and beyond for us and we even did a night drive which we thoroughly enjoyed. The surroundings are also extremely pretty. The lodge itself is perfect. Our room was very clean and we loved the plunge pool. It was a lovely space to relax between game drives and we enjoyed sitting at the main pool too. The food and drink were excellent- all high very high quality and we were always very full! All staff members were very polite and couldn't do enough for you. Would recommend this place to anyone and we can't wait to come back one day, it's very special. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Ukhozi Lodge

Feb 27, 2025 Wendy B

Amazing place the game drives were fantastic, we saw everything except a leopard and our guide was lovely. Would recommend this lodge to everyone, from the lodge to the suites everything was designed to help you enjoy your stay, The staff couldn’t do enough for us nothing was to much trouble - what a lovely way to end our holiday!
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Big 5 experience in the Eastern Cape

Feb 3, 2025 BoardingPass802615 London

The game reserve / lodge is about 1 hour 30 minutes drive from Port Elizabeth. The accommodation is set in the grounds a few minutes away for the main reception / dining area. Our room was a large open plan suite / bathroom with a private plunge pool and terrace. Personally I prefer a door to the bathroom but most SA hotels seem to favour open… Read more
The game reserve / lodge is about 1 hour 30 minutes drive from Port Elizabeth. The accommodation is set in the grounds a few minutes away for the main reception / dining area. Our room was a large open plan suite / bathroom with a private plunge pool and terrace. Personally I prefer a door to the bathroom but most SA hotels seem to favour open plan with just an enclosed toilet. The room was nicely decorated and the air conditioning efficient and quiet. It was keep spotless by housekeeping which come in twice a day. Meals are taken in the main area. Breakfast is usually communal with other occupants of your safari jeep plus the guide. Likewise some dinners. How well this works depends on your fellow travellers. In our case a party of young Germans had little in common with us middle aged Brits! The food was very good and they kindly took account of my food allergies and intolerances when preparing meals. The main area also has a terrace and bar which was fairly well stocked but sadly no local gin! There is a small swimming pool with sun loungers but little shade. I got bitten round the pool so insect repellent is needed. Melissa was our excellent guide. The game viewing can be a challenge due to the dense hillside vegetation, but much easier on the plains. Some of the game drives were very bumpy and arduous due to the steep terrain. We also had a trip down the river which was very relaxing. The game drives left at 6am and 4pm both for about 3 hours with a pit stop for loo break (behind a bush), coffee etc. We had a great 3 nights and have some wonderful memories. Read less