Alluring scenic diversity is one of the Eastern Cape’s most arresting characteristics. The province’s extraordinary beauty can be witnessed from the lush expanses of the Tsitsikamma Forest and Coastal National Park and the rugged Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area, to the dreamy southern slopes of the Drakensberg Mountains and wild, arid plains of the Great Karoo.
Whether you crave a carefree escape to the seaside, an encounter with the majestic “Big Five” on an authentic African safari or one of many sparkling city diversions, this diverse country can satisfy any desire. Embark on an unforgettable exploration of the astonishing Eastern Cape and experience absolute tranquillity, superior relaxation and the remarkable opulence of luxury game lodges. Here, a number of Big Five game reserves boast an exceptional range of game viewing adventures that will delight any wildlife enthusiast.
The Addo Elephant National Park provides some of the world’s most spectacular elephant viewing and the unique opportunity to view marine life such as whales and great white sharks. 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 Game Reserves are heavily committed to conservation initiatives, and this in itself can bring a very interesting slant to a stay. The reserves play a vital role in wildlife conservation. Visiting the nature and game reserves of South Africa is an incredibly special adventure for nature-lovers and those with a yearning for the African outdoors. The country is extraordinarily beautiful; its landscapes characterised by rolling green-topped hills, massive rivers, and little Xhosa villages. This is the idyllic setting for an impressive array of plant and animal species to thrive in their natural habitats. The reserves and national parks of the Eastern Cape are teeming with many of these exciting species. In addition, this is a malaria-free zone, making it a particularly great safari destination for the whole family, while staying at one of the many game lodges.
Many of the reserves and parks of South Africa are home to the Big Five; which is made up of the lion, elephant, rhinoceros, buffalo, and leopard. Game drives or safaris in the early morning and evening allow visitors to see a large variety of the animals as they eat, drink, interact, or emerge from their sleeping spots to begin their hunt.
Although many of the parks are easily navigable on a self-driven safari, guided tours are also fantastic. Expert guides are able to track animals, point them out to passengers, and answer questions about the local flora and fauna. We highly recommend a stay at one of the game lodges in South Africa which offer an all-inclusive wildlife experience.
The Addo Elephant Park is world-famous for its 500 African elephants, as well as the rest of the Big Five. The roads are easy to navigate, and there are a number of lookout spots, particularly near the watering holes of the animals. The wildlife here includes giraffe, zebra, warthog, mongoose, African wild cat, caracal, jackal, and hyena. The Eastern Cape game reserves and national parks comprise an outstanding selection of private concessions and award-winning private game reserves and lodges too. The province stretches along the coast of South Africa and its waters are rich in marine life. Dolphins are often seen from the shore, and whales can sometimes be spotted from the beaches during the latter half of the year.
