Kariega Game Reserve is an hour from Port Elizabeth and a short drive from a coastline of unspoilt beaches and scenic seashore cliffs. The reserve offers malaria-free big five safaris in spectacular surrounds making it an excellent safari option that combines well with a Cape Town or Garden Route holiday.

Bushmans and Kariega Rivers both run through Kariega Game Reserve on their gentle route to the sea. Wildlife in this small but well-managed park is diverse and abundant with the species list every bit as impressive as Kruger Park's private reserves up north. Wildlife to see on your safaris include elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, hippo, hyena, giraffe, zebra, eland, wildebeest, waterbuck and several smaller species of antelope.

With riparian and woodland habitats the birdlife is also varied and abundant. Become an instant professional landscape photographer as the meandering rivers, gently undulating landscape, sprinkled with flat-topped acacias and swaying blonde grass assemble in an infinite number of poses.

The reserve has five safari lodges that make the most of their beautiful surrounds and spectacular views. Kariega Main Lodge is the original safari lodge with a casual, family-friendly approach; River Lodge is on the Bushmans River and offers luxury and intimacy with just 10 rooms; Ukhozi River Lodge offers similar luxury to River Lodge without the river frontage. Both these last two have all-suite accommodation with private plunge pools and exclusive privacy with just 10 rooms. Settler's Drift ups the ante, offering a luxurious tented safari with nine tented suites each with stunning views and private viewing decks. The Homestead is a luxury private villa with five double en suite rooms and your personal own chef and dedicated game guide.