World Travel Awards Nominee 2024
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 delicious food experience awaits you. Dining under the stars has never been so romantic as you enjoy our Pan African cuisine in a rustic outside Boma or, on alternate evenings, in the beautifully appointed dining room. To compliment your meal, choose from our extensive selection of top South African and imported beers and wine, together with 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 providing insight into the secret river life. The spacious lounge area leading onto a vast deck allows for endless opportunity to view elephant, as well as grazing antelope.
Settle in at your leisure in one of our 11 spacious and air-conditioned suites, with en-suite bathrooms.
River Lodge offers guests a choice of 5 Luxury, 2 Family and 2 Executive Suites, with the 2 Presidential Suites enjoying their own private plunge pools.
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. Our open vehicle game drives are perfect for game viewing. Enjoy a sundowner while the sun sets over the magnificent Drakensberg Mountains.
The magnificent game viewing makes for perfect photographic opportunities; enjoy the view of the Lowveld from a “kopje” amid the lush vegetation, huge variety of trees and over 365 different bird species. Game drives are conducted with our qualified game rangers and Shangaan trackers – who will share their vast experience of the African Bush and a chance to view Cheetah on foot.
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August 30, 2024
Leigh-Ann super star ⭐️
I am so pleased to share my experience with Leigh-Ann, who assisted with our safari and South Africa travel arrangements. From start to finish, Leigh-Ann went above and beyond. Her attention to detail and smooth communication made the planning process effortless. No request was too big or too small, and she handled everything with efficiency. Leigh-Ann exceeded all expectations, making our trip both stress-free and enjoyable. Her exceptional service reflects her professionalism. I highly recommend her for anyone seeking top-notch travel support. Thanks so much Leigh-Ann :)
August 27, 2024
Very good experience with getting quotes
I didn’t end up booking with safari.com but I did have a great experience with their consultant, Leigh-Ann Croeser. I originally wanted to book a safari at a specific lodge but it was not available for the dates we wanted. She offered suggestions and helped us secure holds on other dates. She worked hard and sent several follow up emails as she was able to hold some dates for available rooms at the original lodge! We did end up booking with another safari tour company as I sent out a few quotes at the same time and that worked out better for us but next time I would definitely consider booking with her again!
August 22, 2024
Great personal service - Thanks Leigh-Ann
Thank you Leigh-Ann from Safari.com for your great service and attention. We really appreciate you organised not only our safari, transfers, flights in and out as well as accommodation in Johannesburg and Cape Town to our needs so effortlessly. We also appreciate your advice regarding numerous subjects. Your emails and phone calls really made us feel at ease booking from Australia for our once in a lifetime trip in May 2025. Thanks again.
Sep 10, 2024
Quick reactions to requests
Quick reactions to requests. Very efficient.
Sep 9, 2024
First Time Safari
Mel provided an amazing itinerary and took our feedback and adjusted accordingly. She was very helpful and would strongly recommend her to anyone new to the process.
Sep 9, 2024
It was a great experience dealing with…
It was a great experience dealing with Shann. She was most accommodating and patient. We managed to sort things out very eventually. The only sore point I have is the 2 % surcharge for the card handling fee, which I find too excessive. Otherwise, I am pleased with everything.
Sep 8, 2024
Keith went above and beyond…
Keith went above and beyond expectations arranging our holiday safari travels (for one vegan and one mobility-impaired traveller, no less:-). Safari.com is lucky to have Keith on board. He helped us feel confident in our choices, keeping us up to date with options, and finessing holiday scheduling issues with aplomb.
Sep 5, 2024
Tanya Lomas was very efficient and it…
Tanya Lomas was very efficient and it was a pleasure booking through her.
Sep 3, 2024
Knowledgable and responsive
Jayson created a fantastic itinerary within budget and answered questions promptly. Super helpful. I can't wait to get going!
Sep 2, 2024
Although we didn’t end up booking…
Although we didn’t end up booking through Safari.com the service we received was great and they were really helpful.
Sep 2, 2024
Trip to Kruger at Mdluli Safari Lodge
I loved working with Anja from safari.com. She put together my itinerary within my price range and was very professional, thorough and empathetic. She followed up with me many times to see if I needed anything throughout my trip and even filled out some forms for me when I was having difficulty. When the lodge I stayed at was not being accommodating in the slightest, she quickly contacted the manager and got them to rearrange their services to meet my needs. I would most certainly use safari.com again due to my wonderful experience working with Anja.
Aug 31, 2024
Nicole at Safari.com is AMAZING!!!
I would love to share my experience with Nicole. She has worked tirelessly to help me make my dream vacation a reality. I had no idea how to start planning. Nicole suggested the most wonderful South African resorts and safaris. No matter how many changes I threw her way it was always received with a happy, positive attitude. I live in Hawaii and even though we were on a 12 hour time difference she was always available to answer any questions or concerns. Her expertise, knowledge and patience are unmeasurable. I was plagued with numerous payment issues from my bank in Hawaii. Nicole never wavered from being patience and more importantly positive that we could resolve each issue and get my trip booked. Nicole is a huge asset to Safari.com and I will scream it from the mountains to let everyone know what excellent customer service I have received. Nicole is a ROCKSTAR!!! We are so excited for our upcoming adventure of a lifetime!
