Karongwe River Lodge

$350 - $640

per person sharing

At A Glance

R5,890 - R10,820

Per Person Sharing

Children Under 12 Welcome

Tour Highlights

Set next to a seasonal riverbed for wildlife encounters at the lodge
Spacious air-conditioned suites
Gourmet plated dining and festive boma dinners
Morning & evening game drives
Set within a Big-5 private reserve near Kruger National Park
A small, intimate camp perfect for honeymooners
Little Paws kids safari club for young safari adventurers
Family-friendly suites available

Overview of Karongwe River Lodge

South Africa, Kruger Private Reserves

Karongwe River Lodge is a charming and intimate lodge located in the heart of the Greater Kruger region within the private Karongwe Game Reserve, an area which forms part of the Drakensberg Escarpment. This lodge is perfect for anyone who enjoys a serene, boutique-style safari that offers an exclusive experience in a private reserve. With its tranquil setting, personalised service and the game-rich surrounding reserve, Karongwe River Lodge promises an exciting stay in the South African bush.

Set along the peaceful banks of the seasonal Makhutsi Riverbed, the lodge offers you the chance to watch wildlife from the comfort of the deck, as animals roam past in their natural habitat. The selection of beautifully designed rooms includes Presidential Suites which feature private decks with plunge pools, making it an ideal choice for honeymooners or those looking for an intimate escape. Morning and evening game drives provide the chance to spot the Big Five, learn about the reserve and its conservation efforts and watch in awe as your guide and tracker work their magic to find the best sightings.

Combine your stay with a visit to Cape Town and Victoria Falls for a well-rounded southern African adventure or plan your trip during the dry season for optimal wildlife viewing. Karongwe's intimate size and tranquil atmosphere set it apart from larger lodges in busier reserves. Here, you can truly immerse yourself in the peacefulness of the surroundings, with no city noise—just the calming sounds of rustling leaves, birdsong, and the quiet movements of nearby wildlife.

Bookings & Pricing

Competitive Rates For Unforgettable Experiences

1 Jan 2026 - 30 Apr 2026

Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

$580

1 May 2026 - 31 Jul 2026

Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

$350

1 Aug 2026 - 31 Dec 2026

Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

$580

1 Jan 2027 - 30 Apr 2027

Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

$640

1 May 2027 - 30 Jun 2027

Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

$510

1 Jul 2027 - 31 Dec 2027

Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

$640
Enquire Now

Our rates are per person sharing unless we note differently.

Please treat all pricing as a guide only:
  • All rates are subject to availability and may change without notice.
  • Single supplements may apply.
  • Request a quote or speak to one of our African Safari Experts for the best, most current rates available.
Our Best Price Promise

If you’re able to find a better quote for your itinerary let us know and we’ll match it.

Highlights & Activities

What's on offer whilst on this itinerary?
  • Set next to a seasonal riverbed for wildlife encounters at the lodge
  • Spacious air-conditioned suites
  • Gourmet plated dining and festive boma dinners
  • Morning & evening game drives
  • Set within a Big-5 private reserve near Kruger National Park
  • A small, intimate camp perfect for honeymooners
  • Little Paws kids safari club for young safari adventurers
  • Family-friendly suites available

Bird watching

Children's activities

Cultural visits (additional cost)

Fine dining experience

Game drives

Helicopter flights

Night drives

Private dining experience

Private game-drives (additional cost)

Spa treatments

Sundowners

Rooms at Karongwe River Lodge

Unwind and relax, in your own private luxury
  • Luxury Suite.
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  • Karongwe River Lodge, South Africa

Luxury Suite

The Luxury Suites at Karongwe are air-conditioned and feature charming, thatched roofs, combining warm wood tones with crisp white linen for a cosy yet elegant feel. Beds are draped with mosquito nets, ensuring uninterrupted rest, while the en-suite bathrooms offer both a bathtub and shower for added convenience.

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Family Suite

The perfect retreat for families, featuring two bedrooms that allow you to stay together while enjoying your space. Each room is air-conditioned and has an en-suite bathroom for added privacy and convenience.

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Executive Suite

For those seeking space and comfort, the Executive Suites are a good choice. They include all the amenities of the Luxury Suites, with the added indulgence of a generous lounge area and a private deck, ideal for unwinding after a day of adventure.

 

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Presidential Suite

The pinnacle of luxury at Karongwe, the Presidential Suites are designed for those looking to celebrate a special occasion in style. These exclusive suites feature an expansive private deck complete with a plunge pool and sun loungers, as well as a dining nook and indoor and outdoor lounge areas—perfect for ultimate relaxation in a secluded, serene setting.

General Facilities

The facilities at Karongwe are thoughtfully designed to offer relaxation and comfort. Picture yourself lounging in a spacious yet cosy lounge, where natural light streams in and the soft hum of nature fills the air. A quiet library nook invites you to lose yourself in a good book, while the outdoor deck offers a front-row seat to the wilderness — perfect for spotting passing wildlife with binoculars in hand. By the pool, you can unwind with your favourite drink from the well-stocked bar, taking the occasional dip in the pool.

Whether it’s lounging, reading, or simply gazing out at the riverbed and reserve, every corner of the lodge invites you to slow down, relax, and enjoy the unhurried rhythm of the African bush. When needed, Wi-Fi and convenient charging points are available to keep you connected and ensure your devices are ready to capture the magic of the day. Babysitting as well as laundry services are available at an additional charge.

 

Babysitting service

Bar

Children's club

Deck area

En-suite bathrooms

Fireplace

Laundry service

Lounge

Spa

Wi-Fi available

Dining

Food is truly a highlight of any safari and an integral part of the experience, and Karongwe takes pride in serving hearty, flavourful meals that elevate your experience.

Mornings start early, with a steaming cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate paired with a light snack to fuel your sunrise game drive. A midway pause on your wildlife excursion provides another coffee break and light bite, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the bush. A full breakfast awaits you back at camp, featuring fresh fruits, pastries, and a variety of à la carte options. As you dine, the lively chatter of birds and monkeys fills the air, and if you’re lucky, elephants might wander past the riverbed nearby.

Lunch is a laid-back affair, often served on the deck beneath the shade of trees. In the afternoon, a delightful high tea featuring sweet and savoury treats accompanies refreshing drinks before you set off on your afternoon game drive. Sundowners & snack in the bush keep you going until dinner's gourmet plated meals of Pan-African inspired cuisine, complemented by an excellent selection of South African wines.

Every meal is crafted with care and the chefs can cater to your dietary requirements, ensuring everyone feels at home—just let your Africa Safari Expert know your preferences in advance.

Why Travel With Go2Africa?

25 Years of Safari Expertise ​

For over 25 years, we've been crafting personalised African safaris, shaped by our first-hand knowledge and deep local connections. ​

We Know Because We Go

Our deep roots in Africa mean we have invaluable expertise about every destination, every lodge, every experience, and every hidden gem we recommend. ​

24/7 Support

From your first enquiry until you safely return home, we're by your side, handling every detail with 24/7 support. And because of the hard-earned trust we've built with our on-the-ground partners, we know they'll go above and beyond for you, just as we do.​

Every Adventure Makes a Difference ​

As part of the Nawiri Group, every trip helps protect vital ecosystems and local communities, supporting them as they thrive together.​

Complete Financial Protection

Our clients are fully covered by our supplier default insurance, and our accreditation bond with the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association.

World-Class Recognition, Trusted by Travellers​

Recognised by Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, and the World Travel Awards, we take pride in being among the world's best. But more than accolades, it's the voices of our travellers that matter most – Feefo.​

Interested to know more? Click the link to find out all about Go2Africa’s Big 5 Guarantee

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