PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS:
- This beautiful Big Five reserve is situated in a remote part of the Kariega Game Reserve, in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. Its name is inspired by the Kariega river, which flows through the region and provides nourishment for a vast variety of wildlife.
- This heavenly reserve is both a family friendly destination as well as a honeymoon paradise which offers malaria-free Big Five game-viewing.
- Twice-daily game drives provide guests with sightings of 25 different game species including the Big 5.
- Nine luxury tented suites feature a spacious bedroom and living area, indoor as well as outdoor shower, and a private viewing deck.
- Plenty of privacy for honeymooners.
- Spectacular views of the plains.
- Diverse range of activities – bush walks, river cruises, canoeing, fishing, paddling on the Bushman’s River.
- Sandy beaches of Kenton on Sea only 15 mins away.
EXCLUSIVE LUXE VOYAGER VIP BENEFITS & BEST PRICE
We negotiate rates & benefits for our clients directly with the hotels’ senior management. Our rates match or in many cases are lower than the best online rate for the property. Our clients also enjoy a suite of extra VIP privileges and recognition while staying at a partner hotel.
- Complimentary room upgrade on arrival.
- Daily complimentary buffet breakfast for two.
- Up to $100 dining or spa credit per stay, and or in-house dining / spa discounts.
- Welcome amenities (wine/chocolates/fruit) and card from the GM.
- Complimentary private airport transfers.
- Complimentary roll-away bed if required.
- Early check-in and late check-out.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi.
- Enhanced recognition through VIP status at all touch points in the guest experience.
A complete or partial suite of VIP benefits will be offered, subject to the property T&C, including availability, category of room & length of stay.
ACTIVITIES:
Experience the ultimate in luxury safari holidays at the beautiful 10,000 hectare Kariega Private Game Reserve in malaria-free Eastern Cape, South Africa. Prepare to be captivated by close-up viewing of the Big 5 – lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard as well as a multitude of other African wild game and bird species.
At Kariega, everything revolves around our twice-daily safari drives – the close-up encounters with African wildlife are the centre of guests’ unforgettable safari holiday. Our 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 heartwarming social interactions of an elephant herd.
Kariega Game Reserve is the perfect setting for exciting safari holidays, with abundant game and spectacular viewing. Apart from lion and elephant, the game reserve is home to the other three members of the Big 5 – rhino, buffalo and leopard. Other species abound such as hippo, hyena, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, eland, kudu, waterbuck and a variety of other antelope, as well as a myriad of bird species including the nesting crowned eagle, martial and fish eagles.
The game reserve is bordered in the east and west by the vast and dramatic Kariega and Bushmans river valleys. On safari drives you will explore many different habitats highlighting five different ecosystems – valley bushveld, savannah grasslands, fynbos, riverine forests and acacia woodland. The awe-inspiring African landscape will captivate your senses and the trees, grasses and plants of the Eastern Cape will divulge their secrets. Sometimes it is the hidden secrets of the bush which guests most treasure as memories of their safari holidays, the amazing intricacy of a spider’s web or the monumental work of a dung beetle. There is never a dull moment on safari drives; you never know what African bush experience awaits around the next corner.
At Kariega Game Reserve there are a number of walking trails that guests can enjoy with their ranger. Guided safari walks allow guests to experience the feel of the African bush and enjoy watching wildlife and birds on foot.
Settlers Drift is located on the Bushman’s River and is a great place for fishing.
The Bushman’s River provides a great river safari option. Guests can enjoy exquisite scenery and enchanting birdlife including the Crowned, Martial and African Fish Eagles. Guests to Settlers Drift can choose to arrive and depart by boat too
An abundance of bird and animal life makes for exciting game viewing whilst enjoying the peace and tranquility of the dramatic river valley. During one of the morning game drives, guests at Main Lodge, Ukhozi Lodge and The Homestead can enjoy a majestic cruise down the Kariega river. At River Lodge, an optional daily boat cruise takes guests down the Bushmans river, through the quaint village of Kenton-on-Sea and to its picturesque beaches. Settlers Drift guests can also enjoy boat cruises on the Bushmans river.
Take one the canoes for a leisurely paddle down either the Kariega or the Bushmans rivers and watch in blissful silence as the river birds and animals go about their daily business..
Chat with one of our expert travel designers today to begin planning your perfect vacation
Call: +852 9465 4577
Email: travel@theluxevoyager.com
In a remote valley overlooking the Bushman’s River in the Eastern Cape, Settlers Drift is the newest luxe heavenly retreat in Kariega Game Reserve, which contains four other properties – Main Lodge, Ukhozi Lodge, River Lodge and The Homestead, each with its own character. Reached by boat or by the winding road that was carefully cleared with the aim of removing the fewest number of trees possible, this secluded pocket of the wildlife-rich Eastern Cape is as exclusive as it gets. There are just nine luxury tented suites, each with a beautiful modern design in a stunning setting, and game drives are more intimate. There are just six seats per vehicle, and you’ll have binoculars to share as well as blankets and ponchos to keep you warm on chilly morning drives.
The lodge has spacious lounges, a bar and an outdoor fire pit on the viewing deck, offering plenty of opportunities to get to know your small number of fellow guests. At meals, the wine is free-flowing and you can expect an exceptional level of service that’s both attentive and relaxed. If you can peel yourself away from your luxurious tented suite, there’s an infinity pool for afternoon laps, a wine cellar and a sala for decadent spa treatments.
The spacious, air-conditioned chalets feature a private viewing deck offering views of the valley and bush. Each chalet has a lounge area, flat-screen satellite TV, fireplace and tea-and-coffee-making facilities. The private bathrooms include either a shower or bath and free toiletries are provided.
Luxury Safari Tent/ Suite
Private tented suites (each 110m²) – each with an opulent bedroom and living area, full bathroom, indoor/outdoor shower, mini-bar, stunning views and private viewing deck. Rates include all meals, beverages, safari drive twice daily & river cruises..
Main Lodge
Accommodated in air-conditioned log chalets, this Eastern Cape lodge is ideal for couples, families and friends. The lodge consists of 21 en-suite chalets, each with a lounge and living area, a private viewing deck and some with a private pool.
The Ukhozi Lodge
Ukhozi Lodge consists of 10 luxury suites crafted from log and offering panoramic views from the private decks. Each suite, decorated in an African style, has an en-suite bathroom, private plunge pool and air-conditioning. The lodge boasts an outdoor pool built of natural rocks and a place for log fires in cool evenings. Children over 10 years of age are welcome.
River Lodge
River Lodge comprises 10 thatched suites accommodating a maximum of 20 guests. Each suite has an en-suite bathroom with ornate bath and spacious shower, air-conditioning, ceiling fans and mini bar. This lodge sweeps down the Bushmans River and offers unsurpassed hospitality, cuisine and luxury combined with spectacular views of the river. Children over 10 years of age are welcome.
Settlers Drift
The remote tented suites at Settlers Drift offer unparalleled views of the wilderness from their private viewing decks. The 9 air-conditioned suites each have an en-suite bathroom as well as an outdoor shower. Each tented suite has a living area and a range of amenities, and boasts views of the Bushman’s River.
The Homestead
The Homestead is an old farmhouse accommodating guests in 7 en-suite bedrooms. A children’s’ playroom, bar and satellite television make it suitable for the whole family. The private swimming pool as well as the exquisite view of the reserve are added to your exclusive safari vacation in the Eastern Cape. Your dedicated hostess, chef and game ranger ensure every comfort of your luxurious safari experience. Children of all ages are welcome.
Each lodge at the magnificent Kariega Game Reserve, South Africa, features its own restaurant which serves all-inclusive meals to the guests. Meals include tea, snacks, full breakfasts/brunch and al fresco evening meals.
Morning and evening game drives, guided bush walks, river cruises and canoeing, river fishing, restaurant dining and boma, library, rim-flow pool, spacious decks, Wi-Fi in suites and main lodge area, spa treatments*, curio shop*
Pool
Settler’s Drift provides an infinity pool for afternoon laps.
Kids Club
Welcome to Main Lodge at Kariega Game Reserve. Children are very important people and we take great care in giving them the best experience ever. After all, happy children make a happy family! Our tailor-made children’s programme is mainly about having fun but we also believe your children should be inspired, excited, educated and exhilarated at the same time
Spa
The Kariega Wellness Centre is the perfect place to rest, relax and rejuvenate body, mind and soul. Situated at Main Lodge (but also available to Ukhozi and The Homestead 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. The range of treatments and therapies include various relaxing or energizing massages, facials and the like.The Wellness Centre at Kariega Game Reserve, South Africa, provides pampering treatments in beautiful, tranquil surroundings.Spa treatments on offer include various relaxing or energising massages, facials and unisex treatments. The Wellness Centre is situated at the Kariega Main Lodge and serves all the lodges. Two spa treatment rooms and a gym can be found at the resort while River Lodge guests may enjoy spa treatments provided for them in the comfort of their suites.
Area & Location
Area, Country
Eastern Cape, South Africa
Nearest Airport
Port Elizabeth International Airport
Local Currency
South African Rand (ZAR)
Time Change
GMT +2:00
Language
Afrikaans, English
Best time to go
Best visited between September through May
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