Travel Kuoni

 Kariega Game Reserve - Kariega Settlers Drift 

Tented luxury

Kariega Settlers Drift is set in a remote landscape of untouched wilderness, overlooking the Bushman’s River.

This family-owned lodge was named after the early settlers of the 1820s who crossed the Bushman's River with their wagons. Today, guests can explore the Bushman’s River in more comfort on a safari boat cruise. This is one of the best ways to search for just some of the 350 bird species identified in the reserve. Twice-daily game drives in open vehicles take you across the five different ecosystems where you may encounter lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and, if you are very lucky, the elusive leopard. Other species include giraffe, hippo, hyena and zebra.

Settlers Drift has a swimming pool and guests can use the spa and gym located at Main Lodge.

Why we love Kariega Game Reserve - Kariega Settlers Drift

  • From the main deck there are wonderful views over the open plains where you may be fortunate to see elephant, giraffe, zebra, ostrich and warthog

  • You can go in search of wildlife in a variety of ways - on foot, by vehicle or by boat

  • After your evening game drive, meet fellow guests around the fire pit and listen to the nocturnal sounds of nature

  • Your luxury tent has a cosy wood burner, perfect for cooler evenings

5 stars
Kariega Settlers Drift is situated within the 11,500-hectare Kariega Game Reserve
It’s just a 10-minute drive from Kenton-on Sea and 30 minutes from historic Grahamstown and a 1-hour 20-minute drive from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) Airport
Safari, Honeymoon

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Our travel savvy team's top tips and insight to the places we visit

Rhino conservation at Kariega

Kariega Game Reserve has a dedicated Anti-Poaching and K9 unit and guests may be able to meet some of the team to learn about the vital work they do. The Anti-Poaching Team patrol the reserve on foot and on horseback. Another important role of the team is to educate and so they give talks in schools and demonstrate how they work with the dogs.

Safari activities at Kariega Game Reserve

Guest visiting Kariega Game Reserve are blessed to have 11,500 hectares to explore and a diversity of ecosystems from riverine forests to open grasslands. You will travel in open vehicles early morning and late afternoon to go in search of the Big Five. Between game drives there are a range of other activities guests can enjoy to discover the wildlife including guided bush walks, river cruises and canoeing.

Bush walk and boat cruise at Kariega Game Reserve

One of the special features of Kariega Game Reserve is they can offer guests boat cruises on the Bushman and Kariega Rivers. Taking a cruise on the river is a peaceful experience and a great way to see the wildlife from a different perspective. The bird life is prolific. Dependent on the time of the cruise, you can stop for a morning coffee or a gin and tonic as the sun sets, the perfect time to reflect on your beautiful surroundings.

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Facilities

  • Restaurants & bars
  • Board
  • Spas & wellness
  • Activities
  • Sustainability

After an early morning game drive you will return to the lodge for brunch. Afternoon tea is served before the evening game drive where sundowner drinks are served out on safari. Return to the lodge for your evening meal which is served either in the restaurant or outside in the boma.

What's Included

All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), conservation levy, selected beverages (local brands), morning and afternoon game drives, guided bush walk and river cruises.

Between safari activities, massages are available at the spa sala.

Explore the reserve on twice-daily game drive. Walking safaris and canoe safaris bring you closer to nature, particular the prolific bird life. River cruises and specialist photographic safaris can also be arranged.

Conservation is a key feature of Kariega and a levy per guest per night supports many local communities and an anti-poaching unit.

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