Kariega Game Reserve River Lodge

Just returned and still buzzing thinking about it. Partner has been to Galapagos and thinks Kariega Game Reserve River Lodge has just beaten it. Seeing the big animals in their natural wild setting might make you cry, but in a good way. Beautiful. 2 sessions/day which encompass dawn and dusk viewing in wild, with lovely hot drink breaks each to stretch legs and wee in the bush, complementary alcohol offered. Was incredibly close to the elephants, giraffes, rhinos. Rangers are knowledgable. Rangers are considerate to the animals which explains how they can get so close; staff friendly; food very good. The open jeeps are very bumpy because of rough roads and do go off-road to get close to a sighting; need normal agility to get in/out of jeep like it's a climbing frame. We are parents in late 50s with teenage son.

I don't know where to begin when describing how brilliant the river Lodge is. All the staff we so friendly and funny. The food was out of this world in fact on multiple occasions I said this is the best ____ I have ever had. I don't want to ruin the surprise if you go on Safari here, but let's just say we have had multiple once in a lifetime experiences in the span of a few days. We are already talking about saving up to come back. I promise If you come here you won't regret it.

We had a 5 night stay here last week and it was exceptional. The lodge room was amazing and very clean, sights of giraffes from the room too. The game drives were fantastic and we were lucky to see everything we came to see. Ozzie our guide was one in a million, looked after our every need. We did a loan game drive and he searched high and low for the lions who hadn't been sighted for days. Only to locate them as we headed out of the reserve. Food at the river Lodge is outstanding too. We didn't expect 3 course meals every night. Breakfast to was simply beautiful. Recommend to anyone. Big love to ozzie. Ade and Laura

An absolutely outstanding safari experience with some special extras (such as a trip to the beach) thrown in. Every member of staff went above and beyond to make us feel looked after and a special shout out to Kyran for his efforts to tailor our experience and for sharing his wisdom about the bush and all the flora and fauna within it.

The accommodation, food and service were all first rate. Our guide for the week, Osman (Ozzie) could not have been friendlier, more professional or knowledgeable. Thank you to all who looked after us - Erkansi!

The accommodation was great, very nice staff. Our guide Forrest was amazing! We learnt so much about the animals and he went above and beyond. There was also the lovely opportunity to take a boat ride down to the beach which was thoroughly enjoyable!