Kariega River Lodge

Overview

Location: South Africa–>Eastern Cape
Accommodation Type: Lodge
Comfort Level: Luxury

Good For: Couple/Romantic, Solo |

Kariega River Lodge is a luxury safari lodge with 10 thatched suites laid out along the bank of the Bushman’s River. Staying in this peaceful riverside location you can experience all the thrills of a big game safari, whilst also enjoying the relaxed, holiday-feel of al fresco brunches overlooking the river and a daily boat trip down to the Kenton beaches.

River Lodge is one of only a handful of properties in Kariega, a private game reserve in South Africa’s Eastern Cape region. Explore this beautiful and wildlife-rich area on morning and afternoon game drives across grassy plains, plateaus and wooded valleys. Since this is a private reserve your guide is allowed to drive off road getting you right up close to reserve’s wildlife which includes healthy numbers of lion, buffalo and rhino; herds of elephant and a variety of antelope.

Between game drives there’s plenty of time to go on a guided walking safari, paddle along the Bushman’s River, try your hand at fishing or enjoy a river cruise down to the pretty village of Kenton-on-Sea. If that all sounds too energetic then simply pick one of the sun loungers alongside the swimming pool, or take your book and a drink to the wide wooden deck with its magnificent river valley views – you are on holiday after all!

On warm evenings, end your day the safari way with dinner served either out on the deck or around a huge bonfire in the lodge’s traditional boma. Your guide will join you for dinner, giving you the chance to ask more questions about your day’s sightings or listen to interesting anecdotes on animal behaviour as you enjoy a fantastic evening together under the starry streak of the Milky Way.

Accommodation

There are just 10 suites, some grouped together close to the main lodge and a few spread out further down the riverbank.

The suites are all air conditioned and furnished with either comfortable king-size or twin beds. Glass sliding doors lead onto a private patio where you can enjoy a morning cup of tea or a nightcap from the well-stocked mini bar. Some suites even have their own swimming pool, although if yours doesn’t then there’s always the main lodge pool with its tranquil river views.

A few of the suites face out over the river, while most have views onto the bushveld of the reserve. If you like the idea of spotting wildlife from your private balcony then request one of the two upstairs suites, and remember to keep your binoculars close at hand!

Please note that Kariega River Lodge does not allow children under the age of 10, so if you are travelling with young kids then rather consider Kariega Main Lodge which has 2-bedroom chalets that are perfect for families.

Wildlife

Kariega Private Game Reserve is divided into two parts with River Lodge lying in the smaller eastern section of the reserve. This area has plenty of plains game but no predators, which works out well as it allows you to walk freely around the lodge grounds, then go on game drives into the larger western section of the reserve – an area that’s home to lion, elephant and other big game.

Kariega is a Big 5 reserve, and after a just a couple of game drives there’s a good chance you will have seen at least four of the five – lion, elephant, rhino and buffalo – although the leopard, true to its nature, tends to remain elusive. Other wildlife you’re likely to encounter includes hippo, giraffe, hyena, wildebeest, Burchell’s zebra, eland, kudu and a variety of other antelope.

We like the fact that the guides at River Lodge don’t rush from sighting to sighting but rather give you plenty of time to watch and photograph the animals. For a change of pace we’d recommend a boat cruise, not only for the beautiful scenery but also because it’s a good way to see the reserve’s waterbirds which include kingfishers, herons and the stately African fish eagle.

Special occasions:

Kariega Game Reserve is the perfect destination for a safari holiday, but it may also provide the ideal setting for a variety of special occasions including honeymoons, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and exclusive business getaways.

River Lodge offer the best in romantic and luxurious getaways. Request a private evening safari drive and share the exhilarating encounters with Africa’s wildlife before driving to one of Kariega’s most scenic spots for sundowners. Honeymooners can also enjoy their own romantic dinner in a private location or savor a specially prepared breakfast picnic in the African wilderness.

More Info

Children:
•​ No children 10 years and under (11 years & older pay adult rate)

Directions

Directions from Port Elizabeth/Cape Town:

Travel from Port Elizabeth/Cape Town along the N2 towards Grahamstown for approximately 50 km and then take the Port Alfred turnoff, where you will then travel along the R72 towards Kenton-on-Sea and Port Alfred. The turnoff to River Lodge is signposted and is exactly 15 km beyond Alexandria.