Kariega Main Lodge

• Kariega Main Lodge is family friendly with game drives for younger children.
• Diverse range of other activities – bush walks, river cruises, canoeing.
• Choice of one, two or three bedroom log chalets. So perfect for families of all sizes.
• Sandy beaches of Kenton on Sea close by.

The malaria-free Big 5 private game reserve of Kariega is set in the pristine wilderness of the Kariega River Valley in the Eastern Cape. The picturesque Kariega and Bushmans Rivers are its borders. Covering 10,000ha of beautiful and diverse bushveld, Kariega offers abundant game. This includes lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, hippo, hyena, giraffe, zebra and numerous antelope species.

As well as morning and evening open vehicle game drives with experienced rangers, Kariega  Main Lodge offers bush walks.  (But this is only possible for children of 16 years upwards.) And other diverse activities including river cruises on the delightful African Queen, kayaking, and birding. The nearby sandy beaches of Kenton-on-Sea are less than 15 minutes drive away for swimming and horse-riding on the beach.

Kariega Main Lodge is the original lodge on the Kariega Game Reserve and offers spacious and comfortable one, two or three bedroom log chalets. All are en-suite, with air-conditioning, private viewing decks. And some even have private pools. Each chalet has a sitting room, fireplace, and portable braai (barbecue) facilities. Fine traditional meals are provided in the architectural restaurant or boma. This expertly integrates with nature outside and radiates an informal, friendly and relaxed atmosphere. There’s also a large swimming pool and a boma.

Children at Kariega

Kariega Main Lodge is particularly child-friendly given its multi-bedroomed chalet accommodation. Kariega's reserve is unique in that it is divided into two parts. One side of the reserve has predators and one doesn't. In practical terms it means that younger children of 5 years can join in game drives. (But whether they can be taken to sightings of the more dangerous predators  is at the rangers’ discretion.)

They offer a programme of children's safari activities during the middle part of the day. Activities include short nature walks, making moulds of tracks, wildlife survival skills, indoor games and wildlife quizzes. This allows some leisure time for adults as well.

The sheer range of activities is also very appealing for active children with kayaking, fly fishing and even swimming in the river. And the beaches of Kenton on sea are also only 15 minutes drive away. So if you want to mix safari activities with beach time, Kariega is perfect. (This is South Africa summer months only!)

Other Lodges on Kariega Game Reserve

Kariega River Lodge (4 star)

Kariega Settlers Lodge (5 star)

The Homestead on Kariega

Kariega Ukhozi Lodge (4 star)