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.
Kariega’s River Lodge is an authentic African thatched lodge, and unique due to its location. As the name suggests it sits on the banks of the Bushmans River, additionally it connects you to the sea making it a popular choice for holidays to South Africa where you can combine sun, sea and safari. The lodge offers 10 spacious and beautifully appointed suites with en-suite bathrooms where your every comfort is catered for. Your private sun-splashed patio is the best spot to be if you want peace and tranquility, it’s the ultimate place to view game, enjoy the stunning scenery and relax to the sound of birdsong in the air. Additional amenities include a complimentary mini bar, tea and coffee making facilities, air conditioning, safe, hair dryer and telephone.
The River Lodge’s magnificent deck overhangs the Bushmans River and is a great setting to marvel at the dazzling view with a refreshing drink in hand. If you love a good read while you are on holiday, browse the library’s selection of books. Inside the lodge you’ll find luxurious spaces to settle in, get cosy and relax. If you are looking for a pool with a view, you are in for a treat, soak up the warm African sun while you marvel at the unfolding scenes of wildlife in their natural habitat. End a perfect day in the bush with an al fresco dinner in the charming thatched boma, where you can expect to be entertained by traditional dancers around the crackling campfire.
As the River Lodge is nestled on the banks of the Bushmans River you can expect excellent river fishing and canoeing. If you fancy a day at the beach, a daily boat cruise will ferry you through the quaint coastal village of Kenton-on-Sea to its pristine golden sandy beaches. Enjoy a spa treatment or afternoon siesta, and with early morning and evening game drives, you can tick off all your wildlife sightings as you go.
Nearby attractions include the Royal Port Alfred and Fish River Sun Golf courses (Gary Player designed) for keen golfers. 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.
No children 10 years and under. Children 11 years and older pay adult rates.
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.