River Lodge

The 11,500 hectare Big 5 Kariega Game Reserve is situated in the malaria-free Eastern Cape, and River Lodge is located on the quiet, meandering Bushmans River.

The reserve is home to game and wildlife such as lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, hippo, giraffe, zebra, eland, wildebeest, waterbuck and a variety of antelope, as well as a myriad of bird species.  Guests can enjoy early morning and late afternoon game drives in open game viewing vehicles accompanied by experienced game rangers.

A host of other activities are offered as well as the daily game drives, including guided bush walks, fishing, and canoeing. A unique feature of a stay at River Lodge is also the option to take a 20 minute boat ride after breakfast to the nearby Kenton beach, where you can relax for an hour or so before returning to the lodge for a sumptious lunch. 

River Lodge's 10 luxuriously appointed air-conditioned suites are all decorated to a very high standard.

The Bushmans River flows beneath the deck of the main restaurant, and the outdoor dining is a magnificent experience under the abundance of stars in the African night sky.

For guests wanting a Spa treatment, you can choose from a range of treatments and therapies, and enjoy these in the comfort of your own suite.

Featured Special Offer saf-03898

Stay for 3 nights for the price of 2 at selected lodges in the Kariega Game Reserve.

Valid:   1 May 2017  -  30 June 2017.

Prices On Request

Other Properties On This Offer

Rates Include

All meals; local beverages; the Conservation and Community Levy; and 2 shared game activities per day are included.

Children Policy

Children aged 10 years and older are welcome.

Bush Walks / Walking Safaris

Children under the age of 12 years are not permitted on guided walks in the reserve. 

The final decision on whether a guest can join a guided bush walk remains with the guide and lodge manager.

Guest Rating: 4.7 / 5.0 based on 9 ratings

Directions For Drivers

From Port Elizabeth / Garden Route: Travel along the N2 towards Grahamstown until you reach the R72 Port Alfred turnoff (approximately 50 km from Port Elizabeth). Travel along the R72 towards Kenton-on-Sea and Port Alfred, and the turnoff to River Lodge is signposted and is 15 km beyond Alexandria.

PLEASE NOTE: When following directions from a GPS navigation device PLEASE DO NOT turn onto a gravel road. Please ignore any GPS navigation suggestions to travel on a gravel road. The only gravel road that you travel on is after you have gone through the entrance gate.

General Information For Guests

All suites have en-suite bathrooms with spacious showers, air conditioning, a fan, mini bar, hair dryer, heater, tea/coffee making facilities, in-room safe, satellite/cable television and a telephone.

There is a swimming pool, bar and a library at the main lodge. A laundry service is available (additional cost). Wi-Fi is provided in the main lodge only, not in the suites.

Guests are taken out twice daily in open safari vehicles, usually in the early morning and late afternoon - times are dependent on the season and weather. During one of your morning game drives, you will enjoy a cruise down the Kariega River on the Kariega Queen and enjoy the tranquillity of nature, whilst viewing the wonderful birdlife and game along the river.

River Lodge guests also have the option of taking a daily boat cruise down the Bushmans River, through the quaint village of Kenton-on-Sea and to its picturesque beaches. This is an additional cost.

Kariega also offers guided bush walks with an experienced ranger. This provides guests with the opportunity of walking amongst more than 25 species of game and abundant birdlife. This is included in your rate.

Credit cards are accepted.

Your rate also includes a compulsory Conservation and Community Levy - this contribution will aid conservation efforts as well as the anti-poaching unit and community projects.

Bush Walks / Walking Safaris

Children under the age of 12 years are not permitted on guided walks in the reserve. 

The final decision on whether a guest can join a guided bush walk remains with the guide and lodge manager.

Popular Alternatives to River Lodge

These are the top properties booked by people who considered staying at River Lodge, but for one reason or another booked a different property. It may have been that River Lodge was not available on the nights they wanted to stay, or they decided that somewhere else was better suited to their budget or itinerary.

If you're not sure which place might be best for your own trip then either give us a call or get in touch via the website, and we'd be delighted to run through the options with you.