Karongwe River Safari Lodge

$540 - $675

per person sharing

At A Glance

R8,620 - R10,820

Per Person Sharing

Children Under 12 Welcome

Accommodation 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 Safari Lodge

South Africa, Kruger Private Reserves

Karongwe River Safari 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 Aug 2026 - 31 Dec 2026

Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

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1 Jan 2027 - 30 Apr 2027

Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

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1 May 2027 - 30 Jun 2027

Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

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1 Jul 2027 - 31 Dec 2027

Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

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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

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Rooms at Karongwe River Safari Lodge

Unwind and relax, in your own private luxury
  • Luxury Suite interior.
  • Your private deck also overlooks the river.
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Luxury Suite

The Luxury Suites at River Safari Lodge 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.

 

  • Presidential Suite interior.
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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 Go2Africa​

Over 25 Years of Trusted African Safari Expertise​

For more than 25 years, we've helped over 200,000 travellers experience Africa through journeys that are deeply personal, quietly seamless and thoughtfully designed around each traveller, not a template.​

Africa-Based Safari Experts with Specialist Regional Knowledge​

Our Africa Safari Experts live, work and travel across the regions they specialise in. Their recommendations come from first-hand experience and specialist regional knowledge, helping you make confident decisions and experience the Africa that's right for you.​

Trusted Local Relationships Across Africa​

Long-standing relationships with Africa's leading lodges, camps, guides and conservation partners mean better advice, exceptional experiences and trusted people on the ground when you need them most.​

Recognised by the World's Leading Travel Authorities​

Home to 21 Condé Nast Traveller Specialists, more than any other African safari company, and recognised by Condé Nast Traveller, Travel + Leisure and the World Travel Awards, our expertise is trusted by the travel industry and thousands of travellers worldwide.​

Travel That Supports People, Wildlife And Wild Places​

As part of the B Corp-certified Nawiri Group, every journey helps strengthen landscapes, support local livelihoods and protect the people, wildlife and wild places that make Africa extraordinary through long-term partnerships across the continent.​

Thousands of Five-Star Traveller Reviews​

Thousands of verified traveller reviews across Trustpilot and Feefo reflect the exceptional experiences we create, with many travellers returning to Africa with us year after year and recommending Go2Africa to family and friends.​

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

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