Kariega Main Lodge

Kariega Main Lodge overview

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 21 log chalets ranging from 1 bedroom to 4 bedrooms in size. 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. 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 treatments including massages, facials, maincures and pedicures at the Health Spa at Main Lodge. There is also a gym, for more energetic guests.