Eastern Cape
Game Reserves
With lush green mountains landscapes, spectacular rivers and wide open plains populated with magnificent wildlife, the Eastern Cape has become one of the world’s most superior malaria free safari destinations. Eastern Cape game reserves are fenced which provides a more controlled environment with no natural migration of game. Therefore, most reserves can tell you exactly how many animals of each species they have at any given time. Although the Eastern Cape is home to several Big-5 private game reserves, leopard sightings are rare. The Cape Leopard’s are known to be shy and generally retreat to the mountains, however you can expect excellent sightings of the lion, rhino, elephant and buffalo herds, as well as an array of other wildlife.
The game reserves in the Eastern Cape offer guests a diverse selection of accommodation options, from luxury tented camps to restored manor houses. Due to its malaria free region, the Eastern Cape Game reserves are a popular choice among families with children of all ages. Adult only accommodation options are also available in some of South Africa’s finest, award winning safari lodges. The reserves are easily accessible from the Garden Route and with easy access to Port Elizabeth Airport, making it a convenient safari destination.
Malaria
- The Eastern Cape is a malaria-free safari area.
Wildlife
- The Eastern Cape private reserves are home to the Big-5 (lion, leopards, elephant, buffalo and rhino).
- Leopard sightings are extremely rare in the Eastern Cape
- The Eastern Cape is home to one of the largest African elephant populations worldwide.
- Other wildlife include but are not limited to giraffe, zebra, hippo, warthog, hyena, wild cat, lynx, jackal, genet, bushpig, warthog, baboon, monkey, aardvark, otter, honey badger, varieties of magnificent antelope and more.
- Over 400 bird species have been recorded in the region and are particularly drawn to the water sources.
Game Drives
- Game drives are taken in open 4×4 safari vehicles and are accompanied by a ranger, who will share a wealth of knowledge about the animals with you.
- The game drives on a Eastern Cape safari are 3 to 4 hours long and take place twice a day in the morning and afternoon.
- Morning game drives are complimented by a coffee stop and a sundowner downer stop in the evening a remote location.
Highlights
- A collection of malaria free game reserves.
- World-class safari lodges with diverse accommodation options.
- Exciting game drives in open 4×4 safari vehicles.
- Birdwatchers paradise.
- Remarkable elephant encounters.
- Ideally located at the end of the Garden Route.
- An abundance of rivers run through the reserves.
- Stunning views and landscapes.
Location
Situated on South Africa’s east coast, at the top end of the Garden Route, the Eastern Cape makes for a great ending or starting point when exploring South Africa’s southeast coast.
Getting There
- The closest commercial airport is Port Elizabeth (PLZ).
- Flight time from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth: 1 hour 10 minutes.
- Flight time from Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth: 1 hour 35 minutes.
- The reserves are a 1 – 2 hour drive from Port Elizabeth airport.
Special offers
- We have some fantastic specials offers including PAY STAY deals, Honeymoon offers and discounted rates available for both international travellers and SA residents. View all specials on our specials page here: special offers
Packages
Cape Town and safari packages are designed by our on-trend team of travel experts. Packages include flights, transfers, accommodation, and full board safari experience. View all packages here: safari packages
Kwandwe Game Reserve
Big-5 reserve and a variety of other wildlife, including cheetah, kudu, springbok, eland, red hartebeest, giraffe, black wildebeest, gemsbok and more.
Shamwari Game Reserve
Big-5 reserve, although leopard sightings are rare. Other wildlife includes giraffe, hippo, zebra and a variety of antelope species to name a few.
Pumba Game Reserve
Lake Cariega and a large waterhole are prominent landmarks in the reserve and attract and array of wildlife and birdlife.
Kariega Game Reserve
The reserve offers an abundance of birdlife particularly drawn to the rivers. Located in the Eastern Cape, 80 minutes from Port Elizabeth toward Graham’s Town.
Sibuya Game Reserve
Three diverse, off the grid, eco-camps offer family friendly and age restricted accommodation options.
Amakhala Game Reserve
A collection of adult only and family friendly accommodation offerings with 3, 4 and 5 star ratings. The accommodation, managed by different brands, is offered in restored country houses, safari lodges and tented camps.
Lalibela Game Reserve
The predominance of grassland savannah on the reserve supports a higher density of game than any other reserve in the Eastern Cape.
Inclusive Eastern Cape Lodges
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