Barefoot luxury

Kariega Game Reserves most luxurious lodge, Settlers Drift, is our favourite spot for a romantic getaway.

Unlike other luxury tented camps, Settlers Drift has a down to earth feel that makes your trips into the bush all the more relaxing. From the moment you walk through the ceiling high doors, you get a sense that despite being immersed within luxury, you are able to kick off your shoes and read a good book next to the fire. This unpretentious lodge has all the amenities one could ever dream off, yet still manages to keep a lavish, yet traditionally South African feel.

The large deck and outdoor fire pit (which is lit at night and the perfect place to have a post dinner glass of wine) overlooks the Bushman’s drift, the once remote valley where the 1820 Settlers guided their wagons across the river. The lodge offers tented accommodation equipped with opulent bedrooms avec percale sheets, a living area, wood fire stoves for winter and air conditioners for the hot summer months as well as an indoor/outdoor showers and your own private viewing deck. A bubble bath with a view of Elephant, Giraffes or Rhino is an accustomed sight at the lodge, adding yet another reason why choosing Settlers Drift as our favourite Eastern Cape safari lodge was a ‘no brainer’.

The lodge, situated on the malaria-free ‘Big -5’ Kariega Game Reserve is equipped with a Spa, twice daily game drives and a blend of land, river, animals and birds. Given our extensive trips to South Africa’s most popular game reserves, it was easy to decide that Kariega has undoubtedly the best game viewing in the country.

Dining at Settlers Drift is a gastronomical experience, where guest never have the chance to feel their stomach’s grumble between early morning coffee, a full English breakfast, lunch, high tea and a three course dinner.

In a place where time stands still and luxury 5-star service is exemplified at every turn, Settlers Drift is without a doubt the most magical place in South Africa.

www.kariega.co.za