PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS:
- Located in a remote and untouched part of the Kariega wilderness, Settlers Drift offers a unique tented safari combined with 5-star luxury. The lodge consists of 9 spacious tented suites, each with stunning views and secluded viewing decks.
- Gazing down from the decks overlooking the Bushman’s River, it feels as if time has stood still since the last feet to have touched this remote valley were those of the 1820 Settlers as they guided their wagons across the river. The luxuriously appointed and perfectly positioned tented lodge delivers the ultimate guest experience.
- Surrounded by riverine forest, valley bushveld and fynbos, the lodge provides discerning travellers with a wilderness luxury hideaway amidst resplendent views.
- Here, each day begins with a morning safari in the legendary South African bush and concludes with an evening safari when lions hunt and families of grazing hippos emerge. Complement the safari experience with boat cruises and kayaking down the Kariega River for bird watching, elegant sundowners, and lively conversation around the deck’s fire pit.
- Prepare for an action-packed day or, alternatively, recover from one at the pristine swimming pool and sun deck overlooking the lush landscape or with a relaxing spa treatment.
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.
An abundance of bird and animal life makes for exciting game viewing whilst enjoying the peace and tranquility of the dramatic river valley. Guests can enjoy a majestic cruise down the Kariega river or the Bushmans river, through the quaint village of Kenton-on-Sea and to its picturesque beaches.
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.
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, Settlers Drift is heavenly retreat. Reached by boat or by road, 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.
Each opulent tented suite is completely private; they’ve been spaced out at around 100 metres from one another so you’ll feel like you have the place to yourself. They have a large bedroom, living area and en suite under its billowing tented roof. There’s an open-plan bathroom with a bath and semi-outdoor rain shower and a a well-stocked minibar and a log burner for cosy nights in. With the tented sides easily lifted, you can enjoy the wonders of the African bush from the indulgent surrounds of your room. As the sun sets and the nocturnal wildlife of the plains begin to stir, step out on deck to listen to the sounds of the Kariega Game Reserve by night.
Jutting out of the rolling green hills are nine spacious and seamless tented suites styled with natural color palettes and accents of repurposed wood. Inside, there is a rare feeling of being simultaneously enveloped in luxury and surrounded by rugged natural beauty, with secluded viewing decks overlooking the Bushman’s River, indoor and outdoor showers, and a free-standing contemporary tub, all with full panoramic views of the area and the frequent visitors of giraffe and zebra. A personal wood burning stove, air conditioning, and ceiling fan only add to the feeling of indulgence in the bush.
Luxury Tented Safari Suites
9 spacious tented suites (110m²) – each with an opulent bedroom and living area, full bathroom, indoor/outdoor shower, mini-bar and private viewing deck.
The main lodge at Kariega Settlers Drift is beautifully constructed from stone and timber and hosts a long and strikingly crafted communal dining table, firmly situated next to the medieval fireplace—the site of sumptuous meals and social exchanges.
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.
Main Restaurant, Bar & Lounge
Boma Dining
Bush Picnics
Prepare for an action-packed day or, alternatively, recover from one at the pristine swimming pool and sun deck overlooking the lush landscape or with a relaxing spa treatment. Here, each day begins with a morning safari in the legendary South African bush and concludes with an evening safari when lions hunt and families of grazing hippos emerge. Complement the safari experience with boat cruises and kayaking down the Kariega River for bird watching, elegant sundowners, and lively conversation around the deck’s fire pit.
Pool
Settler’s Drift provides an infinity pool with superb views for afternoon laps
Spa
The Wellness Centre at Kariega Private Game Reserve 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 Main Lodge, the Wellness Centre is also ideally positioned to service guests from Ukhozi Lodge and the Homestead. The centre includes two treatment rooms. A gym is located separately at the Main Lodge. Treatments for River Lodge and Settlers Drift guests are available in the spa at each lodge.
Boat Safari
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
Year round destination
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