Fly into Johannesburg, get behind the wheel of a hire car and in under 5 hours you could be marvelling at the wonders of the Karongwe Game Reserve. It’s a Big 5 spotting destination that extends for 9,000 hectares, all of it protected land that draws in bird and wildlife the like of which you can only see in South Africa.

The land of the reserve is criss-crossed by four rivers, helping to explain why it’s such a draw for animals – after all, they all need a drink. And with the landscape framed by the Drakensberg mountains and conveniently located just a 45 minute drive from Kruger National Park, it’s easy to see why Karongwe River Lodge is so popular with couples and families.

The look of the Lodge

Timber and thatch make regular and welcome appearances throughout the lodge, giving the place a natural appeal that works well with the modern comforts that ensure you’re never far from something luxurious, be it a comfy sofa here, or a tea/coffee maker there.

There’s a main lounge of course where you can eat, drink and relax in any order you choose.  And it leads out onto a viewing deck where you’re sure to find a favourite spot to sit and relax, view the game and relax some more. A pool is here too which is sure to tempt you in for a dip or swim, especially if it’s hot during your stay.

Where you’ll sleep

Thatched lodges provide the accommodation here at Karongwe, with luxury, family and Presidential style suites available. The beds are big, the bathrooms attractive and the views magnificent – all you could wish for really.

You’ll have a private viewing deck that gives you a unique angle on the bush and the Makhutsi River where all sorts of wildlife visit for a drink, wash and dip – elephant and antelope included.

What’s on

You can do as little or as much as you like here. You’re sure to want to get on board for one of the twice daily game drives, one during daylight hours the other at night to view the nocturnal goings on in the area.

Game rangers and trackers will lead you out into the bush in vehicles specially designed to make safaris spectacular. And yes, seeing the Big 5 is a definite possibility in this part of Africa, although there are no guarantees. At the last count, over 365 species of bird had been spotted in the area, so you might want to bring binoculars.

Back at the lodge, you can brush up on your culinary skills and learn new ones with interactive cooking sessions, or discover how to take the most stunning pictures of your safari with a photography workshop.

The team here also organise walking trips into the bush to spot cheetah, and informative anti-poaching workshops to show how the local wildlife population is being protected. You also have a mobile spa, library and Kiddies Club to give yourself a time out from the little ones in your life.

On the menu

The Lodge team prides itself on the quality of its food and drink offering, with menus that feature influences from all over the African continent. Enjoy plates of deliciousness outside under the stars in the boma, or opt for the dining room. You can also sample the wide range of beers, wines and spirits, both local and international, with your meal and afterwards.