Kariega Game Reserve

What Kariega Game Reserve does

Kariega Game Reserve (Pty) Ltd is a family-owned, private Big 5 safari reserve established in 1989 by Colin Rushmere in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. The company operates a 12,000-hectare malaria-free reserve traversed by the Kariega and Bushmans rivers, offering five distinct safari lodge products: Main Lodge (4-star, from R7,200 per person per night), River Lodge (4-star, from R9,000), Ukhozi Lodge (superior 4-star, from R9,000), Settlers Drift (5-star tented, from R12,800), and The Homestead (exclusive-use private villa, from R59,000). All-inclusive pricing covers accommodation, meals, beverages, and safari activities. Distribution is direct-to-consumer via NightsBridge booking system, phone, and email, complemented by travel agents, safari platforms, and the Kariega Foundation's volunteer and adoption programs.

The business model centers on luxury safari accommodation revenue, supplemented by a guest levy that funds the affiliated Kariega Foundation — a non-profit operating anti-poaching operations, community development, and conservation education. The reserve is internally supported by a multi-layered protection strategy combining ranger patrols, K9 anti-poaching units, drones, surveillance cameras, and wildlife tracking technology, which has produced zero rhino poaching incidents since 2012. The Kariega Foundation-led ecosystem includes partnerships with INDALO (regional rhino stronghold collective), Youth@Work and YES (youth employment), Early Inspiration (ECD), Helping Rhinos (adoption), and PARCA (K9 unit sponsorship, 2025).

Ownership remains with the Rushmere family following founder Colin Rushmere's death in 2017. The business serves affluent international travelers, families, photography enthusiasts, and conservation-minded tourists, with brand equity built substantially on the Thandi rhino story — Thandi became the first rhino to survive a poaching attack in 2012 and has since produced six calves and grandmothered four. The company is headquartered at 34 Ninth Avenue, Walmer, Gqeberha, and employs 251-500 staff, making it a major employer in the Ekhupumleni, Marselle, and Klipfontein communities. Financial details are not publicly disclosed.

Name

Kariega Game Reserve

Legal name

Kariega Game Reserve (Pty) Ltd

Website

https://kariega.co.za

Company type

Private

Founded year

1989

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Kariega Game Reserve is a family-owned, malaria-free Big 5 private safari reserve in South Africa's Eastern Cape, operating five lodges (R7,200-R59,000 per person per night) for affluent international travelers, families, and conservation tourists, with conservation funded via the affiliated Kariega Foundation.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Safari Lodge Hospitality

NAICS

Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (712190), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (71219), All Other Amusement and Recreation Industries (71399)

SIC

Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Safari Lodges (Big Five/Game Reserves) (THAGAIAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Safari & Wilderness Luxury Resorts (THAGACAD), Safari Camps & Tented Lodges (THAGAOAF), Wildlife Safaris & Game Drives (THAJAIAB), Conservation Parks & Private Nature Reserves (Visitor Operations) (THAAAFAB), River & Wetland Lodges (Delta/Okavango-style) (THAGAIAG)

Keywords

• Luxury safari lodges
• Big five game viewing
• Wildlife conservation tourism
• Safari lodge accommodation
• Malaria-free safari

Headquarters

HQ city

East London

HQ country

South Africa

HQ region

Africa

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Others, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Safari Lodge Accommodation: All-inclusive luxury safari lodge accommodation across five distinct properties (Main Lodge, Ukhozi Lodge, River Lodge, Settlers Drift, The Homestead) with game drives, activities, meals, and beverages included in the rate.
2. Guest Levy for Conservation: Levy paid by Kariega Game Reserve safari guests that funds the Anti-Poaching Unit and Kariega Foundation conservation activities.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Kariega Game Reserve operates a 12,000-hectare malaria-free Big 5 private game reserve in South Africa's Eastern Cape and sells all-inclusive safari lodge accommodation across five distinct properties — Main Lodge, Ukhozi Lodge, River Lodge, Settlers Drift (5-star tented), and The Homestead (exclusive-use private villa). Packages include guided game drives, river cruises, spa services, and meals/beverages, with revenue supporting the reserve's anti-poaching operations and the Kariega Foundation's conservation and community programs.

Product overview

Kariega Game Reserve is a family-owned Big 5 private game reserve offering five distinct safari lodge products: Main Lodge (4-star), Ukhozi Lodge (superior 4-star), River Lodge, Settlers Drift (5-star tented), and The Homestead (exclusive-use villa). The portfolio spans from family-oriented accommodation to luxury tented experiences and private villa hire. Core experiences include game viewing with expert guides, river cruises, guided bush walks, and spa services. The reserve is complemented by the Kariega Foundation, a non-profit focused on conservation, anti-poaching, and community development, which operates the Volunteer Programme enabling international participation in conservation work.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Main Lodge: Four-star safari lodge accommodation at Kariega Game Reserve.
• Ukhozi Lodge
• River Lodge
• Settlers Drift
• The Homestead
• Kariega Foundation

Products and services

• Main Lodge 4-star family-oriented safari lodge at Kariega Game Reserve offering all-inclusive accommodation with game drives and expert-led guided experiences for leisure travelers and families.
• Ukhozi Lodge Superior 4-star safari lodge providing premium accommodation and immersive safari experiences aimed at travelers seeking higher-tier lodge experiences.
• River Lodge 4-star safari lodge offering river-view accommodation with included boat cruises and beach excursions to Kenton-on-Sea for leisure safari guests.
• Settlers Drift 5-star luxury tented safari lodge at Kariega offering exclusive and intimate safari experiences with premium amenities for high-end guests.
• The Homestead Exclusive-use private luxury villa at Kariega providing complete privacy and personalised service for families or groups seeking a bespoke safari experience.
• Volunteer Programme Conservation volunteer programme run by the Kariega Foundation enabling international participants to contribute to wildlife protection, habitat management, community education, and wildlife research at the reserve.

Quantifiable outcome

• No rhino poaching incidents since 2012
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Helping RhinoscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerUK charity dedicated to saving rhinos through adoption programs. Partners with Kariega for Thandi and family adoption packages, including opportunity to name baby rhinos. Adoption funds support the Anti-Poaching Unit and environmental education programs.
• Rhino Tears JewelleryminorGTM or Marketing PartnerJewellery brand created following founder Sarah Cobden-Ramsay's safari to Kariega. All profits from Rhino Tears jewellery sales donate to rhino conservation globally. Product donations also support K9 Unit dog care.
• Dancing for RhinominorGTM or Marketing PartnerDance initiative supporting rhino conservation. Makes product donations contributing to the wellbeing and care of K9 Unit dogs at Kariega.
• BravectominorGTM or Marketing PartnerPet care company providing product donations that contribute to the wellbeing and care of the K9 Anti-Poaching Unit dogs at Kariega Game Reserve.
• Early InspirationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpecialist ECD training organization partnered with Kariega Foundation to sustainably support children, parents and teachers in neighboring communities through early childhood development programs.
• INDALOcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollective of wilderness areas in the Eastern Cape region working together as pioneers in rhino conservation. Kariega is part of this collaborative network creating a rhino stronghold in Africa through shared advanced anti-poaching practices.
• SORAI and VeldskoenminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCollaboration between SORAI (founded by Kevin Pietersen) and Veldskoen producing bespoke shoes with profits donated to Kariega Foundation 'Walk With Us' campaign supporting the Anti-Poaching Unit.
• Youth@WorkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSouth African youth employment initiative partnering with Kariega Foundation for vibrant internship programme focused on upskilling, training and building confidence through job experience.
• YES (Youth Employment Service)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational initiative collaborating with Kariega Foundation's internship programme, run in partnership with Youth@Work, focused on securing permanent employment for youth.
• Pack for a PurposeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerInternational organization helping communicate Kariega's list of needs and encouraging travelers to bring supplies for conservation and community projects in a small amount of luggage space.
• Living Deserts Zoo and GardensminorOthersAwarded Kariega the Living Deserts Conservation Hero's award at the 2nd Annual International Desert Conservation Summit in November 2021.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• Lion Sands Game Reserve: Luxury Big 5 private reserve within Sabi Sands operating multiple lodge tiers; comparable premium safari offering and conservation credentials at similar price points to Kariega's Settlers Drift and The Homestead.
• &Beyond: Established luxury safari and travel operator across Africa with conservation-tourism positioning; comparable high-end lodge experiences and brand-equity-driven pricing.
• Singita: Ultra-luxury multi-country African safari operator with conservation focus; broader portfolio across multiple reserves but comparable high-end lodge product and conservation-led brand positioning.
• Wilderness Safaris: Pan-African conservation-focused safari operator with extensive multi-country portfolio; comparable community/conservation model and luxury lodge product, but at much larger scale.
• Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve: Iconic Big 5 private reserve in Sabi Sands offering four luxury lodges; comparable multi-lodge model and luxury positioning, though located in a malaria zone in Mpumalanga.

Direct peers

• Sanbona Wildlife Reserve: Large malaria-free Western Cape Big 5 reserve offering multiple lodge tiers and conservation-led experiences; comparable product positioning and pricing structure to Kariega's portfolio.
• Lalibela Game Reserve: Eastern Cape Big 5 private reserve with multiple lodge options at similar mid-to-upper price points; directly comparable operating model and customer profile to Kariega.
• Shamwari Game Reserve: Malaria-free Big 5 private game reserve in South Africa's Eastern Cape operating multiple luxury lodges with conservation focus; the closest direct competitor to Kariega in the same geographic market and tier.
• Amakhala Game Reserve: Eastern Cape malaria-free Big 5 reserve offering multiple owner-operated lodges; comparable product mix, conservation positioning, and family-friendly safari experiences within the same regional market.

Regional players

• Addo Elephant Park & Private Lodges: National park and adjacent private lodges in the Eastern Cape offering Big 5 safaris in a malaria-free zone; competes for the same inbound family traveler demand as Kariega.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/kariegagameres
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/KariegaGameReserve?feature=mhum
• Facebookfacebook.com/Kariega.Game.Reserve
• Instagraminstagram.com/kariega.game.reserve
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/kariega-game-reserve

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Kariega Game Reserve