The lodge is fantastic and the staff are friendly and welcoming - we loved our stay! The game drives are very good, and we enjoyed all of them. We got to see the big 5 and lots of other wonderful animals with a super knowledgable guide and tracker (Cameron and Solomon). As it is a private reserve, there were only ever maximum 2 vehicles at a sighting which meant you were able to really see the animals and it felt much more relaxed (both for us and the animals) which led to an amazing experience. The vegetation is quite dense (it is the bush!).

Whilst breakfast was good, we felt that lunch and dinner could have been improved to match the outstanding quality of the rest of the lodge.

We had all are meals including. They were all delicious, beautifully presented, good variety and the staff always had a smile and friendly conversation. I have several dietary needs that they worked very hard to work with. Our room was beautiful and located on the river, very private with a lovely relaxing view. All the common areas were beautiful, cozy , inviting and lovely views. The Staff for every aspect of our time there were just a constant pleasure. THE BEST PART … SAFARIS… wow What a privilege to view the magnificent animals, birds, insects, trees, scenery and everything Mother nature chose for us to see. And to have the experience with a kind, well trained, caring guide and tracked was truly a blessing. The jeeps are comfortable and the animals are plenty ! Just an experience of a life time. Special thanks to Evens our guide, James our tracker and Johnathan our everything guy. And all the staff that made us feel so welcome, safe and comfortable Thank you all 💕

The only negative I would say is we found the bed a little uncomfortable for us as a couple. The problem we experienced was it was a king made from 2 bed together and the centre was uncomfortable. If you both stick to a side it was very comfortable. The bedding was lovely. The room was wonderful.

The lodge was absolutley gorgeus. We stayed at the president suite because the family room was occupied. It was so nice. Service was 100%, food was great and my wife had a birthday and they shoved up with cake and sang for her. Only thing we had eaten to much so it was impossible to eat all the cake. Great safari because of Johnatan and Johannes on safari. Never gave up on thoose Buffalos. We got 4 out of 5 the big 5. Last day was the best with allot of elephants and lions. Huge elephants and white Rhinos

Safari was not the greatest because of its quite a bushy place. It was the tracker and tourguide that made sure it was a great experience. They had great knowledge. If you want to see big 5, you can at this place. My first safari in South Africa. Been to Tanzania and that safari was just out of this world, but missed out on Rhino in Tanzania. Karongwe had allot of huge Rhinos.

The reserve has over 10,000 acres with at least five different lodges on the reserve. Staff very attentive and helpful. We received a welcome drink upon arrival. We got to see the big five over the course of our daily safaris. Our guide Stefan and tracker Alfred were great. Each safari we always saw lots of animals. The food was delicious and we received a welcome back drink after the afternoon drive. I should mention that we stayed at the Becks safari lodge and not at karongwe river lodge. Nice little gift shop on the premises.

It would have been nice to have a small gym to work out as we had fair amount of downtime. Also the pool was lovely but we would have enjoyed a float to lay on.

Great variety and everything was delicious.

Everything about the lodge was outstanding. Super friendly staff and guides. The attention to detail was superb.

Had an amazing time at Karongwe River Lodge. Our accommodation was a luxury hut with a nice view where you could see several animals from the balcony. In between the game drives, the staff would keep the room clean. All the main meals were provided and one of the meals was a braai with a bonfire. The game drives were amazing, we could see at different degrees all the Big 5 + other animals. Stefan was our guide and was very knowledgeable. One day he had a sore throat and even with this he made an effort to explain the sightings. All in all, it was an unforgettable experience.

I think the pool could have a solar heating so even in cold months you could enjoy it.

Almost everything was excellent. The planning of the day with 2 game drives and arranging for food in a timely manner was good. The tracker and the guide accompanying the game drives are very hygienic when serving snacks. They were also very considerate of not bothering animals during game drives (we had alternate experience outside Karongwe where the guide was extremely in the way for animals). The staff were very hospitable and accommodating of our needs during the stay. A champagne and birthday cake were a nice touch to our stay as well. The food tasted good. Dinner at the boma is a nice experience. The stay is also well situated as you can see some animals passing by for a drink right from your room/dining areas. Well worth every cent.

After a long day, dinner service seemed a little slow on two of our three night stay.

Such an amazing place to do Safari. We stayed for two nights in room 10. Beautiful, spotless, couldn't find anything wrong with it at all. Class. There are two safari's daily, one starting at 6 and the other at 15:30 (it changes on the time of year)... but essentially for sunrise and sunset. The drivers and trackers are why we give it 5*. They are unbelievable! Thomas and Ernest, thank you again! For the breakfast - outstanding.

If I had to comment on one or two things it would be the restaurant service. It's a little loud and chaotic inside. Some of the instructions were not totally clear to us either, we didn't have the spa menu or know about the 2nd pool (which was better) until after we left.

This is a wilderness lodge that also runs a tent camp. Our 12 friends were in the tent camp which was also great, but it was full when we booked. The Lodge had one cabin left and we booked it. If you can afford it, the Lodge felt so superior we abandoned our friends when possible and just enjoyed the food, service and great staff. Selfish, weren't we!!

Why quibble, a great wilderness Lodge.

Everything. Our one bedroom river suites were beautifully appointed and very rustic while being chic. The common areas were beautiful and authentically decorated in African style. Food was fantastic. Staff could not have been more welcoming. And the game drives gave a unique and up close experience with the animals unlike the larger private game reserves. We loved it.

The only improvement could be to slow down the dinner service and give more time between courses to savour the food and South African wine.