For the best malaria-free family safaris in South Africa, head to Addo Elephant Park and the Big 5 game reserves of the Eastern Cape! Not only does the Eastern Cape have some of the best malaria-free game reserves (ideal for family safaris), but it also boasts miles of unspoiled beaches and the friendliest locals.
Of course, South Africa’s Kruger National Park ranks high on the list of many safari-goers, but as with a proper Sunday roast, it’s not only the meat that makes for a memorable meal but also the side dishes that entice guests.
Here at African Budget Safaris, we consider those mouth-watering ‘side dishes’ to be Addo Elephant National Park and Kariega Game Reserve, Amakhala Game Reserve, Sibuya Game Reserve, and Shamwari Private Game Reserve – all located in South Africa’s ridiculously scenic (and malaria-free) Eastern Cape Province.
They may not be as well-known as Kruger, but you won’t have to contend with busloads of descending tourists in these private game parks!
Each spectacular landscape offers up its own slice of pristine wilderness for the Big 5 (upsize to the Big 7 in Addo Elephant Park) to roam about. Plus, you’re guaranteed a fantastic time at these family safari destinations with a host of surprising activities for all ages.
Going on safari in the Western Cape or Eastern Cape regions of South Africa, you’ll have nothing to worry about. The national parks and game reserves are malaria-free, making them a great option if you don't want to take anti-malaria pills or on a family safari with small kids.
Those pesky mozzies are indeed a nuisance. More pertinently, they can also pose a serious health threat for safari-goers. You can read about it in our comprehensive malaria safari guide, Malaria Made Simple.
Practical info: How to get to the Eastern Cape and the Best time for Eastern Cape safaris.
In the year 1931, eleven elephants were lucky enough to be saved from near extinction with the establishment of Addo. At present, the number has risen to nearly 700 elephants!
Addo Elephant National Park, the third-largest national park in South Africa, is 72 km (45 mi) by road from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). It covers 170,000 ha of land, stretching from the inland Karoo and the Zuurberg Mountains down to Woody Cape and the islands of the marine protected area. It’s the gateway to the Garden Route, only an hour’s drive from the Sunshine Coast’s glorious beaches.
Of course, there are the famous ‘Addo Ellies’, but you can also experience the Big 7 on your safari: black rhino, Cape buffalo, lion, leopard, great white shark and southern right whale … plus a wide range of antelope species, meerkat and even the flightless dung beetle which is endemic to the Addo area. African wildlife viewing at its best!
You’re also spoilt for choice with a host of exhilarating outdoor activities:
Enjoy wildlife viewing from your own vehicle—75 km (47 mi) of road meanders through prime wildlife terrain. Some loops of the roads are tarred, and others are gravel. The latter are in good condition, but they may be closed in very wet weather. There are abundant lookout points at assorted waterholes in the area. Incidentally, the guided game drives in open vehicles take place during the day, at sunset, or at night. When the moon is out, buffalo and black rhino are frequently spotted.
A heads-up regarding the hiking trails: there’s one where you’ll traverse three different environments – forest, coastal dunes, and seashore. This is a rarity; only to be found here.
Choose from a wide range of accommodation options both in, and close to, Addo Park, to suit your budget. Unwind and relax at your choice of a guest farm, rest camp, game lodge, tented camp, villa or bush camp at Addo Elephant National Park. Expect your evening’s soundtrack to feature the call of lions, spotted hyenas and jackals whilst francolin and bokmakieries ring in the dawn.
The cost ranges from an average of R395 per night for two guests to R34,775 per night in a spectacular villa on a private concession—with plenty of options for all budgets in between.
News just in: Cathy Dreyer started as a conservation student at Addo Elephant National Park some 20 years ago; she has recently been appointed (October 2019) as the park’s conservation manager. Cathy’s affectionately known as the ‘Rhino Whisperer’. Wait ‘til you meet her!
Heed the call of the internationally renowned Kariega Private Game Reserve! This spectacular Big 5 reserve is also situated in the Eastern Cape, making it a wonderful South African safari destination to complement a visit to Cape Town and a subsequent road trip along a mesmerizing Garden Route coastline. Lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard – you can view them all amidst 10,0000 ha of pristine wilderness from the comfort of an open game drive vehicle, along with many hippo, giraffe, and zebra.
The nearest airport is Port Elizabeth, about an hour and a half’s drive away. Bonus: the unspoiled seaside village of Kenton-on-Sea, located between the spectacular Kariega and Bushman’s tidal rivers, requires only a 10-minute drive.
Both rivers flow through the reserve. Then there’s good old Bathurst farming village, a half-hour drive from Kenton-on-Sea, with the most wonderful array of arts and crafts. Besides being of massive historical value, Bathurst is renowned for its annual ‘Ox-braai' – an all-day and all-night festive celebration where as many as 45 hindquarters sizzle over coals.
Born from the vision of a chap named Colin Rushmere, the history of Kariega Game Reserve is unique and inspiring. Twenty-five years ago, the reserve was owned by 15 different farmers. In 1989, the Rushmere family purchased a section of pristine land located in the upper reaches of the Kariega River, carefully expanding as time went by. It took two decades to complete the ideal land configuration. From humble beginnings and with the acquisition of additional land, the Big 5 could eventually be introduced to Kariega.
Enjoy extremely high numbers of wildlife sightings, close-up, amidst some of the most beautiful landscapes and topography in the Eastern Cape – valley bushveld, savannah grasslands, fynbos, riverine forests, and acacia woodland. Game rangers at the top of their, well … game, will take you out on safari every morning, afternoon and/or evening in open game-drive vehicles for an unforgettable wildlife experience. How does witnessing lions hunting or an elephant herd spraying water and mud from their trunks onto their backs sound?
The mighty wildebeest, hyena, eland, kudu, waterbuck and a variety of regal antelope share the land with the Big 5. It’s also a birdlife paradise with the nesting crowned eagle, martial and fish eagle claiming dominance of the blue skies.
The landscape also has its tinier, hidden secrets. Many safari-goers are mesmerized by the intricate design of a spider web glistening in the morning sunlight or a dung beetle acting like a forward stealing the ball in a turnover scrum. Expect to be unexpectedly surprised. One African bush experience after another awaits around the next curve of the pathway.
How does a private, tailor-made photo safari at Kariega strike you? Here’s the lowdown for your classic, customized photo safari experience:
Capture the Big 5 and rarer wildlife species amidst a landscape alternating between five different ecosystems. So, consider your ideal backdrop sorted!
There is much to do and see here at Kariega. Colin suggests that anything from two to seven nights can be enjoyed, however, a minimum three-night stay comes highly recommended for an unforgettable safari experience. No matter your choice of accommodation or given budget, astounding vistas over hills, valleys and rivers are part of the deal.
Does a spacious, tented safari suite with all the luxuries fit the bill? Or would you prefer a uniquely designed lodge sculptured from stone, wood, and glass with a private plunge pool and a viewing deck offering a panoramic view of the valley? What about unwinding in an air-conditioned thatched lodge situated on the banks of the Bushman’s River after a ferry cruise to the golden beaches of neighbouring Kenton-on-Sea? There is also the option of a private lodge offering all the comfort, convenience, and privacy you require with a dedicated host, game ranger, and cook.
Regarding costs, your chosen accommodation at Kariega Game Reserve ranges from R4,250 a night, up to R35,000. And of course, tiered pricing in-between.
Kariega's most affordable lodge makes it one of the best budget safari options in the Eastern Cape. See our budget-friendly 5-day Kariega & Addo Park Safari.
Experience unique topography and wildlife with a safari adventure in Amakhala Private Game Reserve. Its name is derived from the Xhosa word for ‘aloes’, a long-stemmed succulent topped by a rosette of large, boat-shaped leaves – a familiar feature in the province.
So, are you ready to take your seat in an open-view game vehicle for an unforgettable safari in this 8,500-ha reserve? Get in!
It’s situated plumb in the Greater Addo and the Frontier Country area of the Eastern Cape – you’ll reach its gates within an hour’s drive once you set out north-east of Gqeberha's (formerly Port Elizabeth) national airport. From PE (aka the Friendly City) take the N2 that heads for the historic university town of Makhado (formerly Grahamstown) and simply follow the road signs. If you set out from Cape Town, it’s approximately a 9-hour drive.
In 1999, a joint conservation venture was established between the owners of six lodges in the area – all of them direct descendants of the original 1820 British Frontier settlers some five generations ago who took up farming sheep and cattle in the wild and rather hostile Zuurveld (Sour Field).
The Bailey family came on board in 2011 to help turn Amakhala into one of the premier game reserves in the Eastern Cape. They’re at the helm of the Lion Roars Group, specialists in boutique accommodation and renowned for their passion for conservation in Africa.
Here, various species are continually re-introduced to the area where they once roamed freely – a fantastic contribution to boost the conservation of natural heritage.
Experience morning and evening game-viewing trips under the expert guidance of professional rangers. You’re most likely to encounter the Big 5 (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard) as well as cheetah, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and antelope species in their numbers. Keep your eyes peeled, especially during night drives, for those elusive nocturnal animals such as lynx, porcupine and spring hare.
Apart from 3-, 4- or 5-star owner-managed experiences, the reserve offers safari-goers a selection of ten luxurious establishments consisting of restored country houses, safari lodges and tented camps. This is a safari in style with pricing to suit higher-end budgets – ranging from R3,310 to R6,040 per night.
This is one of the most budget-friendly yet excellent private game reserves in the Eastern Cape. See our budget 5-day Amakhala & Addo Safari.
And we’re off to Sibuya Game Reserve... Welcome to this incredible eco-safari destination located near the Sunshine Coast of the Eastern Cape, about 130 km from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) or East London. The mouth of the Kariega River is nearby and so too, the small seaside town of Kenton-on-Sea.
The adventure starts with a chilled 11 km boat transfer (about 45 minutes) from Kariega River mouth and Kenton’s idyllic Blue Flag beaches, up the scenic Kariega River estuary to the reserve. Upon leaving the beach, look out for turtles, dolphins and whales near the river mouth! Sibuya has some serious bragging rights with more navigable river than any other game reserve in the whole of the country.
Here you’ll see elephants to otters, and almost every sentient wild being in between, and, of course, the Big 5. It’s also a brilliant birding destination. How do 400 different species sound to you?
Two of them are luxurious tented eco-lodge destinations – Forest and River Camp – run almost exclusively on solar power – “Until we meet again Wi-Fi, air-con, fans and hairdryer!” Kick back, relax and enjoy the tranquillity without these noisemakers. Should you prefer these extra features, though, the secluded and luxurious Bush Lodge has grid electricity. From here you can decide if the day will include game drives, river cruises, (fly) fishing, canoeing, and swimming in the river or the sea followed by a leisurely beach walk.
Price-wise, you’re looking at between R4,500 and under R10,000 – note that prices differ for the peak seasons (January to April + October to December) and low (May to September) season.
In the spirit of going out in style, we’re wrapping up this ode to safaris in the Eastern Cape’s game reserves with Shamwari Private Game Reserve, which is situated only a stone’s throw from Amakhala.
Shamwari, meaning ‘my friend’ in Shona, is considered the pinnacle of private game reserves and is also home to the coveted Big 5. It’s a place where safari-goers experience exclusive tranquillity and harmony with nature whilst wildlife roam the landscape under the African sun. It’s a gem.
The safari packages at Shamwari vary between R12,800 to R36,500 pp for an all-inclusive 4-day visit. Accommodation-wise, the selection of lodges is out of this world – each has its own unique energy and essence that pay homage to the surrounding wilderness and the wildlife that roam on its doorstep.
In fact, the reserve has specialised activities geared for the little people:
Rent a car and set out on the N2, the national highway connecting Cape Town and Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). Around halfway there, you hit the gorgeous Garden Route. It's well worth lingering to explore this part of South Africa, but more about that later. After another four hours of mostly spectacular scenery, you'll find yourself in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), the Eastern Cape’s main city and the gateway to its spectacular Big 5 safari parks.
Not up for all that driving? South African Airways, as well as a selection of budget airlines, offer frequent flights to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). Note that the nearest international airport is in Cape Town. You can also fly to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) from Johannesburg or Durban. If you want to visit the Garden Route then flying to George is another option that will further reduce your driving time.
The high season for holidaying in the Eastern Cape is from late November to early February - the height of summer - but there's no bad time to visit the province. For a safari, don’t side-line the winter months, though. Your safari experience can be just as spectacular, if not more so, during June, July and August. Simply pack a few of your favourite warm items. During these three drier months, the animals move to open water sources, the vegetation is not as dense, and the drop in temperature guarantees excellent game viewing. Plus, safari prices are usually lower outside of the peak summer holiday season.
On the other hand, during summer, huge numbers of newborn animals roam about whilst migratory birds head this way – ticking the box for all safari-goers who appreciate observing the greater double-collared and malachite sunbirds with their lustrous costumes or the chorister robin-chat mimicking a frog’s call. Listen out for the calls of the sombre greenbul, green-backed cameroptera, and the yellow-throated woodland-warbler. The number of bird species in this neck of the woods totals 661. How wonderful!
Your safari is NOT about to end just yet. Your time in the wild needn’t come to an abrupt halt once you leave the magical Big 5 game reserves of the Eastern Cape. While you're in the area, take some time to experience why the Eastern Cape is called the ‘Adventure Province’.
We cannot recommend the beautiful Garden Route enough – a 300 km (190 mi) stretch of the South-Eastern coast, with the balmy Indian Ocean to the south and the Tsitsikamma and Outeniqua mountain ranges running parallel to the north – and includes gorgeous beaches and a further fantastic array of game reserves. The Garden Route is situated within Outeniqualand, stretching from the southern Cape coastal town of Mossel Bay in the west to the mighty Storms River in the east.
Take our advice and tag on a few days in the Garden Route region before or after your Eastern Cape safari adventure.
Some of the many combined Garden Route and Eastern Cape trips offered by African Budget Safaris:
Looking for something specific? Contact our travel consultants, and they'll help you choose.
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