Jan
Green seasonWildlife: Summer brings lush landscapes, newborn animals and good birdwatching; days are hot.
Summer brings lush landscapes, newborn animals and good birdwatching; days are hot.
The Homestead
Eastern Cape, South Africa · Private reserve
Photo: Kariega Game Reserve · Source ↗
All inclusive (AI)
All meals, Selected beverages and 8 more
1 room
The Homestead · Sleeps up to 14 guests
All ages welcome
By road
about 100 km from Gqeberha airport (PLZ)
Wi-Fi in rooms
From about A$5,360
per villa / night
Overview
About The Homestead
The Homestead gives one family or group the run of a private safari lodge in Kariega Game Reserve, in the Eastern Cape. Seven en-suite bedrooms accommodate up to 14 guests, with dedicated hosts, a game ranger and a cook. Days can be arranged around the group, with twice-daily game drives, a river cruise and guided bush walks included alongside meals and selected drinks. Between outings, there is a pool, a garden, a bar and lounges with fireplaces, plus an outdoor boma for gathering together. Children of all ages are welcome.
“A good fit for families and friends who want the lodge to themselves, with seven bedrooms, dedicated hosts and a safari schedule shaped around the group.”
Best for
FamiliesGroupsMultigenerational trips
Known for
What you can expect to see
Big FiveLionElephantRhinoBuffaloHippoHyenaGiraffeZebraWildebeestBirdlife
Kariega combines frequent lion, elephant, buffalo and rhino sightings with river scenery and abundant birdlife.
Your stay
What's included
Board: All inclusive (AI)
Included
- All meals
- Selected beverages
- Game drives
- River cruise
- Guided bush walks
- Private hosts
- Game ranger
- Cook
- Dining room
- Overhead fan
- Game drives
- Boat safaris
- Walking safaris
Not included
The nightly conservation and community levy is R250 per adult and R125 per child aged 4 to 12 in 2026, rising to R300 and R150 respectively in 2027. Children aged 0 to 3 pay no levy.
Optional extras (at a cost)
- Transfers
- Laundry
- Gratuities
Transfers, laundry, spa treatments, curio purchases, telephone calls and gratuities are extra. Spa treatments for Homestead guests are at the Main Lodge Wellness Centre.
Facilities
Comforts and facilities
At the property
- Swimming pool
- Bar
- Boma
- Lounge
- Garden
In your room
- Wi-Fi in your room
- En-suite bathroom
- Tea/coffee station
- Safe
- In-room WiFi
Rooms
Where you sleep
Sleeps up to 14 guests
- The Homestead1 at the property · Seven en-suite bedrooms, King-size beds (twin or double), Overhead fans, Private outdoor deck with fireplace, Private outdoor boma, Swimming pool, Pub lounge, Dining room
Activities
Things to do
Included in your stay
Getting there
How you'll arrive
- How you arrive
- By road · about 100 km from Gqeberha airport (PLZ)
- Transfers
- Follow the Main Reception directions for Main Lodge, Ukhozi Lodge and The Homestead. Kariega is an 80-minute drive from Port Elizabeth; road transfers can be arranged at an extra cost.
Good to know
Before you book
- Children
- All ages welcome
- Exclusive use
- Available
- Dietary needs
- Special diets catered for
- Malaria
- Malaria-free area
When to go
Best time to visit
- January: Green season
- February: Green season
- March: Good
- April: Good
- May: Good
- June: Dry season, best game viewing
- July: Dry season, best game viewing
- August: Dry season, best game viewing
- September: Good
- October: Good
- November: Good
- December: Green season
- Dry season, best game viewing
- Good
- Green season
Month-by-month notes
Feb
Green seasonWildlife: Summer brings lush landscapes, newborn animals and good birdwatching; days are hot.
Summer brings lush landscapes, newborn animals and good birdwatching; days are hot.
Mar
GoodWildlife: Autumn has milder weather, thinning vegetation and animals spending more time on the plains.
Autumn has milder weather, thinning vegetation and animals spending more time on the plains.
Apr
GoodWildlife: Autumn has milder weather, thinning vegetation and animals spending more time on the plains.
Autumn has milder weather, thinning vegetation and animals spending more time on the plains.
May
GoodWildlife: Autumn has milder weather, thinning vegetation and animals spending more time on the plains.
Autumn has milder weather, thinning vegetation and animals spending more time on the plains.
Jun
Dry season, best game viewingWildlife: Winter often brings the best game viewing, with cold mornings and evenings.
Winter often brings the best game viewing, with cold mornings and evenings.
Jul
Dry season, best game viewingWildlife: Winter often brings the best game viewing, with cold mornings and evenings.
Winter often brings the best game viewing, with cold mornings and evenings.
Aug
Dry season, best game viewingWildlife: Winter often brings the best game viewing, with cold mornings and evenings.
Winter often brings the best game viewing, with cold mornings and evenings.
Sep
GoodWildlife: Spring brings wildflowers, new growth and pleasant days; warm layers are useful.
Spring brings wildflowers, new growth and pleasant days; warm layers are useful.
Oct
GoodWildlife: Spring brings wildflowers, new growth and pleasant days; warm layers are useful.
Spring brings wildflowers, new growth and pleasant days; warm layers are useful.
Nov
GoodWildlife: Spring brings wildflowers, new growth and pleasant days; warm layers are useful.
Spring brings wildflowers, new growth and pleasant days; warm layers are useful.
Dec
Green seasonWildlife: Summer brings lush landscapes, newborn animals and good birdwatching; days are hot.
Summer brings lush landscapes, newborn animals and good birdwatching; days are hot.
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.