Situated on South Africa’s malaria-free Garden Route, Kariega Game Reserve spans 10,000 hectares of pristine Eastern Cape wilderness with spectacular vistas across African plains and magnificent hills. The reserve incorporates two dramatic and picturesque river valleys and is home to the famous Big 5 as well as an abundance of African wildlife including hippo, giraffe and zebra. The region is blessed with a moderate climate with mild winters and warm summers offering fantastic year-round game viewing and unsurpassed personal service in a choice of five superb safari lodges nestled in the park.
Main Lodge consists of 24 log chalets that are expertly designed to blend within the surrounding natural African bush. Open the doors to your large wooden viewing deck and step straight out into nature to enjoy the stunning views of the Kariega River Valley. Take a cooling dip in your private plunge pool or spend a lazy afternoon entertaining friends and family in your spacious lounge and living area. All of the log chalets offer privacy in a beautiful natural setting and additional amenities include en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning (bedroom only), satellite TV, tea and coffee making facilities, telephone and a fireplace.
Jutting out of the mountainside and suspended over the tree-tops of the Kariega Game Reserve, the Main Lodge viewing deck offers the best seats in the house. Showstopping views accompany al fresco dining or perhaps you’d prefer sundowners to toast to a flaming African sunset. The viewing deck is also perfectly positioned for a spot of heavenly stargazing. Spend balmy sunny days next to the lodge’s pool or head for the Main Lodge lounge and snuggle up with a glass of wine in front of the fire when it gets cooler. Traditional meals are served buffet style in the restaurant or boma and before you retreat to the plush comfort of your chalet, pop into the bar for a nightcap.
Typical safari holidays to South Africa will feature an early rise with tea, coffee and a snack before you depart for an early morning game drive or perhaps a river cruise. Tuck into a hearty breakfast or brunch upon your return and spend the rest of your day enjoying a guided bush walk, indulging in a couple of spa treatments or a spot of canoeing or fishing. Savour some mouth-watering afternoon treats and relax before you head out for an evening game drive and unwind with sundowners in the bush. Having worked up an appetite, you will relish your return to Main lodge for a traditional evening meal in the boma or indoor restaurant.
Nearby attractions include the golden beaches of Kenton-on-Sea, less than 15 minutes away which means you get to combine Big 5 game viewing and river sightseeing with a beach holiday. For the enthusiastic golfer the Royal Port Alfred and Fish River Sun Golf courses (Gary Player designed) are respectively 25 and 40 minutes away. Historical sites include local towns rich in history such as Grahamstown, Salem, Bathurst and Port Alfred all significant in South Africa’s heritage. Known as the Friendly City, Port Elizabeth is a beautiful coastal hub offering everything from scuba diving to great shopping and scenic bayside restaurants.
Children of all ages are welcome at Main Lodge and a baby-sitting service is available upon request. Children 12 years and under pay 50% of the adult rates and children 3 years and under stay free of charge.
The Best of South Africa Travel map displays the locations of the destinations and accommodation that we have selected and visited; for each item, hovering over or clicking the marker will display a short summary and photo of that place or hotel, and hotel pricing. Follow the links in the info box to the full page listing which has much more information.
Note that the online map offers both a satellite view (click satellite in the top right) and, for some locations, a street level view (Drag the person in the top left onto the map). These let you explore the country; and when you wish to explore in person, or if you have any questions about the places you see, give our staff a call, or request a quote. Our staff regularly visit the places and accommodation that we feature.
When you book a holiday with us we will provide full driving instructions for reaching your accommodation, where necessary; these can be used by yourself, or you could enjoy the luxury of a driver. Alternatively we will arrange private (car rather than coach) transfers for you; helicopter transfers are also possible for some destinations.
