KARIEGA GAME RESERVE-SETTLERS DRIFT

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5,0

Excellent

242 reviews

#1 of 2 in Kenton-on-Sea

Location

Cleanliness

Service

Value

2022 Travellers' Choice Best of the Best

Settlers Drift is a 5-star luxury tented lodge located in the Big 5 malaria-free Kariega Game Reserve. The lodge consists of 9 spacious tented suites, each with stunning views and secluded viewing decks. The experience includes all meals, drinks, twice daily safari drives, river trips and guided walks. The modern and luxurious lodge has spacious decks, a pool, boma, shop, library and spa.

Property amenities

Free parking

Free internet

Pool

Free breakfast

Canoeing

Hiking

Airport transportation

Spa

Secured parking

Public wifi

Pool / beach towels

Infinity pool

Pool with view

Outdoor pool

Bar / lounge

Restaurant

Breakfast buffet

Complimentary tea

Complimentary welcome drink

Outdoor dining area

Special diet menus

Wine / champagne

Fishing

Walking tours

Massage

Salon

Baggage storage

Concierge

Gift shop

Non-smoking hotel

Outdoor fireplace

Outdoor furniture

Shared lounge / TV area

Sun loungers / beach chairs

Sun terrace

Private check-in / check-out

Laundry service

Ironing service

Room features

Bathrobes

Air conditioning

Fireplace

Housekeeping

Private balcony

Coffee / tea maker

Minibar

Walk-in shower

Safe

Seating area

Sofa

Telephone

Wardrobe / wardrobe

Bottled water

Wake-up service / alarm clock

Refrigerator

Electric kettle

Bath / shower

Complimentary toiletries

Hair dryer

Room types

Landmark view

Non-smoking rooms

Suites

Good to know

HOTEL CLASS

HOTEL STYLE

Modern

Great View

Languages Spoken

English, Afrikaans, Xhosa

Location

Full view

Contact

R343, Kenton-on-Sea 6169 South Africa

Getting there

Port Elizabeth Airport95 kmSee all flights

Car HireSee all Kenton-on-Sea car hire

See all nearby hotels

Nearby restaurants

Stanley's Restaurant

161 reviews

9 kmSeafood

Sandbar floating Restaurant

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242Reviews6Q+A36Room tips

Reviews

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westonc wrote a review Yesterday

Gonubie, South Africa711 contributions89 helpful votes

+1

Superb safari experience

My wife and I decided to go on a safari in celebration of her birthday and decided upon Kariega Settlers Drift as we had previously stayed at Kariega before, at both Main Lodge and Ukhozi, which we thoroughly enjoyed. The tented suites were extremely spacious, clean and comfortable, with a king size bed, large en-suite bathroom with an indoor/outdoor shower, relaxing lounge area, as well as a private deck with magnificent views overlooking the Bushman’s River. The bathrobes and slippers, and fully stocked complimentary minibar were also very convenient and enjoyable. The main lodge has an appealing dining area, bar, wine cellar, library/reading room, and large outdoor decks overlooking the bushveld plains and Bushman’s River. There is also an impressive swimming pool area with splendid views. All the staff were extremely attentive, efficient and friendly, and went out of their way to ensure that at all times we were well looked after. The food was superb, particularly the deserts including the melktert and lemon dessert, and our specific dietary needs were well catered for. The indoor and outdoor log fires added to the pleasurable dining ambiance. A real treat and surprise was that for my wife’s birthday, we received a bottle of sparkling wine on arrival, and a special private dinner was also arranged for us with another bottle of sparkling wine, which was lovely and greatly appreciated. Our ranger Monde was professional and knowledgeable. During our stay we were fortunate that we only shared our game vehicle with one other couple, which was nice and a real bonus. The heated blankets that were provided on the game drives were very useful. We had fantastic sightings and saw plenty of game, including, elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, jackal, warthog, mongoose and genet. We also saw lots of antelope, including, eland, kudu, nyala, waterbuck, impala, bushbuck and blesbuck. The bird viewing was also very good, including, secretary bird, spotted eagle owl and buzzard eagle. The river cruise on the Bushman’s River was also very pleasant. Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and had a superb safari experience at Settlers and definitely hope to be back.…

Date of stay: May 2022

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Caroley13 wrote a review 15 May

Shropshire20 contributions10 helpful votes

+1

Amazing

We’ve stayed in Kariega a few times before but this was our first time at Settlers Drift and it was incredible! I always thought I preferred the ‘non predator’ side for the animals but how wrong was I!! The reserve is split by a road and on one side, where the Main Lodge is, it doesn’t have predators so great for families with young children, (game drives take you to both sides so you can still see lion etc if you stay on that side), but as our children are older we decided to stay on the other side. The accommodation was stunning and the staff were brilliant. The food was what you would expect from a top class hotel and the wine that accompanied our meals was excellent. Having stayed on game reserves quite a few times you know what to expect on game drives but our sightings this time blew me away. Talent, our game ranger, was outstanding, happy to drive and see what we bumped into, which literally was a black rhino at one point, or track down animals that we particularly wanted to see, either way every game drive had something special. From the majestic giraffe and beautiful Kudu to lions hunting buffalo, we saw everything, it truly was spectacular. Can’t wait until our next visit which will be as soon as possible!!!…

Date of stay: April 2022Trip type: Travelled

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Response from Kariega Marketing, Marketing at Kariega Game Reserve-Settlers Drift

Responded 5 days ago

Thank you so much for your lovely review. We are delighted that you returned to Kariega once again and got to experience Settlers Drift and that you were so well looked after by our staff and in particular Talent. We look forward to you returning hopefully in the near future. Kind regards from the Kariega team.

Martin Frederiksen wrote a review Apr 2022

Kerteminde, Denmark20 contributions7 helpful votes

+1

Luxurious Game Reserve / Amazing Nature

Settlers Drift is a luxurious “tent” camp. It is hidden on a slope near a river - facing the sunrise to the east and overlooking the plains. From our terrace we enjoy the the sun rising, listening to the birds and animals. It is truly a privilege to visit this place and to enjoy the friendly and accommodating staff. Highly professional guides, trained and educated, who also work in anti-poaching programmes. Come back after an early morning drive or walk and be pampered with wonderful breakfast. Super friendly staff in the lodge that will go the extra mile to accommodate your queries. My wife celebrated her birthday yesterday and Settlers Drift made sure it became a day we will never forget. Lunch in the bush, song and dance in the evening - performed by the staff. BEAUTIFUL. Lots and lots of animals, birds, and flora. Thank you Settelrs Drift for the most amazing time. ❤️🦒🦏🦓🐘😊…

Date of stay: April 2022Trip type: Travelled

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Response from Kariega Marketing, Marketing at Kariega Game Reserve-Settlers Drift

Responded 4 weeks ago

Wow, thank you so much for your wonderful review. We are delighted that you had such an amazing time and that you were so well looked after by the Settlers Drift team. With kind regards from the Kariega team.

Peter D wrote a review Mar 2022

1 contribution

An exceptional stay.

Where to start! From the moment we were met at the gate to being dropped off again (at 4am and still with a smile) our stay here was faultless. The lodge itself is stunning with a beautiful communal area and incredible and huge tented suites. You can often see game from your terrace which is pretty special. The food was fantastic throughout and the wine list is great for an all inclusive. The true standout here though is the staff. Our guide Michael was amazing and helped us see everything we wanted to whilst educating us brilliantly throughout. The staff at the lodge are so so friendly and welcoming and their service was constantly brilliant. We had a special occasion during our stay and it was here where they were beyond exceptional and went so far beyond our expectations to make it a truly memorable stay. I couldn’t recommend Settlers highly enough.…

Date of stay: March 2022Trip type: Travelled

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Response from Kariega Marketing, Marketing at Kariega Game Reserve-Settlers Drift

Responded 4 weeks ago

Thank you so much for your wonderful review and we are delighted that you had an exceptional stay. Great to hear that you were so well looked after by the Settlers Drift team and in particular your Field Guide, Michael. Thank you for your recommendation. With kind regards from the Kariega team.

aase2022 wrote a review Mar 2022

1 contribution

Kariega Private Game Reserve: Settlers Drift

We truly enjoyed our stay at the Settlers Drift at the Kariega Private Game Reserve. The lodge itself is very stunning and the food/wine excellent. We were accommodated by the friendliest staff and the game drives were fantastic.

Review collected in partnership with this hotel

Date of stay: February 2022

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Trip type: Travelled

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Response from Kariega Marketing, Marketing at Kariega Game Reserve-Settlers Drift

Responded 07 Mar 2022

Thank you for your wonderful review. We are delighted that you enjoyed your stay whilst at Kariega recently and that you were so well looked after by our staff. With kind regards from the Kariega team.

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