The Eastern Cape region is one of the most popular safari holiday destinations in South Africa. The main reason it is such a perennial favourite is that it enables visitors to combine an outstanding safari experience with a trip to one of Africa’s most vibrant and exciting cities – Cape Town.
You will find that you are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a safari in the Eastern Cape region, as the area boasts a number of private game reserves, not to mention the Addo Elephant National Park. Of these, perhaps the most popular are:
Kwandwe Game Reserve
This large private game reserve, about a 2 hour drive from Port Elizabeth, provides visitors with 4 outstanding lodge accommodation options. The numerous lion, cheetah, rhino, elephant, hippo and leopard which call Kwandwe home can be observed by way of both day and night drives. In addition, the reserve also offers bush walks to visitors of all ages (although children need to be over the age of 12 to join a bush walk, and over 6 to join their parents on a game drive).
Addo National Park
It is fair to say that Addo is a National Park which really does offer it all. Indeed, it is not every African safari destination which can offer you the chance to see whales and great white sharks as well as the ‘Big Five’ safari animals. Situated just north of Port Elizabeth, Addo has a number of luxury guest houses just outside the main entrance, as well as more budget conscious chalets and rondavels which are located in the Park itself at the Addo Main Rest Camp. In addition to safari drives, Addo also offers horse riding.
Shamwari Game Reserve
Shamwari is a private game reserve which offers visitors a chance to see the Big Five in 25,000 hectares of beautiful African bush. The lodges offered here are very luxurious and all game drives and meals come included with the package.
As well as enjoying daily game drives and bush walks, you can also chill out around the sparking swimming pools at each lodge.
Amakhala Game Reserve
If you are looking for bountiful animal sightings then Amakhala is just the job. Indeed, this family-owned game reserve boasts lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, cheetah, giraffe, zebra and antelope so you can be sure that you won’t go home disappointed. Located just east of Port Elizabeth, Amakhala not only offers game drives and a variety of very comfortable lodges, it also extends day visit privileges to anyone who does not have the time to stay for a night.
Kariega Game Reserve
The Kariega Game Reserve offers abundant wildlife, river cruises, walking trails and plenty more besides.
The lodges here offer a variety of accommodation options, including luxury riverside chalets and the 5 bedroomed Homestead, which can be booked on a private basis, making it perfect for friends or families travelling together.
Pumba Game Reserve
In the heart of the Eastern Cape’s malaria-free game viewing region you will find Pumba Private Game Reserve, situated a mere 105 km from Port Elizabeth. The reserve stretches over an area of 6,000 hectares. Home to the Big 5, the reserve offers visitors the chance to experience the wonders of Africa – from the graceful giraffe to the white lion.
Explore our Eastern Cape Safari pages further or call 0845 8382450 to find out more.