Kariega's Location & Directions

Situated on South Africa’s malaria-free Garden Route, Kariega Game Reserve spans across 11,500 hectares of pristine Eastern Cape wilderness and is home to the famous Big 5 as well as a multitude of African wildlife including hippo, giraffe and zebra. The reserve is also a paradise for birdlife, including resident and migrant birds.

The game reserve is located in the coastal belt of 1820 Settler Country, a natural extension to a visit to Cape Town and a trip along South Africa's beautiful coast. The nearest airport is Port Elizabeth and is an 80 minute drive away, the seaside village of Kenton-on-Sea is 10 minutes drive and the historic town of Grahamstown can be reached in half an hour.

The safari park combines close up viewing of abundant African wildlife, excellent personal service and spectacular vistas across African plains and magnificent hills. The reserve incorporates two dramatic and picturesque river valleys - the Kariega and Bushmans. A variety of safari activities are on offer to ensure you enjoy the spectacular wilderness. All-inclusive options include twice daily game viewing from open safari vehicles with qualified game rangers, river cruises, guided bush walks, canoeing, river fishing and beach trips by boat. Spa treatments are available at applicable rates. 

Kariega Game Lodge is a family-owned and operated private game reserve, giving it a warm and welcoming atmosphere. There are five superb safari lodges - Settlers Drift in Kariega Game Reserve, River Lodge, Ukhozi Lodge, Main Lodge and The Homestead.

GPS Co-Ordinates of the Reserve Gates

Directions

Main Reception - Main Lodge, Ukhozi Lodge & The Homestead

Travel the N2 from Cape Town along the Garden Route towards Grahamstown, and choose one of two alternative routes:

Route 1:
The coastal route on the R72, via Alexandria to Kenton-on-Sea, where you turn inland and proceed 14 km on the R343.

Route 2:
Proceed on the N2 towards Grahamstown for about 110km and turn right before reaching Grahamstown onto the tarred road (R343)to Kenton-on-Sea for a distance of 32km.

River Lodge Entrance

Travel from Port Elizabeth along the N2 towards Grahamstown for approximately 50 km and then take the Port Alfred turnoff, where you will then travel along the R72 towards Kenton-on-Sea and Port Alfred. The turnoff to River Lodge is signposted and is exactly 15 km beyond Alexandria.

Settlers Drift Entrance & Arrival Procedures

Travel from Port Elizabeth along the N2 towards Grahamstown for approximately 50 km and then take the Port Alfred turnoff, where you will then travel along the R72 towards Kenton-on-Sea and Port Alfred. The turnoff to Settlers Drift is signposted and is exactly 10 km beyond Alexandria.

Boat transfer
A boat transfer to Settlers Drift departs daily from the jetty at 13h30 (weather dependant) – therefore for guests to be able to enjoy this transfer, they must arrive at the gate by approx. 13h00.

Instructions for guests in time for the boat transfer
Once you have arrived at the Settlers Drift turnoff please proceed as follows:

• Proceed on a gravel road through an electric gate (push button for intercom communication with the lodge) for approx. 2,8 kms to the Kariega Game Reserve and Settlers Drift entrance gate.
• You will be met by a gate guard and given directions to the jetty and carports.
• At the jetty you will be met by one of the Settlers Drift game rangers, who will then transfer you to the lodge by boat, which will take approx. 30 minutes.

Instructions for guests who are late for the boat transfer
Once you have arrived at the Settlers Drift turnoff please proceed as follows:

• Proceed on a gravel road through an electric gate (push button for intercom communication with the lodge) for approx. 2,8 kms to the Kariega Game Reserve and Settlers Drift entrance gate.
• You will be met by a gate guard and given directions to proceed for another approx. 6.5 kms to the lodge.

Google Map