Karongwe

Karongwe River Lodge

Q: How much does it cost to stay at Karongwe River Lodge?

Stays at Karongwe River Lodge start from around US$540 per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.

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Karongwe River Lodge

About Karongwe River Lodge

An elegant riverside lodge in South Africa’s wildlife-rich Limpopo.

The wild and rugged Limpopo Province is renowned for some of the best game viewing areas in South Africa, with a stunning landscape of mountains, open plains studded with magnificent baobab trees, and beautiful waterways lined by strands of riverine forest. Karongwe Private Game Reserve spans some 9,000 hectares of this scenic terrain, and this is where you’ll find Karongwe River Lodge – an elegant bush retreat alongside the Makhutsi River, in an exclusive private concession. The game viewing is excellent throughout the year, and each season brings its own special feel - and wildlife.

Karongwe , South Africa

From $540 per person/per night

Safari

11 Rooms

Open Map

Property details

The property

Set within manicured lawns, the main lodge sits pride of place on a raised deck, with a pitched thatch roof and timber walls giving a real old-school safari camp feel. Stairs lead up into an elegant lounge and dining room, where the rich colours and fabrics create a mellow and inviting ambience. Wraparound terraces overlook the river in front and lead down to the swimming pool and garden lounge. Dinners are often served under the night skies in the traditional African boma.

The rooms

Eleven air-conditioned thatched timber suites are strung out along the river tucked beneath the trees, with a choice of standard rooms, luxurious chalets, larger family suites, and two opulent Presidential Suites, which have their own private pool. The interiors are beautifully furnished in classic safari style, with natural timber finishes, and quirky contemporary touches. Each has a private viewing deck overlooking the river – a great spot to relax, put your feet up and keep an eye on the passing wildlife like kudu, nyala and the occasional elephant.

Activities

Game viewing is consistently rewarding all year round at Karongwe. Early morning, afternoon and night drives across the diverse terrain often yield sightings of all the Big Five species - and even cheetah. Pods of hippo and crocodile bask along the river, and the area is a birdwatcher’s paradise, particularly in the dense riverine forests. Guided bush walks with skilled Shangaan trackers offer the chance to search for the equally fascinating smaller species, and learn a little about the traditional use of plants.

Why we love it

Ending another rewarding day on safari with sundowners on top of a rocky outcrop, watching the sun sink over the tail-end of the distant Drakensberg Mountains.

Insiders Tip

Don't skip the thrill of tracking big game on foot during a guided bush walk with an expert guide and Shangaan tracker.

Something to think about

Children under the age of six aren't permitted on game drives but the lodge does offer babysitting and a fantastic 'Little Paws' program.

Plan your stay

How to book Karongwe River Lodge

How do I book Karongwe River Lodge?

Karongwe River Lodge can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made South Africa trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended South Africa trips featuring Karongwe River Lodge or get advice and suggestions from one of our South Africa specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.

How much does it cost to stay at Karongwe River Lodge?

Stays at Karongwe River Lodge start from around $540 per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.

South Africa

Karongwe Private Game Reserve

Where the Big Five roam and the mountains tower in the distance, this pint-sized reserve has a lot to offer.