A game reserve (also known as a game park) is a large area of land where wild animals are hunted in a controlled way for sport. If hunting is prohibited, a game reserve may be considered a nature reserve; however, the focus of a game reserve is specifically the animals (fauna), whereas a nature reserve is also, if not equally, concerned with all aspects of native biota of the area (plants, animals, fungi, etc.).

Many game reserves are located in Africa. Most are open to the public, and tourists commonly take sightseeing safaris. Historically, among the best-known hunting targets were the so-called Big Five game in Africa: rhinoceros (white rhinoceros as well as black rhinoceros), elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard, and lion, named so because of the difficulty and danger in hunting them.

In a game reserve, ecosystems are protected and conservation is usually key. Indigenous wildlife in its natural habitat help in providing an environment where growth in numbers at a natural rate can occur.

Some game reserves contain several ecosystems, ranging from valley bushveld, savannah grassland and fynbos to riverine forest and acacia woodland; this provides a dramatic improvement on the types of wildlife that are present and the numerous species of birds that thrive in these environments.

More info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_reserve

Kariega's History

As we look back at the past, it is truly shocking to think that we as humans were responsible for the demise and destruction of our wildlife and its environment. The extinction of many species of wildlife was also the result of our ruthless behavior and the desire for us to own our own piece of paradise with no consideration for the consequences. Fortunately it was not all in vain and through the vision of certain conservationists and businessmen in the Eastern Cape, the tables were turned. Kariega Game Reserve, it has to be said, is one of those pioneers in the development of a unique conservation project.

4x4 game drive vehicles

Born from the vision of one man, Colin Rushmere, the history of Kariega Game Reserve is an inspiring one. As recently as 33 years ago, the existing Kariega Game Reserve was owned by 21 different farmers. With this reality at the forefront of their minds, it would be accurate to say that the gradual growth and development of the now expansive 37,000-acre reserve is one of the most accomplished conservation projects in the Eastern Cape.

Three rows of three seats

In 1989 the Rushmere family, who had always displayed an innate love and appreciation for nature, purchased the first portion of pristine land bordering the upper reaches of the Kariega river. They began to develop a vision for the future, involving moderate expansion over the next few years. It took a further 30 years to complete the desired land assembly. This vision was largely actualized due to a number of important partnerships.

The first, and most meaningful partnership was struck in 1998, when a local farmer and neighbor, Tony Fuller joined his farm with Colin’s and they managed to buy the farm in between. This grew the reserve to 4,900 acres and incorporated the beautiful Kariega river within the reserve.

Since then the Fuller family have been an invaluable cog in the growth and management of Kariega Game Reserve.

From an eco-tourism and conservation perspective this was a critical move, as it was the first time Kariega Game Reserve was big enough to re-introduce species such as white rhino and begin hosting international guests.

In 1999 Main Lodge was opened, followed by the more intimate and exclusive Ukhozi Lodge in 2002.

Up until 2002, when Ukhozi Lodge opened, the reserve only comprised approx. 4,900 acres bordering onto the Kariega river. In 2003 an additional 8,600 acres, which bordered the Bushmans river, was added to the reserve. This additional land made Kariega large enough to introduce the Big 5. In May 2004 the first elephant herd and lion pride were introduced onto the reserve.

In 2006 Kariega then acquired 1,200 acres across the Bushmans river which resulted in the unique River Lodge opening in October 2006. At the same time an historic old farmhouse (built in 1908) was restored and The Homestead, a private sole use lodge, joined the portfolio of lodges.

Wildebeest

In early 2007 the opportunity arose to acquire a unique and beautiful 9,900 acres property adjacent to Kariega, thus taking the reserve to approx. 24,700 acres. Owned by the same Settler family since 1823, it is an integral part of the history of the region. The land is truly spectacular and provides a fabulous backdrop to Settlers Drift, Kariega’s 5-star luxury tented lodge, which opened in December 2014. Settlers Drift has completed Kariega’s portfolio of five lodges now ranging from 4 to 5-star.

South African Antelope

Habitat expansion and restoration is essential to the survival of many wild and endangered species and the current focus for many conservationists. In 2021, Kariega Game Reserve received the donation of a critical piece of habitat in the Bushmans River Valley. This exciting habitat expansion project has grown the reserve to 28,500 acres (37,000 acres today) and ensures the conservation of approximately 15 miles of the Bushman's River tidal estuary, range expansion and additional carrying capacity for elephant, white and black rhino, as well the opportunity for the reintroduction of additional apex predators such as the endangered cheetah.

Zebra

Securing this critical piece of land for conservation also creates the opportunity for the creation of connected wildlife corridors within the Eastern Cape over time.

Ostridge

Kariega’s landscape and topography is arguably the most beautiful of all the Eastern Cape game reserves, resulting in stunning views and vistas. Having two major rivers incorporated into the reserve (the Kariega and Bushmans rivers) also adds enormous beauty and value. Kariega Game Lodge also enjoys extremely high game carrying capacities which results in their game viewing and birding experience being exceptional. The amazing story of rhino poaching survivor, Thandi, and the birth of her four calves has captivated the world and has been an inspiration to many.

Impala

Today, Kariega Game Lodge is an internationally renowned Big 5 private game reserve set in 37,000 acres of pristine African wilderness incorporating the picturesque Kariega and Bushmans river, just 10 minutes from Kenton-on-Sea and 80 minutes from Port Elizabeth.

Wart hog

Today Kariega Game Reserve is still family owned and operated by the Rushmere and Fuller families with Colin and Tony's children (and some grandchildren) working passionately within the business.

The lowland nyala or simply nyala (Tragelaphus angasii) is a spiral-horned antelope native to southern Africa. It is a species of the family Bovidae and genus Tragelaphus, previously placed in genus Nyala. It was first described in 1849 by George French Angas. The body length is 53–77 inches, and it weighs 121–309 lbs. The coat is maroon or rufous brown in females and juveniles, but grows a dark brown or slate grey, often tinged with blue, in adult males. Females and young males have ten or more white stripes on their sides. Only males have horns, 24–33 inches long and yellow-tipped. It exhibits the highest sexual dimorphism among the spiral-horned antelopes. It is not to be confused with the endangered mountain nyala living in the Bale region of Ethiopia.

The nyala is mainly active in the early morning and the late afternoon. It generally browses during the day if temperatures are 68–86 °F and during the night in the rainy season. As a herbivore, the nyala feeds upon foliage, fruits and grasses, and requires sufficient fresh water. A shy animal, it prefers water holes rather than open spaces. The nyala does not show signs of territoriality, and individuals' areas can overlap. They are very cautious creatures. They live in single-sex or mixed family groups of up to 10 individuals, but old males live alone. They inhabit thickets within dense and dry savanna woodlands. The main predators of the nyala are lion, leopard and African wild dog, while baboons and raptorial birds prey on juveniles. Mating peaks during spring and autumn. Males and females are sexually mature at 18 and 11–12 months of age respectively, though they are socially immature until five years old. After a gestational period of seven months, a single calf is born.

The nyala's range includes Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Eswatini, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It has been introduced to Botswana and Namibia, and reintroduced to Eswatini, where it had been extinct since the 1950s. Its population is stable, and it has been listed as of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The principal threats to the species are poaching and habitat loss resulting from human settlement. The males are highly prized as game animals in Africa.