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Eastern Cape Game Reserves

The game reserves of the Eastern Cape are a great choice for a family safari, or the perfect end to a holiday driving the Garden Route in South Africa.

Playing host to the Big Five but crucially malaria-free, reserves like Kwandwe, Shamwari and Samara are tailor-made for children or for anybody not wanting to take anti-malarial medication.

Don’t think for a moment that this means the wildlife is any less impressive. Far from it, with Shamwari having a reputation for exceptional lion and rhino sightings, Addo being famous for its vast elephant herds and Samara renowned for offering cheetah tracking on foot. Throw in the fact that the lodges are some of South Africa’s finest and activities include game drives, walking safaris, horse-riding and river cruises, you can see why the Eastern Cape is a firm favourite with travellers in the know.

Zebra, South Africa — Zebra, Eastern Cape Game Reserves, South Africa

Why visit the Eastern Cape

Experience the Big Five on a malaria-free safari, not far from the Garden Route
Exceptional lodges with options for family groups travelling together
View the large herds of elephants in Addo National Park
Private game activities on private reserves
Incorporate fishing, cycling, walking, rhino conservation and children’s programs.

Namaqualand, Eastern Cape, South Africa — Namaqualand daisies, South Africa

Western Cape, Whales & Wine

Holiday Idea

This holiday idea to South Africa can easily be extended or adapted to end with a safari in the game reserves of the Eastern Cape.

11 days

from $4,285 pp

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Experiences

What do you really love doing? We curate your itinerary especially for you.

South Africa

Fishing in South Africa

Try your hand at catch and release fishing, either in still reservoir waters or the currents of the Great Fish River in the Eastern Cape Game Reserves.

Suggested Hotel

Cheetah Tracking

Get involved in cheetah conservation efforts, tracking these agile felines on foot in the Eastern Cape reserve of Samara. Learn to track using traditional methods, searching for pug and scratch markings as well as monitoring the movements of collared individuals.

Suggested Lodge

Aardvark Safari

Head out on an on-foot aardvark safari at Samara Game Reserve, searching for these fascinating and unusual creatures.

Suggested Lodge

Family Activities

Experience fishing, cycling, walking, rhino conservation and children’s programs at the Eastern Cape Game Reserves.

Suggested Hotel

Elephant Silhouette With Red Sunset, South Africa

Addo Elephants

View large herds of elephants in Addo National Park.

Lioness,Nkomazi, Western Kruger, South Africa

Born Free Sanctuary

Visit the Born Free Sanctuary on the Eastern Capes Shamwari Game Reserve, where rescued big cats are rehabilitated after having been freed from captivity.

Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

GweGwe Beach Lodge £££££

Africa
Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Located on the undeveloped shores of South Africa’s wild Eastern Cape, GweGwe sits among the rolling grasslands of the Mkambati Nature Reserve, within a marine protected biodiversity hotspot.

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Samara Karoo Lodge £££££

South Africa
Safari and Wildlife Lodge

This lovingly restored farmhouse, Samara Karoo Lodge combines modern comforts with safari. Karoo Lodge offers a warm and inviting space with candlelit dinners on the verandah, a cosy bar area and antiques, family heirlooms and vintage books throughout.

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Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Collection £££££

South Africa
Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Kwandwe is a 30,000-hectare private game reserve in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, where seven of the country’s eight biomes converge.

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Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

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Illona Cross

Born in South Africa, I spent a decade working as a ranger, guide and lodge manager in the African bush. That experience taught me the value of well-paced itineraries, trusted local partners and the power of small details – what turns a good trip into a great one. I ask the right questions, listen closely and bring a level of insight that only comes from years in the field.

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1(800)272-4163

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Chris Johnston

I have spent nearly 30 years exploring Africa, from leading trips across the continent to crafting tailor made journeys backed by deep local insight. Named a Condé Nast Traveller Specialist for Madagascar, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, I’ve worked with the BBC and National Geographic throughout Eastern, Southern and Central Africa.

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1(800)272-4163

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