Situated on South Africa’s malaria-free Garden Route, Kariega Game Reserve spans 10,000 hectares of pristine Eastern Cape wilderness with spectacular vistas across African plains and magnificent hills. The reserve incorporates two dramatic and picturesque river valleys and is home to the famous Big 5 as well as an abundance of African wildlife including hippo, giraffe and zebra. The region is blessed with a moderate climate with mild winters and warm summers offering fantastic year-round game viewing and unsurpassed personal service in a choice of five superb safari lodges nestled in the park.
Holidays to South Africa showcase dream destinations like Settlers Drift, a luxury 5-star tented safari lodge tucked away in a remote and untouched part of the Kariega wilderness. Comprised of nine opulent suites, the lodge offers guests unrivalled service, privacy and tranquility. Your personal viewing deck is perfectly positioned to capture the wildlife, in fact your entire luxury tented suite invites the outside in so the game viewing continues in your bedroom, lounge and even your en-suite bathroom. Your suite is secluded within the African bush offering complete privacy which means you can lie back in your bath or take an invigorating outdoor shower and enjoy the incredible panoramic vistas of the river and the remote valley below. Additional amenities include a complimentary mini bar, tea and coffee making facilities, wood burning fireplace, air conditioning, safe, hair dryer and telephone.
When you return from your early morning game drive, take a refreshing dip in the iconic Settlers Drift infinity pool accompanied by breath-taking cinematic vistas or head into the wilderness for an exhilarating bush walk. If you are looking to unwind, indulge your senses at the spa with some luxury treatments or page through the books in the library. Enjoy sundowners in the bar or in the bush on an evening game drive. Your dining options include gastronomic delights served in the restaurant, boma or the lodge’s wine cellar. To round off a perfect day in Africa, make your way down to the cosy fire pit and relax in front of the fire. Before you leave make sure you get those all-important souvenirs and trinkets from the lodge’s curio shop.
Head off into the Kariega Game Reserve in an open safari vehicle and be thrilled by close-up encounters with the likes of lion, elephant and an abundance of other African wildlife. Game drives set off twice a day, in the morning and late afternoon or you could enjoy a leisurely boat cruise on the Bushmans river. Discover Africa by foot on a guided bush walk amongst more than 25 species of game and abundant birdlife or do it by canoe and experience pure tranquility on the river. Fishing is a popular pastime here where you can fish in the Bushmans river from a boat or canoe.
Nearby attractions include the golden beaches of Kenton-on-Sea, less than 15 minutes away which means you get to combine Big 5 game viewing and river sightseeing with a beach holiday. For the enthusiastic golfer the Royal Port Alfred and Fish River Sun Golf courses (Gary Player designed) are respectively 25 and 40 minutes away. Historical sites include local towns rich in history such as Grahamstown, Salem, Bathurst and Port Alfred all significant in South Africa’s heritage. Known as the Friendly City, Port Elizabeth is a beautiful coastal hub offering everything from scuba diving to great shopping and scenic bayside restaurants.
No children 10 years and under. Children 11 years and older pay adult rates.
The Best of South Africa Travel map displays the locations of the destinations and accommodation that we have selected and visited; for each item, hovering over or clicking the marker will display a short summary and photo of that place or hotel, and hotel pricing. Follow the links in the info box to the full page listing which has much more information.
Note that the online map offers both a satellite view (click satellite in the top right) and, for some locations, a street level view (Drag the person in the top left onto the map). These let you explore the country; and when you wish to explore in person, or if you have any questions about the places you see, give our staff a call, or request a quote. Our staff regularly visit the places and accommodation that we feature.
When you book a holiday with us we will provide full driving instructions for reaching your accommodation, where necessary; these can be used by yourself, or you could enjoy the luxury of a driver. Alternatively we will arrange private (car rather than coach) transfers for you; helicopter transfers are also possible for some destinations.