Kariega Settlers Drift, Eastern Cape Safari

Overview

The malaria-free Big 5 private game reserve of Kariega is set in the pristine wilderness of the Kariega River Valley in the Eastern Cape. The picturesque Kariega and Bushmans Rivers border the Kariega Game Reserve. Covering 10,000ha of beautiful and diverse bushveld, it offers abundant game including lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, hippo, hyena, giraffe, zebra, and numerous antelope species. And located in an untouched part of Kariega is Settlers Drift, a unique tented safari camp offering 5-star luxury.

Settlers Drift Lodge comprises nine 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. Back in 1820, the Settlers first discovered this valley as they guided their wagons across the river. Hence the camp’s name...

Accommodation at Kariega Settlers Drift

This luxuriously appointed tented lodge offers a stylish and contemporary ambience with a restaurant, bar, wine cellar, swimming pool, and library. Enjoy alfresco dinners in the lantern-lit boma at night. Or treat yourself with a range of spa treatments between the morning and afternoon game activities. The suites are vast, over 110sqm with glass walls that can be opened up to the bush. Each has a sitting area with a fireplace for winter and air-conditioning for summer as well as a large dressing room area. The lovely semi-open-plan bathroom offers a bath with a view, an indoor rain shower, double basins, and a separate loo.

As well as morning and evening open vehicle game drives, Kariega offers walking close to abundant plains game and arrival by river cruises. Plus other activities include canoeing, fly-fishing, and birding. The birdlife along the riverbanks is excellent with martial and crowned eagles soaring above you and the plaintiff cry of the fish eagle often heard. The nearby sandy beaches of Kenton-on-Sea are less than 15 minutes drive away. Alternatively, you can just relax by the pool or on your spacious deck and do absolutely nothing!

In Pictures

Cedarberg Travel | Kariega Settlers Drift Lodge

Kariega Settlers Drift Lodge on the map

Rooms

Luxury Safari Tent/ Suite

Private tented suites (each 110m²) - each with an opulent bedroom and living area, full bathroom, indoor/outdoor shower, mini-bar, stunning views and private viewing deck. Rates include all meals, beverages, safari drive twice daily & river cruises.

Visit to Settlers Drift Tented Lodge

I recently spent a weekend at the new contemporary Kariega Settlers Drift lodge in the Eastern Cape. Though the weather did not play along (at all), the lodge was looking fantastic - stylish and contemporary with oodles of space.

I loved the arrival by boat up the Bushmans River. (You arrive at the jetty/meeting point between 1-2pm with drinks on offer. The the boat cruise departs at 2pm with your guide pointing out all the wonderful birdlife on the riverbanks). The lodge itself is perched high on a wooded ridge with stunning views over river and valley. The main lodge is built of stone with tented roof. It has an expansive deck with firepit, funky modern bar with comfy seating, large fireplace in the main area. My only negative is that the fireplace though certainly stylish, was not very functional as much of the heat disappeared up the vent.

The massive suites are truly five star - so large you could almost do a laps around it to keep fit! There's also great attention to detail seen throughout the lodge such as two sets of reading lights to choose from, plenty of space in the dressing area.

The food was delicious with modest portions so that you can easily indulge in all the courses. Great and innovative choice of breakfast options.

Settlers Drift is a very contemporary, almost minimalist lodge so it wouldn't suit everyone. I can certainly see it appealing to honeymoon couples with its glass walled suite and bathroom.