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Kariega River Lodge
Kariega River Lodge
Kariega River Lodge
Kariega River Lodge
Kariega River Lodge
Kariega River Lodge
Kariega River Lodge
Kariega River Lodge
Kariega River Lodge
Kariega River Lodge

Kariega River Lodge


33°38’48.1"S 26°34’32.6"E

About Kariega River Lodge

Having opened in September 2006, River Lodge is the latest addition to the Kariega portfolio.

In a beautiful location in the south of Kariega Game Reserve, it's on the banks of the Bushmans River and so can offer water-based activities as well as game drives and walking safaris. It has a contemporary feel to it and is the most luxurious accommodation in Kariega.

Kariega’s River Lodge is a lovely, thatched lodge perched beside a gentle river, which separates it from most of the reserve. We didn’t stay for long here, but it was very hospitable and looked like a lovely place to relax – especially if you like canoeing or kayaking. That said, in common with many reserves in the Cape, there are too many man-made things around for this to seem like anything close to a ‘wilderness’ destination.

Our view

Kariega’s River Lodge is a lovely, thatched lodge perched beside a gentle river, which separates it from most of the reserve. We didn’t stay for long here, but it was very hospitable and looked like a lovely place to relax – especially if you like canoeing or kayaking. That said, in common with many reserves in the Cape, there are too many man-made things around for this to seem like anything close to a ‘wilderness’ destination.

Chris McIntyre

Chris McIntyre

South Africa expert

Accommodation

10 thatched chalets

Children

Best for 12+

Open

All year

Activities

4WD Safari

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Boat trip

Boat trip

Canoeing

Canoeing

Fishing

Fishing

Guided walking safari

Guided walking safari

Private activities

Private activities

Kariega River Lodge: Our full report

Having opened in September 2006, River Lodge is the latest addition to the Kariega portfolio.

In a beautiful location in the south of Kariega Game Reserve, it's on the banks of the Bushmans River and so can offer water-based activities as well as game drives and walking safaris. It has a contemporary feel to it and is the most luxurious accommodation in Kariega.

After entering the reserve by it southern gate, it’s a short drive by 4WD to Kariega River Lodge. On arrival, the lodge felt quite Mediterranean to us, with lots of wild olive trees and beautifully blooming schotia afra trees lining the entrance road. The schotia afra were full of beans, which can be roasted to give a beverage approximating coffee.

The main areas at Kariega River Lodge are set under a thatched, high-vaulted roof and comprise a lounge, a dining room, a little library, a large bar area, a curio shop and a swimming pool.

Just beside the entrance, there the curio shop, which also holds River Lodge’s safes, since the rooms aren’t equipped with safes.

The dining area at Kariega River Lodge is partially inside and partially outside. It is nicely decorated, with wickerwork on stone and wooden floors with some sisal matting, cow skin rugs, iron wire chandeliers, and plump cushions around a big fireplace. Large picture windows and sliding doors lead out onto a wooden deck perched over the Bushmans River, where you can enjoy lovely views reaching until the hills beyond the river. Meals can be taken on this deck or inside.

To one side of River Lodge’s deck is a little swimming pool beside the river, which is 1.8m deep all the way long. Beside it you can soak up the sun on one of the loungers or relax under an element of shade.

Upstairs, on the mezzanine level, is a small library with comfortable leather armchairs and a selection of wildlife books to read. There’s also a satellite TV and computer with internet access for guests’ use. On the same level but outside is a small deck with two chairs and a group of couches that can be converted into a private dining area.

Gravel paths lead from the main areas to Kariega River Lodge’s 10 spacious suites, which differ slightly in location and equipment:

  • The Suites 1 to 4 are located in one building. We especially liked the comfy sofas and chairs and a couple of large leather ottomans here, as well as the large fireplace, which forms the focal point of the room. Set on the ground level, the suites 1 and 2 look out into the vegetation, whereas the suites 3 and 4 above offer lovely views over Kariega Reserve’s fenced game areas. When we had a look around these we saw two young giraffes and an ostrich in the distance.
  • Suite 8, 9 and 10 are all separate; each has its own plunge pool and all are situated on the riverbank.
  • While Suite 7, the Zebra Suite, also has views of the river, it doesn’t offer a private pool.
Every suite has got a brown concrete floor, cream walls, a big mirror with a wooden surround and a nice, large double bed or twins, with high-quality linen and a lamp by the side. They are all air-conditioned and each one has a fan on the high-thatched ceiling. You can have a hot or cold drink from a fairly deep minibar, your tea and coffee station or your kettle. There’s also a telephone, and adaptors are supplied by the lodge.

The tiled, en-suite bathroom is fitted with a big, almost egg-shaped stand-alone bath, twin decorated wash basins, a separate toilet and a separate little shower. A pleasant feature of its interior design are the exposed copper pipes of the bath tub and the shower, as well as the copper hook and handle. Only the heated white towel rack here feels slightly incongruous.

The windows both in the bedroom and bathroom are on quite a high level at River Lodge in Kariega. You can enjoy the view over the surroundings from your private outdoor patio.

Activities at River Lodge include game drives in open 4WD vehicles, walking safaris and optional daily boat trips through the picturesque village of Kenton-on-sea to the river mouth, where you might like to have a lovely beach picnic.

In January 2017, we became aware that the guides leading walking safaris at Kariega are not equipped with firearms except when looking for white rhino. In general, we have concerns about walking safaris being conducted in areas where there are high densities of big, dangerous game. Hence we recommend that our travellers don’t go on walking safaris here unless a guide who is both suitably qualified and suitably armed accompanies them.

Canoes and kayaks are available for a leisurely paddle down the river and it’s also possible to do some excellent fishing and crabbing here – with two fishing rods being provided by the lodge. We’re told that there are no crocodiles resident in this section of the river.

It’s worth commenting that when boating along we passed agricultural land, quite a few private homes and plenty of fences – as well as Kariega’s game areas – which detracted from any ‘wilderness experience’ which we might have had here.

Geographics

Location
Kariega Game Reserve, South Africa
Ideal length of stay
A stay of about two to three nights should work well for some game-viewing in Kariega Reserve.
Directions
About 50km on the N2 towards Grahamstown from Port Elizabeth, take the Port Alfred turnoff onto the R72. Continue on this road towards Kenton-on-Sea and Port Alfred. The turnoff to River Lodge is signposted 5km beyond Alexandria.
Accessible by
Self-drive

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Full Board & Activities
Dining style
Individual Tables
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Drinks included
Selected beverages are included.

Children

Attitude towards children
Kariega River Lodge accepts children aged 11 years or older.
Property’s age restrictions
Minimum age 11 years.

Communications

Communications
There is a computer for guests’ use in the mezzanine of Kariega River Lodge’s main area, which has internet access. Additionally, you can access WiFi with a in the main areas and all chalets here. (WiFi is activated with a security code from room.)
TV & radio
There is a TV in Kariega River Lodge’s library, on the mezzanine level of the main building.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
No
Dangerous animals
High Risk
Fire safety
There is a fire extinguisher next to each chalet at Kariega’s River Lodge.

Activities

  • 4WD Safari

    4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Boat trip

    Boat trip

  • Canoeing

    Canoeing

  • Fishing

    Fishing

  • Guided walking safari

    Guided walking safari

  • Private activities

    Private activities

Extras

Disabled access
Money
The curio shop in the main building has the safes. There are no room safes.

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Kariega River Lodge's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of River Lodge.


Other lodges in Kariega Game Reserve

Alternative places to stay in this same area.


Kariega Main Lodge

Main Lodge

Kariega Main Lodge was the first lodge to be built on the private Kariega Game Reserve and is ideal for a first safari experience.


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Kariega Ukhozi Lodge

Ukhozi Lodge

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Kariega Homestead

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The Homestead, in the far north of Kariega Game Reserve is located in South Africa’s malaria-free Eastern Cape.


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When to go to Kariega Game Reserve

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit River Lodge in Kariega Game Reserve


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

South Africa in January

January is considered one of the best months to travel. In Cape Town the weather is hot and generally dry. The Garden Route is also excellent at this time of the year but has a more temperate climate, with slightly lower temperatures and rain can fall at any time of the year. In the Kgalagadi temperatures often top 40°C and short, sharp thunderstorms are also fairly frequent. Wildlife tends to disperse, although birding is excellent.

As this is the high season in the Cape there are numerous events, festivals and outdoor activities to attract visitors. Accommodation books up quickly and it may be necessary to book at least a year in advance. Reservations will often be needed for restaurants and visitor attractions too.

  • Hot, largely dry days with clear skies – except on Garden Route
  • Wildlife disperses in the Kalahari but birding excellent
  • Events, festivals and outdoor activities staged for the high season
  • The high season in the Cape, accommodation can cost up to 50% more
  • Pre-booking of activities & attractions is essential

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in January

South Africa in February

In February conditions are largely the same as in January, although temperatures can be slightly higher, especially in the interior. The wind in Cape Town starts to ease off. Although the Garden Route can experience some rain, the days are pleasantly warm and largely dry.

The Kgalagadi remains very hot, but the birding is still excellent. Wildlife viewing can be tricky especially if there has been some rain, as the resulting long grass can obscure the animals.

For visitors it’s still the high season, but with the local school holidays over and residents back at work, it is less busy than December and January. Accommodation costs remain high and it’s still advisable to pre-book certain activities and restaurants.

  • Hot, largely dry days with little cloud
  • Wind starts easing in Cape Town
  • Slightly less busy than December & January
  • Accommodation costs remain high, activities still best pre-booked

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in February

South Africa in March

March is still a very good time to visit. Conditions remain dry and very warm in Cape Town, although temperatures start dropping off towards the end of the month. The wind has usually died right down.

The Kalahari remains very hot and in years of good rains vegetation is at its most lush – making wildlife viewing tricky.

Typically, the crowds dwindle, but it can get very busy if Easter falls in March. It is also worth bearing in mind that during major events in March, including the Cape Town Cycle Tour, Cape Epic Mountain Bike Tour, The Cape Town Carnival and the International Jazz Festival, accommodation can get very full.

Attractions remain busy but booking is less essential.

  • Temperatures start falling towards the end of the month
  • Cape Town hosts a number of world class sport and cultural events
  • Wildlife in the Kgalagadi disperses, game viewing more challenging
  • Crowds diminish as the high season comes to an end
  • Accommodation can get busy during major events

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in March

South Africa in April

April is South Africa’s “shoulder” season and is often the most pleasant. Not too hot, not too cold, some rain but not masses. In Cape Town and along the Garden Route days are usually sunny, warm, windless and largely dry, although in Cape Town the chance of rain increases from the end of the month.

In the Kgalagadi the rainy season is typically over and migratory birds are starting to make their journey back up North. Vegetation remains lush but wildlife viewing starts picking up towards the end of the month.

The region is still relatively busy (especially of its still Easter) but it gets quieter towards the end of the month thus availability improves. Accommodation rates start to decrease, and it becomes less important to book restaurants and attractions in advance.

  • Temperatures still warm and very pleasant, with little wind.
  • Rain starts easing in the Kalahari and migratory birds start to depart
  • Less busy, especially towards the end of the month - busy over Easter
  • Accommodation frees up and prices start to come down

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in April

South Africa in May

May marks the start of the dry season in the Kgalagadi. Days are warm and dry with almost zero rainfall. Night-time/early-morning temperatures can drop towards 0°C. Wildlife viewing is at its peak as animals concentrate around the few remaining water sources.

Days can still be warm and sunny in Cape Town and on the Garden Route, but the weather becomes a lot more variable. May heralds the start of the rainy season in Cape Town and the winelands. Night-time temperatures rarely drop below 10 degrees in the coastal areas.

With far fewer tourists, accommodation prices are at their lowest. There is rarely any need to pre-book activities, but reservations are still advisable at some of the top restaurants.

  • Higher chance of rain in Cape Town & the Winelands
  • Day time temperatures drop significantly
  • Wildlife viewing peaks in the Kgalagadi
  • Low season so rarely busy & very few crowds
  • Low season rates at the hotels & lodges

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in May

South Africa in June

Winter is now in full swing. Maximum temperatures in Cape Town rarely reach 20°C and the rainy season is well under way. Outdoor activities therefore become limited, but a number of high-quality indoor events are organised.

The Garden Route has, in general milder weather and less rain than Cape Town.

June sees the arrival of the first whales which migrate to the South African coastline to give birth.

In the Kgalagadi, daytime temperatures are warm but nights and early mornings are bitterly cold. Wildlife viewing is excellent as animals are drawn to the few remaining permanent water points.

Overall tourist numbers are at their lowest, as are the costs of flights and accommodation.

  • Cold & wet weather in Cape Town, Kgalagadi warm days but cold at night
  • One of the best months for wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
  • Whales start arriving to have their calves
  • Low visitor numbers & no crowds
  • Accommodation & flight prices remain low

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in June

South Africa in July

The winter weather continues with very cold nights and early mornings in the Kgalagadi and virtually no rainfall. Vegetation here is really thinning out now and water even more scarce – so wildlife is easy to spot.

Despite the winter and local school holidays, Cape Town remains a great place to visit. On a wet and cold day, the Two Oceans Aquarium, Zeitz Mocca (art museum) and the Cape Town Comedy Club all make for great days out, as does a trip to the wine country or the annual Oyster Festival at Knysna.

By mid-July most of the whales have arrived to give birth. Hermanus is the best place to see them.

At the height of the low season, so accommodation and flight prices remain low.

  • Generally cold & wet in the Cape, but good quality indoor events
  • Very good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
  • Oyster festival in Knysna
  • Local school holidays can make places a little busier than usual
  • Accommodation and flight prices remain low

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in July

South Africa in August

While August experiences mostly wintry weather it does mark the very beginning of spring with temperatures starting to rise. Visitors are drawn to the West Coast and Namaqualand to see the wildflowers, which start blooming in late August and can be seen until mid-September. Whales are still in abundance now too.

The Kgalagadi is now very dry and wildlife vieiwng is still good. Temperatures start climbing towards the end of the month.

Despite the weather , visitor numbers can be high as the northern hemisphere schools close for their summer holidays. It may be a good idea to book certain attractions and restaurants in advance.

Simlarly, although accommodation prices are still low, flight prices can be a little higher than in previous months.

  • Temperatures start rising – but still potential for cold & wet weather
  • Wildflowers on the West Coast & in Namaqualand
  • Good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
  • Whales continue to attract visitors
  • Can get busy due to northern hemisphere school summer holidays

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in August

South Africa in September

Good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi continues and daytime temperatures increase quite dramatically. Mornings and evenings are still on the chilly side, but not as cold as they are in June, July and August.

The 1st of September is officially the start of spring in Cape Town. Days become warmer but not quite warm enough to enjoy the city’s beautiful beaches. Venues all over Cape Town play host to various artists during the Cape Town Fringe Festival.
Rainy days are fewer, but night times can still get chilly. Many hotels are still charging low season rates making September great value for money.

Elsewhere, Hermanus hosts the popular annual Whale Festival, and in the West of the Cape, wildflowers continue to bloom until the middle of the month.

  • The start of spring; temperatures start rising
  • Whale festival in Hermanus
  • Cape Town Fringe Ferstival attracts a wide range of artists
  • Wildflowers blooming well until the middle of the month
  • Good wildlife viewing continues in the Kgalagadi

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in September

South Africa in October

The weather starts warming up nicely, Cape Town experiences pleasant days, with much less rain, nights can still be quite cool, but not cold. Some days are now warm enough to enjoy the beach. This is one of the best months to visit the Cape Region.

October is one of the hottest months in the Kalahari. Water remains very scarce, so the wildlife viewing is still very good. Towards the end of the month the odd spectacular thunderstorm is possible with much lightning and thunder. Migratory birds start to arrive, and resident species gear up for the breeding season.

The whales are still present with Hermanus and False Bay the best places to see them.

  • Days start warming up; fewer rainy days in Cape Town
  • Very hot in the Kalahari – thunderstorms season starts
  • Migratory birds start arriving & resident birds start breeding
  • Whale watching still excellent in Hermanus and False Bay areas
  • Start of the high season, getting busy and accommodation prices rise

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in October

South Africa in November

By November Cape Town is experiencing summer conditions with hot, clear days and warm, pleasant evenings. It’s a great month to enjoy the beaches before the peak holiday season in December. There are no real downsides to visiting in November and you may even get a few accommodation specials before prices go up for the festive season. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens begins their summer outdoor concerts with local and international artists performing.

The Kgalagadi remains hot but thunderstorms are a bit more regular. With the rains, water sources become more plentiful and wildlife disperses but this is when herbivores such as Springbok start lambing. Photography improves as conditions become less hazy.

This is the last month for regular whale sightings – they tend to migrate back down south by early December.

  • Summer now in full swing, with temperatures often reaching 30°C
  • Rainy days scarce; evenings warm & very pleasant
  • Antelope start lambing in the Kgalagadi; wildlife generally dispersed
  • Last month for regular whale sightings
  • Good time to visit Cape Town before the peak holiday season

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in November

South Africa in December

December is usually Cape Town’s hottest month when temperatures frequently breach 30°C. You can expect hot and cloudless days, and almost no rain but December does see the occasional very windy day.

The Kalahari is still hot, but temperatures are not quite as high as previous months. With the rainfall the bush transforms into various shades of green. Wildlife disperses as water become more widely available.

The Garden Route enjoys warm to hot days with rain at any time but usually not over an extended period.

Mid to late December becomes incredibly busy with concerts, festivals and various outdoor activities in Cape Town. Hotel prices rise, tourist attractions and beaches are crowded and most popular sites and restaurants need to be booked in advance.

  • Long, hot sunny days
  • Kgalagadi bursts into life as rainy season kicks in
  • Wildlife viewing a bit trickier as wildlife disperses
  • Cape Town buzzing with concerts, events, festivals etc
  • Peak season: attractions get very busy & accommodation costs rise

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in December

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