The Eastern Cape is known and loved for its rugged coastlines, attractive greenery and endless rolling hills.
The province also boasts a number of must-visit game reserves. On your next trip to the Eastern Cape, be sure to include an experience at a game reserve as part of your itinerary.
Here are some game reserves to visit in the Eastern Cape:
Addo Elephant Park
An ellie roadblock in Addo Elephant National Park.
The very popular Addo Elephant Park is situated a mere 30 minute drive from the Gqeberha airport. It is home to the Big 5, as well as the Southern right whale and the Great white shark.
Addo is South Africa’s third-largest national park. Upon visiting, you will have the opportunity to spend time with Africa’s gentle giants in their natural habitat. Moreover, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation. You can camp, stay in the bungalows, huts, cottages or even luxury lodges.
Picture: Addo Elephant Park
Shamwari Private Game Reserve
Picture: Getaway Gallery
The Shamwari Private Game Reserve offers abundant wildlife, fauna and flora. It was born of the need to conserve the land and its ecological diversity.
The reserve became the Eastern Cape’s first Big 5 game reserve after reintroducing large herbivores and big cats to the area between 1992 and 2000. When at Shamwari, you will be able to choose between seven luxury lodges which all offer the quintessential and luxurious bush experience.
Kariega Game Reserve
Photo by Brendon Jennings.
Located along the Garden Route, the Kariega Game Reserve is very much worth the visit. This private game reserve boasts unique beauty and is home to two rivers; the Kariega River and the Bushmans River.
When at Kariega, there is the opportunity for a wide range of Safari activities. Additionally, there are a number of great sundowner spots to enjoy. The game reserve prides itself in the holistic conservation and community mandate which it fulfills in partnership with the Kariega Foundation.
Camdeboo National Park
When travelling through town of Graaff Reinet, be sure to visit the Camdeboo National Park. It is located at the foothills of the Sneeuberg mountain and is absolutely beautiful.
Inside the Camdeboo National Park, dolerite columns rise from the Karoo earth and tower over the Valley of Desolation. Photo by Tyson Jopson.
It boasts steep cliffs and dolerite pillars. In this natural paradise, you will have the chance to go on game drives, go fishing at the Nqweba Dam or simply enjoy a bush braai.
Compiled by: Nomvelo Masango
