See the Big 5 at the Eastern Cape’s Best Malaria-Free Game Reserves

For the best malaria-free safaris in South Africa, Addo Elephant Park and Big 5 Eastern Cape game reserves come out tops! Not only does the Eastern Cape have some of the best malaria-free Big 5 game reserves (ideal for family safaris), but it also boasts miles of unspoiled beaches and the friendliest locals.

In this post, we reveal the best Eastern Cape game reserves for budget Big 5 safari holidays in South Africa. Let's make sure you enjoy the ultimate malaria-free and affordable safari adventure!

Of course, South Africa’s Kruger National Park ranks high up 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.

Enjoy malaria-free safaris in South Africa

Those pesky mozzies are indeed a nuisance. More pertinently, they can also hold a serious health threat for safari-goers. Read all about it in our comprehensive malaria feature, Malaria Made Simple.

Going on safari in the Eastern Cape, you’ll have nothing to worry about as our featured national parks and game reserves are malaria-free, making them a great option if you’re not keen on taking malaria pills, or if you're traveling as a family with small children.

Best Big 5 Eastern Cape Game Reserves

1. Addo Elephant Park
2. Kariega Game Reserve
3. Amakhala Game Reserve
4. Sibuya Game Reserve
5. Shamwari Game Reserve

Practical info: How to get to the Eastern Cape and the Best time for Eastern Cape safaris.

Addo Elephant Park Big 7 Safaris ($ to $$$)

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 situated 72 km (45 mi) by road from Port Elizabeth. Addo 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 and is only an hour’s drive from the Sunshine Coast’s glorious beaches.

Forget Africa's Big 5, this is Big 7 safari country

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:

• Swap the 4x4 to go horse-riding! Explore a selection of trails within the park, led by guides who know their stuff. Rest assured that the horses are sure-footed and well trained. Just don your riding hat you’ll be issued with and set out from the main camp to the Nyati area where elephants, buffalo, black rhino, zebra and antelope go about their business.
• Release your inner bird watcher. The Red Bishop Bird Hide is located right across from a waterhole in the main rest camp area where red bishops, weavers, herons, and coots soar and dive. The main game-viewing area in Addo is home to 170 bird species, while the expanded park boasts with 450 species in various habitats.

• Are you up for the toughest hiking trail in South Africa? The Eden to Addo mega hike is an 18-day mettle test. The hike starts in one of Knysna’s indigenous forests named Kranshoek and wraps up in Addo – all the while you’ll comb the Baviaanskloof wilderness, coastal areas, and the majestic Cape mountain ranges of Tsitsikamma, Langkloof, Couga, Groot (Big) Winterhoek and Klein (Small) Winterhoek. Before you politely decline, there is an ‘easier’ way to hike this route. Hello, slackpacking! Your luggage is transferred, your tent assembled, and your meals cooked. You’ll need the sustenance: about 26 km each day in your hiking boots, seven mountains, six national parks and nature reserves, and five biomes. The hike takes place only once a year in September, so book in advance.
• Make tracks along the radical Hayterdal MTB trail. Right next door to Addo Park you'll find 15 – 45 km routes for all levels of mountain bike riders. The trails are hand-built and well maintained. One trail leads halfway up the Zuurberg Pass with spectacular views to match. Just be wary of the summer temperatures – it can go up to forty degrees Celsius. Rather kick back and indulge in a picnic at the sparkling swimming pool when the heat is on.

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; others are gravel. The latter are in good condition, but they may be closed in very wet weather. There are lookout points in abundance 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.

Accommodation at Addo Elephant Park

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 is from as little as R395 on average 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.

Events in the Addo Park area

• Get your Vitamin C fix at the annual Citrus Festival at the end of May
• Stop by the Kirkwood Wildlife Festival at the end of June with a game auction as the main event
• Indulge in the world-renowned Addo Rose Craft and Food Festival in October
• See how citrus is picked in the orchards during the harvesting season from April through to September

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!

Longer African Budget Safaris that include Addo Park

• Lesotho & Drakensberg to Addo Overland Camping Safari

Short Addo Elephant Park Safaris

• 3 Day Addo Elephant Park Safari
• 2 Day Addo Elephant Park Safari
• Full-Day Addo Elephant Park Big 7 Safari

Kariega Game Reserve Big 5 Safaris ($$ to $$$)

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 a multitude of hippo, giraffe and zebra.

How to get to Kariega Game Reserve

The nearest airport is Port Elizabeth, about an hour and a half’s drive away. Added 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.

The story of Kariega Game Reserve

Born from the vision of a chap by the name of Colin Rushmere, the history of Kariega Game Reserve is both unique and inspiring. Twenty-five years ago, the reserve was owned by 15 different farmers. In the year 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.

Unforgettable game drives in Kariega Game Reserve

Enjoy extremely high numbers of wildlife sightings, close-up, amidst some of the most beautiful landscape 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 a safari-goer is 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.

Much to do for kids at Kariega

• Junior Ranger Certificate bragging rights. Enjoy some quality time as the kids zoom off on a guided trail within the boundaries of Main Lodge. They will hear and see rad things about their beautiful surroundings and the wonders of nature – be it plants, insects or animal tracks. They can also ask as many questions as they’d like (!) for the ranger. It’s followed by a quick, fun-filled test where-after they’ll be awarded their (first) Junior Ranger Certificate!
• Get those hands dirty! The kiddies will be taught how to create molds of animal tracks using plaster of Paris. Make space for their ‘souvenirs’ from Kariega above your fireplace …

• Is your aim in? Next up is target practice shooting with a safe y-shaped slingshot (locally known as a ‘kettie’) plus bush-craft and wildlife survival skills (age-appropriate).
• The coolest mask in the Eastern Cape ... and the world! How about arts and crafts with a safari twist? Get coloring and make awesome animal masks and ‘My very own Bushman paintings’. Then go wild with the awesome activities featured in the Kids on Safari booklet.
• Get your environmental edu on! Get up close with fascinating items from the bush such as ostrich eggs, porcupine quills, skulls etc. – ensuring zero yawns.

Photography fans in for a treat at Kariega Reserve

How does a private, tailor-made photo safari at Kariega strike you? Here’s the lowdown for your classic customized photo safari experience:

• Experienced guide photographer. Check.
• A private dedicated vehicle rigged specifically for photographic equipment. Check.
• A photographic guide who is also a qualified ranger. Check, check.
• Receive guidance before, during, between and after game drives to ensure incredible photo opportunities. You bet.
• All of your questions answered. Check.
• Hands-on advice and tips on composition, technical assistance, and post-production. Checkmate.

Capture the Big 5 and rarer species of wildlife amidst a landscape alternating between five different eco-systems. So, consider your ideal backdrop sorted!

Catering for your preferred choice of accommodation at Kariega Game Reserve

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 neighboring 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.

More to experience at Kariega Reserve

• Settle into a canoe for a laid-back paddle down the Kariega or the Bushman’s with river birds and animals aplenty
• Both rivers are wonderful for fishing, be it from the banks, by boat or in a canoe
• In March of 2012, a horrific poaching attack on three rhinos, Thandi, Themba and Bull #84, left one dead and the other two with serious injuries. The quest to protect, conserve and preserve Kariega’s rhino population, and in fact, all wildlife was stepped up even further. Thandi (or Thandiswa, a Xhosa name meaning ‘courage’ or ‘to be loved’) showed tremendous courage and a strong will to live. She subsequently became an icon in the fight against poaching. Thandi even gave birth to a trio of three healthy calves to strengthen the white rhino population at Kariega. On World Rhino Day, always celebrated at Kariega, Thandi holds pride of place.

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.

Amakhala Game Reserve Big 5 Safaris ($$)

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!

Where is Amakhala Game Reserve located?

It’s situated plum 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 Port Elizabeth’s 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.

Back to the roots of Amakhala Private Game Reserve

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.

Wildlife viewing & safari trips at Amakhala Game Reserve

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.

More to explore in and around Amakhala

• It’s all about the pies! Nanaga Farm Stall is a well-recognised landmark in the Eastern Cape. Situated on the national road that heads in the direction of Amakhala, it’s a must-stop during the holidays for locals and safari-goers from all over the world. Try their homemade ‘roosterkoek’ (South African toasted bread made on an open fire) to ‘biltong’ (a type of beef jerky, only tastier), freshly squeezed pineapple juice (one of the Eastern Cape's main crops) and a freshly brewed cappuccino to send you on your way. Or opt for a local breakfast, farm-style soup, lamb and mint pie, a flavourful curry or lamb knuckles with ‘samp’ (a crushed maize style of porridge). Come hungry.

• Say “Aaaaah” at the spa. Yes, there is a fabulous spa. Yes, you’ll be pampered from your hair follicles to your toenails. And no, you needn’t worry about that tricky Slide 72 of the PowerPoint presentation – at all.
• Ancient wonders abound. This breath-taking game reserve is home to ancient treasures: a prehistoric Bushman burial ground and a collection of ancient dinosaur fossil sites.

Accommodation options at Amakhala Game Reserve

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. 

More to experience at Amakhala Game Reserve

• Relax on a dreamy river cruise down the Bushman’s River in this private game reserve.
• The riverine bushveld offers phenomenal bird watching with the privilege of seeing the majestic African Fish Eagle and all three species of Kingfisher
• Amongst the game quenching their thirst at the river’s edge, the rare Cape Clawless Otter might saunter past your camera lens

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.

Sibuya Game Reserve Big 5 Safaris ($$ to $$$)

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 Port Elizabeth or East London. The mouth of the Kariega River is nearby and so too, the small seaside town of Kenton-on-Sea.

A safari adventure from the ocean to the bush

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.

A sanctuary to a vast amount of diverse wildlife

Here you’ll see from 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?

Choose from 3 private & exclusive luxury game lodges

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, 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.

Shamwari Game Reserve Safaris ($$$)

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 – 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.

Shamwari is also a gem for kids – so bring the family on safari!

In fact, the reserve has specialised activities geared for the little people:

• Go on an exciting trip to the Born Free Foundation Big Cat Rescue Centre and the Shamwari Animal Rehabilitation Centre. This is home to rescued lions and leopards from across the world. They’ve been saved from situations where they were in danger and now given excellent lifetime care.

• Go nuts! Indoor activities don’t involve a box of puzzles with several pieces missing. No sir! DVDs, board games, arts and crafts – with a wildlife twist – guarantee stacks of fun and laughter.

How do you get to the Eastern Cape?

Rent a car and set out on the N2 – the national highway that connects the two cities of Cape Town and 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. Another four hours of – mostly – spectacular scenery and you'll find yourself in 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 Port Elizabeth. Note that the nearest international airport is in Cape Town. You can also fly to 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.

Best time for budget Eastern Cape safaris

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 new-born animals roam about whist 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!

Don't miss the Garden Route of South Africa

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 a bit of 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 couple of 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:

• Accommodated Garden Route Adventure Tour from Cape Town
• Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Backpacking Safari
• South Africa & Swaziland Cabin Safari

Looking for something specific? Contact our travel consultants and they'll help you choose.