See all properties

Kariega Game Reserve - River Lodge

Property class: 4
4-star all-inclusive lodge with free breakfast

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Kariega Game Reserve - River Lodge

A poolside area with lounge chairs and a stone building with a wooden roof.
A room with a wooden ceiling, a bed with a red blanket, a wooden desk with a chair, a large window with curtains, and a view of a lake.
A spacious outdoor seating area with a wooden table, cushioned sofas, and a thatched roof structure.
A group of people seated on beach chairs on a sandy beach with a rocky outcrop in the background and the ocean in the distance.
A spacious living area with high ceilings, a fireplace, and a view of the outdoors.

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • All inclusive
  • Spa
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
Kenton-on-Sea, Kenton on Sea, Eastern Cape, 6191
  • Place, Sibuya Game Reserve
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Place, Beachcomber Horse Trails
    ‪21 min drive‬
  • Place, Kenton on Sea Beach
    ‪28 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for River Lodge Suite

A spacious bedroom with a large bed, a wooden ceiling, a small seating area, and a view through large glass doors.

River Lodge Suite

  • Resort view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

About the neighborhood

Kenton on Sea

In Kenton on Sea .Within 9 miles (15 km) of this lodge, you'll find Beachcomber Horse Trails and Kenton Marina. Also within 9 miles (15 km) are Kariega Centre and Kariega Heights.
View more Lodges in Kenton on SeaOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Sibuya Game Reserve - 7 min drive - 3.5 miles
  • Beachcomber Horse Trails - 21 min drive - 9.7 miles
  • Kenton Marina - 25 min drive - 11.0 miles
  • Kariega Centre - 26 min drive - 11.5 miles
  • Kenton on Sea Beach - 28 min drive - 12.2 miles

Getting around

  • Port Elizabeth (PLZ) - 115 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Stanley's Restaurant - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Horn's Up - ‬27 min drive

About this property

Kariega Game Reserve - River Lodge

4-star all-inclusive lodge with free breakfast
Kariega Game Reserve - River Lodge is an all-inclusive lodge. Room rates include meals and beverages at onsite restaurants and bars. Other items and amenities, including taxes and gratuities, and access to recreational activities and entertainment may also be included. Additional charges may apply for meals at some restaurants, special dinners and dishes, certain beverages, and other amenities.

Kariega Game Reserve - River Lodge offers its guests a full-service spa and an outdoor pool. There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Free breakfast is served daily. A computer station is on site and WiFi is free in public spaces.

Spa services, a library, and a terrace are also featured at the business-friendly Kariega Game Reserve - River Lodge. An airport shuttle (available on request) is available for a fee. Self parking is free.

This 4-star Kenton on Sea lodge is smoke free.

  • 10 guestrooms or units
  • Full breakfast (free)
  • Towels for the beach
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Umbrellas for the pool
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Dry cleaning
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Library
  • Terrace
  • Gift shop
  • Computer for guest use
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Television in lobby
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
Kariega Game Reserve - River Lodge offers 10 air-conditioned accommodations with safes and complimentary bottled water. Rooms open to balconies. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access (speed: 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices)). Guests can make use of the in-room coffee/tea makers and minibars. Bathrooms include separate bathtubs and showers with deep soaking bathtubs, bathrobes, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers. Housekeeping is offered daily and change of towels can be requested.
Kariega Wellness Centre has 2 treatment rooms including rooms for couples. Services include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages, sports massages, and Swedish massages. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy and Ayurvedic.

Similar properties

A modern house with a pool, surrounded by forested hills.
Kariega Game Reserve - Ukhozi Lodge
Kenton on Sea
  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • All inclusive
  • Spa
4.8 out of 5, Exceptional, 20 reviews
$1,171 nightly
The price is $1,347
Oct 31 - Nov 1
Total with taxes and fees
Kariega Game Reserve - Ukhozi Lodge

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Mini-fridge
  • Outdoor pool
  • Separate bedroom

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 transportation

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

Food and drink

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

Things to do

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

Accessibility

  • No elevator

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bed sheets provided

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Deep soaking bathtub
  • 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

  • Pets and service animals are not allowed at Kariega Game Reserve - River Lodge

Children and extra beds

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

Property payment types

  • Mastercard
  • Visa

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Destination fee: ZAR 250 per person, per night. This fee does not apply to children under 4 years of age.

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

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

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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 credit cards, debit cards, and cash
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, debit cards, and cash.

We should mention

  • Pets and service animals are not allowed on site.

Property class

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

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

How close is Kariega Game Reserve - River Lodge to the airport?

Kariega Game Reserve - River Lodge is 93.2 mi (115-min drive) away from the Port Elizabeth (PLZ) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

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

As of Oct 30, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Kariega Game Reserve - River Lodge on Nov 22, 2026 start from $1,284, 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.

Does Kariega Game Reserve - River Lodge have an airport shuttle?

Kariega Game Reserve - River Lodge offers an airport shuttle from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, on request, for a charge of ZAR 3300.00. per person, one-way.

How close is Kariega Game Reserve - River Lodge to the beach?

This lodge is 9.3 mi (22-min drive) from Kenton on Sea Beach and 9.7 mi (17-min drive) from Shelley Bay. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Kariega Game Reserve - River Lodge offer free breakfast?

Kariega Game Reserve - River Lodge offers free full breakfast every day.

Is there a casino at Kariega Game Reserve - River Lodge?

No, there is no casino at this lodge.

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

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 6 PM.

Is there free parking at Kariega Game Reserve - River Lodge?

This lodge offers free self parking.

Does Kariega Game Reserve - River Lodge have a pool?

Kariega Game Reserve - River Lodge features an outdoor pool.

Does Kariega Game Reserve - River Lodge have a restaurant?

Kariega Game Reserve - River Lodge is home to Boma, which features barbecue.

Does Kariega Game Reserve - River Lodge have a spa?

Pamper yourself with a day at Kariega Wellness Centre, where you can enjoy mani/pedis, body scrubs, and body wraps.

How close is Kariega Game Reserve - River Lodge to downtown Kenton on Sea?

Kariega Game Reserve - River Lodge is 7.9 mi away from Kenton on Sea.

Kariega Game Reserve - River Lodge Reviews

Reviews

8.4

Very Good

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

8.6/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

6/10 Okay

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
Verified review

6/10 Okay

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
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

cute rhinos

Wonderful place.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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.
Verified review

6/10 Okay

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.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
Verified review

6/10 Okay

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