Situated along the coast, at the end (or beginning) of South Africa’s famous garden route from Cape Town, the Eastern Cape is the second largest of South Africa’s nine provinces. It is the traditional home of the Xhosa people and the birth place of many prominent South Africans including Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki. This hauntingly beautiful region is a remarkably diverse area – ranging from lush evergreen forests to rugged mountains – and incorporating the sunshine coast, with miles of sun-drenched coastline, pristine beaches and warm sparkling ocean dotted with rivers, lagoons and coastal villages.
Frontier country is the inland area considered the historic heartland of the Eastern Cape and embodies the spirit of the many and varied cultures who have influenced this area, including the 1820 Settlers and Xhosa tribes. This region is the fastest growing nature and conservation area in South Africa and offers the best malaria free, big-5 game viewing in the country – and probably the world.
Port Elizabeth is the major city and one of the hosting cities for the 2010, Soccer World Cup. A new deep water harbour, one of the largest construction projects in Africa, has been developed and is expected to give the province a major economic boost. All in all the future of the Eastern Cape looks bright.
RIVER LODGE
Nestled on the banks of the Bushmans River, this 5-star quality lodge comprises 10 superbly appointed thatched suites. The Lodge, which overhangs the river, and is the only lodge in the Eastern Cape situated on a tidal river, offers exclusivity, comfort and spectacular views. Apart from wonderful game viewing, unique features include daily boat trips to the Kenton beaches, excellent river fishing and crabbing. Children over 10 years are welcome
River Lodge is one-of-a-kind. 10 spacious, air conditioned and tastefully appointed thatched suites meander along the banks of the Bushman’s River, offering the most discerning of guests luxurious peace and tranquility. Inside the Lodge guests can find a quiet spot in one of the lounges, page through a book in the library, relax at the pool or take in the view from the magnificent deck which overhangs the river. Unique features include excellent river fishing and crabbing.
Nestled on the banks of the Bushman’s River, this Lodge is unique in that it connects a Big-5 game reserve to the sea. Our optional daily boat cruises ferry our guests through the quaint village of Kenton-on-sea to its picturesque and user friendly beaches.
Lodge Bedrooms
10 spacious, luxuriously appointed, en-suite thatched suites. All air-conditioned with an overhead fan. Guests can relax, viewing game and enjoying the stunning vistas from their private patio.
Room Amenities
• King-size bed (can be made up as twin bed)
• En-suite bathroom
• In-side shower and Ornate bath
• Double vanity basin
• Air-conditioning and overhead fan
• Mini-bar
• Internet connectivity (at reception)
• Safe and telephone
• Private viewing patio
UKHOZI LODGE
A luxury lodge which accommodates 20 guests in 10 superbly appointed suites, each with own plunge pool, with panoramic views from private viewing decks. The Lodge boasts unique African-style lounges, dining area and boma with an outdoor pool. Here guests can unwind in front of warm log fires, enjoy sumptuous cuisine or simply share experiences of the African bush. Children over 10 years are welcome.
Ukhozi Lodge truly captures the romance and intimacy of Africa. Nestled in the bush you will discover 10 superbly appointed air-conditioned luxury suites crafted from log, each with a private plunge pool and deck offering panoramic views of the valley. The Lodge boasts unique African-style lounges, restaurant and boma with an outdoor pool. Here, guests can unwind in front of warm log fires, enjoy sumptuous cuisine or simply share experiences of the African bush.
Lodge Bedrooms
10 luxury, log constructed suites, with a private plunge pool and deck offering panoramic views of the valley. Each suite enjoys a spacious en-suite bathroom and is fully air-conditioned.
Room Amenities
• King-size bed (can be made up as twin bed)
• En-suite bathroom
• In-side shower and generous bath
• Private plunge pool and viewing deck
• Air-conditioning
• Mini-bar
• Internet connectivity (at reception)
• Safe and telephone
KARIEGA MAIN LODGE
Our family friendly Kariega Main Lodge comprises luxurious and spacious log chalets, all en-suite with their own viewing decks and some with private pools. Here you can enjoy complete privacy, spectacular views and intimate contact with nature. Children of all ages are welcome
Kariega Main Lodge offers families, friends and couples a relaxed and friendly environment to enjoy the African bush. All the log chalets are air conditioned, with en-suite bedrooms, and large private viewing decks. Each has a spacious lounge and living area which is great for socializing before retreating to the privacy and comfort of your bedroom. The lodge has been expertly integrated with the surrounding bush to create a natural environment where the guests can enjoy traditional meals in the restaurant or boma, a drink at the bar or a quiet a swim in the pool.
Lodge Bedrooms
21 Log chalets, with large private viewing decks (some with private pools) offering privacy and stunning views of the Kariega River valley. All the log chalets are air-conditioned, with en-suite bedrooms, fire place and satellite TV's.
Chalet Amenities
• King-size bed (can be made up as twin bed)
• En-suite bathroom
• In-side shower and Ornate bat
• Large private viewing deck (some with private pool)
• Air-conditioning
• Bar fridge
• Internet connectivity (at reception)
• Safe and telephone
THE HOMESTEAD
Set in a remote part of the reserve with spectacular views, The Homestead is a private lodge and perfect for a group or family of up to 10 persons, wishing to enjoy a unique safari experience tailored to their own needs. Children of all ages are welcome.
The Homestead is a private lodge which offers its guests all the comfort, convenience and luxury of their own home. With a dedicated game ranger and chef, guests have the flexibility to plan their day according to their own specific needs. The Homestead is set in a remote and private part of the reserve. With five spacious bedrooms, all en suite, a bar, swimming pool, satellite TV, playroom for children and spectacular views, it is the perfect lodge for the sole use of a group or family of up to 10 persons.
The Homestead Bedrooms
• 5 spacious and comfortable bedrooms
• Overhead fans
• En-suite bathrooms with generous showers
• King-size beds (can be made up as twin beds)
The Homestead Amenities
• Pub lounge with satellite TV and fireplace
• Main kitchen
• Presentation kitchen
• Dining room and Lounge with fireplace
• Outdoor boma
• Outdoor patio
• Swimming pool
• Playroom for children
• Laundry Room
• Internet connectivity
• Telephone
Morning and evening game drives with experienced rangers give guests the opportunity of game viewing from open vehicles. Guests can expect to be enthralled with the sightings of lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, leopard, hippo, hyena, giraffe, zebra, eland, kudu, wildebeest, waterbuck and a variety of antelope, as well as a myriad of bird species, including nesting fish, martial and crowned eagles.
At least one game drive will include a boat cruise on the stunning Kariega or Bushmans rivers.
River Cruises
Main Lodge, Ukhozi Lodge, The Homestead:
During one of your morning game drives, you will enjoy a majestic cruise down the Kariega River on the “Kariega Queen”. An abundance of bird and animal life makes for exciting game viewing whilst enjoying the peace and tranquility of this dramatic river valley.
River Lodge:
Our optional daily boat cruises ferry our guests down the Bushman’s River, through the quaint village of Kenton-on-sea to its picturesque and user friendly beaches.
Safari Walk
Kariega offers a variety of well marked hiking trails on the predator-free, eastern River Lodge section of the reserve. This provides our guests with the opportunity of walking safely amongst more than 25 species of game and birdlife.
Mountain Biking
Our more energetic guests can enjoy the freedom of game viewing whilst riding through the African bushveld. Mountain Bikes are readily available and trails are clearly marked.
Canoeing
Take one the canoes for a leisurely paddle down either the Kariega or the Bushman’s rivers and watch in blissful silence as the river birds and animals go about their daily business.
Fishing
Main lodge, Ukhozi Lodge:
Guests are welcome to bring their own fishing equipment for fishing in the magnificent Kariega River.
River Lodge:
River Lodge is perfectly equipped and situated for the keen fisherman. Rods are ready and waiting for guests to fish either from the River Bank, a canoe or a boat. Take your pick!
Golf
For the enthusiastic golfer the Royal Port Alfred and (Gary Player designed) Fish River Sun Golf Courses are, respectively, 25 and 40 minutes away.
Beach
The golden beaches of Kenton-on-sea are less than 15 minutes away. If you plan your trip well, you can be thrilled by combining big-5 game viewing, river fun and beach beauty!
Grahamstown
Kariega is situated in the heart of 1820 Settler Country and offers guest the opportunity of visiting the following local attractions; Grahamstown, Salem, Bathurst and Port Alfred. All hold strong significance in the history of South Africa.
The Kariega Wellness Centre is the perfect place to rest, relax and rejuvenate body, mind and soul. Treat yourself to the luxury and pampering you deserve in beautiful, tranquil surroundings and indulge in our range of treatments and therapies, including various relaxing or energizing massages, facials and the like.
Situated at Kariega Main Lodge (but also available to Ukhozi Lodge guests) the Wellness Centre comprises two treatment rooms and a well equipped gym. Treatments for River Lodge guests are provided in the comfort of their own suite.
