Help me plan Overview
Why Go
- Big Five private game reserve
- Set in malaria-free area
- Exclusive wellness treatments
- Just 15 minutes from the Indian Ocean
- Variety of luxury accommodation options
- River Cruises in Kariega River Valley
Wildlife
Tick the Big 5 off your bucket list with two safari drives daily, once every morning and once in the afternoon/early night. Don’t forget to look out for gentle giraffes and zebras, or even the striking African Fish Eagle. A pair of binoculars is essential! More About the Wildlife
Scenery
Kariega’s landscape and topography are arguably the most beautiful of all the Eastern Cape game reserves, resulting in stunning views and vistas. Having two major rivers incorporated into the reserve (the Kariega and Bushmans rivers) also adds enormous beauty and value.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Kariega Game Reserve is from June to September when you’re most likely to see wildlife and get the most out of the open game drives. More About the Best Time to Visit
Weather & Climate
Weather conditions are generally favourable year-round. April is that perfect time of the year, when it’s not too wet and not too cold, while September/October is the middle of spring when wildflowers are beginning to blossom. More About the Weather and Climate
Reviews
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Wildlife & Animals
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Elephant
Common -
Giraffe
Common -
Hippo
Common -
Buffalo
Common -
Zebra
Common -
Wildbeest
Common -
White Rhino
Common -
Black Rhino
Occasional -
Lion
Common -
Leopard
Occasional -
Cheetah
Occasional -
Hyena
Common -
Wild Dog
None
IUCN Red List Status Vulnerable
- LC
- NT
- VU
- EN
- CR
- EW
- EX
Least Concern
Current Population Trend:
Wildlife highlights
Best time for wildlife viewing
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Kariega Game Reserve is from June to September when you’re most likely to see wildlife and get the most out of the open game drives.
May to September
Winter
October to April
Summer
Weather & Climate
The weather during summer seasons can increase to uncomfortable levels. The rainy season can hinder activities and due to thick vegetation, game viewing can be difficult. During the winter dry season, the vegetation shrinks, making it easier to spot animals.
Climate Chart
- 248M / 813Ft© chart & park data: SafariBookings. © climate grid data: WorldClim project. All rights reserved.
Dry season
- May to September – WinterThe dry winter season is from May to September, which is also the best time to visit Kariega Game Reserve.
Wet season
- October to April – SummerOctober to April is the wet summer season and temperatures can increase to uncomfortable levels.
Getting There
Kariega is an Eastern Cape Game Reserve, situated about 140km (87 miles) from Port Elizabeth. P.E. has a national airport and excellent highways and tarred country roads all the way. The nearest small town with most amenities is Kenton-on-Sea, a 15-minute drive away.
Getting to Kariega Game Reserve by road
Kariega Main Lodge, Ukhozi Lodge and The Homestead
On arrival report to Main Reception for all 3 of these lodges. Travel the N2 from Cape Town along the Garden Route, through Port Elizabeth towards Grahamstown, and choose one of two alternative routes:
Route 1 – The coastal route on the R72 via Alexandria to Kenton-on-Sea, where you turn inland and proceed 14km (9 miles) on the R343 to the main entrance to Kariega Private Game Reserve (which will take you to Main Reception).
Route 2 – Proceed on the N2 towards Grahamstown for about 110km (68 miles) and turn right before reaching Grahamstown onto the tarred road (R343) to Kenton-on-Sea for a distance of 32km (20 miles) to the main entrance to Kariega Private Game Reserve.
River Lodge
You will arrive at a separate entrance to this Eastern Cape game reserve, specifically for River Lodge. You will be collected and taken to River Lodge Reception. Travel from Port Elizabeth along the N2 towards Grahamstown for approximately 50km (31 miles) 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 15km (9 miles) beyond Alexandria.
Settlers Drift Lodge
Travel from Port Elizabeth 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 Settlers Drift Luxury Tented Lodge is signposted and is exactly 10 km beyond Alexandria.
Airlines & Ticket Prices
To book your International and local flights, it is best to discuss options with our agents. They will be able to secure best tariffs and match it with your safari dates.
Click on Enquire Now for a free consultation.
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Accommodation
Your Budget
Kariega Homestead
Kariega Homestead is situated in a remote part of the malaria-free Kariega Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape and offers a magical, personalized safari experience. The 19th-century farmhouse has been restored to create a luxurious and exclusive place for a private group to enjoy a pre- or post-safari stay. This exclusive-use Homestead promises all the luxuries and conveniences of home alongside an unparalleled safari experience combining wilderness, valleys, rivers, and ocean. This Big 5 destination can be found mere minutes from the seaside holiday town of Kenton-on-Sea and little over an hour from Port Elizabeth and its airport.
Kariega Settlers Drift Lodge
The private game reserve of Kariega is set in the pristine wilderness of the Kariega River Valley in the Eastern Cape, bordered by the picturesque Kariega and Bushmans Rivers. Covering 10,000ha of beautiful and diverse bushveld, Kariega Game Reserve offers abundant game including lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, hippo, hyena, giraffe, zebra and numerous antelope species. Located in an untouched part of Kariega is Settlers Drift, a unique tented safari camp offering 5-star luxury. Settlers Drift Lodge comprises nine spacious tented suites, each with stunning views and secluded viewing decks. Gazing down from the decks overlooking the Bushman’s River, it feels as if time has stood still since the 1820 Settlers first discovered this valley as they guided their wagons across the river, hence the camp’s name.
Kariega Ukhozi Lodge
Safari at the family owned Ukhozi Lodge located in the 9000 hectare malaria free Kariega Private Game Reserve. This pristine African wilderness incorporates the Kariega and Bushman’s Rivers, wrapped by the coastal belt of 1820 Settler Country. The reserve is a natural extension to a trip along South Africa’s famous Garden Route, with breathtakingly beautiful scenery and abundant game and wildlife including the Big Five. The Ukhozi Lodge offers panoramic valley views and just ten luxuriously appointed air conditioned suites.
Kariega Main Lodge
Kariega Main Lodge is nestled in the thickets and bushveld of the Eastern Cape landscape and offers guests panoramic vistas of the green river valley below. This authentic safari lodge is the ideal location from which to enjoy your African safari at Kariega which includes two daily game drives on the private reserve, experiencing close up viewing of a lion, elephant, rhino and other big 5 African games. Kariega Main Lodge is comprised of 24 log chalets, a vibrant restaurant, bar, and living area as well as a pool, curio shop, gym, and health spa.
