Kariega Game Reserve — Eastern Cape’s Premier Private Safari

What Is Kariega Game Reserve?

Kariega Game Reserve is a privately owned Big Five game reserve in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, covering 10,000 hectares of malaria-free wilderness in the coastal hinterland between Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) and the Grahamstown/Makhanda area. Bordered by two rivers — the Kariega and the Bushmans — the reserve supports exceptional wildlife within a diverse landscape of valley bushveld, riverine forest, and open grassland.

Kariega is one of the Eastern Cape’s most celebrated safari destinations, combining Big Five game viewing with a commitment to rhino conservation that has attracted global attention. The reserve’s rhino rehabilitation programme — led by ranger Brendan Whittington-Jones — gained international recognition following the survival of multiple rhinos after poaching attacks, and has become one of the most documented conservation stories in Africa.

Where Is Kariega Game Reserve?

Kariega is located near Kenton-on-Sea in the Eastern Cape, approximately 120 kilometres east of Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) along the N10 and R72 coastal route.

Access:

• From Port Elizabeth Airport: approximately 1.5–2 hours by road; Kariega arranges transfers
• From Johannesburg: fly to Port Elizabeth (1.5-hour flight), then road transfer
• Garden Route connection: Kariega is an excellent addition to a Garden Route itinerary — approximately 2.5 hours from Knysna or 3.5 hours from Cape Town

What Are the Lodges at Kariega?

Kariega Main Lodge

The flagship property — a colonial-style homestead with 14 en-suite rooms set around a central pool and garden overlooking the Kariega River valley. Formal yet warm in character, Main Lodge is the largest property and offers exceptional river and bush views. Fully inclusive.

Kariega River Lodge

A more intimate six-suite lodge positioned on the Kariega River, offering a quieter, more secluded experience. Favoured by honeymooners and couples. Exclusive-use available.

Kariega Ukhozi Lodge

Six spectacular glass-and-timber suites cantilevered over a dramatic valley — the most architecturally striking accommodation at Kariega. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls, private plunge pools, and extraordinary views. The reserve’s most luxurious option.

Kariega Settlers Drift

A remote, tented camp on the Bushmans River — Kariega’s most immersive bush experience; 10 luxury tented suites elevated over the river. Outstanding for wildlife viewing directly from camp.

What Wildlife Can You See at Kariega?

Kariega is a malaria-free Big Five reserve:

• White rhino — a growing population; the reserve’s rhino conservation story is world-famous
• Elephant — a small but beloved resident herd
• Lion — present and visible; sightings are regular
• Leopard — resident; the dense Eastern Cape thicket provides excellent cover
• Buffalo — herds in the open grassland sections
• Hippo — the Kariega and Bushmans rivers support hippo; visible from boat safaris
• Plains game: zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, kudu, red hartebeest, springbok, impala, blesbok
• Birds: 250+ species; the river system is exceptional for kingfishers, herons, and fish eagles

Is Kariega Malaria-Free?

Yes. The Eastern Cape is entirely malaria-free, making Kariega Game Reserve suitable for families with young children, pregnant travellers, and those who cannot take antimalarial medication. This is one of Kariega’s key advantages over the Limpopo-based Big Five reserves.

How Much Does Kariega Cost?

Kariega lodges span a range of price points, from the more accessible Main Lodge to the ultra-luxury Ukhozi Lodge. Approximate fully-inclusive rates per person sharing per night:

• Kariega Main Lodge: from ZAR 4,500–7,000 per person
• Ukhozi Lodge: from ZAR 7,000–12,000+ per person
• Settlers Drift: from ZAR 5,500–9,000 per person

How Does Kariega Combine with Addo?

Kariega and Addo Elephant National Park make a superb Eastern Cape safari combination — approximately 1.5 hours apart, offering complementary experiences: Addo’s vast elephant herds and open park atmosphere versus Kariega’s intimate private lodge experience and river systems. A 3-night Kariega + 2-night Addo itinerary is one of our most popular Eastern Cape packages.

Plan Your Kariega Safari

African Safari Group designs Eastern Cape safari itineraries combining Kariega Game Reserve with Addo Elephant National Park, the Garden Route, and Cape Town.

Enquire Now to plan your Eastern Cape safari.