Outdoor pool, pool umbrellas, sun loungers

Reviews of Kariega Game Reserve - River Lodge

4 out of 5
Kariega Game Reserve - River Lodge
Kenton-on-Sea, Kenton on Sea, Eastern Cape

Reviews

7.8

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 2 out of 6 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 6 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 6 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 6 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 6 reviews" "

8.0/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

6/10 Okay

annie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

6/10 Okay

Coralie

Liked: Room comfort
Disliked: Cleanliness
Disapppointing stay
Good cases taken directly to our lodge which we got to by golf cart. (This broke down the following day and replacements lights did not work so was given a torch!)(Really!) Barbeque one evening but difficult to actually see what I was eating as the light wasn't good. Face clothes disappeared, asked for 2 replacements, 1 given, likewise mini bar wasn't stocked properly. We were told that our group had to all do the same thing during the free time between drives, yet when we went to the beach, we had people from other groups joining us. Likewise when we asked about doing a bush walk, we went with another 2 people and it was only from the main lodge, not what we'd been given to expect, which was why my mother decided not to come. There was never any canoe session which we'd also requested and was the reason we'd chosen the river lodge for the other activities between drives. There was an issue with the pool malfunctioning and making a noise on our last night which was reported but nothing done. The phone to the lodge didn't work! The only way to contact reception was by going outside, getting in the golf cart and driving up to the main lodge. Not good enough as it was horrible being so cut off. No wifi in lodges which would be better. Towels from the pool were not removed but just left after day 1, so never checked. Query Big5 as the leopard hasn't been seen for 6 months we were told.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2018
Response from Kariega Game Reserve on May 29, 2018
Dear Coralie, We are so sorry that you had a disappointing stay. We try our best to ensure that each guest has a great holiday with us and we are very sorry that we did not achieve this during your stay. We very much appreciate your detailed feedback as this helps us to keep abreast of guest requirements and ensure that we are providing the service that is required and expected. We have looked into all of the issues that you raised and would like to let you know that the following actions have been taken: Golf Cart: the golf cart lights are checked every day and fuses are replaced where the lights do not work. There may be occasions, such as yours, where the fuse cannot be replaced until the next day. In this case we provide torches in addition to the lighting on the pathway. Boma lighting: Due to the majority of guests enjoying less lighting to make viewing the stars easier, there is low lighting during these events. Mini bar: We have standard mixed items in the minibar. The manager checked these prior to your arrival. We happily supply additional items. We provided gin and tonic immediately when you requested. Activities: We try our best to accommodate all activity requests, however, due to our vehicles accommodating up to 8 guests, individual itinerary requests are sometimes not possible. Canoes: We advise all guests that it is safe to take the canoes out on their own. Guests are welcome to request a guide to accompany them. Pool: Our maintenance team have checked the pool. We have reminded the housekeeping team to check and replace pool towels. Housekeeping: We have reminded housekeeping to replace both face cloths where requested. Phone: This has been fixed. Wifi: This is provided for free in all main areas. Leopard: Sightings of leopard are rare on the reserve. With kind regards from the River Lodge team.

10/10 Excellent

hoyland, france

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
fantastic stay
from start to the end it was just the best time I have had on a adventure holiday every thing was 100% Thanks to all the crew at River Lodge.
Response from Kariega Game Reserve on Apr 16, 2016
Thank you! So glad that you enjoyed your safari and stay with us at River Ldoge. Kind regards from the Kariega team.

10/10 Excellent

Vaughan, England

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
First Class Game Reserve
A wonderful game reserve, staff extremely friendly and helpful,the game rangers knowledgable and friendly.Food excellent, room excellent. It would be hard to find a better game reserve. Saw many wonderful animals at close range.

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
cute rhinos
Wonderful place.
Response from General Manager on Oct 31, 2016
Glad you enjoyed your safari with us at Kariega. Thank you for posting your short but lovely review!

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
Sehr schöne Logde mit Verbesserungspotential
Die River Lodge liegt idyllisch am Bushmanriver und bietet sich für Kurzurlaube (bis 4 Tage) von Paaren ohne Kinder an. Die Ranger sind ausserordentlich bemüht, den Aufenthalt so angenehm wie möglich zu gestalten und alle Wünsche der Gäste zu erfüllen. Die Ausfahrten am Morgen und Abend können mit Bootsfahrten und Wanderungen kombiniert werden. Das Angebot an Tieren ist großartig. Das Wilderness Fly Camp (Übernachtung im Zelt in der Wildness) ist ein absolutes Erlebnis. Bei längeren Aufenthalten zeigt sich jedoch schnell, daß die Lodge wenig Abwechslung in Bezug auf die Speisekarte am Abend und beim Frühstück bietet. Alle Getränke sind im Preis inklusive und die Auswahl ist recht groß. Die Qualität der Zimmer hat im Laufe der Jahre etwas gelitten (Abnutzungserscheinungen, Schimmel in der Dusche, fleckige Möblierung). Im Gegensatz zum sehr guten Service im Haupthaus (Bar, Restaurant) läßt das Housekeeping zu wünschen übrig. Während unseres Aufenthaltes frühstückte der Besitzer der Lodge Sonntags morgens zusammen mit seinen privaten Gästen auf der Terrasse am Fluß, während die zahlenden Gäste trotz schönsten Wetters drinnen im Restaurant essen mussten. Insgesamt erscheint uns das Preis-Leistungsverhältnis nicht ganz stimmig.
Response from Kariega Game Reserve on Feb 15, 2016
Thank you for posting your review. We are so pleased that you enjoyed your safari. You'll be happy to know that River Lodge furnishings have been upgraded and it is looking fresh and tidy! We are so sorry that you did not enjoy a meal on the deck and our sincere apologies about the owner taking up this space. We should have sorted this out and are very sorry that we did not. Please accept our apologies. With kind regards from Kariega.