best safari near port elizabeth

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13 Best Safari Parks and Game Reserves Near Port Elizabeth

Port Elizabeth  is a port city in the eastern cape provinces of southern South Africa . Port Elizabeth welcomes its visitors to unravel its tangled beauty. It is situated on the Algoa bay of the Indian Ocean. A breakwater encircles the harbors of the city. The city’s location is perfect at the  Garden Route ‘s end, making it accessible for all. Apart from its deep oceans and endless beaches, Port Elizabeth has a variety of wildlife experiences. Between Addo and Grahamstown, the N2 highway and other routes are bordered by private game reserves. They include a variety of wildlife-watching opportunities, picturesque settings, opulent resorts, and conservation initiatives. The Big Five are present in most of the wildlife reserves near Port Elizabeth, like a lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo. For your dream journey, the top-picked 13 safaris and game reserves in the Eastern Cape are listed below. 

Addo Elephant National Park

Shamwari private game reserve, schotia private game reserve, amakhala game reserve, pumba private game reserve, sibuya game reserve, lalibela game reserve.

• Kariega Game Reserve.

Kwantu Private Game Reserve

Tsitsikamma national park, samara game reserve, camdeboo national park, mountain zebra national park.

A string of malaria-free wildlife reserves in Port Elizabeth is waiting for you.

Addo elephant national park is situated in the eastern cape in the dense forest of the Sunday river region. In 1931, the area was declared a national elephant park with only 11 elephants; now, there are more than 550 elephants. According to some estimates, Addo is the world’s most diversified game park with good roads. It includes the world’s largest African penguin and Cape gannet breeding grounds, the Algoa Bay islands, and the southern hemisphere’s largest and best-preserved coastal dune field. Along with elephants there are Cape Buffalo, Black Rhino, many antelope species, and the rare flightless dung beetle, which is solely found in Addo. Together with fantastic wildlife, Addo offers tourist accommodation and a variety of activities to get you out of the confined safari vehicle, like horseback riding, kayaking, and hiking. Also, it’s one of the most incredible safari places for families. The best time to visit Addo elephant national park is the dry season winter months of May to September.

Distance from Port Elizebeth  – 70 km, which takes an hour

How to reach –  Port Elizabeth is the nearest domestic airport, and  Johannesburg  and  Cape Town  are the closest international airports. 

Entrance fee:  Addo Elephant National Park international visitors’ entrance fees are R360 (USD 21) per adult per day and R180 (USD 11) per child per day. 

Activities and attractions:  There are a lot of attractions and activities waiting for you in Addo, including elephant interaction safaris, hiking, guided game drives, whale and shark watching, horse trails, beaches, mountains, birding, kids’ program, and swimming. 

Things included  – Under guide, you could do game drives, elephant population visits, and safaris. The “Big 7,” which consists of the elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo, leopard, whale, and great white shark, may be found at Addo.

Where to stay  – Various options are available near Addo elephant national park, including Rest Camps, Boutique Hotels, Luxury Tented Camps, and Luxury Lodges. Some of them are Addo Dung Beetle Guest Farm, Barefoot Addo Elephant Lodge, and Gorah Elephant Camp.

Shamwari private game reserve is regarded as the best among private game reserves in the eastern cape. Five of South Africa’s eight biomes, including Addo, and the Big Five, are involved in a conservation program here. The Nama Karoo, Succulent Karoo, Fynbos, Forest, Thicket, Savanna, Grassland, and Desert are present here. Shamwari is very near Addo elephant national park. The place is home to classic African safari mammals, including rhinos, elephants, and lions. For those interested in learning more about South African conservation practices, there is a rhino awareness center, an extensive cat habitat, field guide training, and volunteer options, etc are available. The best time to visit Shamwari private game reserve is from June to September. 

Distance from Port Elizebeth  – 75 km, which takes an hour. 

Cost per person:  From 01 April 2023 – 30 April 2023 from R 12,485 per person sharing; fully Inclusive Plus includes accommodation, all meals, select drinks, and activities.(The prices vary from season to season and the lodging options you choose. You can visit https://www.shamwari.com/rates-packages/ for more data.) 

How to reach it  – Flying will be the most convenient way of getting to the Shamwari private game reserve. You can fly to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg or Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town.

Activities and attractions:  Different activities and packages are available according to your preferences, like special Honeymoon packages, private villas, bush walks, kids on safari, birding, game drives, camping, and sustainable conservation. 

Things included  – Morning and evening game drives, outdoor dinners, swimming and gym, Nature Walks with armed rangers, and the Born Free Foundation and Wilderness Area are a must-see.

Where to stay  – There are several luxury safari lodges available inside the game reserve. Some are Sindile Safari Lodge, Long Lee Manor Safari Lodge, Eagles Crag Safari Lodge, and Bayethe Safari Lodge.

The oldest private game reserve in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, Schotia Safaris, is along the park’s eastern boundary. With around 40 mammal species and roughly 2000 animals, Schotia Private can provide consistently outstanding game viewing year-round. This is one of the best private game reserves in South Africa. The enormous open-air lapa at Schotia Private Game Reserve is said to be one of the biggest in South Africa. Free-ranging lions were first introduced at Schotia, evoking the African bush before humans destroyed it all. The best time to visit schotia private game reserve is May to September. 

Distance from Port Elizebeth  – 57 km or 40 minutes 

How to reach   -Port Elizabeth is the nearest airport to Schotia private game reserve.

Cost per person  – R3500 (Jan 2021 – Aug 2021) 

Activities and attractions:  You can do game drives, bird watching, and bush walks. 

Things included –  There are various safari packages, including schotia tooth and claw safari, Schotia and Addo safari, sea cruise, etc. 

Where to stay  – Accommodation options include Family lodge, Orlando Lodge, Orlando Tented Camp, Honeymoon Safari Suites, etc. 

Read more: 20 Best Beaches in Cape Town in 2023

Read more: Top 9 Game Reserves Near Cape Town in 2023

Amakhala Game Reserve near Port Elizabeth, which is situated at the northern end of the well-known Garden Route, provides a singular and fascinating wildlife experience that can not be missed. The reserve is home to all the big five fives – Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino, and Buffalo and also there are cheetah, Giraffe, Zebra, and numerous antelopes. Amakhala is also a conservation organization that aims to reintroduce animals to the area where they once freely roamed. It was founded by sheep and cattle farmers whose families had been farming here since the early 1800s. Some lodges provide two- to three-hour horse treks, overnight stays, and day safaris (starting at R1,200 per person). You can go to Amakhala game reserve throughout the year; still, the best time will be June to September. This is the most famous of the private game reserves near Port Elizabeth.

Distance from Port Elizebeth  is 70 km or 45 minutes. 

How to reach  – Taking a flight to Amakhala is the most convenient way of getting to the location. O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg or Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town serves as the primary gateways for most tourists to Amakhala Game Reserve. 

Cost per person –     Starting from R 1200 per person.

Activities and attraction  – Game viewing is the most beautiful activity in the amakhala game reserve; they have big Fives, lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, leopard, cheetah, etc. zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, and plenty of antelope species. Activities include horse rides, day safaris, river cruises, spa treatments, and bushwalking.

Where to stay –  Several lodging facilities are available inside the reserve, including Bukela game lodge, Bush lodge, and Carnarvon dale lodge. 

Pumba Private Game Reserve is a famous game reserve in the Eastern cape, a malaria-free area near Port Elizabeth. Green Leaf Environmental Standard manages the administration of Pumba Private Game Reserve. Pumba Private Game Reserve is home to big fives, other animals including hippos, hyenas, giraffes, and 300-plus bird species. A group of split-gene lions that are white and tawny also exists here. The best times to visit Pumba Private Game Reserve are from March to May and October to December. Many grazing antelopes and the endangered White Rhino are on the broad plains. Joining a birding safari, a guided bushwalk, stargazing, or going on a game drive will allow visitors to see Africa’s wildlife in its natural setting. A short drive from Pumba will take you to Grahamstown, a charming university town. Pumba is considered the most popular private game reserve in the eastern cape.

Distance from Port Elizabeth  – 110 km or 1 hour and 15 hours. 

How to reach   – Port Elizabeth is the nearest airport to Pumba private game reserve. 

Activities and attractions:  You can find various activities in Pumba private game reserve, including day and night big five safaris, hiking, and botanical walks, Walking and birding safaris, Bass fishing, spa and gym, Archery and Picnics, and stargazing.

Things included  – In addition to seeing leopards, buffalo, rhinos, and elephants, Pumba Private Game Reserve visitors enjoy the unique possibility of seeing a stunning white lion. 

Where to stay  – The accommodation options nearby Pumba Private Game Reserve are Bush lodge and Walk lodge. 

Sibuya Game Reserve is a unique safari destination near Port Elizabeth, which provides oceans and mountains together. The reception of Siyuba is located in the seaside village of Kenton-on-Sea, from where the reserve is accessible by boat up the Kariega River in 45 minutes. This malaria-free game reserve is home to the Big Five   along South Africa’s Sunshine Coast. Sibuya’s one-of-a-kind navigable river makes it possible to see 400 different bird species and water-loving fauna like elephants and otters. Guests can explore the game reserve on game drives and guided walks, but Sibuya is also a genuine bush and beach resort in South Africa with river cruises, fishing, beach walks, canoeing, and swimming available. The best time to visit Sibuya game reserve is from May to September. 

Distance from Port Elizebeth –  120 km 

Cost  – R3098 per person for night sharing. 

How to reach  – The nearest airports to Sibuya Game Reserve are East London Airport – 150km; Port Alfred Airport, 25km; and Port Elizabeth Airport – 120km.

Activities and attractions:  There are many activities you can engage in in the Sibuya game reserve, like Game Drives, fishing, beach walks, swimming, birding, river cruises, canoeing, and fly fishing.

Where to stay  – Visitors to Sibuya Game Reserve have three options for pleasant South African safari lodging close to Kenton-on-Sea, like River Camp, Forest Camp, and Bush Lodge.

Lalibela Game Reserve game reserve is the nearest one to Port Elizabeth, with the highest number of free-roaming lions. This is the largest private game reserve near Port Elizabeth. The Lalibela game reserve stands out from others with its large expanses of savannah grassland. Big cats can hunt herds of plains species; you can see zebras, impalas, wildebeest, red hartebeest, blesbok, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, and lynx. It is easy to reach Sibuya from Port Elizabeth, which is close to the important cities of Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban. A stay at Sibuya is a natural extension of any trip from Cape Town to the Garden Route. The best time to visit the game reserve is from October to march. Lailbela is known as the most exclusive game reserves near Port Elizabeth.

Distance from Port Elizebeth  – 90 km or one hour. 

How to reach –  Port Elizabeth is the most accessible airport near Lalibela Game Reserve. 

Cost  – R3098 per person per night sharing

Activities and attractions:  The activities you can engage in at Lalibela Game Reserve include game drives, bushwalking, Guided Walking Safaris,  fishing, rock surfing, and river and fly fishing.

Where to stay –   Visitors to Tree Tops and Lentaba Lodge may anticipate outstanding comfort, assistance, and cuisine. Each choice offers opulent lodging with traditional safari and authentic African decor and has its distinct charm.

Kariega Game Reserve

The Kariega game reserve is an iconic private reserve that lies at the heart of 1820 Settler Country. The reserve, which is located in the hinterland of Kenton-on-Sea, includes five different biomes as well as the Kariega and Bushman’s Rivers, which increases your chances of seeing an African fish eagle or hippo on the riverbanks. The Big five’s are Elephant, Lion, Buffalo, Rhino, and Leopard; guests can also see Hippos, Hyenas, Eland, Zebra, Giraffes, and Wildebeest. The best months to visit the coastal regions are regarded as April and May. Due to less foliage and warmer temperatures, the dry months of July, August, and September provide the greatest opportunities for watching wildlife. The reserve has a unique scenic attractiveness because of the coastal woodland and beautiful river basins. Kariega is virtually the ideal location for a quick safari; it provides excellent accommodations, first-rate guides, a variety of activities, and proximity to the Garden Route beaches.

Distance from Port Elizebeth  – 145 km or one and a half hours 

How to reach  –  The nearest airport to Kariega Game Reserve is Port Elizabeth. 

Cost included  – The price from 11 January 2023  to 30 April 2023 per person is R 6,700. 

Activities and attractions –  The activities you can do around the kariega game reserve are Game Drives, River Cruises, Guided Bush Walks, Canoeing, Fishing, Golf, Beach, and Historical Sightseeing. 

Where to stay  – The reserve offers five safari lodges to suit all needs: Main lodge, River lodge, Ukhozi Lodge, Settlers Drift, and The Homestead.

Kwantu Private Game  Reserve   is situated in   Sidbury Plains, the heart of Frontier Country, and was once used by the 1820 Settlers from the UK. The game drives provide visitors the chance to see the Big 5, experience the excitement of an African safari on a private game reserve, and travel through the Eastern Cape. Guided tours are held at sunrise and evening when the Kwantu Wildlife is most active. In kwanthu you will get the premier private game reserve experience. There is a real community here with a cricket field, tennis courts, and an Anglican church (the local cricket club dates to the 1890s). The best time to visit Kwantu Private Game Reserve is July, September, and November. 

Distance from Port Elizebeth  – 89 km or 1 hour. 

Cost  – starting from R 1295

How to reach –  Port Elizabeth is the nearest Kwantu Private Game Reserve airport. 

Activities and attractions:  There are many nearby places and activities to do. Some include Open-vehicle Game Drives, Bird Watching, Swimming pool, Fountain swimming pool, Meditation gardens, a Tennis court, a Cricket field, and a Children’s animal play farm. 

Where to stay  – Accommodation options inside the game reserve are Luxury bush lodge, Pollard’s inn hotel, Elephant ridge, Lions view, etc. 

This park is one of the most stunning locations near port Elizabeth and offers a rocky coastline, ancient breath-taking forests, places of cultural value, and the famous Storms River Mouth. The Khoi people, who named the region, were the first to live there. Tsitsikamma means “place of great water” in Khoisan.  Tsitsikamma  surprises you with its rocky beaches, high temperate forest, and Fynbos (indigenous plants) that roll down to the sea in an unspoiled emerald carpet. The main attractions of this reserve include Dolphins and porpoises, African Black Oystercatcher, Knysna Lourie, Cape Clawless Otter, and Blue Duiker. The best time to visit is spring and summer, that is from October to February.                                  

Distance from Port Elizebeth  – 185 km or 2 hours 

How to reach –  Plettenberg Bay is the closest town and airport to Tsitsikamma National Park, which is 68 km away.

Cost included –  R140 per adult, per day as conservation levy. 

Activities and attractions  – Many options are available for the visitors in Tsitsikamma, like Hiking, Scuba-diving and snorkeling, inter-tidal excursions, Kayaking and tubing, The Otter Trail, Dolphin Trail, Tsitsikamma Trail, and guided eco walks.

Where to stay –  Several options are near the game reserve, including Tsitsikamma Lodge, Tsitsikamma Village Inn, Forest nest, etc. 

Samara Karoo Reserve is a conservation trip on 67,000 acres of revived wildness in South Africa’s breathtaking Great Karoo region. This malaria-free Eastern Cape game reserve introduces visitors to the elusive Cheetah, guided by a professional and knowledgeable guide, free from the constraints of other reserves. Samara game reserve is home to many African species, including the Big Five and endangered wildlife. The game reserve is one of the most diversified safari locations in South Africa, with five vegetation biomes and different topography. It also includes more than 60 mammal species, including the Big Five and cheetahs, and 225 bird species.

Distance from Port Elizebeth  – 244 km or two and half hours. 

How to reach  – Samara Private Game Reserve can easily be reached by taking a flight or getting through the Road. The nearest airport to the Samara game reserve is Port Elizabeth. The nearest international to the game reserve is Johannesburg and Cape town. 

Cost included  – From 1 August 2023 to 31 October 2023, this time is called the new high-demand season, then the price per sharing is R9550. 

Activities and attraction:  The main interest of the samara game reserve is its activities. Their activities include game drives, guided walks, wilderness picnics, Cheetah tracking on foot, aardvark spotting (winter is best), birding, hiking, and mountain biking.

Where to stay  – The accommodation options inside the game reserve include The Manor and Karoo Lodge. Both of them are intimate luxury lodge options.  

With its sheer cliffs and dolerite pillars, Camdeboo National Park is strangely gorgeous. You can do your much-needed digital detox in Camdeboo National Park. Most of the Camdeboo National Park is located between 740 and 1480 meters above sea level on the foothills of the Sneeuberg range. Visitors frequently see steenbok, springbok, blesbok, and black wildebeest in wide spaces, among other game animals. At the “Valley of Desolation,” you may admire the magnificent dolerite pillars. You can visit the game reserve all year long; the beauty reaches the top in October to march. 

Distance from Port Elizebeth  – 264 km or 2 hours and 45 minutes. 

How to reach  – The easiest way of getting to Camedboo national park is by Road. The park is approximately 353 km from the nearest airports of George Airport and 250 km from Port Elizabeth Airport.

Cost included  – 113 as conservation levy. 

Activities and attractions:  Camdeboo National Park offers a different experience, like visiting the valley of desolation, Game viewing and bird watching, Trails and walks, 4*4 Trails, and water sports. 

Where to stay  – There are various options to stay near the game reserve, like Camdeboo Cottages, Mount Camdeboo Private Game Reserve Graaff-Reinet, Drostdy Hotel Graaff Reinet, etc. 

The Mountain Zebra National Park is situated in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province and is well known for offering good viewing opportunities of Buffalo and Black Rhinos and being a natural reserve that saved the Cape Mountain Zebra. Mountain Zebra National Park supports a variety of species, from hulking buffalo to black wildebeest, red hartebeest, eland, blesbok, kudu, and springbok. The best time to visit the national park is from October to March. You might even see the predators living here, and you have the opportunity to get a  specialized guided trekking tour of animals, including hyenas introduced in 2008, lions in 2013, and cheetahs in 2007.

Distance from Port Elizebeth  – 260 km or 3 hours. 

How to reach it  – The nearest domestic airport to mountain zebra national park is in Port Elizabeth, and the international airport is in cape town. 

Cost –  Minimum Adult Rate is R1530

Activities and attractions:  The activities in the mountain zebra national park include morning and evening safari, 4*4 trails, cheetah tracking, San cave paintings, and Salpeterkop Hike.

Where to stay  – The accommodation options available include Linduli Farmstay Lodge, Sanctuary Guest & Adventure Farm, Di Valdi’s, etc. 

We hope you liked our guide on the 13 best safari parks and game reserves near Port Elizabeth.

Read more: 15 Best Islands Of Africa To Visit in 2023

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Explore the wonders of the big 7!

You’ve heard about a Big 5 African Safari, but have you heard about the Big 7? The “Big 5” consists of the Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant and Cape Buffalo. Add the Great White Shark and the Southern Right Whale and you have the “Big 7”!

The Eastern Cape of South Africa is the ONLY place in the world where you can see and experience the Big 7!

SOUTH AFRICA, EASTERN CAPE, PORT ELIZABETH & ADDO

Lalibela Game Reserve is located in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, close to Port Elizabeth and Addo, which means it is not only malaria free, but spans 5 ecosystems, resulting in a breath-taking diversity of flora and fauna.

Lalibela is a conservation project that currently consists of 10,500 hectares (approximately 26,000 acres) and is home to the Big 5 (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard) as well as other predators like cheetah, hyena, jackal & lynx.

Unique to our area of South Africa, we are blessed with vast areas of Savannah Grassland, the biome that has by far the highest carrying capacity – this means that we are able to sustain truly vast herds of plains game like zebra, impala, wildebeest, red hartebeest, blesbuck and eland. This, in turn, allows us to sustain a remarkable density of free-roaming lions.

Our primary focus at Lalibela is the conservation of our indigenous flora and fauna taking into account the community in our area. This is achieved by a huge team of diverse and special people – all who share the vision of long-term sustainability in a fast-changing world

The 3 main aspects of any African safari are the game-viewing, the accommodation and the food – at Lalibela we take special care to ensure that heartfelt service combines with these three “ingredients” to make your Big 5 African safari experience a memorable one.

We invite you to visit us so that we can share with you what Lalibela is about!

Community Outreach

Community Outreach at Lalibela

Walking safaris.

Big 5 walking safaris – an exciting additional option for our guests

Territorial Dispute

Dominant male lions battle for territory

Walking Safari

Territorial dispute - dominant male lions battle for territory, quick enquiry.

Off N2 National Road (90 km from Port Elizabeth on the N2 towards Grahamstown)

• +27 71 852 1009

[email protected]

Mills Manor

Kichaka lodge, lentaba safari lodge, tree tops safari lodge.

• Inzolo Lodge
• Add me to the Lalibela Game Reserve mailing list (we will never share your contact information with a third party).

Our lodges and camps

Lalibela Game Reserve is located in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, close to Port Elizabeth and Addo, which means it is not only malaria free, but spans 5 ecosystems, resulting in a breath-taking diversity of flora and fauna.

MARK'S CAMP

Inzolo lodge, children on safari.

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Eastern Cape Game Reserves Safari Lodges Holiday Packages

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Eastern Cape Safari Lodges

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 lodge presents incredible wildlife experiences offering an intimate setting and an ideal malaria-free location. The diverse selection of Eastern Cape safari lodges 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 lodges for an idyllic combination of beach, bush and beguiling wildlife encounters.

The Eastern Cape is a malaria-free safari area.

• The Eastern Cape private reserves are home to the Big-5 (lion, leopards, elephant, buffalo and rhino).
• Leopard sightings are extremely rare in the Eastern Cape
• The Eastern Cape is home to one of the largest African elephant populations worldwide.
• Other wildlife include but are not limited to giraffe, zebra,  hippo, warthog, hyena, wild cat, lynx, jackal, genet, bushpig, warthog, baboon, monkey, aardvark, otter, honey badger, varieties of magnificent antelope and more.
• Over 400 bird species have been recorded in the region and are particularly drawn to the water sources.

Game Drives:

• Game drives are taken in open 4×4 safari vehicles and are accompanied by a ranger, who will share a wealth of knowledge about the animals with you.
• The game drives on a Eastern Cape safari are 3 to 4 hours long and take place twice a day in the morning and afternoon.
• Morning game drives are complimented by a coffee stop and a sundowner downer stop in the evening a remote location.

Highlights:

• A collection of malaria free game reserves.
• World-class safari lodges with diverse accommodation options.
• Exciting game drives in open 4×4 safari vehicles.
• Birdwatchers paradise.
• Remarkable elephant encounters.
• Ideally located at the end of the Garden Route.
• An abundance of rivers run through the reserves.
• Stunning views and landscapes.

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:

• The closest commercial airport is Port Elizabeth (PLZ).
• Flight time from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Flight time from Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth: 1 hour 35 minutes
• The reserves are a 1 – 2 hour drive from Port Elizabeth airport.

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

Cape Town and safari packages are designed by our on-trend team of travel experts. Packages include flights, transfers, accommodation, and full board safari experience. View all packages here: safari packages

Kwandwe Game Reserve | Eastern Cape

  All ages

From $  831 per person per night

Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…

Eagles Crag

Shamwari Game Reserve | Eastern Cape

  +12 years

From $  664 per person per night

Msenge Bush Lodge

Pumba Game Reserve | Eastern Cape

From $  370 per person per night

Gorah Elephant Camp

Addo Game Reserve | Eastern Cape

From $  510 per person per night

Water Lodge

From $  574 per person per night

River Lodge

Kariega Game Reserve | Eastern Cape

  +10 years

From $  372 per person per night

Long Lee Manor

From $  551 per person per night

Safari Villa's

From $  3,478 per person per night

Amakhala Game Reserve | Eastern Cape

From $  339 per person per night

Great Fish River Lodge

Hlosi Game Lodge

From $  297 per person per night

Forest Camp

Sibuya Game Reserve | Eastern Cape

From $  252 per person per night

Sarili Lodge

From $  5,510 per person per night

Explorer Camp

  +16 years

From $  383 per person per night

Ukhozi Lodge

River Bend Lodge

From $  399 per person per night

Riverdene Family Lodge

From $  525 per person per night

Kariega Settlers Drift

From $  541 per person per night

Kariega Main Lodge

From $  306 per person per night

Amakhala HillsNek Safari Lodge

  +6 years

From $  305 per person per night

Amakhala Bukela Game Lodge

Amakhala Safari Lodge

  +9 years

Shamwari Sindile Lodge

Lalibela Mark's Camp

Lalibela Game Reserve | Eastern Cape

From $  410 per person per night

Lalibela Lentaba Lodge

Lalibela Mills Manor

  +2 years

From $  465 per person per night

Lalibela Tree Top Safari Lodge

From $  416 per person per night

Lalibela Kichaka Lodge

From $  520 per person per night

Lalibela Inzolo Lodge

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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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The best Eastern Cape safaris

An expert guide to the best eastern cape game reserves.

Stuart Butler

• In this guide
• Kruger National Park
• Sabi Sands Game Reserve
• Kwazulu-Natal
• Parks of the North West Province
• Safari in the Eastern Cape

Safari in the Western Cape

• Where to stay
• Need to know

In many respects, the Eastern Cape is a microcosm of the best of South Africa . Here are swathes of surf-lashed beaches, big industrial cities, desert horizons and green and quiet walking trails winding over mountain passes and along coastal cliffs.

And while safaris in the Eastern Cape may not pack the same punch as in Kruger , there is still plenty wildlife here and a diverse network of national parks and game reserves in which to enjoy the animals.

Read on for my essential guide to the best safaris and game reserves in the Eastern Cape.

Get the digested read

Where to begin? When to go? How to plan? So many questions, so little time. That's why we've asked leading South Africa safari expert Stuart Butler to answer your most frequently asked questions in this handy four-part email series.

Addo Elephant National Park, one of the Eastern Cape's top safari highlights

The best game reserves in the Eastern Cape

Shamwari Game Reserve

Best game reserve for: Family holidays and luxury lodges

Perhaps the best regarded — and most exclusive — of all the private game reserves in the Eastern Cape, Shamwari is a short drive to the east of Addo Elephant National Park. Like that park, it is home to a large number of classic African safari mammals including rhinos, elephants and lions. What makes this park really stand out from the wildebeest herd is the range of activities available alongside classic safari drives. There’s a rhino awareness centre, a big cat sanctuary, plus field guide courses and conservation volunteer opportunities for those who want a deeper look at South African conservation techniques.

With a dedicated children’s coordinator and a range of child-friendly activities, this is one of the better family safari destinations in the country. Shamwari is only open to guests at its very plush lodges and the Edwardian manor house.

Addo Elephant National Park

This, one of South Africa’s largest national parks, is best known for its namesake elephants. But this diverse park, which includes river valleys, mountains, savannahs, forests and beaches, has much more to offer.

A few lions saunter in and out of the shadows, and buffalo, various antelope and even rhino are all present, but there are also plenty of unexpected safari animals including Cape fur seals, penguins, southern right whales and — for those brave enough to go for a paddle — great white sharks. But it’s those elephants that most people come to see. When the park was formed back in the 1930s there were fewer than a dozen elephants here. Today there are more than 600 and sightings are almost a given.

As well as fantastic wildlife, Addo has excellent tourist facilities and accommodation, easy access, a good road network and, with hiking, kayaking and horse riding, plenty of activities to get you out of the cramped safari vehicle. This is also one of the better family safari destinations.

Amakhala Game Reserve

Of all the private reserves in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, Amakhala is my pick. Relatively unheralded and yet filled with animals, it offers the kind of safari experience that will appeal to families as well as to veteran safari visitors.

Big cat, elephant and rhino sightings are consistently excellent, and the habitat here enables an unusual range of activities, from standard game drives in an open-sided 4WD to walking safaris and boat trips.

Lalibela Game Reserve

Best game reserve for: The Big Five and big city access

Spanning five different ecosystems and home to an impressive range of plants and animals, this malaria-free, Big Five reserve is the only private reserve in the Eastern Cape that has no public roads running through it.

This means that the wildlife here (which as well as the Big Five also includes zebra, impala, giraffe, cheetah and jackal among others) can be seen in a still and pristine environment that feels a long way from human hands.

Fortunately though, civilisation and a gin and tonic are always on hand at one of the park’s luxury lodges. Being only about an hour from Addo Elephant National Park and the city of Port Elizabeth, means that Lalibela is easily reached.

Kwantu Private Game Reserve

Best game reserve for: Family holidays and Big Five safaris

At 6,000 hectares, the Kwantu Private Game Reserve is a relatively small reserve by African standards, but with all the Big Five present as well as a host of less celebrated creatures it’s easy to fill several safari days here.

As with many Eastern Cape reserves, a heart-pumping vehicle safari is not the only reason to visit. The reserve also offers swimming pools, top-class accommodation, a domestic animal “touch” farm, herb garden, reptile centre, museum and sports. This is also a highly recommended family safari park.

The reserve is open to day visitors (although they must use park vehicles and have a guide) which can reduce the exclusivity aspect a little.

Kariega Game Reserve

Best game reserve for: Big city access and self-drive safaris

The family-owned and managed Kariega is a 10,000-hectare private reserve made up of former ranch and farmland. Restocked, as almost all the parks and reserves in Eastern Cape have been, with native wildlife that was wiped out in the 1800s and 1900s, Kariega today has thriving populations of all the classic large mammals of southern Africa.

The coastal bush and lush river valleys give the reserve a rare scenic beauty. With a combination of quality accommodation, superb guides, lots of different activities and proximity to the beaches of the Garden Route, Kariega is almost the perfect destination for a short safari break.

Pumba Game Reserve

Being very close to the sprawling city of Port Elizabeth and open to day guests (though only those who take one of the reserve’s organised safaris), means that Pumba Game Reserve receives a lot more visitors than some of the region’s remoter parks.

As with any Eastern Cape reserve worth its salt, Pumba has all the Big Five as well cheetah, hippo, 300-odd bird species and unusual white lions. Alongside safaris, other activities include walking safaris, nocturnal game drives, specialist birding safaris, fishing, archery — and there’s even a spa for good measure.

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With easy access from major travel hubs, excellent tourist infrastructure and the possibility of slotting beaches, Cape Town and other attractions into the mix, the Eastern Cape is one of the most rewarding and deservedly popular wildlife destinations in South Africa, with a range of parks to explore.

In general, the parks and reserves in this region are smaller than those in the northern half of the country and lack something of the grand scale and wilderness found in other areas. Even so, with all the Big Five present, this is a great short safari destination.

Anthony Ham

Going on safari in the Eastern Cape always feels a little like cheating. But why shouldn’t we see elephants and big cats and other safari specials not far from world-class beaches and the peerless city of Cape Town? Smaller reserves add to the sense of safaris that are custom-made for slotting into an all-round South African holiday.

Eastern Cape safari wildlife

The Eastern Cape contains many different ecosystems and this is reflected in the large range of different, and very diverse, species found here. How diverse? Well what would you think if we said that in the morning you could watch a lion yawning under the shade of a spreading acacia tree, and in the afternoon you could giggle at penguins, those classics of the ice-pack, waddling comically up a sub-tropical beach?

All of the reserves and parks listed here are home to buffalo, elephant, rhino, lion and leopard as well as a multitude of other big mammals. But the bird life is equally spectacular and includes some regional endemics. Talking of endemics, who would want to miss out on a date with the flightless dung beetle, Addo Elephant National Park’s endemic insect! Okay, so a photo of it isn’t going to wow your friends the way a picture of a snorting hippo might, but it does go to show what a depth of wildlife watching opportunities the Eastern Cape has.

Eastern Cape is a wildlife-watching destination all year round, but the prime months are April, when the summer rains should have ceased, the countryside is lush and green, and the temperatures are pleasant, and September and October when spring flowers bud in the semi-desert Karoo area.

Best time for Eastern Cape safaris

Eastern Cape is a wildlife-watching destination all year round, but the prime months are April — when the summer rains should have ceased, the countryside is lush and green, and the temperatures are pleasant — and September and October when spring flowers bud in the semi-desert Karoo area.

When to go on safari in South Africa

Blessed with incredible geographical diversity, South Africa is truly a year-round destination…

Back from the brink

Hunting and alternative land use decimated populations of large mammals throughout Eastern Cape in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, most of the private reserves in the region have been restocked with native wildlife and numbers of all the big mammals are rising fast.

About the author

Stuart is an award-winning travel journalist covering safari, trekking and conservation in Africa for the Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, BBC, Bradt Travel Guides, amongst many others. He is the author of Walking With The Maasai , a journey through some of Kenya's lesser-visited Maasai lands.

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10 of the Best Private Game Reserves in South Africa

South Africa ’s many safari destinations can be divided into two main categories: state-owned parks and private game reserves. National parks are open to everyone, including day visitors and self-drive safari enthusiasts. They are more affordable, and generally more crowded. On the other hand, private game reserves are typically geared towards luxury travelers. They are defined by opulent accommodations and exclusive guided game drives. Because visitor numbers are limited, you’re much more likely to have wildlife sightings all to yourself.

Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Mpumalanga

 Courtesy of Sabi Sands Game Reserve

Sabi Sands is probably the most famous private game reserve in South Africa. It shares an unfenced border with Kruger National Park , allowing wildlife to come and go freely between the two. However, with no day visitors and no self-drive safaris allowed, it offers a much more exclusive experience than Kruger itself. Sabi Sands is comprised of 160,000 acres of untamed bush and is home to all of the Big Five . The Londolozi area is especially famous as one of the best places in Africa to spot leopards up close. There are many lodges to choose from at Sabi Sands, ranging from the more affordable Umkumbe Safari Lodge to seriously luxurious options like the Sabi Sabi camps and the two Singita lodges . Activities include guided game drives and thrilling walking safaris. 

Ulusaba Private Game Reserve, Mpumalanga

 Courtesy of Virgin Limited Edition

Although Richard Branson’s Ulusaba Private Game Reserve is technically part of Sabi Sands, its sheer exclusiveness makes it stand out as a destination in its own right. It covers 33,300 acres of the larger reserve’s remote western sector, and with just two lodges (with a total of 20 rooms and suites between them) you’re unlikely to see anyone else on your daily game drives. Rock Lodge perches 800 feet above the plains on top of a granite koppie, while Safari Lodge sits beneath a canopy of ancient trees on the banks of a dry riverbed. Both spoil with private plunge pools, spa treatments, and gourmet cuisine. In addition to the Big and Little Five , Ulusaba is home to 300 bird species. Day trips to Blyde River Canyon can be arranged. 

Manyeleti Game Reserve, Mpumalanga

Courtesy of Manyeleti Game Reserve 

Manyeleti Game Reserve is an excellent choice for those that prefer to take the path less traveled. Located deep in Mpumalanga’s safari heartland, it shares unfenced borders with Timbavati and Sabi Sands private reserves and Kruger National Park . However, because it’s less well-known than its iconic neighbors, it sees far fewer visitors. With just three lodges spread out across 56,800 acres of pristine bush, you’re virtually guaranteed to have the park all to yourselves. There are no crowds, no noise, and no light pollution (indeed, Manyeleti’s name means “Place of the Stars” in Shangaan). Opt for an authentic Hemingway-style safari experience in one of the Honeyguide Tented Camps or experience the colonial-era, five-star luxury of Tintswalo Safari Lodge . Both offer guided game drives and walking safaris. 

Madikwe Game Reserve, North West

 Courtesy of Madikwe Game Reserve

Situated on the Botswana border in North West Province, Madikwe Game Reserve covers 185,000 acres—making it the fifth-largest reserve in South Africa. Its broad spectrum of habitats ranges from seasonal wetlands to Kalahari bushveld and supports an incredible variety of wildlife, including the Big Five. Above all, Madikwe is famous for its endangered African wild dogs. There are three packs living in the park, all of which are relatively accustomed to safari vehicles allowing for rare close encounters. There is a wide choice of accommodation, from eco lodges like Mosetlha Bush Camp to the fabulously luxurious Royal Madikwe Lodge . Unusually, Madikwe allows self-drive safaris although day visitors are not permitted. Unlike the Mpumalanga reserves, it is also malaria-free (a big benefit for anyone traveling with kids). 

Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, Northern Cape

Courtesy of Tsuwalu Kalahari Reserve

Located in the transition zone between arid savannah and the mighty Kalahari Desert, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve is home to a bevy of unusual desert-adapted species including gemsbok and springbok. It’s also a haven for South Africa’s lesser-known predators. Keep an eye out for cheetahs , aardwolves, African wild dogs, and several of the smaller felines . In total, the reserve is home to 80 mammal species and 240 different types of bird. Best of all, with just two family-friendly camps (Tarkuni and The Motse), you’ll share the experience with a maximum of 28 guests. All bookings are assigned a private guide, vehicle, and tracker. In addition to guided game drives, you can take part in San rock art tours, helicopter safaris, and walking safaris with troops of habituated meerkats. 

Kariega Game Reserve, Eastern Cape

Courtesy of Kariega Game Reserve 

Kariega Game Reserve is another excellent malaria-free safari destination, this time in the beautiful Eastern Cape. Twice-daily guided game drives offer the opportunity to spot all of the Big Five in addition to a wide variety of other animals and birds. Two rivers running through the 10,000-hectare property allow for unique experiences such as fishing and canoeing. River cruises are particularly rewarding for birders, with frequent sightings of kingfishers, herons, and African fish eagles. The reserve is also just 15 minutes from the golden beaches at Kenton-on-Sea, giving you the best of both worlds. Choose from five stunning lodges, including luxurious tented camp Settlers Drift and family-friendly Main Lodge or The Homestead . The reserve also offers an interactive children’s activity and education program. 

Shamwari Game Reserve, Eastern Cape

Courtesy of Shamwari Game Reserve 

Shamwari Game Reserve is an iconic private reserve located near Port Elizabeth. It encompasses five of South Africa’s seven biomes; an amazing range of habitats that allows for an exceptional diversity of wildlife including all of the Big Five and more than 275 different bird species. You can encounter the park’s residents on guided game drives and bush walks, or on dedicated photographic safaris . Conservation is central to the Shamwari ethos, and visitors are able to visit the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre where sick, injured, and orphaned animals are treated by a professional veterinary team. The reserve is also home to Born Free’s Big Cat Sanctuaries . There are seven lodges and one explorer camp at Shamwari. Pick Riverdene for a family adventure and Bayethe Tented Lodge for a private romantic getaway. 

Lalibela Game Reserve, Eastern Cape

 Courtesy of Lalibela Game Reserve

To the east of Shamwari lies Lalibela Game Reserve , a smaller and more intimate luxury safari destination. The reserve covers 25,900 acres and incorporates vast tracts of savannah grassland. This rich grazing supports large herds of plains game including zebra, impala, wildebeest, and Africa’s largest antelope, the eland. In turn, these animals provide food for a wealth of predators. In addition to large numbers of free-ranging lions, Lalibela is home to leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and caracals. The rest of the Big Five are also represented. There are five lodges to choose from, including luxury tented camp Tree Tops Safari Lodge and family-friendly Mark’s Camp . The cuisine is a highlight, focusing on local recipes and ingredients. Nightly rates include all meals and drinks, and a morning and afternoon game drive. 

&Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal

Courtesy of &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve

&Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve is located in between Richards Bay and the Mozambique border in verdant KwaZulu-Natal. It’s home to seven distinct ecosystems and an incredible variety of wildlife including the Big Five. Phinda is especially known for its healthy cheetah population and the ability to spot both black and white rhino; while its rare sand forest supports two special antelopes—the suni and the red duiker. The birding is also exceptional with 436 different species. In addition to twice-daily game drives, the reserve offers a range of exclusive experiences including sleeping out under the stars and tracking black rhinos on foot. The nearby coast allows for scuba and ocean safaris, and turtle hatching tours in season. There are six luxury lodges including a private villa, Phinda Homestead . 

Thula Thula Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal

Courtesy of Thula Thula Private Game Reserve

Further south in the heart of Zululand, Thula Thula Private Game Reserve is famous as the home of late, best-selling author Lawrence Anthony. Anthony’s enthralling story " The Elephant Whisperer " was written about Thula Thula’s resident elephant herd, and you can encounter its protagonists and their descendants on guided game drives and bush walks. Other top sightings include rhinos, buffalo, leopards and hippos. You can also pay a visit to a traditional Zulu village, or tour the reserve’s rehabilitation center for orphaned and injured wildlife. Fine French and South African fusion cuisine is a highlight of life at Thula Thula and dining experiences range from Zulu feasts in the boma to Champagne picnics in the bush. There are two accommodation options: the Elephant Safari Lodge and the Luxury Tented Camp . 

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• Kruger National Park
• Malaria Free
• Near Cape Town
• Near Durban
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• Near Port Elizabeth
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• Waterberg District
• Addo Elephant
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• Moremi Game Reserve
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• Etosha Heights
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• Lower Zambezi
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• Victoria Falls
• Lake Kariba & Matusadona
• Sapi Reserve
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• Whale Watching Tours
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• Horseback Safari
• Malaria Free Safari
• Photographic Safari
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• Quad Biking Safari
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• Tailor Made Honeymoon
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Escape to the breathtaking beauty of South Africa's private game reserves near Port Elizabeth. Immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the African bush, while indulging in luxury accommodations, mouth-watering cuisine, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Our private game reserves offer an exclusive and intimate experience, where you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and embrace the tranquility of the wilderness. With over 10,000 hectares of pristine African bushveld, you'll have the opportunity to witness the Big 5 (lions, elephants, buffalos, rhinos, and leopards) up close and personal on game drives, bush walks, and horseback safaris.

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Luxury Safari Lodge Ideas from Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Port Elizabeth is the main city on South Africa’s Eastern Cape. As one of the country’s largest cities, Port Elizabeth is also one of the major hubs of South Africa’s famous Garden Route.

There are some great luxury safari lodges from Port Elizabeth. We will mention a few favorites further down. But first an introduction to this lively port city…

In addition to being at the end of South Africa’s Garden Route, which you can read more about on our guide to South Africa’s top attractions , there are also attractions in the city itself.

The attractions in Port Elizabeth include different historical buildings you can visit on the Donkin Heritage Trail. This includes a fort, city hall, and a bell tower, which was built in 1920 to commemorate the arrival of the 1820 settlers. There are also different museums and art galleries. Port Elizabeth is also a great place for whale watching.

Besides these attractions, one of the best thing to do from Port Elizabeth is to enjoy an African safari. The main areas to consider are the Addo Elephant National Park or the Shamwari Game Reserve.

The Shamwari Game Reserve

For this article, we will focus on luxury safari lodge ideas from Port Elizabeth. The main option for luxury safaris to consider is the fantastic Shamwari Game Reserve.

About 75 km from Port Elizabeth, the Shamwari Reserve contains the highest concentration of large animals on the Eastern Cape. Enjoy heading out on game drives from the different luxury accommodation available to spot elephants, lions, cheetah, rhino, Cape buffalo, leopards, giraffes, and more.

The Shamwari Reserve offers a premium and more exclusive safari option than other reserves with several luxury lodges to choose from. Accommodation options in the Shamwari Reserve include the Bayethe Tented Lodge and Eagles Crag Lodge at the top end of the spectrum, the family lodges of Sarili Lodge and the Riverdine Lodge, a luxurious private villa called the Lobengula Lodge, Long Lee Manor, and the more adventurous Shamwari Explorer Camp . To read a little more about each of these, you can see our guide to Shamwari Reserve Lodges .

For this article, we will feature a few of the most luxurious of these offerings and also highlight the Shamwari Explorer Camp as a fantastic add-on to your lodge-based safari. Many of the lodge options have an in-house spa where you can enjoy a massage or relaxations treatments. However, no matter what lodge you choose in the Shamwari Reserve, you can still arrange a massage treatment on your stay.

The Bayethe Tented Lodge

The Bayethe Tented Lodge is a more open luxury lodge in the Shamwari Game Reserve. The lodge is modeled on the African camps, such as the Shamwari Explorer Camp , but with a more permanent lodge-like and luxurious accommodation.

Enjoy more connection to the environment as you enjoy the Bayethe Tented Lodge . The lodge keeps the design of a camp, but with the modern facilities you would expect from 5-star accommodation.

You will have your own detached tent and the lodge has 12 of of these in total. Each can accommodate two adults and there are two varieties to choose from. You can opt for the superior tents or the luxury tents. All the options feature a plunge pool, air conditioning, and ensuite bathrooms. The superior tents then offer a private deck, hammock area, and fireplace.

The communal features of the lodge include a Bush Relaxation Retreat, central lounge, in and outdoor dining areas, an outdoor deck with swimming pool, and Wi-Fi internet.

The Eagles Crag Lodge

The Eagles Crag Lodge is offered as one of the most luxurious lodges in the Shamwari Reserve along with the above Bayethe Tented Lodge and the private villa below.

From the lodge, enjoy fantastic views over the Shamwari Reserve. Enjoy the lodge design, which revolves around glass and stone to help the lodge fit with the surrounding landscape. Giving the lodge its name, you can look out onto imposing rock faces where eagles soar high above the lodge.

Enjoy 5-star accommodation, delicious cuisine, and fantastic views. In addition to this, from all the Shamwari Reserve Lodges you will have twice-daily game drives to spot the many different animals of the reserves.

Each of the lodge’s 9 suites are situated in their own area of the environment. Each suite offers en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, indoor and outdoor shower facilities, a private deck with plunge pool, and even a bird-spotting scope.

You also have access to the lodge facilities, including two therapy rooms with hydrobaths, a steam room and sauna, a business center, and a lounge with fireplace.

The Lobengula Lodge

A private villa located in the north of Shamwari Game Reserve, the Lobengula Lodge is booked on an exclusive-use basis. The villa has it’s own team of chefs, hosts, and guides to make sure your stay in the Shamwari Reserve is comfortable.

The Lobengula Lodge is styled as a traditional African kraal and offers beautiful views of the Shamwari environment. The lodge includes 6 attractive suites, which can each accommodate two adults.

The suites include a chief suite and five junior suites. The chief suite includes a private plunge pool, lounge and fireplace. Two of the junior suites have twin or king beds and private plunge pool. The other three junior suites have twin or king beds and are near the lodge main swimming pool.

All of the suites then offer a private patio, air conditioning and indoor and outdoor showers. In addition to the suite features, the lodge facilities includes deck lounge with fireplace, private swimming and plunge pools, satellite TV, a relaxation retreat, fitness room, and WiFi.

The Riverdene Family Lodge

Unlike the above lodges, the Riverdene Family Lodge has been designed especially to accommodate families with younger children. This lodge is located in the southern section of the reserve near the Bushman’s River.

Enjoy large suites that can accommodate two adults sharing with one child. There are six luxury suites in total. The suites offer en-suite bathrooms with separate showers, air conditioning, a private patio, and WiFi.

The lodge then features a rim-flow swimming pool with a shallow area for children and a children’s supervised play room & jungle gym. You will have access to a boma overlooking the Bushman’s River, the lodge bar / lounge, and both indoor and alfresco dining areas. Enjoy large open decks with incredible views of the reserve.

Activities from Lodges

From each of the Shamwari Game Reserve lodges, you will enjoy fantastic twice-daily game drives. Enjoy guided exploration of the Shamwari Game Reserve to find the large animals that roam the environment. In addition to the big mammals, you can also spot many different birds.

The reserve is composed of three main habitat types, which include savanna, forest, and thicket. Each of these areas is home to its own set of different animals and plants. If you visit the river areas, you can also spot the river-living animals like the hippos bathing in the water.

Wildlife seen on game drives

The main animals your guides and rangers will be searching for are some of the Big 5. All members of the Big 5 can be seen in the Shamwari Game Reserve. The majority of wildlife watching time is often spent on the elephants, lions, rhinos, giraffes, cheetah, and the elusive leopards. But other animals are often spotted as well.

In total, the reserve protects 56 different mammals, including the above species but also black wildebeest, Cape buffalo, and both white and black rhino. There are also zebra, kudu, springbok, and warthogs roaming the reserve.

Some of the interesting birds you can spot include the pale chanting goshawks, booted eagles, black shouldered kites, and secretary birds.

Intro to Sanctuaries

In addition to the morning and evening game drives, relaxation retreats, and bird watching opportunities, there are different sanctuaries in the Shamwari Reserve.

The Shamwari Reserve works in collaboration with the Born Free Foundation and there are different Big Cat Rescue and Education Centers in the reserve. The main focus is to rescue lions and leopards from captivity and there are three institutions you can visit in the Shamwari Reserve, including the Julie Ward Center, Jean Byrd Center, and the Education Program, which teaches schools and colleges with the aim of conservation through education.

There is also the Ian Player Rhino Awareness Center you can visit. The center helps educate visitors on the struggle of the world’s rhino population, which is facing increasing pressure. Enjoy a tour of the facility and see the animals in care at the reserve.

You can also visit the Shamwari Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. Meet some of the veterinary team who help rescue and rehabilitate sick, injured, abandoned and orphaned animals, and the animals in care at the center.

The Shamwari Explorer Camp

In addition to the luxury lodges of the Shamwari Reserve, you can also choose to experience the Shamwari Explorer Camp . You can book this experience as an add-on to your lodge stay to enjoy a comfortable camping experience and walking safari or book the experience separately.

The Shamwari Explorer Camp offers a way to experience the Shamwari Reserve in a more immersive manner. Enjoy delicious meals cooked around a campfire, sundowners watching the sunset, and fantastic walking safaris over 2 or 3 days.

The explorer camp itinerary is a bit more flexible than the game drives from the lodges. We will change where we go dependent on the particular day and the activity of the surrounding wildlife. This is in order to create the best experience for your visit.

This is an unfenced experience and it’s an exhilarating feeling approaching some of Africa’s Big 5 on foot. Your experienced ranger and guide will help point out wildlife and teach you about the history and environment.

Shamwari Explorer Camp

Other shamwari lodges.

In addition to the above lodges, there are a couple of other luxury accommodation options in the magnificent Shamwari Reserve. To read more about these and to have a bit more information on the above lodges and sanctuaries, you can see our guide to the top lodges for the Shamwari Game Reserve .

The very comfortable accommodation, beautiful views, and excellent game drives to spot the Shamwari’s Big 5 provide a fantastic choice for a luxury safari from Port Elizabeth in South Africa.

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