River Lodge turns its face to the water. Set on the banks of the Bushmans River in Kariega Game Reserve, it is a lodge where you can slip into a canoe or cast a line straight from the deck.
The river sets the rhythm of every day. Fish eagles call across the water at first light, and crowned and martial eagles drift over the valley. Morning and afternoon game drives head out across 12,000 hectares of malaria-free Big Five country in the Eastern Cape, where lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard roam five distinct ecosystems. In between, there are river cruises and guided bush walks, or a quiet hour on the deck with binoculars and a cold drink.
The thatched main lodge has comfortable lounges, a library and an outdoor pool. Meals are served on the deck that overhangs the river or around the fire in the boma. For something more restful, massages and treatments are available at Kariega’s Wellness Centre.
ACCOMMODATION
The thatched suites are spread among the trees along the riverbank, each with a private patio for watching the bush go by. Inside, there’s a king-size bed that can be made up as twins, air conditioning with an overhead fan and a minibar. Bathrooms are en suite, with a bath and a separate shower. Depending on the suite, the view is of the river or the surrounding bush, and either way it feels peaceful and private.
River Lodge sits on the banks of the Bushmans River inside Kariega Game Reserve, a family-owned, malaria-free Big Five reserve in the Eastern Cape. Downstream, the river winds on towards the coast at Kenton-on-Sea. The drive from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) airport takes around 80 minutes by road, making Kariega an easy addition to a Cape Town or Garden Route trip.
Speak to a specialist for availability and pricing.
