Kariega Game Reserve is a family-owned, Big 5 private game reserve set in South Africa’s Wild Eastern Cape. Perfectly positioned as a South African safari destination, it seamlessly complements a Cape Town stay, a journey along the scenic Garden Route, or travel from anywhere in the country. Spanning 12,000 hectares of pristine African bush with two majestic rivers, the extraordinary beauty and biodiversity of the reserve offer exceptional game viewing and birding, including the Big 5 – all from open safari vehicles with expert guides. This malaria-free Eastern Cape game reserve offers five safari lodges (from 4 to 5-star) namely: Main Lodge & The Homestead (both 4-star lodges), Ukhozi Lodge & River Lodge (both 4-star superior lodges) and Settlers Drift (5-star luxury tented lodge). Each lodge is designed to cater to diverse travel needs while delivering warm hospitality and immersive nature experiences Through the Kariega Foundation, there is a deep commitment to conservation and community advancement, working to protect wildlife, preserve natural ecosystems, and support local communities. Every guest plays a meaningful role in supporting this shared vision for a sustainable future.

Kariega’s landscape spans across five different eco systems, resulting in extremely high game carrying capacities which results in Kariega’s game viewing and birding experience being unsurpassed in the Eastern Cape. Having two major rivers incorporated into the reserve (the Kariega and Bushmans rivers) adds enormous beauty and value, where guests enjoy stunning river cruises, fishing on both rivers and canoeing on the Bushmans River.