Things to do in South Africa

Safari and beach from River Lodge at Kariega Game Reserve

We are so close to the Bushmans River, we often see fish jumping as we enjoy the views from our deck…

By Cedric Sandi

Assistant Lodge Manager at River Lodge Kariega Game Reserve

The location of River Lodge is very special. As our name suggests, we are perfectly positioned overlooking the Bushmans River. In fact, we are so close to the river, we often see fish jumping as we enjoy the views from our deck.

We have a team of 25 staff to look after guests staying in our ten suites. The suites are spacious with neutral colours, so as not to distract from the river views from the private patios. The thatched central area of River Lodge is where I first greet our guests. I love meeting people from all over the world and learning about where they are from. I will explain all the activities that are available to them whilst they stay with us on the Kariega Game Reserve. As well as twice-daily game drives in search of the Big Five on our 11,500-hectare reserve, we offer guided bush walks, canoeing, fishing and spa treatments. Because of our riverside location, we can also take guests by boat down the Bushmans River to Kenton-on-Sea. This quaint village is where I grew up and so I encourage guests to go and explore its picturesque beaches.

Kenton-on-Sea is also one of the local communities supported by our Kariega Foundation. Through the levy paid by guests staying with us, we can assist with education, early child and youth development in our neighbouring communities. Some of our projects can be visited by guests during their stay. The levy also contributes to our anti-poaching team as we want future generations to be able to enjoy the wildlife and natural beauty of our very special corner of South Africa.

Available in these itineraries…

Itinerary

Special Offer

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

Alfred & Cedric Sandi

Cedric has plenty of local Eastern Cape knowledge. Born in Grahamstown and growing up in Kenton-on-Sea, he loves to share his stories of the area with his international guests at River Lodge. As well as skills as a plumber, painter, barman and waiter, he also has qualifications in housekeeping, hotel bar management and holds a skipper’s licence. In his spare time, Cedric likes watching football and reading books.

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.