Experience the thrill of adventure with the UTCT 2024 Safari, a 4-night journey set in the breathtaking landscapes of Kariega Game Reserve. Immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of the African bush, with an exclusive invite to the owners’ private lodge. There will be thrilling Big 5 game drives, and invigorating runs from the lodge and on the nearby beach at Kenton on Sea.   You will connect with nature and wildlife and engage in meaningful conservation efforts, leaving a lasting legacy in the Eastern Cape.

HIghlights

4 nights on Safari at Kariega Game Reserve

• Exclusive invitation to the UTCT 2024 Safari to stay at Abo Shamani, the Kariega owners' private lodge, perched on a cliff top with stunning views over the Bushman’s River.

• Stunning dining with your private chef, all meals and drinks are included from arrival.

• Embark on twice-daily Big 5 game drives or river cruises, witnessing breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, all in private vehicles and boats dedicated to the UTCT Safari group.

• Take part in runs on the reserve and along the river and beach at Kenton on Sea, immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the area.

• Receive a personal welcome from Lindy Sutherland, Kariega founder’s daughter and director of the Kariega Foundation, who will share insights into the history and future vision of conservation in the region.

Your legacy

By joining the Run Safari, 5% of your tour price is directly allocated to the Kariega Foundation.  This is three and a half times the contribution of the standard conservation levy other visitors to Kariega contribute. By joining the UTCT Safari, you become part of a community of runners who have become involved in conservation in the Eastern Cape since 2019. Your contribution helps to drive the conservation dream forward, rewilding ever greater areas – developing a sustainable conservation and socio-economic model for future generations.

Day 1: 25 November, Owner's Lodge, Kariega Game Reserve, Eastern Cape

Safari Introduction and Personal Welcome at Abo Shamani

Begin your journey with a flight from Cape Town to the Eastern Cape, followed by a transfer to the majestic Kariega Game Reserve. Check into the exclusive Abo Shamani lodge, perched on a cliff overlooking the Bushman's River. After settling in, enjoy a warm welcome from Lindy Sutherland, director of the Kariega Foundation, who will share exclusive insights into the reserve's conservation efforts and vision for the future, a privilege not available to the general public.

In the afternoon, embark on your first Big 5 game drive, a special moment to treasure as you connect with the African wilderness. Reflect on the day's experiences during a sundowner stop, standing on African soil with the savannah stretching before you. Return to the lodge for a delicious dinner by the fire, the perfect end to your first day on safari.

What's Included:

• Full board at Owner's Lodge, including drinks

• Afternoon Big 5 game drive

• Transfer from Port Elizabeth/Gqeberha airport to Kariega

What's Not Included:

• Selected premium and imported drinks

Day 2: 26 November, Owner's Lodge, Kariega Game Reserve, Eastern Cape

classic safari day including two game drives

Embrace the serenity of safari life with a relaxed day at Kariega Game Reserve. Wake up early for a morning game drive, immersing yourself in the beauty of the reserve as you search for wildlife. Spend the rest of the day unwinding at the lodge, lounging by the overflow pool, and soaking in the tranquil surroundings.

For those still energised from their UTCT runs or eager for more activity, Abo Shamani offers the option to sneak off for a walk or run before or between game drives. Lance, your UTCT safari host, will ensure your safety as you explore the stunning landscape on foot.

As the evening approaches, indulge in a hearty meal, recounting the day's adventures and relaxing with full bellies and content hearts.

What's Included:

• Full board at Owner's Lodge, including drinks

• Morning and afternoon game drive

• Optional guided walk or run from the lodge

What's Not Included:

• Selected premium and imported drinks

Day 3: 27 November, Owner's Lodge, Kariega Game Reserve, Eastern Cape

Sunrise Run, game drive with Impact Experience, and Sunset River Cruise

Start the day with an invigorating sunrise run, choosing from a couple of loop options discussed the night before. Enjoy a recovery snack before embarking on a special game drive that will connect you with the Kariega Foundation's initiatives, such as the rhino anti-poaching unit or biodiversity restoration projects. This hands-on experience deepens your understanding of the impact your participation has on conservation efforts.

After a fulfilling morning, return to the lodge for lunch, followed by relaxation time by the pool. In the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise along the Bushman's River, embracing the unique feeling of being on the water and toasting to the setting sun.

The day concludes with a delightful dinner back at the cliff-top lodge, sharing stories and basking in the beauty of your surroundings.

What's Included:

• Full board at Owner's Lodge, including drinks

• Guided sunrise walk or run from the lodge

• Game drive with impact experience

• Sunset Big 5 river cruise

What's Not Included:

• Selected premium and imported drinks

Day 4: 28 November, Owner's Lodge, Kariega Game Reserve, Eastern Cape

Beach Run, River Cruise, and afternoon Game Drive

Begin the day with a scenic boat cruise to the river mouth at Kenton on Sea. From there, embark on a run through Kenton, along the Kariega River, and onto the stunning Shelley Beach. After a refreshing swim, enjoy a picnic brunch with coffee and drinks before cruising back to the lodge.

Spend the afternoon relaxing and freshening up, perhaps indulging in a post-lunch nap. As the day progresses, head out for your final afternoon game drive on the reserve. Let the bush guide your journey, as each bend in the road or crest of a hill may reveal a surprise encounter with the wildlife.

Your final evening on safari will be bitter sweet knowing your African odyssey is coming to a close, but with a sense of warm fulfilment as you reflect on the unique experiences and connections made during your adventure.  And with the energy of anticipation, tomorrow morning one final adventure awaits.

What's Included:

• Full board at Owner's Lodge, including drinks

• Guided run at Kenton on Sea

• River cruise and beach swim

• Afternoon game drive

What's Not Included:

• Selected premium and imported drinks

Day 5: 29 November, Owner's Lodge, Kariega Game Reserve, Eastern Cape

Morning Game Drive and Departure

Embrace the final moments of your safari adventure with an early morning game drive. Feel the anticipation in the air as you venture out for the last time, seeking any wildlife you have yet to encounter. Savour the last coffee and rusk stop, soaking in the warm glow of memories made.

After returning to the lodge for breakfast, your transfer to Gqeberha airport awaits. As you begin your journey home or onward to another adventure, reflect on the profound impact of your experience. You have not only explored the African wilderness but also contributed to its conservation, leaving a lasting legacy in the Eastern Cape.

What's Included:

• Morning game drive

• Airport transfer

Tour Inclusions, Exclusions, and Pricing

Inclusions:

• 4 nights at the Owner's Lodge on Kariega Game Reserve.

• All meals and local beverages.

• Morning and afternoon game drives daily (boat cruises are alternate experiences to the game drives).

• Two runs, on the Reserve and around Kenton on Sea.

• One guided walk.

• Return airport transfers to Kariega Game Reserve from Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) airport.

• Return flights between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha).

• 5% of the tour package donated to conservation and socio-economic development in the Eastern Cape.

• All runs are subject to adjustment based on weather conditions and wildlife movement.

Exclusions:

• Visas, travel insurance, and international flights.

• Imported and premium drinks not mentioned above.

• Optional activities.

• Items of a personal nature.

• Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff.

• Any other services not mentioned above.

Pricing:

• The total price for the UTCT Safari experience is $2,700 USD per person sharing.

• A deposit of $500 USD per person is required to secure your booking.

• Price is subject to exchange rate fluctuations.

• Individual variations from the above itinerary, as well as the final group size, may incur additional costs.

• Reservations can only be guaranteed once payment has been received and the minimum group size has been reached.

• Deposits are refundable if minimum group size is not reached.

Travel Admin:

• Please do not book flights until we confirm the minimum group size has been reached.

• We will endeavour to arrange the safari on smaller numbers if required, keeping you informed.

• Custom arrangements are possible for groups of 6 or larger.

• Any private transfers required will incur additional costs