Kariega Game Reserve

Kariega Game Reserve Kariega is a family-owned and operated Big 5 private game reserve in South Africa.
(2362)

Situated in South Africa's Eastern Cape, Kariega spans across 10 000 hectares of pristine wilderness, and is home to the famous Big 5, zebra, giraffe, hippo, multiple species of antelope and an abundance of birdlife. Kariega is a family-owned and operated private game reserve, giving it a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Set on African plains, magnificent hills and dramatic river valleys this hidden jewel combines spectacular and dramatic vistas with an abundance of African game and wildlife.

If there’s one thing monkeys and baboons at Kariega Game Reserve have mastered, it’s keeping safari entertaining!From cu...
01/09/2026

If there’s one thing monkeys and baboons at Kariega Game Reserve have mastered, it’s keeping safari entertaining!

From curious looks and cheeky antics to impressive displays of climbing, foraging and socializing, our primates certainly know how to make an entrance.

Watch closely and you’ll see plenty of family drama, playful youngsters and very serious-looking adults going about their daily business.

World Primate Day is a great excuse to celebrate these fascinating members of the Kariega family. They may not always get the same attention as the Big Five, but spend a little time watching them and you’ll soon discover that they are every bit as entertaining.

Another month of early mornings, golden sunsets, unforgettable sightings, and beautiful moments in the bush.Here’s to th...
31/08/2026

Another month of early mornings, golden sunsets, unforgettable sightings, and beautiful moments in the bush.

Here’s to the adventures September has waiting for us!🐘

Meet Guide Yonela 👋🏼Yonela grew up in the Marselle local community. After finishing school, she started working at Kento...
28/08/2026

Meet Guide Yonela 👋🏼

Yonela grew up in the Marselle local community. After finishing school, she started working at Kenton Bakery, where she had the opportunity to meet and interact with holidaymakers and people from all over the world. It was there that her love for working with people and learning from different cultures really began to grow.

Yonela was fortunate enough to hear about the Kariega Foundation's Community Based Field Guide programme that gives young girls and boys from the local community the opportunity to become field guides. She applied for the programme and completed her guiding qualification through it. This was where my passion for guiding and the bush truly began.

Yonela has been part of the guiding team for 11 months now and her journey has been amazing to watch. We really value her passion and love for the bush and it shines through everyday!

One of her highlights so far was witnessing two male cheetahs kill a nyala. From the stalking right through to the kill. It was a moment she will never forget!

Every day is different in the bush and these moments remind us why we love sharing the beauty of the bush with guests! Thank you Yonela for your enthusiasm and passion for conservation and the wildlife! We hope to have you with us for many more years to come.

"Yonela- she was amazing! Gave us a special experience. Very Knowledgable , friendly and always found the best drinks spots!"

27/08/2026

A lovely video of a group of giraffes passing by. There is something special about watching these tall mammals on game drive. What a lovely sight!

Thanks to Lindy for the video!

# bushlife

Who do you spot? 🦁Thanks to the Ecology department for sharing these pictures of animals spotted on the wildlife camera'...
26/08/2026

Who do you spot? 🦁

Thanks to the Ecology department for sharing these pictures of animals spotted on the wildlife camera's. From predators passing through the darkness to curios creatures passing by, these camera's give us a glimpse of the animals movement and the different species found on the reserve which is beneficial for research and data.

There are a few rares ones in there too!

“Everything from the standard of the luxurious accommodation to the food, the staff and the activities was absolutely sp...
25/08/2026

“Everything from the standard of the luxurious accommodation to the food, the staff and the activities was absolutely spectacular. Cannot wait to return!”

We love hearing what makes a stay at Settlers Drift so memorable. From beautifully appointed tented suites and exceptional cuisine to warm, personal service and unforgettable safari experiences, every detail is designed to make your time at Kariega special.

And, of course, there is the safari itself — where knowledgeable guides, incredible wildlife encounters, bush coffee stops and spectacular landscapes come together to create memories that last long after you leave.

Thank you to our guests for sharing their experiences with us. We look forward to welcoming you back to Settlers Drift.

24/08/2026

The young lioness keeping a watchful eye with her curios cubs! 🤩 How adorable are they!

The cubs are getting so big and are exploring the reserve with mums protection and patience!

Thanks to guide Leigh for the video 📸

23/08/2026

Happy Sunday! 🐘

There's nothing quite like watching elephants being playful. This fun behaviour is all part of their social interactions.

These males definitely put a smile on our faces.

Thanks to guide Jamee for the video 📸

22/08/2026

The Southern Double-collared Sunbird is a small but striking bird, bringing a vibrant splash of colour to the Eastern Cape bush. Males are particularly eye-catching, with a glossy dark head and back, a bright red and yellow breast band, and iridescent colours that catch the light as they move between flowers.

These energetic sunbirds feed mainly on nectar, using their specialised curved bills and brush-tipped tongues to reach deep into flowers. They also help pollinate many of the plants they visit, making them an important part of the ecosystem.

At Kariega Game Reserve, their quick movements and brilliant colours make them a rewarding subject for birders and photographers. Look closely among flowering plants and you may catch one hovering briefly before darting to its next meal.

21/08/2026

An amazing video shared with us of the Knysna Turaco ( also known as the Knysna Loerie). It is a common resident in the evergreen forests of southern and eastern South Africa.

Their plumage contains turacin, a unique red pigment found in turaco feathers. Their diet mainly consists of fruit, but they also eat flowers, leaves and occassionaly insects.

They really are the jewels of South African forests.

Thanks to Guide Jenna for sending through this video to us.

Address

Cl To Kenton-on-Sea
Ndlambe
6191

Telephone

+27466367904

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Kariega Game Reserve posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category