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.

The Ukhozi Lodge was stunning on every count possible, beautiful scenery, idyllic and calm, mixed with pure comfort and amazing food and drink. But all of that is nothing compared to the wonderful team who look after you. Oh my gosh, the service, the kindness, and constant warm smiles are truly what make this hotel the best I have ever stayed in. The individual lodges provide a scenic delight across part of the reserve as well as provide ultimate comfort. Then, after all that, you get assigned a Ranger who remains your ranger for your stay, I had not read anything before we went.. but I can tell you from a very biased perspective we had the best... Melissa. She was amazing, so knowledgeable and for sure the best driver I have ever seen!! Her superb reversing skills are a must for those moments when the track is only wide enough for you and the Bull Elephant!!! Melissa knows that Reserve like the back of her hand and was relentless in ensuring that we saw every animal possible from cheetahs to Rhino's to the pack of teenage Lions and mum fresh with their kill. The hippos, the birds, every type of antelope, and the stealers of our hearts the crazy warthogs.. finally, on our last day, she rearranged the morning drive so we could attend and be back for our 9.00 am pick up.. and to top it off with minutes to spare, she managed to show us elusive male pair of Lions. Honestly, Kariega is more than your average safari.. the landscape alone sets it apart from many others. We will defo return and will be bringing our tribe to share the beauty with our friends and family.. and maybe we will get lucky and get Mellisa as our Ranger Guide again

… a bucket list trip filled with big expectations and Kariega more than delivered !!! Nic our guide/ranger was not only extremely knowledgeable in all animals, wildlife and birds, but a pleasure to hang out with. This trip was respectful of all animals, even tho you might sometimes get very close - but isn’t that part of the experience? Two treks a day, with each day being better than the previous. Lodge staff very friendly and attentive. Can’t say enough about this place other than run, don’t walk and book a few days. Absolutely worth it. Thanks Nic, you made the trip.

We stayed at the Ukhozi Lodge for three nights and what an incredible place it is, we simply could not fault it. A great deal of thought has gone into making guests feel welcome and to showcase local culture and the wildlife. The communal area had relaxing log fires and the rooms were spacious and comfortable. We really were made to feel like part of the Ukhozi family with breakfast and the evening meal had with our dedicated guides. We spent three days with Melissa who was fantastic. We enjoyed twice daily drives (early morning and mid-afternoon) and one river cruise with her. A lot of thought went into these…staff really had thought of everything! We will forever remember the amazing time we had at Kariega. We never stopped smiling…

It was our second time visiting Kariega (thanks to an Instagram competition win!) - last time we stayed and Settlers Drift and this time we were at the Ukhozi Lodge… and it was just as spectacular as our first stay! The staff and service was great and the food was exceptional. We particularly enjoyed the braai night - fab food (and atmosphere with the singing also). The accommodation was incredibly clean and the decor is great. Huge comfy beds! Unfortunately the weather wasn’t warm enough for us to brave the plunge pool on our balcony or the communal pool. We had an issue with our shower one night but it was fixed within 15 mins of reporting the problem to reception. The cleaning of the room while you are on the morning drive and the turn down service when you are on the evening drive are lovely touches. Obviously a very special mention is needed for our guide - Melissa. She had it all - amazing knowledge of the animals (and plants and stars!), great chatting away with us all, fab bartender / barrista(!), lovely to spend time with at breakfast/dinner, not to mention the driving skills. Her determination was second to none in ensuring we saw the lions - not only did we find the 2 male lions, but also the female lion with her 3 cubs - wow. Also, the rain was pretty epic one day - hats off to her to keep smiling, driving & talking! She also took us on a walking guided tour one day in-between both safari drives. Feeling very lucky to have had so many amazing encounters with the animals. I feel so lucky to have experienced Kariega twice now and would love to make it three!