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Eastern Cape Safaris
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 presents incredible wildlife experiences offering a more intimate setting than the popular Kruger National Park and an ideal malaria-free location. The diverse selection of Eastern Cape safaris 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 for an idyllic combination of beach, bush and beguiling wildlife encounters.
Malaria:
The Eastern Cape is a malaria-free safari area.
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:
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:
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. Reserves 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.
Highlights:
- The diverse landscape from a largely arid interior to 800 km (500 miles) of pristine coastline and breath-taking beaches make it a great area for combining a coastal getaway with a Big 5 safari.
- Remarkable elephant encounters.
- World-class safari lodges.
Reason to go:
- Easy access for travellers who don’t have time for a long journey to the Kruger but still wish to experience an authentic Big 5 safari in highly populated, malaria-free game reserves.
- Fantastic beach and safari combination.
- Suitable climate year-round for safari’s, game viewing, and coastal visits.
- Great for families, honeymoon safaris, small groups, photography enthusiasts, and adventurists.
- The Eastern Cape boasts world-class luxury safari experiences.
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 CA$ 909 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…

Eagles Crag
Shamwari Private Game Reserve
+12 years
From CA$ 934 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…

Msenge Bush Lodge
Pumba Private Game Reserve
+6 years
From CA$ 541 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…

Gorah Elephant Camp
Addo Private Game Reserve
+12 years
From CA$ 604 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…

Water Lodge
Pumba Private Game Reserve
+6 years
From CA$ 563 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…

Bayethe
Shamwari Private Game Reserve
+12 years
From CA$ 768 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…

River Lodge
Kariega Private Game Reserve
+10 years
From CA$ 485 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…

Long Lee Manor
Shamwari Private Game Reserve
All ages
From CA$ 739 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…

Safari Villa's
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve
All ages
From CA$ 3,939 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…

Bush Lodge
Amakhala Private Game Reserve
+12 years
From CA$ 500 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…

Great Fish River Lodge
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve
+12 years
From CA$ 909 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…

Hlosi Game Lodge
Amakhala Private Game Reserve
All ages
From CA$ 439 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…

Forest Camp
Sibuya Private Game Reserve
+12 years
From CA$ 327 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…

Sarili Lodge
Shamwari Private Game Reserve
All ages
From CA$ 775 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…

Explorer Camp
Shamwari Private Game Reserve
+16 years
From CA$ 523 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…

Ukhozi Lodge
Kariega Private Game Reserve
+10 years
From CA$ 453 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…

River Camp
Sibuya Private Game Reserve
All ages
From CA$ 327 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…

River Bend Lodge
Addo Private Game Reserve
All ages
From CA$ 590 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…

Riverdene Family Lodge
Shamwari Private Game Reserve
All ages
From CA$ 739 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
Can't Find What You Looking For?
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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