Kariega Game Reserve Main Lodge

It was great at all. We were very sorry to leave again after great days. We would recommend further in every time. The service was great, the food was awesome, the hotel lodge itself was amazing and the safari tours were unbelievable.

We spent 4 days at Main Lodge, Kariega from 01 - 04 Aug. We’re a family of 4 with 2 children aged 14 and 10. We have no hesitation to say that every aspect of our stay exceeded our expectations. We were housed in a very comfortable 3 bedroom chalet with stunning views across the forests and hills. Daily visits from the housekeepers kept it spotless. The breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets provided plenty of delicious, wholesome dishes served by permanently smiling, polite staff. The safari drives were just brilliant, escorted by the superb Amber. Her ability to identify birds and animals by sight or call was amazing. Her knowledge on animal and bird behaviour was also excellent. The above was delivered with fantastic enthusiasm to educate all in her happy group, whatever their age. We can’t imagine a better guide. The reserve is huge with a variety of environments. We were lucky enough to see a long list of different animals and birds which included lions, rhinos, buffalo, cheetah and elephant. Can’t recommend this place enough.

Incredible! Our safari ranger, Matthew, was very kind and was very good at explaining facts to everyone, especially the kids. The highlight was being less than three metres away from a lion! We saw countless animals like zebras, giraffes, antelope, rhinos, elephants, ostriches and even a mother hippo and her baby! The food was great, accommodation was beautiful, the staff were all very friendly and welcoming, the safaris were great and it was so much fun for everyone in the family. Definitely recommend!

This is a stunning, family friendly game reserve where the staff are well looked after and in turn will really look after you going above and beyond to make sure you have the best safari experience. The jeeps are uniquely open so you will get incredible photos and the staff work incredibly hard to make sure you have the best opportunities to see the animals you want to see. We had the most wonderful guide, Matthew with amazing invaluable knowledge. My 8 year old son ran straight to the kids club as soon as he possibly could where he was well looked after and proudly earned his Junior Ranger certificate. We loved the sundowners and the coffees in the most magical settings on earth. What a place!!!

We spent 2nights in July 2025. From the moment we arrived the staff were accommodating and will help us settle in. Our guide Darren Milne was excellent was knowledgeable and answered all the questions professionally. We did 3 game drives in total. Though blankets are provided. If travelling in July it is quiet cold recommend a wooly hat, gloves, and scarf, and winter wind proof jacket.

I can't put it into words. The magnitude of what we have experienced will never be experienced again.from the wildlife, to the scenery, but even more so the people.....it's truly tearjerking.