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Traversing over the 9000 hectares of supreme African bushveld, the Karongwe Reserve is home to the Big Five (Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Rhino and Elephant) as well as a wealth of other creatures.
At Karongwe River Lodge, a delightful dining experience awaits you. Dining under the stars has never been as romantic as when you enjoy our Pan-African cuisine in a rustic outdoor boma or, on alternate evenings, in the beautifully appointed dining room. To complement your meal, choose from our extensive selection of top South African and imported beers and wines, alongside a variety of spirits and soft drinks.
Spend the afternoon relaxing beside the pool or watching the game from your private deck before being whisked away on a late-afternoon safari in an open game drive vehicle. The enchanting view over the Makhutsi River is a natural treasure, offering insight into the secret life of the river. The spacious lounge area leading onto a vast deck provides endless opportunities to view elephants as well as grazing antelope.
Settle in at your leisure in one of our 11 spacious and air-conditioned suites, each featuring en-suite bathrooms. River Lodge offers guests a choice of five luxury suites, two family suites, and two executive suites, with the two presidential suites enjoying their own private plunge pools.
Traversing over 9,000 hectares of supreme African bushveld, the Karongwe Reserve is home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, and elephant) as well as a wealth of other incredible creatures. Our open vehicle game drives are perfect for wildlife viewing, and you can enjoy a sundowner as the sun sets over the magnificent Drakensberg Mountains.
The spectacular game viewing provides perfect photographic opportunities. Take in the breathtaking views of the Lowveld from a “kopje” surrounded by lush vegetation, a huge variety of trees, and over 365 different bird species. Game drives are conducted by our qualified game rangers and Shangaan trackers, who will share their deep knowledge of the African bush, including an opportunity to view cheetahs on foot.
Time is luxury. We streamline your choices for the perfect safari.
✅ Free travel insurance before 25 February 2026
✅ A safari specialist will reach out to you within 24 hours
✅ SAFARI.COM voted Africa's Leading Safari Company in the World Travel Awards 2024 + 2025
✅ Same price as booking direct, with expert care included
✅ With you before, during and after your safari
✅ We handle it all. Flights, transfers, lodging & activities

February 1, 2026
Super Responsive and Options
Leigh-Ann was super responsive and provided a number of options for consideration. A big value add which helped us to make the best decision for our trip.
January 19, 2026
Safari Serinade
My wife and I used Safar.com to book a safari in the Kruger. Leigh-Ann was very helpful and the itinerary she planned was very detailed and it was just what we were looking for. Leigh-Ann contacted me the evening of our arrival in South Africa to inform me that our lodge was closed due to the flooding in some of the Kruger, and did I wish to have a refund or go to an alternative lodge. I would like thank Leigh-Ann and her colleagues who at short notice reorganised our itinerary enabling us to have an amazing safari experience. Safari.com's local knowledge and expertise made our trip truly a memorable one. I would highly recommend Safari.com to anyone seeking their services.
January 6, 2026
Excellent customer service
Leigh-anne was so helpful and knowledgeable when booking our flights and safari.
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