Overview
Kariega Game Reserve is a private, malaria-free Big 5 South African Safari. Found along the Garden Route, it 2019s driving distance from Grahamstown and Kenton-on-Sea, one of the Eastern Cape 2019s many charming holiday villages.Get up close and personal with the Big 5, as well as hippos, warthogs and beautiful resident and migrant bird life. Surrounded by hills, plains and river valleys, daily activities include game drives, guided bush walks, river cruises and canoeing.Why Go:
- Big Five private game reserve
- Set in malaria-free area
- Exclusive wellness treatments
- Just 15 minutes from the Indian Ocean
- Variety of luxury accommodation options
- River Cruises in Kariega River Valley
Wildlife
Tick the Big 5 off your bucket list with two safari drives daily, once every morning and once in the afternoon/early night. Don’t forget to look out for gentle giraffes and zebras, or even the striking African Fish Eagle. A pair of binoculars is essential!
More About the WildlifeScenery
Kariega’s landscape and topography are arguably the most beautiful of all the Eastern Cape game reserves, resulting in stunning views and vistas. Having two major rivers incorporated into the reserve (the Kariega and Bushmans rivers) also adds enormous beauty and value.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Kariega Game Reserve is from June to September when you’re most likely to see wildlife and get the most out of the open game drives.
More About the Best Time to VisitWeather & Climate
Weather conditions are generally favourable year-round. April is that perfect time of the year, when it’s not too wet and not too cold, while September/October is the middle of spring when wildflowers are beginning to blossom.
More About the Weather and ClimateWildlife & Animals
The Kariega Game Reserve is set high above the spectacular Kariega River Valley, in the heart of 1820 Settler Country. Enjoy Big Five safaris in this malaria-free Eastern Cape game reserve in South Africa. Next to Elephant, Lion, Buffalo, Rhino and Leopard, guests can also see Hippo, Hyena, Eland, Zebra, Giraffe, Wildebeest.-
Elephant
Common -
Giraffe
Common -
Hippo
Common -
Buffalo
Common -
Zebra
Common -
Wildbeest
Common -
White Rhino
Common -
Black Rhino
Occasional -
Lion
Common -
Leopard
Occasional -
Cheetah
Occasional -
Hyena
Common -
Wild Dog
None
Wildlife highlights
At Kariega Game Reserve, safari guests can view African wildlife in their natural habitat from luxury open 4×4 vehicles, accompanied by experienced rangers or go on guided walking safari’s that allow guests to explore this beautiful region on foot.Best time for wildlife viewing
The Dry season, from June to September, is the best time for wildlife viewing. Highly recommended are the months of August and September as temperatures are warmer than in mid-winter.Best Time to Visit
- Best Time to GoJune to September
(Dry season) - High SeasonOctober to March
(It can get a bit busy)
-
June to September
Little rain
-
October to March
The park gets crowded during school holidays
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April to September
Excellent time for wildlife viewing
-
September to April
Warmer nights and mornings
-
June to August
Cold nights
May to September
- WinterOctober to April
- SummerWeather & Climate
The weather during summer seasons can increase to uncomfortable levels. The rainy season can hinder activities and due to thick vegetation, game viewing can be difficult. During the winter dry season, the vegetation shrinks, making it easier to spot animals.Climate Chart
- 248M / 813Ft© chart & park data: SafariBookings. © climate grid data: WorldClim project. All rights reserved.
Dry season
- May to September – WinterThe dry winter season is from May to September, which is also the best time to visit Kariega Game Reserve.
Wet season
- October to April – SummerOctober to April is the wet summer season and temperatures can increase to uncomfortable levels.
Getting There
Kariega is an Eastern Cape Game Reserve, situated about 140km (87 miles) from Port Elizabeth. P.E. has a national airport and excellent highways and tarred country roads all the way. The nearest small town with most amenities is Kenton-on-Sea, a 15-minute drive away.Getting to Kariega Game Reserve by road
Kariega Main Lodge, Ukhozi Lodge and The Homestead
On arrival report to Main Reception for all 3 of these lodges. Travel the N2 from Cape Town along the Garden Route, through Port Elizabeth towards Grahamstown, and choose one of two alternative routes:
Route 1 – The coastal route on the R72 via Alexandria to Kenton-on-Sea, where you turn inland and proceed 14km (9 miles) on the R343 to the main entrance to Kariega Private Game Reserve (which will take you to Main Reception).
Route 2 – Proceed on the N2 towards Grahamstown for about 110km (68 miles) and turn right before reaching Grahamstown onto the tarred road (R343) to Kenton-on-Sea for a distance of 32km (20 miles) to the main entrance to Kariega Private Game Reserve.
River Lodge
You will arrive at a separate entrance to this Eastern Cape game reserve, specifically for River Lodge. You will be collected and taken to River Lodge Reception. Travel from Port Elizabeth along the N2 towards Grahamstown for approximately 50km (31 miles) and then take the Port Alfred turnoff, where you will then travel along the R72 towards Kenton-on-Sea and Port Alfred. The turnoff to River Lodge is signposted and is exactly 15km (9 miles) beyond Alexandria.
Settlers Drift Lodge
Travel from Port Elizabeth along the N2 towards Grahamstown for approximately 50 km and then take the Port Alfred turnoff, where you will then travel along the R72 towards Kenton-on-Sea and Port Alfred. The turnoff to Settlers Drift Luxury Tented Lodge is signposted and is exactly 10 km beyond Alexandria.
Airlines & Ticket Prices
To book your International and local flights, it is best to discuss options with our agents. They will be able to secure best tariffs and match it with your safari dates.
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