Kariega Game Reserve Ukhozi Lodge

We recently returned from an eight night stay on the Kariega reserve as part of a small group tour with Wildlife Worldwide. We stayed at Ukhozi and River Lodges and Settlers Drift. Each was of a high standard but smaller and more intimate than the much larger Main lodge. Each had its own character. Ukhozi was really relaxing with resident bushbuck and massive millipedes seen on the way to the main hub. River Lodge was in a superb riverside setting with Pied kingfisher easily spotted from the frontage. The lodge's speciality was river trips down to the ocean. Wonderfully different! Finally, Settlers Drift was luxury tenting. Attention to detail was evident everywhere although even their staff were a little stretched when the elephants decided to wreck the incoming water pipes! Kariega is a superb example or rewilding in action. We saw two more male lion awaiting release and five cheetah also nearing release. With fences of newly acquired farmland being removed there is much to see. We were exceptionally lucky to have Wayne and Brendan as our guides. I've been on many safaris and , in their own areas of expertise, they're as good as it gets. They also happened to be two really nice people who did their utmost to educate, entertain and satisfy our requests. Kariega is suitable for first timers after the big five or specialist photographers/veterans like us who were after specific species. The density of land cruisers/guests was low and sightings were often just us. The species available were good. Many antelope species ranging from duikers to Nyala to Eland. Ungulates included white rhino and excellent sightings of Black. Elephant were plentiful and ridiculously laid back. The birding count was high with Crowned eagle and Knysna turaco being especially prized. However, for us, the trip was built upon trying to see and photograph Caracal, a cat I've failed to see in over twenty safaris. Kariega and the team turned up trumps with three sightings of a female hunting that totaled nearly two hours of photographing and observing behaviour. Getting to Kariega involved twenty four hours of travel from the UK. Was it worth it? Absolutely!

One of the best experiences we have ever had. A tough one to follow. We went to the paradise island of Mauritius for the second part of the holiday and said it was hard to beat our experience in Kariega. From the minute we arrived we were looked after so well. the food was amazing, staff super attentive and friendly.our guide was simply the best.Lloyd you made the whole experience one we will always remember. You were knowledgeable beyond your years….apart from grasses . You made the safari such a wonderful time.we saw everything we wanted to see and more. We had fun, laughter, full days, full tummies and wonderful sleep. The rooms are first class. Huge and comfortable. Each with a plunge pool. The staff cannot do enough for you. Food was first class. No complaints at all. Our group bonded well which also made the holiday. Forever in our hearts and we hope one day to return. We might need to be on commission as we keep telling people how wonderful Kariega is.

The most amazing place . We stayed is as the last part of our honeymoon. And as the saying goes “we saved the best to last”. Everything from our room/lodge to the resort Itself, the food, drink and most of all staff with a special mention to our game guide Nick. I cannot recommend this place enough. The ladies cannot do enough for you, the service received at all meal times was amazing. Nick our guide was outstanding with such knowledge when it came to everything from animals to plants. He really went above and beyond for us even bringing us simba chips on our drive when he realised we loved them. I really hope some day I am lucky enough to go back to Kariega. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

We have had the most amazing stay at kariega ukhozi. Can honestly say we have never suffered the holiday blues so badly after staying here, we didn't want to leave! The game drives were fantastic. We stayed 4 nights, did 9 drives in total and and every one we saw something a little different. Our ranger was JJ- he was just brilliant and we feel very lucky to have had him. He is extremely knowledgeable and reads the reserve like a book. It was fascinating to learn from him and see how he tracks and identifies the animals and we were fortunate enough to see all the lions on the reserve during our stay as well as many other fascinating animals! We felt he went above and beyond for us and we even did a night drive which we thoroughly enjoyed. The surroundings are also extremely pretty. The lodge itself is perfect. Our room was very clean and we loved the plunge pool. It was a lovely space to relax between game drives and we enjoyed sitting at the main pool too. The food and drink were excellent- all high very high quality and we were always very full! All staff members were very polite and couldn't do enough for you. Would recommend this place to anyone and we can't wait to come back one day, it's very special.

The game reserve / lodge is about 1 hour 30 minutes drive from Port Elizabeth. The accommodation is set in the grounds a few minutes away for the main reception / dining area. Our room was a large open plan suite / bathroom with a private plunge pool and terrace. Personally I prefer a door to the bathroom but most SA hotels seem to favour open plan with just an enclosed toilet. The room was nicely decorated and the air conditioning efficient and quiet. It was keep spotless by housekeeping which come in twice a day. Meals are taken in the main area. Breakfast is usually communal with other occupants of your safari jeep plus the guide. Likewise some dinners. How well this works depends on your fellow travellers. In our case a party of young Germans had little in common with us middle aged Brits! The food was very good and they kindly took account of my food allergies and intolerances when preparing meals. The main area also has a terrace and bar which was fairly well stocked but sadly no local gin! There is a small swimming pool with sun loungers but little shade. I got bitten round the pool so insect repellent is needed. Melissa was our excellent guide. The game viewing can be a challenge due to the dense hillside vegetation, but much easier on the plains. Some of the game drives were very bumpy and arduous due to the steep terrain. We also had a trip down the river which was very relaxing. The game drives left at 6am and 4pm both for about 3 hours with a pit stop for loo break (behind a bush), coffee etc. We had a great 3 nights and have some wonderful memories.

The Ukhozi Lodge was stunning on every count possible, beautiful scenery, idyllic and calm, mixed with pure comfort and amazing food and drink. But all of that is nothing compared to the wonderful team who look after you. Oh my gosh, the service, the kindness, and constant warm smiles are truly what make this hotel the best I have ever stayed in. The individual lodges provide a scenic delight across part of the reserve as well as provide ultimate comfort. Then, after all that, you get assigned a Ranger who remains your ranger for your stay, I had not read anything before we went.. but I can tell you from a very biased perspective we had the best... Melissa. She was amazing, so knowledgeable and for sure the best driver I have ever seen!! Her superb reversing skills are a must for those moments when the track is only wide enough for you and the Bull Elephant!!! Melissa knows that Reserve like the back of her hand and was relentless in ensuring that we saw every animal possible from cheetahs to Rhino's to the pack of teenage Lions and mum fresh with their kill. The hippos, the birds, every type of antelope, and the stealers of our hearts the crazy warthogs.. finally, on our last day, she rearranged the morning drive so we could attend and be back for our 9.00 am pick up.. and to top it off with minutes to spare, she managed to show us elusive male pair of Lions. Honestly, Kariega is more than your average safari.. the landscape alone sets it apart from many others. We will defo return and will be bringing our tribe to share the beauty with our friends and family.. and maybe we will get lucky and get Mellisa as our Ranger Guide again