The house
The story.
Kariega has been owned and operated by the Rushmere family since 1989. The Eastern Cape reserve holds Big Five game across 11,500 hectares of varied terrain, with four lodges that span family-friendly to adults-only.
safari.com South Africa
Kariega Game Reserve
Family-owned since 1989
A malaria-free, family-owned Big Five reserve in the Eastern Cape, spanning diverse landscapes from grassy plains to riverine forest with over 280 bird species.
4 Lodges
Scroll
Why Kariega Game Reserve
Why Kariega Game Reserve.
Why Kariega
Kariega Game Reserve has been owned and operated by the Rushmere family since 1989, when they began converting a cluster of Eastern Cape farms into an 11,500-hectare (28,400-acre) Big Five wilderness. That family stewardship means decisions about land management, lodge investment and guest experience happen in one room, not in a boardroom overseas. The result is a reserve that feels personal in a way that corporate-run properties rarely achieve, from the handwritten welcome notes to the guides who have worked the land for decades.
Main Lodge
The 4-star Kariega Main Lodge sits high on a ridge in the malaria-free Kariega Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape.
River Lodge
Kariega River Lodge is nestled along the banks of the Bushman's River in the private Kariega Game Reserve of the malaria-free Eastern Cape.
Best suited for Big Five
From, pps R 9 000
Settlers Drift
Settlers Drift is a unique 5-star tented experience in a remote area of the pristine Kariega Game Reserve; a photographer's paradise!
From R 12 800 pps
The lodge
Ukhozi Lodge
Ukhozi Lodge is a superior four-star graded lodge located in the 10 000 hectare malaria-free Kariega Private Game Reserve.
From, pps R 9 000
Common questions
Kariega Game Reserve, answered.
- Is Kariega Game Reserve malaria-free?
- Yes. Kariega is in the Eastern Cape, which is entirely malaria-free. No prophylaxis is needed, making it an excellent choice for families with young children and travellers who prefer to avoid antimalarial medication.
- How do I get to Kariega from Gqeberha or on a Garden Route drive?
- Kariega is approximately 90 minutes' drive from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) airport along the N2, with a well-signposted turn-off near Kenton-on-Sea. Guests driving the Garden Route from Cape Town typically reach the reserve in a day via the N2 through Storms River and Tsitsikamma. Our safari specialists arrange transfers from the airport or any Garden Route stop.
- Which Kariega lodge is best for families, and which for honeymooners?
- Kariega Main Lodge is the most family-friendly option, with spacious chalets, a swimming pool and a relaxed communal atmosphere, from R7,200 per person per night. For honeymooners and couples, Settlers Drift is the flagship: nine luxury tented suites in a remote section of the reserve, each with a private deck and views over the Bushman's River valley, from R12,800 per person per night.
- What is included in the nightly rate at Kariega?
- All Kariega rates are fully inclusive of accommodation, three meals daily, twice-daily game drives, river cruises, guided bush walks, a conservation levy and selected drinks. Spa treatments and specialist experiences carry supplementary charges. Rates start from R7,200 per person sharing per night at Main Lodge.
- Will I see the Big Five at Kariega?
- Kariega is a Big Five reserve, and lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard are all resident. Elephant and buffalo sightings are near-certain on any two-night stay. Lion and rhino are regularly seen, though leopard, as in any reserve, requires patience. Your guides know the territory intimately and will maximise your chances.
Speak to a specialist
Plan your Kariega Game Reserve safari.
Rates are identical to booking direct. A specialist who knows the properties personally replies in as little as 15 minutes during working hours.
Presented by safari.com Africa's Leading Safari Company · WTA 2024 & 2025