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If you're looking for a specific style of holiday, we've got you covered. Our range of travel types includes honeymoons, family breaks and solo travel, as well as specialist trips focused on wellness, wildlife-watching and lots more.
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Kariega Game Reserve – Main Lodge
Family-friendly safaris
A relaxed and friendly lodge ideal for families or groups.
Kariega Main Lodge sits at the heart of the malaria-free Kariega Game Reserve in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. A popular extension to the Garden Route, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a safari experience. Children of all ages are welcome at Main Lodge and each day there is a host of activities to keep all members of the family entertained.
Twice-daily game drives go in search of the Big Five, whilst river cruises and bush walks bring you closer to the prolific bird life of this region. There is a children’s programme, with educational interpretive walks to identify animal tracks, plants and insects. Beyond the safari experience, the golden beaches of Kenton-on-Sea are just a short drive away.
Why we love Kariega Game Reserve – Main Lodge
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Children love the nature-based activities and can work towards receiving their Junior Ranger Certificate
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It's a great place to stay if you are self-driving as each of the log cabins has its own parking space
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For a change of scenery, Kenton-on-Sea is a great beach destination and just a 10-minute drive from the lodge
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When you are not on safari you can use the gym, take a dip in the pool or relax in the Wellness Centre
Unique experiences
Rhino conservation at Kariega
Kariega Game Reserve has a dedicated Anti-Poaching and K9 unit and guests may be able to meet some of the team to learn about the vital work they do. The Anti-Poaching Team patrol the reserve on foot and on horseback. Another important role of the team is to educate and so they give talks in schools and demonstrate how they work with the dogs.
Photographic safari at Kariega Game Reserve
There is something quite special when the sun starts to rise and the light is just perfect for some early-morning photography. Join a guided photographic safari and learn how to capture the moment during wildlife encounters. Seeing an animal in the perfect light, set against the beauty of the reserve is a wonderful way to experience Kariega.
Safari activities at Kariega Game Reserve
Guest visiting Kariega Game Reserve are blessed to have 11,500 hectares to explore and a diversity of ecosystems from riverine forests to open grasslands. You will travel in open vehicles early morning and late afternoon to go in search of the Big Five. Between game drives there are a range of other activities guests can enjoy to discover the wildlife including guided bush walks, river cruises and canoeing.
Bush walk and boat cruise at Kariega Game Reserve
One of the special features of Kariega Game Reserve is they can offer guests boat cruises on the Bushman and Kariega Rivers. Taking a cruise on the river is a peaceful experience and a great way to see the wildlife from a different perspective. The bird life is prolific. Dependent on the time of the cruise, you can stop for a morning coffee or a gin and tonic as the sun sets, the perfect time to reflect on your beautiful surroundings.
Rooms
Main Lodge has 24 spacious log chalets, each with a large private deck overlooking the Kariega River and surrounding wildlife-rich landscape. Each chalet has a separate lounge making it an ideal choice for families. The air-conditioned bedrooms have en suite bathrooms with shower and bath.
There are 9 One-Bedroomed log chalets which are ideal for couples. Each has a private viewing deck, some of which have private pools.
- air-conditioning in bedroom area only
- tea and coffee facilities
- lounge and living area
- private deck
- Wi-Fi in main lodge
The Three-Bedroomed Chalets can sleep up to six guests and are a popular choice for families.
- air-conditioning in bedroom area only
- tea and coffee facilities
- lounge and living area
- private deck
- Wi-Fi
Facilities
Buffet meals are served in the restaurant or outdoors under the stars in the boma.
What's Included
All meals • Twice daily game drives and a range of other activities
For those seeking some pampering between the many game activities, there is a wellness centre. A gym and swimming pool are available for those feeling a little more energetic.
Game drives, walking safaris and river safaris are just some of the many activities available here. Children have their own dedicated range of activities on the Kids on Safari programme.
Through the Kariega Foundation, this family-owned lodge prides itself on its conservation and community projects. To preserve this area and its wildlife for future generations, a levy per guest per night supports many local enterprises and an anti-poaching unit.
From 11.00am to 2.00pm the children’s centre is open where the ‘kiddies coordinator’ arranges a host of activities for the younger members of the family. There's a guided trail within the lodge grounds where children can learn about the plant and insect life of the reserve. They can take plaster casts of animal tracks and, after a fun test, they will receive a Junior Ranger certificate.
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All Hotels in Eastern Cape Game Reserves
- Eastern Cape Game Reserves
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Sitting right on the banks of the Bushman's river, the air-conditioned thatched suites of the homely Kariega Game Reserve River Lodge offer guests a truly intimate and immersive experience.
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Kariega Settlers Drift is set in a remote landscape of untouched wilderness, overlooking the Bushman’s River.
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Long Lee Manor lies at the heart of Shamwari Private Game Reserve in South Africa’s Eastern Cape and is a perfect extension to a tour of the Garden Route.
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Riverdene Family Safari Lodge has been specifically designed to ensure that families may enjoy a safe safari experience.
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Look for wildlife from your private plunge pool at Shamwari’s Sindile Safari Lodge.
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Call us on 0800 294 9706
Monday: 10am - 5pm
Tuesday: 10am - 5pm
Wednesday: 10am - 5pm
Thursday: 10am - 5pm
Friday: 10am - 5pm
Saturday: 10am - 2pm
Sunday: Closed