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Many travelers wonder how a safari in the Eastern Cape compares to popular safari destinations like the Kruger National Park and Pilanesberg National Park.
Kariega Game Reserve nestles along the famous Garden Route and is family-owned and run. It is the perfect safari destination to combine with a visit to Cape Town or self-drive along the Garden Route.
The 10 000 hectare malaria-free game reserve is home to the famous Big 5 and a number of other incredible animal species such as hippo, hyena, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, eland, kudu, waterbuck and a variety of antelope species.
Kariega Game Reserve features five unique lodges, each offering luxurious accommodation and exceptional facilities. Kariega Settlers Drift is the flagship property at Kariega, boasting ultra-luxurious tented accommodation and a personalized service.
The Experience
Guests to Kariega Game Reserve enjoy early morning and late afternoon game drives in open safari vehicles. Highly skilled rangers share their knowledge of the African bush and the abundant wildlife living on the reserve. With the ability to track wildlife, rangers are able to offer guests up-close encounters with several animal species.
During one of the morning game drives, guests at Kariega Main Lodge, Kariega Ukhozi Lodge and The Homestead enjoy a relaxing cruise down the Kariega river. At Settlers Drift and Kariega River Lodge, guests have an opportunity to enjoy a cruise down the Bushmans river, passing through the quaint village of Kenton-on-Sea and stopping at one of the pristine beaches.
Kariega also offers guided bush walks which offer insight into the various fauna and flora that inhabit the reserve, as well as teach guests how to track animals from their spoors.
Guests to Kariega are welcome to take one of the canoes and paddle down the Kariega or Bushmans rivers. It is a great way to relax and enjoy sightings of various animals and birds that congregate at the water’s edge.
Fishing in the rivers is also one of the activities available to guests and can be done from a boat or canoe.
After a morning in the African bushveld, the Wellness Centre at Kariega Private Game Reserve offers the perfect place to rejuvenate the body, mind and soul. There are a range of treatments and therapies to enjoy.