Big Five Safari Eastern Cape
Kariega Game Reserve is in the Eastern Cape of South Africa and is easily accessible from Port Elizabeth or East London airports. If you are travelling along the Garden Route this big five safari lodge can easily be added on to your tour and is worth spending a few days at to experience some of the more endangered game in South Africa.
Kariega Safari Lodges
Kariega has five safari lodges all set quite a distance apart and with the smaller lodges holding up to 20 guests for an intimate experience away from any crowds. Kariega Game Reserve meanders along the banks of the Bushman River and has been expanding over 30 years, now with 11,500 hectares the reserve preserves the natural state of the bush for wildlife and habitat preservation with a focus on rewilding what were previously cattle farms. All the lodges provide something different with their style and design but all have the safari experience at their core.
River Lodge
We stayed in the River Lodge at Kariega which compromises of the main lodge where you will relax, dine and begin your safaris from; and your own private lodge along the riverbank where you will stay in a luxurious five-star suite. With a traditional African design and large open plan, the main lodge welcomes you with warm fireplaces and large sofas to relax on after a day’s safari, a decked bay onto the river, a dining area, library and of course the bar along with an outdoor pool. The main draw of the river lodge is the opportunity to sit outside and enjoy a drink by the riverbank or even take in a spot of fishing whether you’re a beginner or pro. The hosts are extremely knowledgeable about the wildlife near to the lodge which can be a relaxing way to spend an afternoon especially if you’re into bird watching or just enjoying the sounds of nature.
Luxury Riverside Lodges
Tucked away along the Bushman River you’ll find your private lodge providing luxury and rest for the essential recharging of batteries between safaris. Inside a queen-sized bed provides the sweetest of dreams every night with evening turndown and daily housekeeping keeping everything looking beautiful. The lodges are extremely spacious with a humungous bathroom and secondary outdoor pool shared between the neighbouring lodges continues the five star and relaxed atmosphere throughout the reserve. Each lodge comes equipped with a fully stocked fridge with everything included as part of your stay and restocked daily. The lodges are peaceful and quiet providing the perfect rest spot with the birds chirping in the background. A fun treat for those staying in the lodges furthest away from the main lodge is a personal golf buggy for the duration of your stay!
Fine Dining
Everything at Kariega Game Reserve is all inclusive, a la carte menus each day and no beige buffets. Early in the morning a selection of pastries and coffees are served before the sunrise safari. On return a breakfast banquet greets you enjoyed discussing that morning’s sightings with fellow guests. All the meals at Kariega including lunches and tea outperform the last leaving you wondering where the limit lies. Evening dinner is a more formal affair, but comfortable clothing is fine, local meats with wine matching and 3 courses set the tone of what to expect.
Kariega Game Reserve Activities
A holiday in the reserve doesn’t just mean Safari when you stay at Kariega, even though this is a must which you can read more about here. There are a range of other activities whether relaxation or being physically fit is what you want to do. You can jump off the ponton and swim in the Bushman River, have a treatment in the spa, splash around canoeing or spend an afternoon fishing. Power boats at the River Lodge are moored up ready to take you upstream to see the reserve or for a trip out to Kenton on Sea. Guided bush walks will show you the reserve from a different perspective and the highly knowledgeable team can teach you just as much about nature as they can about the game.
