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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.
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Time is luxury. We streamline your choices for the perfect safari.
✅ Free travel insurance before 31 Oct 2025
✅ An expert 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
October 17, 2025
Leigh-Ann was fantastic
Leigh-Ann was fantastic, She answered every guestion we had, responded guickly and was enjoyable to talk with.
October 12, 2025
Leigh-Ann Croeser was a lifesaver!
Leigh-Ann Croeser was a lifesaver!! Having to last minute book a trip and she was extremely helpful, personable, thoughtful, and overall made us feel so welcomed!! She was lovely to work with and booked us a luxurious stay with recommendations on sites to see, restaurants, etc. ! Couldn’t recommend Safari.Com & Leigh-Ann more!! 😊
October 6, 2025
Extraordinary Trip to South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe
After a year of planning with Safari.com, Luxury Safari Consultant - Leighann Croeser, our long wait was greatly rewarded. In September 2025, we spent 21 extraordinary days in South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Our plan was to start in Cape Town, go to Zulu Nyala and then another safari in Kruger. With expertise guidance from Leighann Croeser, we added in Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge, Victoria Falls, Panoramic Route, and Johannesburg. These additions to our trip, greatly enhanced our FIRST African vacation, adding incredible sites, knowledgeable tours and beautiful accommodations. Our visit to Cape Town was all arranged by Leighann. She gave us hotel choices based on what we wanted to do. We choose the Winchester Hotel. A beautiful location with the popular walking path going around the bay, a delicious restaurant on property, and wonderful rooms with views. We loved the courtyard! We had a wonderful driver, David, for three day who arranged our visit to the Apartheid Museum, Atlas Spice Shop, Table Mountain, Stellenbosch wineries, Cape of Good Hope, and penguins! After four fun filled days, we headed up to Zulu Nylan Safari Lodge for 6 nights, Johannesburg -1 night so we could drive the Panoramic Route staying at Angles View Hotel, Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge – 3 nights and finally Victoria Falls – 4 nights with a both sides tour of Victoria Falls and the Steam Train Dinner. Here is our big note: Flying and driving around to each of these locations takes incredible experience and planning for your trip. Trying to navigation these websites in America was difficult. We can’t tell you how important it is to have someone in Africa to handles these domestic flights, hotels reservations and drivers. Leighann booked all of our interior airline flights, checked us in for every flight, and drivers for every flight. We had a weather delay in Richard’s Bay. Our flight to Johannesburg was delayed 5 hours. Leighann called our hotel - DaVinci, the restaurant we booked for that night (Alto234) and the driver. Upon arrival, we were promptly met by our driver and taken to this beautiful hotel downtown Johannesburg. A little late to dinner but the most incredible evening at the top of Alto234 Bar with endless views. Leighann Croeser is an amazing, highly experience travel consultant for “all of Africa”. We can’t say enough good words about her. She enhanced our visit to an unexpected level of service, a can-do attitude with a grace we have never experienced! When you’re so far away in country, like Africa, you want our Luxury Safari Consultant - Leighann Croeser as your travel adviser!
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