Eastern Cape Province in South Africa

The Eastern Cape is a destination of unmatched natural beauty in the south-eastern part of South Africa. From the warm Indian Ocean to the vast plains of the Camdeboo. Stretching from the foothills of the Sneeuberg Mountains in the north to the rugged Baviaans mountain wilderness in the south. The Eastern Cape’s boasting rights include over 800 km of incredible coastline. With some of the most amazing beaches in all of South Africa; jaw-dropping rock formations and landscapes, and a magnificently rich diversity of fauna and flora. The Baviaanskloof is renowned as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its extreme floristic diversity.

Friendly people and their generous hospitality are not the only warmth you’ll experience. The Eastern Cape has more ‘sunshine’ days than any other South African province. More than 300 out of 365 days are sunny. Most significantly, the Eastern Cape is the birthplace of several of South Africa’s most celebrated leaders. Notably the late global icon and humanitarian, Nelson Mandela.

The Eastern Cape is the 2nd largest province in South Africa. It includes the cities of Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) and East London. Both of which have airports. It also incorporates what was previously called the Transkei, Greater St Francis (for the best ‘Chokka’ – the local calamari that is mainly exported), Jeffreys Bay (for the best surfing). Or visit the Hole in the Wall. A large hole at the center of cliffs, punched out by gradual wave motion; offshore at Coffee Bay on the Wild Coast. It’s an iconic landmark.

Eastern Cape Safari

Uniquely the Eastern Cape offers sightings of the Big 7 (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo, Southern Right whales, and Great White sharks) in a malaria-free environment. Due to its proximity to The Garden Route; the Eastern Cape game reserves are a popular choice in South Africa. This also makes it ideal for family safaris and children are welcome in most of the lodges.

Addo Elephant National Park

The Greater Addo Elephant National Park is about 72km from Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha). Established to save the Addo Elephant from extinction; it is now the only game reserve where it is still found. Addo is home to the ‘Big 5’ (elephant, rhino, buffalo, leopard, and lion). It is known as the ‘valley of elephants and roses’. Bird watching is also excellent.

Addo Elephant National Park now also incorporates some exclusive private game reserves; making up the Greater Addo Elephant National Park. Some of these are Shamwari Private Game Reserve, Pumba Game Reserve, Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, etc.

Shamwari Private Game Reserve

The Shamwari Private Game Reserve is halfway between Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) and Grahamstown. Therefore; forming a natural extension of the famous Garden Route. Shamwari has received numerous international awards for conservation.

The Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre at Shamwari is a registered facility and as such; animals in need come from all over the Eastern Cape and even further afield. The primary goal is to ultimately return all the animals back to the wild. Or at least give them the best possible opportunity. In recent times; the team has specialized in raising orphaned rhinos from the poaching epidemic that has become too common an occurrence in Southern Africa. Despite the horrific ordeals these young animals have endured; they have successfully raised and released several into safe environments. They are now helping to grow rhino populations for the future.

Shamwari is also home to 2 x Born Free Big Cat Sanctuaries. In partnership with actress, author, and wildlife campaigner; Virginia McKenna’s Born Free Foundation; Shamwari Private Game Reserve designed the Animal Rescue and Education Centres to incorporate the sanctuary and educational facility. Their goal is to create awareness of the horrific way in which wildlife is exploited; in captivity around the world.

The Shamwari Conservation Experience welcomes participants from all walks of life. Volunteers, adventure-seeking travelers, gap-year students, and adults taking work sabbaticals. Anyone with a passion for nature conservation! They also offer Veterinary Work Experience.

Shamwari Private Game Reserve is a luxury big five African safari destination with 7 different lodges to choose from:
Sindile – Ultimate tented luxury (no kids)
Long Lee Manor – Gracious Edwardian Living
Bayethe – Contemporary tented living (no kids)
Sarili Private Lodge – Private Villa
Riverdene Family Lodge – Family Relaxation
Eagles Crag – Secluded luxury (no kids)
and the Shamwari walking safari camp, Explorer Camp.

It is the ideal safari wedding, honeymoon, and conference destination with a lodge perfect for your requirements.

Pumba Private Game Reserve

Pumba Private Game Reserve stretches over an area of 6790 hectares. This makes it the third-largest privately owned Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape. It covers 5 of the 7 South African Vegetation Biomes. The result is an amazing diversity of Flora and Fauna; just waiting to be discovered by you.

The vegetation is a mixture of the unique and dense Eastern Cape Valley bush veld favored by elephants and browsing antelope. The open plains abound with an abundance of grazing antelope and the endangered white rhinoceros.

Nestled in the heart of the malaria-free Eastern Cape, this hidden gem offers the ultimate African luxury safari. Combined with luscious awe-inspiring bush, grasslands, and of course; the formidable Big Five. Just when you think you have seen them all; there is another beautiful species for you to see at Pumba Private Game Reserve. From the graceful giraffe to the seldom-seen leopard. And the very rare white lions plus 45 species of mammals and other small game. For bird lovers; the nearly 317 species occurring in this geographical region will never fail to delight you.

Pumba Private Game Reserve offers luxurious five star accommodation at one of two intimate and enchanting lodges. Pumba is approximately 105km from Port Elizabeth (about an hour’s drive).

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve

Kwandwe itself is now 30,000 ha / 300 km.sq, after recently having acquired more land for conservation. To put this into prospective, Kwandwe has 2 x lodges and 3 x villas, accommodating a total of 52 guests. It is about the same size as inner London, which is in an area of 31,900 ha / 319 km.sq with a population of over 3,4 million people.

The two lodges are Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge and Kwandwe Ecca Lodge (including the Villas).

It is found in a hauntingly beautiful, but previously neglected part of the Eastern Cape. Providing an exclusive safari experience in one of South Africa’s largest private reserves. A conservation victory; Kwandwe is now home to lions, black and white rhinos, buffalo, elephants, and cheetahs. As well as Africa’s famous Big Five.

Kwandwe means “Place of the Blue Crane” in Xhosa. South Africa’s national bird. It is now a haven for a population of these rare and highly endangered birds. The Reserve also provides sanctuary for other threatened species. Some examples are the Knysna woodpecker, Cape grysbok, black wildebeest, crowned eagle, and black-footed cat.

Eastern Cape Game Reserve — Lioness’s at Kwandwe Game Reserve

A biological melting pot of various vegetation types; the Reserve also boasts a spectacular display of winter flowering aloes from June to August. Kwandwe flanks both the north and south banks of the Great Fish River; which meanders for 30 km (19 miles) through this pristine, private wilderness.

The distance from Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) to Kwandwe is 160 km (100 miles). The drive is about an hour and 45 minutes.