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Kariega Game Reserve - River Lodge

4.0 star property
Outdoor pool and sun loungers await at this rural retreat where visitors can indulge in spa treatments or explore the wilderness on safari adventures

Choose dates to view prices

Travelers discover the wild beauty of Kariega Game Reserve - River Lodge, with an on-site spa offering Swedish massages and Ayurvedic treatments. Enjoy game viewing, fishing, and rowing, then relax by the outdoor pool after a day of adventures.

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • All-inclusive
  • Spa
  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
The current price is NZ$2,253
includes taxes & fees
13 Mar - 14 Mar

Room options

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River Lodge Suite

River Lodge Suite

Highlights

Balcony
Air conditioning
Mini-fridge
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Separate bath and shower
Hairdryer
Deep-soaking bath
  • Hill view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed OR 2 Single Beds
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About the area

Located in Kenton on Sea, Kariega Game Reserve - River Lodge is in a rural area. Mosaic Studio and Quin Sculpture Garden are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include The Toposcope and The Big Pineapple. Albany Natural Science Museum and Observatory Museum are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with scuba diving and snorkelling nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with skydiving and mountain biking. Visit our Kenton on Sea travel guide
View more Lodges in Kenton on Sea
Map
Kenton-on-Sea, Kenton on Sea, Eastern Cape, 6191

What's nearby

  • Kenton Marina
    15 min drive - 17.4 km
  • Kariega Heights
    15 min drive - 18.1 km
  • Kariega Centre
    15 min drive - 17.7 km
  • Mosaic Studio
    17 min drive - 18.4 km
  • Kenton on Sea Beach
    17 min drive - 19.1 km

Getting around

  • Port Elizabeth (PLZ)
    115 min drive

Restaurants

  • Stanley's Restaurant
    11 min drive
  • Horn's Up
    27 min drive
  • Dorothy Long
    11 min drive

About this property

Kariega Game Reserve - River Lodge

Upscale all-inclusive lodge in a rural location
You can look forward to free full breakfast, game and wildlife viewing and a terrace at Kariega Game Reserve - River Lodge. Active travellers can enjoy fishing at this lodge. Indulge in a hot stone massage, Ayurvedic treatments and aromatherapy at Kariega Wellness Centre, the on-site spa. The on-site barbecue restaurant, Boma, offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. In addition to a library and dry cleaning/laundry services, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi, with a speed of 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices).
You'll also enjoy the following perks during your stay:
  • An outdoor pool, along with sunloungers and pool umbrellas
  • Free self-parking
  • A round-trip airport shuttle (surcharge), game drive on-site and a gift shop
  • A TV in reception, luggage storage and coffee/tea in reception
Room features
All guest rooms at Kariega Game Reserve - River Lodge include comforts, such as air conditioning and bathrobes, in addition to amenities, such as free WiFi and safes.
Extra amenities include:
  • Bathrooms with deep-soaking baths and free toiletries
  • Wardrobes/cupboards, balconies and mini fridges

All-inclusive details

This lodge is all-inclusive. On-site food and beverages are included in the room price (some restrictions may apply).

Food and beverages

À la carte meals, snacks and select beverages included
Basic alcoholic drinks included

Similar properties

View from property
Kariega Game Reserve - Main Lodge
  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Spa
  • Kids’ pool
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, 28 reviews
The price is NZ$1,722
includes taxes & fees
13 Mar - 14 Mar
Kariega Game Reserve - Main Lodge
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices)
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Return airport shuttle (surcharge) from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on request
  • Area shuttle up to 15 km
  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking

Food and drink

  • Free full breakfast available daily
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Restaurants on site

  • Boma

Things to do

  • Boat tours
  • Fishing
  • Full-service spa
  • Game drive
  • Game viewing
  • Library
  • Outdoor pool
  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • Mini-fridge
  • Outdoor pool
  • Separate bedroom

Conveniences

  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Change of towels on request
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)

Business services

  • Computer station

Outdoors

  • Beach towels
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Terrace

Full-service spa

  • 2 treatment rooms
  • Aromatherapy
  • Ayurvedic treatments
  • Body scrubs
  • Body wraps
  • Couples treatment rooms
  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Facials
  • Hot stone massages
  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Sports massages
  • Swedish massages
  • Thai massages

Accessibility

  • No lift

More

  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Deep soaking bathtub
  • Dressing gowns
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water
  • Mini-fridge
  • Minibar

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; check-in end time: 6 PM
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 72 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
There is no front desk at this property
The host will greet guests on arrival
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Host will greet you

Pets

No pets or service animals allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
Cots (infant beds) are not available

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle fee: ZAR 3300.00 per person (one-way)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts major credit cards, debit cards and cash
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property

National rating

Quality graded by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) – South Africa's official quality assurance organisation.

Property is also known as

Kariega Game Reserve River
Kariega Game Reserve River Kenton On Sea
Kariega Game Reserve River Lodge
Kariega Game Reserve River Lodge Kenton On Sea
Kariega Game Reserve Hotel Kenton-On-Sea
Kariega Game Reserve River
Kariega Game Reserve - River Lodge Lodge
Kariega Game Reserve - River Lodge Kenton on Sea
Kariega Game Reserve - River Lodge Lodge Kenton on Sea

Frequently asked questions

Does Kariega Game Reserve - River Lodge have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

How much does it cost to stay at Kariega Game Reserve - River Lodge?

As of 7 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Kariega Game Reserve - River Lodge on 13 Mar 2026 start from NZ$2,253, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is Kariega Game Reserve - River Lodge pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Kariega Game Reserve - River Lodge?

Self-parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Kariega Game Reserve - River Lodge?

Check-in start time: 2 PM; check-in end time: 6 PM. After-hours check-in is not available.

What time is check-out at Kariega Game Reserve - River Lodge?

Checkout is at 10 AM.

Does Kariega Game Reserve - River Lodge provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle that runs 8:00 AM-5:00 PM on request. A fee of ZAR 3300.00 per person applies.

Are there all-inclusive benefits at Kariega Game Reserve - River Lodge?

Yes, the property is all-inclusive.

Where is Kariega Game Reserve - River Lodge located?

Situated in a rural location, this all-inclusive lodge is within 9 miles (15 km) of Kenton Marina, Kariega Centre and Kariega Heights. Kenton on Sea Beach and John Muirhead Nature Reserve are also within 9 miles (15 km).

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Reviews

Kariega Game Reserve - River Lodge Reviews

8.4

Very good

8.6

Cleanliness

10

Location

9.4

Staff & service

8.8

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 6 out of 11 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 11 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 11 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 11 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 11 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Elaine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing game reserve with very knowledgeable rangers. Very bespoke and special. Facilities were luxurious and hospitality was amazing.,highly recommend .
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Wonderful!

Absolutely wonderful stay. Our driver Leigh was excellent - thank you! The whole team are brilliant, the location on the river is stunning and we went via boat for part of one drive. Saw heaps of animals on safari. An unforgettable experience.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

6/10 Okay

Jutta

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Das Zimmer war in Ordnung. Die Gamedrives haben Spaß gemacht und unser Guide hat sich wirklich bemüht die Big Five zu finden. Leider hat sich der Löwe nicht blicken lassen. Das River Lodge Game Resort ist ein Hotelbetriebmit vielen Mitarbeitern. Im Vergleich zu den Mitarbeitern und Inhabern dervielen, schönen, kleinen Gästehäusern, die wir auf unserer 3 Wochenreise kennengelernt haben, war das River Resort eher unpersönlich. Das Personal macht seinen Job.. die Gäste kommen sowieso. Das Essen hat uns nicht begeistert. Note 3 bis 4 .Die Lage am Fluss im Sonnenschein ist sehr schön. Da wir in Südafrika und in Namibia schon andere Lodges besucht haben, hatten wir einen Vergleich.Die Riverlodge würde ich nicht mehr buchen.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

6/10 Okay

Coralie

Liked: Room comfort
Disliked: Cleanliness

Disapppointing stay

Good cases taken directly to our lodge which we got to by golf cart. (This broke down the following day and replacements lights did not work so was given a torch!)(Really!) Barbeque one evening but difficult to actually see what I was eating as the light wasn't good. Face clothes disappeared, asked for 2 replacements, 1 given, likewise mini bar wasn't stocked properly. We were told that our group had to all do the same thing during the free time between drives, yet when we went to the beach, we had people from other groups joining us. Likewise when we asked about doing a bush walk, we went with another 2 people and it was only from the main lodge, not what we'd been given to expect, which was why my mother decided not to come. There was never any canoe session which we'd also requested and was the reason we'd chosen the river lodge for the other activities between drives. There was an issue with the pool malfunctioning and making a noise on our last night which was reported but nothing done. The phone to the lodge didn't work! The only way to contact reception was by going outside, getting in the golf cart and driving up to the main lodge. Not good enough as it was horrible being so cut off. No wifi in lodges which would be better. Towels from the pool were not removed but just left after day 1, so never checked. Query Big5 as the leopard hasn't been seen for 6 months we were told.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2018

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

cute rhinos

Wonderful place.

10/10 Excellent

hoyland

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

fantastic stay

from start to the end it was just the best time I have had on a adventure holiday every thing was 100% Thanks to all the crew at River Lodge.

10/10 Excellent

Vaughan, England

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

First Class Game Reserve

A wonderful game reserve, staff extremely friendly and helpful,the game rangers knowledgable and friendly.Food excellent, room excellent. It would be hard to find a better game reserve. Saw many wonderful animals at close range.

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort

Sehr schöne Logde mit Verbesserungspotential

Die River Lodge liegt idyllisch am Bushmanriver und bietet sich für Kurzurlaube (bis 4 Tage) von Paaren ohne Kinder an. Die Ranger sind ausserordentlich bemüht, den Aufenthalt so angenehm wie möglich zu gestalten und alle Wünsche der Gäste zu erfüllen. Die Ausfahrten am Morgen und Abend können mit Bootsfahrten und Wanderungen kombiniert werden. Das Angebot an Tieren ist großartig. Das Wilderness Fly Camp (Übernachtung im Zelt in der Wildness) ist ein absolutes Erlebnis. Bei längeren Aufenthalten zeigt sich jedoch schnell, daß die Lodge wenig Abwechslung in Bezug auf die Speisekarte am Abend und beim Frühstück bietet. Alle Getränke sind im Preis inklusive und die Auswahl ist recht groß. Die Qualität der Zimmer hat im Laufe der Jahre etwas gelitten (Abnutzungserscheinungen, Schimmel in der Dusche, fleckige Möblierung). Im Gegensatz zum sehr guten Service im Haupthaus (Bar, Restaurant) läßt das Housekeeping zu wünschen übrig. Während unseres Aufenthaltes frühstückte der Besitzer der Lodge Sonntags morgens zusammen mit seinen privaten Gästen auf der Terrasse am Fluß, während die zahlenden Gäste trotz schönsten Wetters drinnen im Restaurant essen mussten. Insgesamt erscheint uns das Preis-Leistungsverhältnis nicht ganz stimmig.

10/10 Excellent

Jacques Jacobus

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

annie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023