Kariega Game Reserve

Eastern Cape, South Africa

Kariega Game Reserve is a family-owned Big Five safari destination located in the malaria-free Eastern Cape of South Africa, covering about 10,000-12,000 hectares of pristine wilderness. It’s nestled between two rivers (the Kariega and Bushmans), offering a rich blend of wildlife, varied landscapes, and excellent views, while being close enough to the coast to combine your safari stay with beach days.

Kariega Game Reserve offers five distinct luxury lodges, each blending comfort with the beauty of South Africa’s malaria-free Eastern Cape wilderness. From the family-friendly Main Lodge and riverside elegance of the River Lodge, to the stylish intimacy of Ukhozi Lodge, the exclusive privacy of The Homestead, and the tented luxury of Settlers Drift, every lodge provides a unique safari experience. Guests enjoy close encounters with the Big Five, breathtaking views, and warm South African hospitality.

Available Lodge / Camp:

Main Lodge- Spacious log chalets perched high with views over the Kariega River Valley. Offers privacy, wide decks (some with own pools), fireplace, cozy interiors. Great for families and groups.
Ukhozi Lodge- Superior lodge with log suites, private plunge pools, panoramic viewing decks, stylish lounges, and elegant communal areas. More intimate and design-led.
River Lodge- The only lodge located directly on the banks of the Bushmans River — offering water-based activities (boat trips, river views), serene setting, and excellent wildlife viewing.
Settlers Drift Luxury Tented Lodge-A more secluded, high-luxury tented lodge. Spacious, opulent tents with indoor & outdoor showers, modern comforts, dedicated wellness / spa facilities. For those wanting both wilderness and glamour.
The Homestead- Ultra-private lodge ideal for groups or families wanting exclusivity — use of the entire space, own staff and ranger, flexibility in itinerary. Very comfortable, elegant, secluded.

At Kariega, each day is designed around wildlife, relaxation, and meaningful connection with nature. Whether you’re out in open safari vehicles watching the Big Five, floating along a river at dawn, or simply unwinding in luxury, every experience is crafted to delight.

Typical Day- wice daily game drives in open safari vehicles let you see the Big Five and abundant wildlife, while optional river cruises, canoeing, fishing, or guided bush walks offer quieter, immersive nature time.
Photographic Safaris-Tailor-made photo safaris are available with expert guides and vehicles optimized for sightlines, lighting and wildlife access to help you capture stunning wildlife and landscape shots.
Kids on Safari-Children enjoy daily programmes between about 11h00-14h00 featuring bush crafts, trails, environmental education, arts & crafts plus fun hands-on safari activities, while parents can bring children on game drives or arrange babysitting where needed.
Special Occasions- From private dinners under the stars to group meal setups, special décor or exclusive lodge use, Kariega can customise experiences to mark birthdays, anniversaries or romantic escapes.
Health & Spa- Relaxation is on offer through spa treatments, wellness services, swimming & quiet moments on lodge decks as a gentle counterpoint to wildlife adventures.

The Kariega Foundation is a non-profit trust that works in partnership with Kariega Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. It aims to protect biodiversity, conserve endangered species, expand and manage wildlife habitats, and uplift neighbouring communities through education, skills development, and welfare programmes.

At Kariega Game Reserve, the Tours offering is focused on combining safari wilderness with iconic South African destinations, especially along the Garden Route. Guests looking to enrich their safari stay can pair it with stays in Cape Town, the Winelands, coastal highlights like Hermanus or Plettenberg Bay, and relaxed beach-towns, making for a full and varied holiday beyond just wildlife.