Eastern Cape Game Reserve Holidays

Like many game reserves in the Eastern Cape, Shamwari has spent the last 25 years working to protect and preserve the area’s wildlife. Now, thanks to their efforts, it’s thriving. Home to all kinds of creatures, this exclusive spot has lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo, plus cheetah, giraffe and more. And, since Shamwari is a private game reserve, only those staying here have the privilege of seeing these incredible creatures. You’ll be able to head out on game drives at sunrise and dusk, with your knowledgeable guide on hand to point out the local wildlife.

After your safari, you’ll return to your lodge to relax and reflect on your sightings. There’s a real variety of accommodation here, ranging from the luxurious Long Lee Manor to the tented camp of Bayethe. But Shamwari Eagles Crag is the star of the show. Nestled among the treetops, this five-star lodge has aerial viewing pods, where you can watch majestic eagles soar.

Stretching across 10,000 hectares, privately-owned Kariega Game Reserve is enormous. And yet, this malaria-free park only has a handful of lodges – so you can look forward to an intimate safari experience. When you stay here, you’ll go on two game drives a day in search of the ‘Big Five’. It’s highly likely you’ll see lazy lions, gentle elephants and painted zebra, but your guide will also be on the lookout for elusive leopards and shy rhinos. In between safaris, you can also enjoy a boat trip along the Kariega River, or go canoeing or fishing.

Kariega has a selection of lodges to choose from. If you stay in Kariega Main Lodge, you’ll have fantastic views of the mountainous scenery, as each cabin has been designed to blend in with its surroundings. Or perhaps you’d prefer to stay in a luxury tented lodge? Down by the river, Kariega Settlers Drift has just nine tented suites, offering lovely views and all the modern comforts you need.

Amakhala Game Reserve is home to the ‘Big Five’ along with antelopes, monkeys, warthogs, zebra and more. But this place is also very proud of its diverse range of flora, so expect your safari guide to point out beautiful plants and trees, as well as the wildlife.

The park may offer wonderful safaris and luxury lodges, but Amakhala Game Reserve has conservation at its core. This Eastern Cape game reserve came into being when local farmers joined forces to protect the area’s wildlife. Working together, they removed foreign vegetation and reintroduced native species, which went on to thrive. This commitment continues today at Amakhala, where dedicated teams monitor the progress of plant species and wildlife. The reserve also has strong connections to anti-poaching associations and the African Rhino Conservation Collaboration, to protect endangered creatures.

Covering 600 square miles, Addo Elephant National Park is home to all kinds of animals, including the ‘Big Five’. But, as the name suggests, the elephants are the park’s real pride and joy. Back in 1989, there were only 16 African elephants alive in the Greater Addo area. Today, thanks to the national park’s conservation efforts, there are more than 550.

You can stay overnight in Addo Elephant Park, but it’s also a great place to go on a self-drive safari for the day – a satisfying to-do-list tick on your Eastern Cape holiday. Hop in your hire car and embrace your inner David Attenborough, as you meander along the game-viewing roads. The easy-to-follow network weaves across the park for 75 miles, and you’re sure to see plenty of grazing animals. But that’s not all. You can also hike along trails in to the Zuurberg Mountains, see ancient rock paintings in historic Kabouga, or go on a horseback safari.