Depart from your Port Elizabeth hotel or the airport late morning and head east along the N2 and R72 in the direction of Kenton on Sea. There are two main gates at Kariega for each of the 5 separate lodges, so please make sure you arrive at the correct one (we can arrange private transfers to make it easier if you wish, see rates below).
Upon arrival at the reserve, sign in at reception before being transferred to your lodge to relax in the lounge or enjoy a swim in the pool. Once checked into your room around 2:00pm, freshen up, enjoy some lunch and prepare for your 3 hour evening game drive starting at 3:00 pm in the winter and around 4:00 pm in the summer months. Home to the ‘Big Five’ as well as many species of mammals, reptiles and birds, prepare for an amazing experience. Using all their senses & experience, your Ranger will seek out the animals and stop for anything of interest, possibly the spoor of hunting lions or a herd of African elephants. Sunset time is enjoyed on a vantage point with some sundowners and snacks, before we change into night mode and using flashlights, search for the secretive nocturnal creatures of the bush like a sleek genet or unforgettable view of a leopard. Upon returning to the Lodge, a blazing fire and yummy dinner awaits, along with your first night’s sleep in the African bush.
Kariega’s landscape and topography is arguably the most beautiful of all the Eastern Cape game reserves, resulting in stunning views and vistas. Having two major rivers incorporated into the reserve (the Kariega and Bushmans rivers) also adds enormous beauty and value. Kariega Game Lodge also enjoys extremely high game carrying capacities which results in their game viewing and birding experience being exceptional. The amazing story of rhino poaching survivor, Thandi, and the birth in January of her first calf, Thembi, has captivated the world and has been an inspiration to many.
Today, Kariega Game Lodge is an internationally renowned Big 5 private game reserve set in 10,000 hectares of pristine African wilderness incorporating the picturesque Kariega and Bushmans river, just 10 minutes from Kenton-on-Sea and 80 minutes from Port Elizabeth.
Enjoy an early 3 hour morning game drive with your experienced game ranger, pursuing the animals not yet ticked off your list.
After your game activity you will return to the lodge for breakfast before check out around 10:00am for your onward journey or return private transfer back to Port Elizabeth hotel or airport (if included).
