Things to do in South Africa

Family-friendly safaris at Kariega Game Reserve’s Main Lodge

I particularly enjoy standing with guests on our main deck as the views from here stretch for miles across the reserve…

By Dave Mariba

Manager at Main Lodge Kariega Game Reserve

I have worked in safari lodges throughout Africa for most of my career and, as manager at Kariega Main Lodge, I love to chat to guests from all over the world. I particularly enjoy standing with them on our main deck as the views from here stretch for miles across the reserve and quite often you can see animals grazing below.

With 24 log chalets and 40 staff, Main Lodge is the largest property on the Kariega Game Reserve. Our lodge is very popular with families as not only are we situated in a malaria-free area, each chalet has a large separate lounge so there is plenty of space in the rooms. We also have a dedicated children’s programme. From 11.00am to 14.00pm our children’s centre is open where our ‘kiddies coordinator’ arranges a host of activities for the younger members of the family. We have a guided trail within the lodge grounds where the children can learn about the plant and insect life of our reserve. They can take plaster casts of animal tracks and, after a fun test, they will receive a Junior Ranger certificate. It’s lovely to think we are encouraging the next generation to learn about the natural world.

When guests are not out on a game drive, enjoying a bush walk, taking a boat cruise or spending time at the beach at nearby Kenton-on-Sea, they can use our gym, take a dip in the pool or relax in the wellness centre. Our meals are served buffet-style in the main restaurant and on some evenings, we eat out under the stars in our boma.

My favourite part of my job is seeing guests happy and it’s even more rewarding when they come back for a return visit.

Available in these itineraries…

Itinerary

Classic Garden Route Self-drive
by Helen Austin

Length11 Days

Price range£3,095 - £3,450pp
Itinerary

Special Offer

Safari and the City
by Adele Jones

Length8 Days

Price range£2,825 - £3,395pp
Itinerary

South Africa Family Adventure Self-Drive
by Helen Austin

Length13 Days

Price range£4,095 - £4,595pp

Alfred & Dave Mariba

Originating from Limpopo Province, Dave Mariba has a wealth of hospitality experience having worked in a variety of safari lodges throughout South Africa, Botswana and East Africa. With plenty of hands-on experience and working his way into senior management positions, Dave has multiple certificates in customer service management and hospitality service. As well as his passion for sport and nature, Dave continues to learn and enjoys programmes on travel and hospitality.

Plan your holiday withAlfred&

Your journey will start with one of our UK team – someone like Laura, who's travelled extensively in South Africa. They’ll shape your ideas into the trip of a lifetime. But they won't do it alone. They'll draw on the expertise of our contacts on the ground, connecting you to the people who'll make your holiday one you'll always remember - ex banker who can show you the hottest foodie spots in Cape Town, the award-winning young sommelier who can introduce you to Stellenbosch's finest wines and the walking safari ranger who can guide you to the best game.

Laura Preston

Travel Expert for Alfred&

Having travelled extensively through Africa, Laura has a wealth of experience. She is passionate about Tanzania’s diversity from the quiet wilds of Ruaha that feel completely private to the silvery sands of Zanzibar and Stone Town’s spice-laced streets. In South Africa, she sought out the best views over Table Mountain, cocktail in hand, as well as the lesser-visited Kruger conservancies for more exclusive safaris. But her favourite place in the world has to be the Serengeti for its wide-open plains and incredible game that epitomise that feeling of Africa.
Wayne Howarth

Head Safari Guide at Kariega Game Reserve

Wayne loves being outdoors and has spent most of his life between the family farm and working on Private Game Reserves in the Eastern Cape. He has been guiding at Kariega for 12 years. His qualifications include Field Guide Association of South Africa (FGASA) Level 2, Advance Rifle Handling, Skippers Licence Category R and first aid. One of his career highlights was becoming a finalist in the 2021 Safari Guide of the Year competition.
Rupesh Kassen

Founder and guide of Eat Like A Local

Rupesh Kassen abandoned his decade-long career in banking to move to East Africa, where he trained and worked as a chef. He later became immersed in South Africa’s food scene and worked as a food critic before setting up Eat Like A Local in Cape Town. Rupesh now offers guided food tours to showcase the city and its diverse culture and history through food.
Fundi Ziqubu

Sommelier

Fundi was born in Durban and fell in love with wine when it was introduced to her by a few Capetonian friends. On discovering her passion she got the chance to study wine with the department of tourism in collaboration with the Sommeliers Academy. Being appointed sommelier at Lanzerac was a career highlight and in 2019 Fundi was named most up-and-coming wine steward by the Distell Inter-Hotel challenge.
Ntobeko Ntshingila

Duty Manager at Three Tree Hill Lodge

Ntobeko has been part of the Three Trees family for 13 years and describes it as a lovely journey with lots of room for growth and experience. She has her own family, including a daughter of 18, and a son, aged three. She lives in a nearby village with her parents, four siblings and three nephews. When not spending time with her family she manages her broiler chicken business, which brings her extra income.
Cheryl Blackburn

Owner and guide, Three Tree Hill Lodge

Being born in the Kruger National Park instilled in Cheryl a love of nature and wildlife. Having lived and worked as a guide in the Kruger reserve, and also in Botswana, she eventually got the opportunity to run her own lodge, with her growing family, in the lush KwaZulu Natal Drakensberg region. She still finds time to guide guests on foot, tracking white rhino in the neighbouring Spioenkop Game Reserve.