Kariega's most secluded 5-star tented suites
Settlers Drift is a 5-star luxury tented lodge tucked into a remote corner of the 12,000-hectare Kariega Game Reserve. Nine spacious tented suites are perched above the meandering Bushman’s River, each with stunning panoramic views and secluded viewing decks.
Access to Settlers Drift is part of the experience — a boat transfer departs daily from the jetty at 13h30 (weather permitting). Guests arriving in time enjoy the 30-minute river transfer to the lodge. Guests arriving later proceed an additional ~6.5 km by road from the entrance gate.
Kariega is malaria-free Big 5 country in the Eastern Cape and is one of only a few reserves in South Africa that links the bush to the coast — river cruises along the Bushman’s give Settlers Drift guests an experience most safari lodges can’t offer.
Settlers Drift is adults-only — children and teens are not accepted. Families should look at Main Lodge or The Homestead on the same reserve.
Inside Settlers Drift
Rooms & suites
Settlers Drift Tented Suite
Sleeps 2 adults · Adults only · ~110m² · King or twin · Wood-burning stove · Free-standing bath · Indoor & outdoor shower · Secluded viewing deck above the Bushman's River · 9 suites available
Experiences at Settlers Drift
Twice-daily Big 5 game drives, plus the rare option of a river cruise on the Bushman's River — Kariega connects bush to sea.
- Twice-daily Big 5 game drives in open 4x4 vehicles
- Guided bush walks
- Bushman's River cruise (subject to weather and availability)
- Sundowner stops in the bush
- Star-lit boma dinners
Facilities
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Restaurant & bar
- Spa
- Free Wi-Fi on the entire property
- Air conditioning in suites
- Private viewing decks
- Free + secured parking at the jetty
- Laundry service
Policies & practicalities
Check-in / Check-out
From 14:00 · Out by 11:00
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi on the entire property
Pets
Pets not allowed
Smoking
Non-smoking property
Booking lead time
Bookings need to be made at least 1 day in advance
Cancellation policy
- 31+ days before arrival — no forfeit
- 15 to 30 days — 25% of booking total forfeited
- 8 to 14 days — 50% of booking total forfeited
- 7 days or less — 100% of booking total forfeited
Your full cancellation terms appear in the booking widget before you pay and on your booking confirmation email. We strongly recommend travel insurance.
Questions about Settlers Drift
What's included at Settlers Drift?
Your rate includes accommodation in a luxury tented suite, all meals (three daily), selected house beverages (teas, coffees and local drinks — premium wines and spirits are excluded), twice-daily Big 5 game drives in open 4x4 vehicles, guided bush walks, and the boat transfer to the lodge. Bushman's River cruises are subject to weather and availability. A Conservation & Community Levy applies separately.
How do I get to Settlers Drift?
A boat transfer departs daily from the jetty at 13h30, weather permitting. Guests arriving in time enjoy a roughly 30-minute river transfer to the lodge. Guests arriving later proceed by road for approximately another 6.5 km from the Kariega Game Reserve and Settlers Drift entrance gate. Confirm your arrival time with us when booking.
Are children welcome at Settlers Drift?
No — Settlers Drift is adults-only. Children and teens are not accepted. Families should look at Main Lodge (most family-friendly, kids 0-3 free) or The Homestead (sole-use, all ages welcome) on the same Kariega reserve.
How is Settlers Drift different from Kariega's other lodges?
Settlers Drift is the most remote and most luxurious of Kariega's five lodges — 5-star, just 9 tented suites, with the strongest river frontage and boat-access from the jetty. Ukhozi Lodge has plunge pools per suite. River Lodge sits directly on the Bushman's River. Main Lodge is the family-friendly entry point. The Homestead is exclusive-use for one party.
When is the best time to visit Kariega?
Kariega is year-round and malaria-free. May to September (winter) offers the best Big 5 viewing — animals concentrate around water and the bush thins. October to March brings lush green landscapes and the chance to combine bush with coastal Garden Route trips.
What is the cancellation policy?
31+ days before arrival — no forfeit. 15 to 30 days — 25% of booking total forfeited. 8 to 14 days — 50% of booking total forfeited. 7 days or less — 100% of booking total forfeited.
