Skip to content

Karongwe River Safari Lodge

Greater Kruger, South Africa · Private reserve

Lodge's own rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Self-declared by the lodge, not an official grade.Lodge
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: Karongwe River Safari Lodge · Source ↗

All inclusive (AI)

Accommodation, Welcome drink and 13 more

11 rooms

Luxury Suite, Family Suite, Executive Suite and 1 more

All ages welcome

Family rooms available

By air

via Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS)

Wi-Fi in rooms

From about A$740

per person / night, sharing

Overview

About Karongwe River Safari Lodge

Karongwe River Safari Lodge is a luxury riverside safari lodge situated on the banks of the Makhutswi River in South Africa's Karongwe Private Game Reserve, part of the Greater Kruger region and the UNESCO-recognised Kruger to Canyons Biosphere. The lodge offers spacious suites with wide decks and river views, gourmet plated meals, and warm hospitality amid a wilderness setting where the Drakensberg Escarpment rises in the distance. It is particularly well suited to honeymoons, small romantic weddings, and family safaris, with guests enjoying Big Five game drives and a variety of optional bush experiences.

Best for

Families

Your stay

What's included

Board: All inclusive (AI)

Included

  • Accommodation
  • Welcome drink
  • All meals
  • Bottled water
  • Snacks
  • Two daily game drives
  • Selected spirits, local beers, wines and soft drinks from the main bar
  • Two sundowner drinks per person on the afternoon safari
  • Reserve fees, except children aged 0–2 and booking-specific exclusions
  • Scheduled Hoedspruit transfers for individuals/groups up to 6 rooms or 12 guests
  • Transfers from the Southern boom gate
  • VAT
  • Bird hide
  • Indoor & outdoor dining
  • Mini fridge
  • Game drives

Optional extras (at a cost)

  • Laundry
  • Gratuities

Facilities

Comforts and facilities

At the property

  • Swimming pool
  • Spa
  • Photographic hide
  • Viewing deck
  • Boma
  • Bar
  • Public WiFi
  • Wheelchair accessible

In your room

  • Wi-Fi in your room
  • Tea and coffee
  • En-suite bathroom
  • Air-conditioning
  • Private deck
  • Tea/coffee station
  • Safe

Rooms

Where you sleep

  • Luxury Suite5 at the property · sleeps 2 adults and 1 child · An extra single bed can be added for one child sharing with two adults, subject to availability. · Private deck, Air-conditioning, Mini fridge, Tea/coffee station, Safe, En-suite bathroom
  • Family Suite2 at the property · One king-size bed and three single beds; minimum three guests. · Private deck, Air-conditioning, Mini fridge, Tea/coffee station, Safe, En-suite bathroom
  • Executive Suite2 at the property · sleeps 2 adults and 1 child · An extra single bed can be added for one child sharing with two adults, subject to availability. · Private deck, Air-conditioning, Mini fridge, Tea/coffee station, Safe, Lounge
  • Presidential Suite2 at the property · sleeps 2 adults · Available as a family option with guests sharing existing beds. · Private deck, Private plunge pool, Air-conditioning, Mini fridge, Tea/coffee station, Safe, Indoor & outdoor lounge

Activities

Things to do

Included in your stay

At extra cost

Getting there

How you'll arrive

  1. Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS)
  2. Transfer
  3. Karongwe River Safari Lodge
How you arrive
By air · via Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS)

Good to know

Before you book

Check-in
From 14:00 until 15:00
Check-out
By 11:00
Children
All ages welcome. Family rooms available
Single travellers
A single supplement applies
Dietary needs
Special diets catered for
Malaria
Low malaria risk

When to go

Best time to visit

  1. January: Green season
  2. February: Green season
  3. March: Green season
  4. April: Good
  5. May: Good
  6. June: Dry season, best game viewing
  7. July: Dry season, best game viewing
  8. August: Dry season, best game viewing
  9. September: Good
  10. October: Good
  11. November: Green season
  12. December: Green season
  • Dry season, best game viewing
  • Good
  • Green season
Month-by-month notes

Jan

Green season

Wildlife: Summer rain keeps the bush lush and wildlife active.

Summer rain keeps the bush lush and wildlife active.

Feb

Green season

Wildlife: Summer rain keeps the bush lush and wildlife active.

Summer rain keeps the bush lush and wildlife active.

Mar

Green season

Wildlife: Summer rain keeps the bush lush and wildlife active.

Summer rain keeps the bush lush and wildlife active.

Apr

Good

Wildlife: Rainfall eases and visibility improves for game viewing.

Rainfall eases and visibility improves for game viewing.

May

Good

Wildlife: Rainfall eases and visibility improves for game viewing.

Rainfall eases and visibility improves for game viewing.

Jun

Dry season, best game viewing

Wildlife: Dry conditions concentrate wildlife at waterholes and shorter grass improves sightings.

Dry conditions concentrate wildlife at waterholes and shorter grass improves sightings.

Jul

Dry season, best game viewing

Wildlife: Dry conditions concentrate wildlife at waterholes and shorter grass improves sightings.

Dry conditions concentrate wildlife at waterholes and shorter grass improves sightings.

Aug

Dry season, best game viewing

Wildlife: Dry conditions concentrate wildlife at waterholes and shorter grass improves sightings.

Dry conditions concentrate wildlife at waterholes and shorter grass improves sightings.

Sep

Good

Wildlife: The bush remains dry, with excellent game viewing.

The bush remains dry, with excellent game viewing.

Oct

Good

Wildlife: The bush remains dry, with excellent game viewing before summer rain.

The bush remains dry, with excellent game viewing before summer rain.

Nov

Green season

Wildlife: Summer rain begins; the bush is lush and wildlife active.

Summer rain begins; the bush is lush and wildlife active.

Dec

Green season

Wildlife: Summer rain keeps the bush lush and wildlife active.

Summer rain keeps the bush lush and wildlife active.

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.
Stayed here?Share your review

Helpful guides

Nearby

Details checked November 2026. Rates and availability are confirmed when you enquire.