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UK: 01473 890499Rating: Mid-range
Kariega Main Lodge is the founding lodge of the privately owned and managed Kariega Game Reserve, built in 1989. The 9,000 hectare reserve incorporates the Kariega and Bushman's Rivers, and boasts spectacular and dramatic views and vistas with an abundance of African game and wildlife in its natural habitat.
Daily activities offer a unique combination of exciting lion, elephant and Big 5 game drives and a wide variety of fauna, flora and birdlife in a landscape that spans five different eco-systems (riverine forest, valley bushveld, savannah grasslands, fynbos and acacia woodlands).
Main Lodge consists of 24 log chalets. They all have en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning and a spacious lounge and living area. Each chalet also has a large private viewing deck with views of the Kariega River valley. Some also have private swimming pools and some a cosy fireplace. Other facilities include satellite TV, bar fridge and telephone. The main guest areas include the reception building, restaurant and boma, bar and swimming pool.
On a typical day, guests will have an early morning game drive, then enjoy a large breakfast back at the lodge after which they can choose from a variety of activities or simply relax at the lodge or by the pool. Lunch and a siesta follow. In the late afternoon there is another game drive culminating in sundowners out on the reserve. On returning to the lodge, guests have time to wash and change for dinner, which will be served either in the restaurant or in the boma area around the camp fire.
Main Lodge also hosts a variety of activities, wonderfully suited to families and children. This is a malaria-free area, which also makes it ideal for families. As well as the daily game drives, there are safari walks, boat cruises on the 'Kariega Queen', mountain biking on marked trails, canoeing and fishing to choose from. Guests can also enjoy a range of spa treatments at the Wellness Centre Spa Main Lodge. There is also a small gym, for more energetic guests.
Open: Kariega Main Lodge is open all year.
Location: The lodge is in the private Kariega Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape. It's about 1h30 from Port Elizabeth Airport
Rooms: There are 24 log chalets at Kariege Main Lodge. All bedrooms are ensuite with air conditioning. The chalets have a sitting area, TV, and inside bath and shower. They are well spaced for privacy and you have your own large viewing deck where you can relax and soak up the peace and quiet. Most chalets have a fireplace and some also have a plunge pool.
Activities: Both land and water activities are available here. Land activities include game drives and guided bush walks. On the river you have cruises, canoeing and fishing. Please note that walking guides are often unarmed and we do not recommend accompanying an unarmed guide in this area where there are large numbers of potentially dangerous game.
Facilities: There is a large restaurant, bar and outside boma. Next to the restaurant is a curio shop and a swimming pool. There Wellness Centre has a small gym and treatment rooms offering spa facilities.
Dining: Meals are served buffet style with a choice of dishes. Traditional braai (BBQ) is often offered in the evenings, served in the boma.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome.
Health: This is not a malarial area.
Communication: There is free Wi-Fi internet access in the main areas.
Lodge
Vessel
Camp
Hotel
National Park
Historic site
Place of Interest
UNESCO heritage site 
City life in Cape Town, gorgeous Garden Route scenery and magnificent wildlife in the Eastern Cape.
All four lodges within Kariega Reserve give support & donations to their wider community via the Kariega Foundation.
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0"Stayed in Ukhosi lodge that were stunning - not having Wi Fi which we were told was available did not work, guide less helpful and interested in a particular problem than other guides."
Tribes Travel, The Old Dairy, Wood Farm, Ipswich Road, Otley, Suffolk, IP6 9JW. Office hours: Mon - Fri: 9am to 5.30pm Telephone: 01473 890499
