The Eastern Cape is a warm and welcoming part of South Africa with plenty of untouched natural splendor across it. While the waters of its beaches are warm, it’s the game reserves that will remind you just how diversely beautiful South Africa really is. Located just an hour out of Port Elizabeth, the malaria-free reserves offer an abundance of big game and five star accommodations with service to match.
One game reserve that places a lot of importance on conservation is Kwandwe – a 22 000 hectare haven for the Big Five and visitors alike. This private game reserve that boasts understated luxury offers guests four different lodges to choose from, all within roaring distance of a lion or two.
Shamwari Game Reserve on the other hand has been described as “the pride of the Eastern Cape”. It’s 25 000 hectares is rich in biodiversity and is home to a number of successful conservation stories big and small, from the flightless dung beetle to the black rhino. Guests will be surrounded by nature and luxury here and can choose from seven different accommodations from “glamping” (luxury camping) to sumptuous manor living.
Smaller than the other game reserves in the Eastern Cape, Amakhala is no less as impressive. Its 7500 hectares means that it provides guests with intimate safari experiences that are filled with diversity. 11 camps, lodges and inns await guests in search of their own private corner of the Eastern Cape.
Kariega Game Reserve, which is family owned and managed, is one of the most accomplished conservation projects in the Eastern Cape to date. The now expansive 10,000 hectare reserve spans across 5 different eco systems, resulting in extremely high game carrying capacities which results in Kariega’s game viewing and birding experience being exceptional. Settlers Drift has completed Kariega’s portfolio of lodges – now ranging from 4 to 5-star.
Addo Elephant Park has been a sanctuary for beautiful elephants since 1931. Its verdant land is now home to over 350 elephants as well Cape Buffalo, Black Rhino and Antelope. It’s the third largest park in South Africa and its 120 000 hectares are enough space for elephants to roam and plenty of room for you to explore its untouched land. With plenty of accommodation and activities on offer at Addo, you might find yourself forging permanent friendships with the elephants that live here – they never forget a face.
The Best of South Africa Travel map displays the locations of the destinations and accommodation that we have selected and visited; for each item, hovering over or clicking the marker will display a short summary and photo of that place or hotel, and hotel pricing. Follow the links in the info box to the full page listing which has much more information.
Note that the online map offers both a satellite view (click satellite in the top right) and, for some locations, a street level view (Drag the person in the top left onto the map). These let you explore the country; and when you wish to explore in person, or if you have any questions about the places you see, give our staff a call, or request a quote. Our staff regularly visit the places and accommodation that we feature.
When you book a holiday with us we will provide full driving instructions for reaching your accommodation, where necessary; these can be used by yourself, or you could enjoy the luxury of a driver. Alternatively we will arrange private (car rather than coach) transfers for you; helicopter transfers are also possible for some destinations.
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Truly was the holiday of a lifetime
I just wanted to drop you an e mail to say a very big thank you for organising such a wonderful trip for Matthew and I. It truly was the holiday of a lifetime, and I do not say that in a causal way.
What a stunning country you have. Everything surpassed my expectations. I could have happily stayed in Franshhoek my …
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