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South Africa Kariega River Lodge Outdoor Pool Lights
South Africa Kariega River Lodge Outdoor Pool Lights
Kariega Game Reserve, South Africa

Kariega River Lodge

Kariega River Lodge, set on the banks of the Bushman River, is in an exciting private reserve, brimming with wildlife. Days here whizz by, packed full of adrenaline-pumping activities outdoors, with the lodge itself your tranquil retreat. Kariega River Lodge, set on the banks of the Bushman River, is in an exciting private reserve, brimming with wildlife. Days here whizz by, packed full of adrenaline-pumping activities outdoors, with the lodge itself your tranquil retreat.
Kariega River Lodge, set on the banks of the Bushman River, is in an exciting private reserve, brimming with wildlife. Days here whizz by, packed full of adrenaline-pumping activities outdoors, with the lodge itself your tranquil retreat. Kariega River Lodge, set on the banks of the Bushman River, is in an exciting private reserve, brimming with wildlife. Days here whizz by, packed full of adrenaline-pumping activities outdoors, with the lodge itself your tranquil retreat.
South Africa Kariega River Lodge Exterior

Location

Kariega River Lodge is in the Kariega Game Reserve, a private game reserve in the Eastern Cape that’s also malaria-free. There are five different ecosystems within this 11,500-hectare reserve, along with two major rivers, and consequently, wildlife is plentiful and varied. This is a Big Five reserve, so rhino, buffalo, leopard, lion, and elephant can be found in the area, plus hippo, zebra, giraffe, hyena, and a variety of antelope. Birdwatchers won’t be disappointed either with a wide variety of birds living in the reserve, including the nesting crowned eagle.
South Africa Kariega River Lodge Bedroom

Accommodation

Sitting on the banks of the river, the ten stone suites here are incredibly spacious with thatched roofs and exposed wooden beams. Your well-equipped suite is decorated in calming, neutral tones, and has a large comfortable bed which promises a great night’s sleep after a busy day in the bush.

Huge windows look out onto the peaceful river and serve as a permanent reminder of the beautiful wilderness you’re in. Your en-suite is equally comfortable with a shower, double sink, and ornate standalone bath.
The main area showcases traditional African design and is thatched too. Filled with plush sofas and soft furnishings, there is plenty of space to put your feet up and relax. With delicate lighting and a roaring fire, this is the perfect spot to unwind with a good book in the evening, the large windows bringing the idyllic outside in.

If you’d rather continue your evening outdoors, pull up a chair by the fire pit and enjoy the company of your fellow safari-travellers. Don’t miss the outdoor pool, a splendid spot for cooling off on a warm afternoon - or, take a dip early morning admiring the misty views of the river and hills beyond.
South Africa Kariega River Lodge Lounge Fireplace
South Africa Kariega River Lodge Outdoor Pool
South Africa Kariega River Lodge Fire Pit
South Africa Kariega River Lodge Bathroom

Experiences

  • Join your guide for an early morning game drive, immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of African bush and watching the wildlife up close.
  • Get even closer to the intricacies of this incredible reserve on a guided safari walk, admiring the area’s every detail.
  • There’s nothing quite like cruising down a peaceful river, enjoying the views of the river valley, a glass of something cool in hand - you can even finish your cruise here with some time at the nearby beaches!
  • Jump into one of the lodge’s canoes for a peaceful trip down the river, with nothing between you and the river birds and animals.
  • When you really want to relax, indulge in some treatments at the lodge’s spa.
South Africa Kariega River Lodge Game Drive Lions
South Africa Kariega River Lodge River Cruise
South Africa Kariega River Lodge Walking Safari
South Africa Kariega River Lodge Family Sharing Drinks River

Perfect for Older Families

River Lodge welcomes families with children aged ten plus and with plenty of exciting activities on offer, it’s the perfect place to visit to reconnect with one another in the wilderness. Older families will love walking in the bush together, learning about the area’s fascinating wildlife in more detail, soaking up the unique sights and sounds of the reserve.

While away an afternoon fishing together or taking a leisurely kayak on the tranquil waters. There’s no way you could feel bored here!

Positive Impact

We prioritise working with properties that collaborate with local communities and address location-specific needs from education to anti-poaching. We assess our partners to ensure the people we work with share our values of ensuring our trips continue to act as a force for good. Here we share some of the positive impacts your stay here contributes to.We prioritise working with properties that collaborate with local communities and address location-specific needs from education to anti-poaching. We assess our partners to ensure the people we work with share our values of ensuring our trips continue to act as a force for good. Here we share some of the positive impacts your stay here contributes to.

Conservation
Conservation
The reserve’s not-for-profit trust, the Kariega Foundation, works to preserve and protect local habitats and wildlife. This includes various programmes, including initiatives to protect lion, cheetah, rhino, and elephant specifically. Habitat extension is also a large part of their work, expanding the reserve by 1,500 hectares back in 2023. This additional habitat helps to support breeding programmes and provides much needed wildlife corridors.
Community
Community
The foundation also works within the community on several projects in a wide range of areas. For example, one project involves working alongside a local school to provide transport, resources, and training, whilst another facilitates access to computers and IT training for children. There’s a community gardening project too, which promotes sustainable food sources, as well as fully-funded training in various fields such as hospitality, guiding, ranging, teaching and IT.
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