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.

Cannot put into words how amazing our stay was at Ukhozi Lodge. The staff cannot do enough for you, they are so welcoming. Thank you so much to everyone. The rooms, food, drinks, wellness center were all faultless. Big comfy bed in the room! My dream was always to go on a safari, so I had high expectations and was so excited. Well, I cannot stress enough how much Megan our ranger guide/driver exceeded every expectation I had. What a wonderful person with so much information to share and a true passion for wild animals. The game reserve is beautiful, it is amazing to get so close to the animals whilst respecting their space and boundaries. To see Thandi in real life after reading so much about her… it was so special. We were so emotional saying goodbye to Kariega and Megan. This was the best place we have ever visited and I have never felt happiness like it. We will be back!!!! Kirsten & Ben

Echoing other reviews , can’t really fault this lodge , the staff or the experience. Recommended. We saw all the animals , lions giraffes etc. Just so sad that many of these animals live under the risk of poachers. I hope that with your visit they can continue to protect these fantastic creatures in such a wonderful and mostly natural habitat.

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.