Settlers Drift at Kariega

Kariega Game Reserve is home to an array of camps and lodges, one of which is the ultra-luxurious Settlers Drift. Offering a modern, luxury tented lodge experience with contemporary design, spacious suites, and high-end amenities; Settlers certainly offers a sense of refinement. There are 9 suites overlooking the Bushman’s River, each furnished with an opulant bedroom flowing effortlessly outwards to a private balcony. From fishing to river cruises, canoeing and game drives, Kariega sets a high standard. It’s here that you can spot the Big 5, in addition to

Camp Life: 

Botlierskop Village Lodge offers well-designed communal spaces that blend comfort with the natural surroundings. The central lodge features a spacious lounge and dining area, where guests can enjoy farm-style meals while overlooking the reserve. A large outdoor deck provides the perfect vantage point for wildlife viewing, while the swimming pool offers a refreshing escape from the heat of the Garden Route. Families will appreciate the kid-friendly facilities, including on-site babysitting services. With a bar, firepit, and various relaxation areas, the lodge fosters a laid-back yet captivating safari experience.

Accommodation: 

• There are two standard rooms/chalets; 2 luxury rooms; 3 superior rooms; 1 family room
• Standard Rooms have a feature a fully stocked mini-bar, tea and coffee station, outdoor lounge area with comfortable seating, indoor fireplace, air-conditioning, and an en-suite bathroom with a shower.
• Luxury Rooms: Offering spacious indoor and outdoor lounge areas, these rooms come equipped with a fully stocked mini-bar, tea and coffee station, indoor fireplace, air-conditioning, and an en-suite bathroom with both shower and bath. They provide views over the garden.
• Superior Rooms: These rooms offer a spacious indoor lounge area, patio with comfortable seating offering charming valley views, fully stocked mini-bar, tea and coffee station, indoor fireplace, air-conditioning, and an en-suite bathroom with shower and bath.
• Family Rooms: Ideal for families, these units consist of two bedrooms sharing one bathroom. Amenities include a fully stocked mini-bar, tea and coffee station, spacious indoor and outdoor lounge areas, indoor fireplace, air-conditioning, and an en-suite bathroom with bath and shower.

On-site activities:  

• Guided walking safaris
• Guided game drives
• Boma evenings
• Fishing
• Junior rangers program
• Conservation safaris
• Kids playground
• Shopping at the curio shop
• Spa treatments
• Horseback safaris
• Luxury picnics

Wildlife sightings: Botlierskop Game Reserve offers a place of refuge for a range of species across 4,200 hectares of lush Garden Route terrain. This area is home to four of the Big 5 (lions, elephants, buffalo, and rhinoceroses). In addition to these, the reserve hosts cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, and the rare black impala. Bird enthusiasts will also appreciate the presence of over 200 bird species within the reserve. Also, Botlierskop has undertaken significant conservation efforts, such as releasing three lions into a 1,000-hectare section of the reserve, allowing them to roam freely and naturally.

Unique selling point: There are quite a few! First, the range of unique safari activities, with the top two being horseback safaris and veterinary conservation safaris. With so many kids’ activities at Botlierskop, it’s also the perfect place to inspire a love for the wilderness in young explorers.

Best for: Families with young children, those looking for an activity-based holiday, and anyone in need of a multigenerational safari holidays for families to reconnect. It’s also great for travellers looking to combine a safari with their Cape Town break.