Kariega Main Lodge

Only 80 minutes east of Port Elizabeth, a visit to Kariega Game Reserve is the perfect extension of your trip along South Africa's famous Garden Route. Set high above the spectacular Kariega River Valley, this 11,500 hectare malaria-free reserve is home to game and wildlife such as lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, hippo, giraffe, zebra, eland, wildebeest, waterbuck and a variety of antelope, as well as a myriad of bird species.

For those who want to do more than merely relax and enjoy the idyllic surroundings, there is plenty to keep you busy at Kariega Main Lodge. Everything revolves around the twice-daily safari drives - the close-up encounters with African wildlife are the centre of guests' unforgettable safari holiday. The experienced game rangers will drive you out on safari every morning and afternoon/evening in open game-drive vehicles, traversing the valleys, grassy plains and African bushveld to bring you close to the Big 5 and other game roaming freely in their natural habitat. If you are fortunate, you may witness the lion hunting or feeding, or even the heart-warming social interactions of an elephant herd.

A host of other activities are also offered, including guided bush walks amongst more than 25 species of game and abundant birdlife, fishing, bird watching, canoeing, and river cruises down the Kariega River (subject to water levels). There is also a Wellness Centre where guests are able to enjoy massages, facials, manicures and pedicures in a lovely relaxed atmosphere. For the more energetic there is a very well equipped gym with a beautiful view over the valley.

The accommodation at Kariega Main Lodge consists of one, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom log chalets, making this the perfect destination for groups of friends and families seeking a special safari holiday of a lifetime. Each chalet is decorated in an ethnic style and are very spacious. A number of the chalets have a private pool. There are 21 chalets in total.

The family pub and restaurant, nestled in indigenous bush with commanding views of the reserve, serves tasty traditional South African cuisine, or guests can enjoy the experience of a meal in the open-air boma. To cool off during the heat of the day, dive into the river or relax at the sun-splashed main pool areas.

Rates Include

All meals; the Conservation and Community Levy; morning and evening game drives/river cruises; guided bush walks and canoeing are included.

Children Policy

Children of any age are welcome. Rates available on request. Children under 6 are not allowed on normal game drives, and children under 16 are not allowed on bush walks. Babysitting services are available.

Bush Walks / Walking Safaris

Children under the age of 16 years are not permitted on guided walks in the reserve. The final decision on whether a guest can join a guided bush walk remains with the guide and lodge manager.

Children under 5 years may go on game drives on the Kariega Reserve where they are able to enjoy rhino, hippo, giraffe, zebra and various antelope species, and are also welcome to join the morning game drive/river cruise combination activity.

Unfortunately, the lodge is unable to take younger children into the more dangerous sightings of lion and elephant, for safety reasons. Babysitting services are available while parents go on these game drives - rates available on request.

The lodge offers a children’s programme, between 11 am and 2 pm.  At this time, your child will meet the dedicated coordinator at the Kids on Safari centre and receive a goodie bag. Children will then enjoy one or more of the following safari activities (weather permitting):

A guided trail within the boundaries of Main Lodge where they will learn more about their beautiful surroundings and the miracles of nature, including plants, insects and animal tracks. The group will have time to ask questions and interact with the ranger. They may be given a fun short test and will each receive a Junior Ranger Certificate.

Learning how to create moulds of animal tracks using plaster of Paris. These can serve as great souvenirs from their time at Kariega.

Target practise shooting with a traditional "kettie" (a safe y-shaped slingshot) and other bushcraft and wildlife survival skills (depending on the age of the group).

Arts and crafts, including colouring and making animal masks.

Creating "Bushman paintings".

Environmental education using natural items from the bush including ostrich eggs, porcupine quills, skulls etc.

Completing the activities in the Kids on Safari booklet.

Children over 5 are also allowed on the adult game drives. In addition, there is also a playroom with wildlife DVDs, books, toys, puzzles, colouring in books, play dough, etc. 

All of the holidays we prepare are tailor-made, but this might give you an idea of how Kariega Main Lodge can be included in you own dream holiday.

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*Prices are per person and are based on today's exchange rates. Exchange rates are subject to change and are updated daily.

Prices exclude international flights - ask us if you would like to include these.

Guest Rating: 4.7 / 5.0 based on 39 ratings

Directions For Drivers

Note that Port Elizabeth has been renamed Gqeberha, and Grahamstown has been renamed Makhanda - both names for each place can appear on roadsigns and maps and can be used interchangeably.

From Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) / Garden Route coastal route on the R72: Travel along the N2 towards Grahamstown (Makhanda). Approximately 50 km after Port Elizabeth, leave the N2 and take the off-ramp towards Port Alfred (R72). At the T-junction, turn right. Continue along the R72, and travel approximately 47 km until you reach Alexandria.

Continue through Alexandria until you reach Kenton-on-Sea, and then turn left onto the R343. Continue along this road for approximately 14 km and the Kariega Game Reserve Entrance will be signposted.

From Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) / Garden Route alternate route: Travel along the N2 towards Grahamstown (Makhanda). Approximately 116 km after Port Elizabeth, leave the N2 and take the R343 towards Alexandria and Kenton-on-Sea. Continue on this road for approximately 32 km and the Kariega Game Reserve Entrance will be signposted.

From Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), both of the above routes take a similar time (just over 1h 30 mins) and cover a similar total distance (around 145 km).

General Information For Guests

All the log chalets have en-suite bedrooms (with air-conditioning) and private viewing decks. Each chalet also has a spacious lounge and living area. Chalets also have a hair dryer, fridge, telephone, fan, and tea/coffee making facilities.

There is Wi-Fi connectivity in the chalets and the main lodge area.

The main lodge area has a restaurant, bar, boma area, pool, spa and secure parking. There is a safe at reception where guests can store any valuables.

Your ranger will drive you out on safari every morning and afternoon/evening in an open game-drive vehicle, traversing the valleys, grassy plains and African bushveld to bring you close to the Big 5 and other game roaming freely in their natural habitat.

Guests can complement their safari experience with a boat cruise down the Kariega River (subject to water levels), or take a canoe onto the river for a quiet paddle. Fishing can also be arranged.

Kariega also offers guided safari walks with experienced rangers. This provides guests with the opportunity of walking amongst more than 25 species of game and an abundance of birdlife.

A babysitting service is available (additional cost).

Credit cards are accepted.

Your rate also includes a compulsory Conservation and Community Levy - this contribution will aid conservation efforts as well as the anti-poaching unit and community projects.

Bush Walks / Walking Safaris

Children under the age of 16 years are not permitted on guided walks in the reserve. The final decision on whether a guest can join a guided bush walk remains with the guide and lodge manager.

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