The 4* Karongwe River Lodge is situated in the 9,000 hectare fenced Karongwe Private Game Reserve, just 45 minutes from the world-famous Kruger National Park.
Home to the Big 5 of the African bush - lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino and elephant - guests may also see cheetah, spotted and brown hyena, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, kudu, impala and bushbuck to name a few of the many other wildlife species to be found here. Hippo and crocodiles are often spotted along the river banks.
There are also over 365 different bird species.
Spend the afternoon relaxing beside the pool or watching game from your own private balcony before being whisked off on a late afternoon game drive with your own personal ranger. Sip a sundowner as the sun sets behind the nearby Drakensberg mountains and enjoy a night drive back to the lodge where a delicious feast awaits you.
Dining under the stars has never been so romantic as you enjoy our Pan-African cuisine in a rustic outside boma or on alternate evenings, in the magnificent dining room. To compliment your meal, the lodge offers an impressive selection of South African and imported wines and beers as well as a wide variety of spirits and soft drinks.
Settle in at your choice of one of 11 luxurious private suites. All suites are air conditioned, spacious and tastefully decorated, with en-suite bathrooms.
The suites also have a private deck with chairs for guest's viewing pleasure. All suites are complete with mini bar and tea/coffee making facilities.
Special offers for longer stays or when booked as part of a longer itinerary may apply - details on request.
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Rates Include
All meals; tea/coffee; snacks; the Karongwe Reserve fees; dawn and dusk safaris; drinks on dusk safaris (limited to one per person with a choice of local beer, wine or soft drink); are included. PLEASE NOTE: The Tourism Levy is not included and will be added to your room to settle upon departure (currently R14 per person per night, subject to change).
Children Policy
Children of any age are welcome. Rates available on request. Children under the age of 6 years are not allowed on game drives - the Little Paw Centre which offers a children's programme is available (additional charge). Children under the age of 16 are not permitted on bush walks.
Bush Walks / Walking Safaris
Children under the age of 16 years and guests over the age of 75 years are not permitted on guided walks in the reserve. Regardless of age, guests must be able to walk unassisted in order to join a guided walk. A guided walk can last a couple of hours and involve walking over uneven terrain that may contain dangerous wildlife in potentially high temperatures. Guests may need to move quickly and for a sustained period through rough bush terrain if instructed to do so by their guide.
Regardless of age or the provision of a doctors certificate, the final decision on whether a guest can join a guided walk remains with the guide and lodge manager.
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Karongwe River Lodge Location.
Directions For Drivers
From Johannesburg: Take the N4 motorway towards Mbombela (Nelspruit), passing eMalahleni (Witbank) and Middleburg. Turn left into eMakhazeni (Belfast). Once in eMakhazeni, follow the signs and turn right towards Dullstroom, passing through Mashishing (Lydenburg). Continue on the R36 to Ohrigstad and the JG Strydom Tunnel. Approximately 10 km after the tunnel, turn left onto the R36 towards Tzaneen. The Karongwe Game Reserve is situated on your right.
From Hoedspruit: Head south on Argyle Road (650m), then turn left toward R527 (100m) Turn right toward R527 (140m), turn right onto R527 (31.1 km) and then turn right onto R36 (23.1 km).
General Information For Guests
All rooms are equipped with mini bar stocked with mineral water, tea/coffee making facilities, a hair dryer, safe, air conditioning, and mosquito nets. All rooms have a bath and shower.
The two Presidential Suites have their own private plunge pools.
Private dining can be arranged (subject to availability).
A same day laundry service is available (weather permitting) at an additional cost.
There is complimentary Wi-Fi in the main areas, but limited mobile phone reception.
International adaptors are available in the curio shop to purchase.
All guests are required to settle their account for extras, such as telephone calls, beverages, on departure. This can be done by credit card or cash.
Your rate includes a Rhino Levy, which is essential in the fight against chromalena, poaching, and many other activities that preserve the wildlife heritage of the Karongwe Reserve for future generations to come.
Bush Walks / Walking Safaris
Children under the age of 16 years and guests over the age of 75 years are not permitted on guided walks in the reserve. Regardless of age, guests must be able to walk unassisted in order to join a guided walk. A guided walk can last a couple of hours and involve walking over uneven terrain that may contain dangerous wildlife in potentially high temperatures. Guests may need to move quickly and for a sustained period through rough bush terrain if instructed to do so by their guide.
Regardless of age or the provision of a doctors certificate, the final decision on whether a guest can join a guided walk remains with the guide and lodge manager.
Popular Alternatives to Karongwe River Lodge
These are the top properties booked by people who considered staying at Karongwe River Lodge, but for one reason or another booked a different property. It may have been that Karongwe River Lodge was not available on the nights they wanted to stay, or they decided that somewhere else was better suited to their budget or itinerary.
If you're not sure which place might be best for your own trip then either give us a call or get in touch via the website, and we'd be delighted to run through the options with you.
