Situated in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, the Kariega Game Reserve covers 11, 500 hectares of pure southern afrotemperate forest.  Kariega has a variety of lodges available, the most contemporary of which is Settlers Drift. It is malaria-free and a great way to round off a self-drive vacation along the beautiful coastal Garden Route.

Settlers Drift is a contemporary tented camp with just nine incredibly spacious suites, each with a huge sitting space, an outdoor shower, and a private balcony. It employs simple furnishings, monochromatic colours, and the textures of nature—think rock, stone, timber, and metal. Settlers Drift is not appropriate for kids under the age of 10, but it is perfect for honeymooners seeking a lavish Big 5 experience. Private spa services are provided in a lovely outdoor location.

The luxuriously appointed and perfectly positioned tented lodge delivers the ultimate guest experience.

Suites

The lodge consists of 9 spacious tented suites, each with stunning views and secluded viewing decks. Gazing down from the decks overlooking the Bushman’s River, it feels as if time has stood still since the last feet to have touched this remote valley were those of the 1820 Settlers as they guided their wagons across the river.
Each tented suit boasts its own outdoor shower, double vanities, and tubs with views. With pristine white linen covering the king-sized beds and ceiling fans installed for the summer.

Children between the ages of 10 and 16 are allowed to stay in their parents’ suite. There is Wi-Fi access in the rooms.

Dining

There is a fully equipped wine cellar, a full bar with panoramic views of the valley below, and a private dining area with a roaring fireplace close to the cellar. You have a choice between dining at separate tables in the spacious, light-filled dining room or al fresco by the pool.

Safari

Those who enjoy watching games won’t be dissatisfied: More than 25 different varieties of game including the Big Five – lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino & leopard – also to mention the reserve now has cheetah! And lets not forget approximately 300 different bird species, including fish, martial, and crowned eagles, may be found in Kariega. There are guided bush walks, paddling on the Bushman’s, and traditional morning and afternoon wildlife drives. Five different ecosystems are represented in the stunning landscape, which provide for varied sights and interesting photo opportunities when driving.

There are several walking trails at Kariega Game Reserve that visitors can explore with their ranger. Through guided safari excursions, visitors may get a sense of what it’s like to wander through the African bush while seeing the local wildlife and birdlife.