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Kariega Main Lodge

Our rating

8/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Hillside setting with panoramic views
- Malaria-free, Big 5 reserve
- Pool, spa, gym, river cruises, game drives
- Competitively priced accommodation

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Overview

Kariega Main Lodge is a substantial, family-run property located within the private Kariega Game Reserve in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. The lodge sits perched on a hillside, with sweeping views of verdant woodland, savannah, and riverine forest. Spanning an extensive 10,000 hectares, the reserve is home to abundant wildlife including the big 5, zebra, hippo, and giraffe, and over 280 species of birds. Offering 21 comfortable chalets, a restaurant, pool, and spa, the lodge is a great lower-cost option for travellers, and it has the advantage of being malaria-free.

Communal areas comprise a spacious restaurant, bar, and viewing platform with superb panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. There is a gym and onsite spa offering massages and beauty treatments, plus a pleasant communal pool with loungers, and an outdoor boma area for barbeques.

Activities include twice daily game drives, and guided walks within the private reserve, led by enthusiastic, informed guides. Early morning river cruises are a chance to observe wildlife from the water, with canoeing and river fishing also available. Enjoy a work out in the gym, or indulge in a spot of pampering at the spa. The attractive seaside village of Kenton on Sea, offering unspoilt beaches, and numerous eateries and activities, is a short drive away.

The accommodation comprises 21 well-appointed timber chalets, ranging in size from one to four bedroom units, all with en suite bathrooms. Each chalet has a comfortable lounge area with a wood burning fire, air conditioning, and satellite TV. Glass doors lead onto a private veranda with great views, and several of the chalets boast a private plunge pool.

Children of all ages are welcome, and the larger chalets are ideal for families or groups. A kids’ activity programme runs daily at the lodge, and there’s also a dedicated children’s play area and a babysitting service. Guests under four years of age stay free of charge, and discounts are offered for under 12s. Note, for safety reasons, children under five years of age may partake in family game drives solely at the discretion of the manager. Due to the rural location of the lodge, parents are reminded to ensure that their children remain under constant adult supervision.

What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 534 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”

    MissingLars B reviewing Best of South Africa for Families on 01 March 2024

  • It was certainly a holiday of a lifetime for us and we loved every minute!! The standard and location of each accommodation was excellent, as was the variety of each different accommodation type. Our schedule was perfect and we managed to achieve everything on our to-do task list. Your documents were also really helpful, as were the driving directions. We all thank you for making this such a wonderful holiday. Happy to leave a review publicly if you point me the right way. Best Steve

    MissingStephen H reviewing Classic Garden Route & Eastern Cape Safari on 01 September 2023

  • Hi Lisa, We had a fabulous time thank you. The accommodation and other ideation were all terrific - that’s so much for your help. The apartment in Cape Town was particularly good - we would never have found that: Boschendal was great as well and game lodge was superb. Thanks again, Alistair

    MissingAlistair A reviewing Cape Town, Garden Route and Kruger on 28 April 2023

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