Kariega Game Reserve Ukhozi Lodge

Five stars are not enough! We really cannot rate Ukhozi Lodge and it’s amazing staff highly enough. The lodge is fabulous, the animals incredible and the staff are just the BEST! We stayed for 4 nights and had 7 drives with our guide, Megan. Megan is not just a fabulous guide she is also a lovely person and nothing is too much trouble for her. She really tries to ensure you get to see everything you hoped to and makes sure you get the best view possible without disturbing the wildlife. Each game drive was incredible, we saw and learnt so much. Every night felt like Christmas Eve, I was that excited for the next day, I have never been so happy to wake at 5.15am each morning. The food was superb and we sat with the other people in our jeep at mealtimes. We loved how your guide joined you for breakfast, it really allows you to get to know each other and chat about what you have seen and hope to see on any future drive. I really didn’t want to leave; I have never suffered with holiday blues this bad before and I shall never be able to drink a gin and dry lemon again without thinking of wonderful Ukhozi. Everything about Ukhozi surpassed our expectations, it was everything we had wished for and more.

The most amazing place . We stayed is as the last part of our honeymoon. And as the saying goes “we saved the best to last”. Everything from our room/lodge to the resort Itself, the food, drink and most of all staff with a special mention to our game guide Nick. I cannot recommend this place enough. The ladies cannot do enough for you, the service received at all meal times was amazing. Nick our guide was outstanding with such knowledge when it came to everything from animals to plants. He really went above and beyond for us even bringing us simba chips on our drive when he realised we loved them. I really hope some day I am lucky enough to go back to Kariega. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The game reserve / lodge is about 1 hour 30 minutes drive from Port Elizabeth. The accommodation is set in the grounds a few minutes away for the main reception / dining area. Our room was a large open plan suite / bathroom with a private plunge pool and terrace. Personally I prefer a door to the bathroom but most SA hotels seem to favour open plan with just an enclosed toilet. The room was nicely decorated and the air conditioning efficient and quiet. It was keep spotless by housekeeping which come in twice a day. Meals are taken in the main area. Breakfast is usually communal with other occupants of your safari jeep plus the guide. Likewise some dinners. How well this works depends on your fellow travellers. In our case a party of young Germans had little in common with us middle aged Brits! The food was very good and they kindly took account of my food allergies and intolerances when preparing meals. The main area also has a terrace and bar which was fairly well stocked but sadly no local gin! There is a small swimming pool with sun loungers but little shade. I got bitten round the pool so insect repellent is needed. Melissa was our excellent guide. The game viewing can be a challenge due to the dense hillside vegetation, but much easier on the plains. Some of the game drives were very bumpy and arduous due to the steep terrain. We also had a trip down the river which was very relaxing. The game drives left at 6am and 4pm both for about 3 hours with a pit stop for loo break (behind a bush), coffee etc. We had a great 3 nights and have some wonderful memories.