Kariega Game Reserve Main Lodge

We have been on safaris before in Kichaka lodge but this family friendly safari lodge is excellent. It is value for money, staff are very helpful, chalets are clean and provide stunning panoramic views. However a safari is all about your guide and the animals. Kariega delivered on both fronts. Our guide Monde made this family trip. He was courteous, polite, professional, knowledgeable on all the flora and fauna we encountered. He was an excellent driver and I, my wife, and 2 children always felt safe, and were made to feel special.

We just finished our 3 day visit to Kariega game reserve and I have to say it was excellent. Our guide Mariska was fantastic ... so knowledgeable and capable and incredibly obliging. She made a big difference to our experience and Kariega are lucky to have her. Overall the food, chalets, staff and ALL the guides and all the different things that they laid on for us were top notch. Thanks guys Alan & Siobhan

We have just finished our first family safari in Kariega - we are a family of 6 ranging in age from 10 to 45 yrs - upon arrival we received a lovely warm welcome at the reception and we were then taken to our lodge (no 24) … the lodge was just gorgeous accommodation for our safari .. very spacious, comfortable & immaculately clean. This was a 4 bed lodge with a lovely living space & 3 bathrooms. We had a lovely balcony & private pool too. It was ideal accommodation for our stay. We stayed for 2 nights and had 4 game drives which were between 3 & 4 hours long. The reserve is simply stunning & it has plenty of wonderful wildlife including the big 5 and much more. Our guide was incredible, Dumisani made our first safari an epic one ! He went to great lengths to ensure we saw all the wildlife. Dumisani was a gentleman, so knowledgeable, safe and fun. We were so lucky to have him as our guide. The safari jeep was a really cool and comfortable way of seeing around the reserve - with everything u need on board such as rain coats, blankets, and even a little picnic/ drinks to have while out on the drive. All the staff were helpful and friendly. We highly recommend Kariega for a wonderful safari experience - we had a really magical time and were so sorry to have to leave.

We’ve had the most magical trip of a lifetime at The Kariega Game Reserve. Mariska, our ranger, was so knowledgable and personable which just made our experience so memorable. The accommodation was wonderful, with a balcony looking out over the reserve. The food was plentiful and delicious. I even enjoyed the early starts!! Thanks so much to Mariska and the whole team for making our dream holiday a reality :-)

Kariega Ukhozi Lodge more than meets expectation. Friendly helpful staff, fantastic food and beautiful lodges. The game drives were amazing and we saw so much every drive. Our guide Nick made sure we all had an amazing time. It was a special experience. We are definitely returning to South Africa and Kariega Ukhozi will be on the top of our list for our safari.

Margaux was the best ranger we could have asked for during our safari stay. Her deep knowledge of wildlife, biodiversity, and the local flora and fauna made every game drive an unforgettable experience. She had an incredible ability to spot animals from a distance and always shared fascinating insights about their behavior, habitat, and conservation. Beyond her expertise, Margaux's passion for nature and her enthusiasm were truly contagious. She made every moment exciting, whether it was tracking a lion, identifying rare birds, or explaining the complex ecosystem of the reserve. Her warm personality and great sense of humor made us feel comfortable and welcomed from the very start. One of the absolute highlights of our stay was the bush walk with Margaux. Experiencing the African wilderness on foot was an entirely different and thrilling perspective. She guided us safely through the terrain while sharing her vast knowledge about the smaller details of the ecosystem that are often missed on a game drive. The most magical moment was when we found ourselves incredibly close to a group of giraffes. Standing there in silence, watching these majestic animals move gracefully through the bush, was an experience we will never forget. Not only was the safari experience amazing, but our stay at the Main Lodge was also absolutely fantastic. The lodge was beautifully designed, offering a perfect blend of comfort and nature. The entire property was stunning, with breathtaking views, lush surroundings, and a peaceful atmosphere that made us feel completely at home. The staff was incredibly welcoming and attentive, ensuring that every moment of our stay was special. Thanks to Margaux and the incredible Kariega Game Reserve, we not only saw amazing wildlife but also gained a deeper appreciation for the beauty and fragility of nature. She truly made our safari experience exceptional, and we couldn't have imagined a better guide. We loved every second of our stay and can’t wait to return!