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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:
Malaria
The Eastern Cape is a malaria-free safari area.
Location:
Eastern Cape Safari 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:
Eastern Cape Safari Lodge Travel
The best way to get to the Eastern Cape safari lodges is to take a short 1 hour flight from Cape Town, followed by 45 – 90 minute road transfer.
By Road
Eastern Cape reserves are a 60- to 90-minute drive from Port Elizabeth or a 9-hour drive from Cape Town on the N2 highway. Driving from Cape Town takes you through the scenic Garden Route.
Flying
Fly from all major centres in South Africa to Port Elizabeth airport.
Flight Duration
- Cape Town to Port Elizabeth: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Durban to Port Elizabeth: 1 hour 20 minutes
Wildlife:
Wildlife in the Eastern Cape
The Eastern Cape is home to one of the largest African elephant populations worldwide. Eastern Cape reserves offer a more intimate setting than the Kruger National Park and are also home to the Big 5. Game reserves in the Eastern Cape are fenced providing 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. Further, you will see giraffe, zebra, varieties of magnificent antelope, hippo, warthog, and hyena to name but a few.
Game Drives:
Eastern Cape Game Drives
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. 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. Morning game drives are complimented by a coffee stop and a sundowner downer stop in the evening a remote location.
Highlights:
Eastern Cape Safari Highlights
- World-class safari lodges with excellent game drives.
- Populated Big-5, malaria free game reserves with remarkable elephant encounters.
- Ideally located at the end of the Garden Route.
- Good alternative to the Kruger National Park.
- Suitable climate year-round for safari’s, game viewing, and coastal visits.
- Great for families, honeymoons 7 couples, small groups, photography enthusiasts, and adventurists.
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

Ecca Lodge
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve
All ages
From $ 741 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…

Eagles Crag
Shamwari Private Game Reserve
+12 years
From $ 668 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…

Msenge Bush Lodge
Pumba Private Game Reserve
All ages
From $ 372 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…

Gorah Elephant Camp
Addo Private Game Reserve
+12 years
From $ 514 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…

Water Lodge
Pumba Private Game Reserve
All ages
From $ 372 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…

Bayethe
Shamwari Private Game Reserve
+12 years
From $ 578 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…

River Lodge
Kariega Private Game Reserve
+10 years
From $ 375 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…

Long Lee Manor
Shamwari Private Game Reserve
All ages
From $ 555 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…

Safari Villa's
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve
All ages
From $ 3,086 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…

Bush Lodge
Amakhala Private Game Reserve
+12 years
From $ 341 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…

Great Fish River Lodge
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve
+12 years
From $ 741 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…

Hlosi Game Lodge
Amakhala Private Game Reserve
All ages
From $ 299 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…

Forest Camp
Sibuya Private Game Reserve
+12 years
From $ 254 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…

Sarili Lodge
Shamwari Private Game Reserve
All ages
From $ 5,549 per villa per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…

Explorer Camp
Shamwari Private Game Reserve
+16 years
From $ 385 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…

Ukhozi Lodge
Kariega Private Game Reserve
+10 years
From $ 375 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…

River Camp
Sibuya Private Game Reserve
All ages
From $ 254 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…

River Bend Lodge
Addo Private Game Reserve
All ages
From $ 402 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…

Riverdene Family Lodge
Shamwari Private Game Reserve
All ages
From $ 529 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…

Kariega Settlers Drift
Kariega Settlers Drift
+ 10 years
From $ 545 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
Kariega Main Lodge
Kariega Main Lodge
All ages
From $ 308 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
Amakhala HillsNek Safari Lodge
Amakhala HillsNek Safari Lodge
+ 6 years
From $ 307 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…

Amakhala Bukela Game Lodge
Amakhala Bukela Game Lodge
+12 years
From $ 341 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
Amakhala Safari Lodge
Amakhala Safari Lodge
+ 9 years
From $ 307 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
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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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