Eastern Cape

As well as being home to all of the Big Five, white sharks and southern right whales can be spotted just off the coast too. Another huge draw of the Eastern Cape is that it is a malaria-free area, making it perfect for families. 

While it’s the safari experience that draws most visitors to the Eastern Cape, the scenery outside of the private game reserves is also well worth exploring. The coastline here is one of the most undeveloped and pristine in South Africa, with a natural beauty that is reflected in its name – the Wild Coast. Providing breathtaking seascapes, the untouched beaches of the Eastern Cape are a surfer’s paradise. This stretch of coast is great for culture vultures too; visitors can gain a strong insight into Xhosa culture as well as visit Nelson Mandela’s final resting place at Qunu. Away from the coast, the barren landscapes of the Karoo are particularly evocative, with craggy mountains forming the backdrop for beautiful sunsets. The Valley of Desolation, close to Graaff-Reinet, would be our top recommendation for experiencing this epically bleak yet stunning landscape.

Safari in the Eastern Cape

Below are our favourite game reserves in the Eastern Cape. 

Shamwari Game Reserve

Beginning its journey in 1990 as a small reserve with just over 1,000 hectares of land, Shamwari Game Reserve is now one the largest private reserves in South Africa and covers an enormous 25,000 hectares. The reserve is home to an abundance of game, including the Big Five, and offers a variety of activities, making it an excellent choice if you are looking for an immersive safari experience. The reserve prides itself on its conservation efforts, responsible tourism, and family-friendly lodges, allowing visitors to get the most out of their stay.

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve

Stretching for 42km along the banks of the Great Fish River, Kwandwe Private Game Reserve covers an area of 22,200 hectares. The reserve is set on the edge of the former Karoo Basin, where several of Africa’s vegetation zones converge, meaning the biodiversity of the area is extremely rich. Guests can get involved with a range of unique conservation programmes while staying in the reserve, including heading out with the wildlife management team to track rhinos and plant microchips into their horns to help identify them and reduce the risk of poaching.