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Eastern Cape Safari Lodges
Home to one of the densest African elephant populations on earth, the Eastern Cape is superbly situated at the end of the Garden Route displaying a diverse landscape from a largely arid interior to a well-watered lush east. An Eastern Cape safari lodge presents incredible wildlife experiences offering an intimate setting and an ideal malaria-free location. The diverse selection of Eastern Cape safari lodges offer excellent game viewing opportunities with a high population of spectacular wildlife, lush surrounds, and Big 5 sightings. Unlike the reserves of the Kruger, Eastern Cape game reserves are fenced which provides a more controlled environment with no natural migration of game. Therefore, most lodges can tell you exactly how many animals of each species they have at any given time.
With world-class 5-star luxury safari lodges, the Eastern Cape caters not only for luxury lovers but also for adventurists and family safaris in excellent value 3- and 4-star lodges. The Eastern Cape offers an array of attractions, including 800km (500 mi) of pristine coastline and breath-taking beaches. Easy access to Port Elizabeth Airport makes it a convenient safari destination. If your travel itinerary does not provide for lengthy travel to the famous game reserves in South Africa, such as the Kruger, then head on over to the Eastern Cape safari lodges for an idyllic combination of beach, bush and beguiling wildlife encounters.
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:
- Enjoy a free night during certain periods at a selection of safari lodges with our PAY STAY offers.
- Honeymoon offers are available at select lodges, contact our team for more information.
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
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Ecca Lodge
Post LinkKwandwe Private Game Reserve
From $ 978 per person, per night
Best-price guaranteeIncludes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
All ages are welcome
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Eagles Crag
Post LinkShamwari Private Game Reserve
From $ 728 per person, per night
Best-price guaranteeIncludes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
Ages 12 years and older
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20% OFFMsenge Bush Lodge
Post LinkPumba Private Game Reserve
From $ 425 per person, per night
Best-price guaranteeIncludes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
All ages are welcome
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Gorah Elephant Camp
Post LinkAddo Private Concession
From $ 728 per person, per night
Best-price guaranteeIncludes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
Ages 12 years and older
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20% OFFWater Lodge
Post LinkPumba Private Game Reserve
From $ 464 per person, per night
Best-price guaranteeIncludes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
All ages are welcome
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Bayethe
Post LinkShamwari Private Game Reserve
From $ 629 per person, per night
Best-price guaranteeIncludes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
Ages 12 years and older
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River Lodge
Post LinkKariega Private Game Reserve
From $ 504 per person, per night
Best-price guaranteeIncludes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
Ages 10 years and older
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Long Lee Manor
Post LinkShamwari Private Game Reserve
From $ 605 per person, per night
Best-price guaranteeIncludes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
Ages 6 years and older
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Safari Villa's
Post LinkKwandwe Private Game Reserve
From $ 4,080 per person, per night
Best-price guaranteeIncludes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
All ages are welcome
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Bush Lodge
Post LinkAmakhala Private Game Reserve
From $ 486 per person, per night
Best-price guaranteeIncludes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
Ages 12 years and older
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Great Fish River Lodge
Post LinkKwandwe Private Game Reserve
From $ 978 per person, per night
Best-price guaranteeIncludes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
Ages 12 years and older
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Hlosi Game Lodge
Post LinkAmakhala Private Game Reserve
From $ 426 per person, per night
Best-price guaranteeIncludes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
All ages are welcome
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Visiting such a diverse country necessitates some expertise to determine which area, lodge and transport will suit you best. Whether you are a family, couple or traveling solo, we’ll guide you to the perfect place for an incredible safari experience
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