Jan
GoodWildlife: Year-round game viewing.
Game viewing continues year-round. January and February are the hottest months.
Kariega River Lodge
Eastern Cape, South Africa · Private reserve
Official rating: 4 out of 5 stars, graded by Tourism Grading Council of South AfricaLodge
Mid-range · How we rate: Explore Africa level, based on the typical lowest nightly rate per person sharing: Value under A$400, Mid-range A$400 to A$899, Luxury A$900 to A$1,799, Ultra-luxury A$1,800 or more.
How we rate
Explore Africa level, based on the typical lowest nightly rate per person sharing: Value under A$400, Mid-range A$400 to A$899, Luxury A$900 to A$1,799, Ultra-luxury A$1,800 or more.
Photo: Kariega Game Reserve · Source ↗
All inclusive (AI)
All meals, Selected beverages and 8 more
10 rooms
River Lodge Suite
Children 10 and over
By air
1 hr 20 min from Port Elizabeth Airport
Wi-Fi in rooms
From about A$820
per person / night, sharing
Overview
About Kariega River Lodge
Kariega River Lodge sits beside the Bushmans River in the Eastern Cape, with ten thatched suites and a shared deck over the water. Twice-daily game drives explore a private reserve that is home to the Big Five, while boat trips link the lodge with the beaches of Kenton-on-Sea. Canoeing, fishing and guided bush walks add variety between drives. Back at the lodge, there is a pool, library and spa, and each air-conditioned suite has a private patio. All meals and selected drinks are included. Children aged ten and over are welcome.
“A small riverside lodge for couples who want more than game drives: beach trips by boat, canoeing and quiet time on the shared deck make a varied safari stay.”
Best for
HoneymoonersLeisureFirst safari
Known for
What you can expect to see
Big FiveHippoHyenaGiraffeZebra
Combine Big Five game drives with river activities and boat trips to the beaches of Kenton-on-Sea.
Your stay
What's included
Board: All inclusive (AI)
Special offer: Save 15% on stays of three or more nights arriving from 1 May to 31 July 2027. This offer cannot be combined with other specials.
Included
- All meals
- Selected beverages
- Game drives
- River cruises
- Guided bush walks
- Fishing
- Canoeing
- Beach trips by boat
- Complimentary mini-bar
- Private patio
- Game drives
- Boat safaris
- Walking safaris
Not included
- Gratuities
The conservation and community levy is extra: R250 per adult per night in 2026 and R300 in 2027. Children aged 10 to 12 pay R125 in 2026 and R150 in 2027.
Optional extras (at a cost)
- Transfers
- Laundry
Transfers, laundry, spa treatments, telephone calls and curio purchases cost extra.
Facilities
Comforts and facilities
At the property
- Swimming pool
- Spa
- Library
- Viewing deck
- Lounge
In your room
- Wi-Fi in your room
- En-suite bathroom
- Air-conditioning
- Mini bar
- Tea/coffee station
- In-room WiFi
- Safe
Rooms
Where you sleep
- River Lodge Suite10 at the property · Extra bed for a third guest on request; ages 10 to 16 pay 50% of the adult sharing rate. · King-size bed, En-suite bathroom, Air-conditioning, Private patio, Mini bar, Tea and coffee facilities, In-room WiFi, Safe
Activities
Things to do
Included in your stay
Getting there
How you'll arrive
- Port Elizabeth Airport
- 1 hr 20 min transfer
- Kariega River Lodge
- How you arrive
- By air · 1 hr 20 min from Port Elizabeth Airport
- Transfers
- From Port Elizabeth, follow the N2 towards Grahamstown, then the R72 towards Kenton-on-Sea and Port Alfred. The River Lodge turnoff is signposted 15 km beyond Alexandria.
Good to know
Before you book
- Children
- Ages 10 and over
- Single travellers
- A single supplement applies
- Dietary needs
- Special diets catered for
- Malaria
- Malaria-free area
When to go
Best time to visit
- January: Good
- February: Good
- March: Good
- April: Good
- May: Good
- June: Good
- July: Good
- August: Good
- September: Good
- October: Good
- November: Good
- December: Good
- Good
Month-by-month notes
Feb
GoodWildlife: Year-round game viewing.
Game viewing continues year-round. January and February are the hottest months.
Mar
GoodWildlife: Year-round game viewing.
Game viewing continues year-round, with morning and afternoon drives.
Apr
GoodWildlife: Year-round game viewing.
Game viewing continues year-round, with morning and afternoon drives.
May
GoodWildlife: Year-round game viewing.
Game viewing continues year-round. Pack warm layers for the cooler months from May to September.
Jun
GoodWildlife: Year-round game viewing.
Game viewing continues year-round. June and July are the coldest months; pack warm layers for early starts and evenings.
Jul
GoodWildlife: Year-round game viewing.
Game viewing continues year-round. June and July are the coldest months; pack warm layers for early starts and evenings.
Aug
GoodWildlife: Year-round game viewing.
Game viewing continues year-round. Pack warm layers for the cooler months from May to September.
Sep
GoodWildlife: Year-round game viewing.
Game viewing continues year-round. Pack warm layers for the cooler months from May to September.
Oct
GoodWildlife: Year-round game viewing.
Game viewing continues year-round, with morning and afternoon drives.
Nov
GoodWildlife: Year-round game viewing.
Game viewing continues year-round, with morning and afternoon drives.
Dec
GoodWildlife: Year-round game viewing.
Game viewing continues year-round, with morning and afternoon drives.
How we judge each month
- Dry season, best game viewingAmong this property's strongest months for conditions, access and key experiences.
- GoodVery favourable conditions for this property and its key experiences.A generally good time to stay, with some normal seasonal compromises.
- Green seasonWorkable for specific priorities, with notable seasonal compromises.The property operates, but seasonal conditions bring substantial trade-offs.
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Details checked November 2026. Rates and availability are confirmed when you enquire.