Eastern Cape Game Reserves

The Eastern Cape Game Reserves are perfect for first-time visitors to South Africa. A 2-3 night safari can easily be added to a holiday to the Cape and for families or those not wishing to take malaria tablets, these reserves are perfect, being malaria free.

The reserves differ from the true South African wilderness offered further north in Kruger because they are fenced tracts of land, which were originally used for farming and have been carefully managed and stocked with wildlife over the years. However it is important to say that these reserves are vast – you are unlikely to see a fence.

Many of the reserves are heavily committed to conservation initiatives, and this in itself can bring a very interesting slant to a stay. At Shamwari for example you can enjoy a visit to the Born Free Big Cat Rehab centre, or the Ian Player Rhino Awareness Centre and learn why the reserves play a vital role in wildlife conservation.

We think 2-3 nights is an ideal time to safari here. If you are planning to drive the Garden Route, it works really well to fly into Cape Town, and out of Port Elizabeth via Johannesburg back home (or vice versa). Alternatively if you are not driving then domestic flights can easily be arranged into P.E for you from either Cape Town or Johannesburg.

Most Eastern Cape reserves are within a 60-90 minute drive of P.E and include Shamwari, Kariega, Lalibela, Pumba, Amakhala and Addo (Riverbend Lodge). Please ask us for details as each reserve offers many different levels and types of accommodation from lodges to tented camps. You can find details about some of these reserves in our Lodge Library as well.

Other non-malarial reserves in South Africa include Madikwe and the Waterberg.