Eastern Cape Safari Guide
Eastern Cape Safari Guide: Shamwari, Lalibela, Kwandwe, Samara, Kariega, Amakhala & Addo
South Africa’s Eastern Cape is home to a collection of world-class safari reserves that offer Big Five adventures in a malaria-free region. Located a short flight (about one hour) from Cape Town and forming a natural extension of the Garden Route, these reserves are ideal for travelers looking to combine a Cape Town visit or coastal road trip with an unforgettable safari. Each reserve has its own unique character – from large private conservancies to a national park with the Big Seven – yet all share abundant wildlife, luxurious lodges, and a family-friendly, romantic atmosphere. Below is an in-depth look at seven top Eastern Cape safari destinations (Shamwari, Lalibela, Kwandwe, Samara, Kariega, Amakhala, and Addo), including their size, style, lodge options, distance from Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), and any special features that set them apart. By the end, you’ll have a solid understanding of each reserve’s offerings without needing to single out a “best” – they all shine in their own way.
Shamwari Private Game Reserve
Overview & Wildlife:
Shamwari is one of the Eastern Cape’s flagship private reserves, renowned for conservation and luxury. Spanning 25,000 hectares of restored wilderness, Shamwari supports an incredible diversity of flora and fauna across five of South Africa’s seven biomes. It is proudly home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo) and other wildlife in a completely malaria-free landscape. Shamwari’s name means “my friend” in Shona, and it has become synonymous with pioneering private conservation – including a wildlife rehabilitation center and the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuaries that rescue and care for orphaned or injured big cats. Visitors can witness abundant game on guided drives and even participate in educational visits to these facilities, adding an inspiring conservation dimension to the safari.
Lodges & Style:
The reserve offers six luxury lodges and one explorer camp, each with a distinct character. For example, Riverdene Family Lodge and Sarili Lodge cater to families with child-friendly activities and the exciting “Kids on Safari” adventure center (featuring zip-lines, climbing walls, treehouses, and more). In contrast, lodges like Bayethe Tented Lodge and Eagles Crag provide secluded, romantic retreats perfect for honeymooners, with upscale amenities in the heart of nature. The historic Long Lee Manor offers Edwardian elegance overlooking the plains, while Sindile is a new ultra-luxury tented camp for an intimate bush experience. All lodges maintain 5-star comfort – think private plunge pools, spa treatments, fine dining – amid the wilderness. With such variety, Shamwari can equally accommodate couples seeking romance, solo travelers, groups of friends, and multi-generational families.
Accessibility:
Shamwari is conveniently located about 45–60 minutes’ drive from Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) Airport. It lies roughly 75 km from the city, making it easily reachable by road. For those preferring to fly in, Shamwari even has a private airstrip adjacent to Long Lee Manor, suitable for charter flights, and helipads at several lodges. This means guests can hop on a short charter flight directly to the reserve, where rangers will meet them on arrival.
Unique Highlights:
In addition to spectacular Big Five game viewing, Shamwari’s unique offerings include guided bush walks, birding safaris, and even a historic lodge museum. The reserve’s commitment to conservation is evident – staying at Shamwari directly supports one of Southern Africa’s largest private wildlife reintroduction projects. From tracking rehabilitated rhinos to learning about rescued lions at the Born Free center, guests get an immersive, feel-good safari. Overall, Shamwari delivers an all-round luxury safari with a strong conservation and family-friendly ethos, set in the scenic Eastern Cape bushveld just a short hop from the Garden Route.
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Lalibela Game Reserve
Overview & Wildlife:
Lalibela is an intimate private game reserve covering 10,500 hectares of pristine bush and open plains. Despite its more boutique size compared to some others, it spans five ecosystems (biomes) ranging from valley bushveld to acacia woodland, which support an impressive diversity of wildlife. Lalibela is Big Five territory – its predators include lion, leopards and even cheetahs, alongside elephants, rhinos, buffalo and numerous antelope species. In fact, all the wildlife roam freely across the entire reserve, as there are no internal fences or public roads, ensuring an authentic wild experience. This exclusivity (Lalibela is unique in the Eastern Cape for having no public roads cutting through it) means game drives are private and uncrowded, reserved only for Lalibela’s guests. Sightings of hyena, jackal, zebra, giraffe, warthog and various antelope are common, and the reserve’s terrain of rolling hills and savannah provides wonderful panoramas during safaris.
Lodges & Style:
Lalibela offers a range of accommodation options that blend luxury with a charming, informal vibe. Until recently, the reserve operated three main lodges – Tree Tops Safari Lodge, Lentaba Lodge, and Mark’s Camp – each in a distinct setting. Tree Tops is a tented camp raised on thatched platforms at canopy level, providing an “out-in-nature” feeling with canvas suites connected by elevated walkways. Lentaba Lodge (“lodge on the hillside”) consists of secluded thatched chalets with private decks overlooking a lush valley – a tranquil escape blending into indigenous gardens. Mark’s Camp features stone-and-thatch chalets in a more communal setting; it’s family-friendly, with eight chalets (including some family units) and even two swimming pools, known for abundant birdlife around camp. In recent years Lalibela has expanded its portfolio to include new luxury options: Kichaka Lodge is a five-star lodge with 10 suites each sporting a private plunge pool, overlooking a waterhole (an indulgent retreat ideal for honeymooners), while Mills Manor is a sole-use 5-bedroom villa perfect for families or groups wanting a private safari house with personal staff. Additionally, Inzolo Lodge (four suites) offers an intimate, high-end experience, and Tree Tops was revamped with only 5 tented suites for an exclusive feel. Despite the variety, all Lalibela lodgings share a common thread of warm hospitality, African-inspired décor, and modern comfort.
Accessibility:
Lalibela sits conveniently along the N2 highway about 90 km from Port Elizabeth, which is roughly a 1 hour to 1.5 hour drive northeast toward Makhanda (Grahamstown). Its location is also just an hour from Addo Elephant Park, making it easy to visit multiple Eastern Cape attractions. Most guests self-drive or use lodge transfers from the Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) airport. Once at the reserve’s entrance, you’re picked up in a game vehicle for the ride into your lodge (ensuring wildlife viewing starts right away).
Unique Highlights:
Lalibela strikes a fine balance between intimacy and adventure. With no outside vehicles and relatively few guests, safaris feel exclusive – you might spend an afternoon watching a pride of lions or a herd of elephant with no other vehicle in sight. The reserve’s smaller size also means drives aren’t overly long, a plus for families with young children. Lalibela’s malaria-free Big 5 experience, combined with its range of lodges (from treetop tents to a private manor house), make it a flexible safari destination – equally suited for couples seeking romance, families on an adventure, or even groups celebrating an occasion.
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Kwandwe Private Game Reserve
Overview & Wildlife:
Kwandwe is a vast private wilderness often noted for its extraordinary space and exclusivity. At 22,000 hectares (54,000 acres), it is one of South Africa’s largest private Big Five game reserves. In fact, with only a handful of lodges hosting at most 44 guests, Kwandwe boasts one of the highest land-to-guest ratios in the country – meaning you’ll rarely encounter other vehicles on game drives across its sweeping landscapes. The reserve conserves a beautiful section of Eastern Cape bushveld and grassland along the Great Fish River (with 30 km of river frontage threading through the property). Wildlife is abundant: all the Big Five are present (Kwandwe is known for both black and white rhino conservation, as well as elephant, buffalo, lion, and elusive leopards). The name “Kwandwe” means “Place of the Blue Crane” in Xhosa, and indeed the reserve provides sanctuary to South Africa’s national bird, the blue crane, among 300+ bird species. Guests often see cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, a variety of antelope, and smaller predators like jackals.
Lodges & Style:
Kwandwe offers an exclusive selection of four luxury lodges, each tucked in a private corner of the reserve. Two are lodge-style and two are sole-use villas:
- Great Fish River Lodge: Elegant, classic safari lodge overlooking the river.
- Ecca Lodge: Contemporary, family-friendly lodge with vibrant design and dedicated kids’ program.
- Melton Manor: A modern farmhouse-style villa with four bedrooms, ideal for groups or families, with private vehicle, chef, and staff.
- Uplands Homestead: A restored 1905 farmhouse with three suites, exclusive-use, with private pool and team.
Accessibility:
Kwandwe is approximately 160 km from Port Elizabeth, about 1 hour 45 minutes by road. Guests park at reception and transfer by 4×4 into the reserve. There is also a private airstrip, making it accessible by scheduled charter or private flight.
Unique Highlights:
Privacy and personalized experiences define Kwandwe. With one of the lowest vehicle densities on safari, you often have wildlife sightings entirely to yourself. Family safaris are a specialty, with kids’ programs and exclusive-use villas. Conservation-minded travelers will appreciate rhino tracking, community projects, and voluntourism opportunities.
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Samara Karoo Reserve
Overview & Wildlife:
Samara offers a very different – and utterly breathtaking – safari setting in the Eastern Cape. This reserve encompasses approximately 27,000 hectares (around 67,000 acres) of the Great Karoo, a semi-arid wilderness characterized by sweeping plains and dramatic mountains. After decades of conservation work, Samara has reintroduced a plethora of species, including the Big Five. It is especially well-known for cheetah tracking on foot, and sightings of rarities like aardvark and aardwolf.
Lodges & Style:
Samara has an exclusive, low-impact tourism model, with just a few lodges:
- Karoo Lodge: A restored farmhouse, family-friendly, with suites and cottages.
- Plains Camp: Luxury tented suites for a romantic, close-to-nature experience.
- The Manor: An exclusive-use villa with modern style, private chef, and pool, perfect for families or groups.
Accessibility:
Roughly 250 km from Port Elizabeth, 2.5–3 hours by road. Samara also has a private airstrip for light aircraft and charters.
Unique Highlights:
Tracking cheetah on foot, incredible stargazing in the clear Karoo skies, sightings of aardvark (rare elsewhere), dramatic mountaintop grasslands, and meaningful conservation initiatives.
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Kariega Game Reserve
Overview & Wildlife:
Kariega protects about 10,000 hectares of classic Eastern Cape habitat where two rivers, the Kariega and the Bushman’s, anchor the ecosystem. The reserve is malaria free and Big Five, with consistently good sightings of lion, elephant, rhino and buffalo, plus hippo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and a wide range of antelope. Birding is strong along the rivers with fish eagles and kingfishers commonly seen. The dual river system adds a water element that many Eastern Cape reserves do not have, which broadens activities and viewing angles.
Lodges & Style:
Five distinct properties cover the full spectrum. Main Lodge is very family friendly with spacious chalet suites, some with private plunge pools, a lively central deck and pool, and a relaxed atmosphere. Ukhozi Lodge is a romantic hilltop hide with private decks and plunge pools, ideal for couples and honeymooners. River Lodge sits right on the Bushman’s River and is typically for adults, offering peaceful riverfront suites and daily boat cruises. Settlers Drift is the five star flagship with large tented suites, a sleek contemporary main area and a remote valley setting.The Homestead is an exclusive use villa for larger families or groups with private vehicle, ranger and chef.
Activities & Experience:
Two daily game drives, optional guided bush walks in suitable areas, boat cruises on the Bushman’s River that can run down to the estuary near Kenton on Sea, seasonal fishing and canoeing on calm sections, spa treatments at select lodges and occasional community visits. The river cruises are a signature experience because they blend riverine birding with the possibility of reaching the ocean after your game drive. Photography is excellent on the open hills and along the water.
Accessibility:
About 130 to 140 km from Port Elizabeth, generally 80 to 90 minutes by road on good tar and secondary roads. Most guests self drive or take a lodge transfer. No on-reserve public airstrip. Private charters typically use nearby airfields such as Port Alfred with a short road transfer.
Why it stands out:
The safari plus river combination, the choice of family, luxury and villa stays on one property, and easy pairing with beach time in Kenton on Sea. Strong rhino conservation work creates meaningful interpretation during drives.
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Amakhala Game Reserve
Overview & Wildlife:
Amakhala is a community founded reserve of roughly 8,500 to 9,000 hectares that stitches together golden grasslands, valley bushveld and a stretch of the Bushman’s River. It is malaria free and Big Five, with regular sightings of lion, elephant, white rhino and buffalo. Cheetah are a frequent highlight on the open plains. Plains game is abundant and nocturnal species like aardwolf and african wild cats are sometimes seen on night drives.
Lodges & Style:
A rare spread of 11 independently run lodges means there is a fit for every traveler.
- Luxury and honeymoon: Bukela Game Lodge and HillsNek Safari Camp deliver intimate high end stays with plunge pools and expansive views. Bush Lodge offers spacious tented suites with private decks and deep baths.
- Family friendly: Hlosi Game Lodge has dedicated family suites and a kids program with junior ranger activities. Woodbury Lodge is another strong family option with interleading rooms and a hilltop setting.
- Adventurous value: Woodbury Tented Camp provides classic canvas comfort at a friendly price point. Quatermain’s 1920s Camp is a pared back vintage tented camp for adults who want an old school bush feel.
- Heritage homestead: Leeuwenbosch Country House brings colonial farmstead charm and convivial dinners.
Activities & Experience:
Two daily game drives across the shared reserve, optional night drives, occasional river cruises when water levels allow, guided walks in suitable zones, photographic safaris on request and spa services at select lodges. The variety of lodge owners creates a personable, hosted experience where guiding is enthusiastic and flexible. Recommended length of stay is two to three nights to enjoy day and night activities.
Accessibility:
Right off the N2, about 75 km from Port Elizabeth, usually one hour by road. The location makes Amakhala very easy at the end of a Garden Route self drive. No private airstrip, which is rarely missed given the short transfer.
Why it stands out:
Unusual breadth of lodge styles and budgets on one Big Five reserve, reliably relaxed cheetah and rhino viewing, and authentic community involvement. A superb value choice that still feels wild and uncrowded.
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Addo Elephant National Park
Overview & Experience:
Addo is South Africa’s third-largest national park and famous for its large elephant herds. Located only about an hour from Port Elizabeth, it is an easy malaria-free self-drive safari that can be done in just a few hours. Many travelers choose to visit Addo on the way to or from one of the private reserves, making it a convenient add-on rather than a main safari destination.
What to Expect:
The roads are tarred or well-maintained gravel, suitable for regular cars, and you can comfortably drive loops through the park in half a day. The highlight is seeing dozens of elephants at waterholes, alongside buffalo, antelope, zebra and, with luck, lions or hyena. It’s a fantastic way to get close to elephants in their natural habitat and to enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace.
Accessibility:
The main gate is about 72 km from Port Elizabeth, making it very simple to combine with Shamwari, Lalibela, Amakhala, Kariega or Kwandwe. A two- to three-hour circuit inside the park is usually enough to deliver memorable sightings before continuing to your lodge.
Why it works:
Addo offers an affordable, flexible and easy self-drive option that slots naturally into an Eastern Cape safari itinerary. It’s not a replacement for the luxury private reserves, but rather a fun way to start or end your trip with a taste of national park freedom and some of the best elephant viewing in Africa.
Exclusive, intimate, uncrowded
The Eastern Cape reserves each offer a distinctive slice of African safari heaven, all within a malaria-free, easily accessible region of South Africa. After exploring their profiles, a few common threads emerge: spectacular Big 5 wildlife, warm hospitality, and a commitment to conservation. Yet, each reserve also brings something unique to the table. Shamwari dazzles with its large scale and award-winning conservation programs, Lalibela charms with exclusivity and down-to-earth luxury, Kwandwe impresses with vast solitude and tailored high-end experiences, and Samara inspires with its Karoo rewilding story and chances to see rare creatures. Kariega blends safari adventure with riverine twists and caters to every traveler type, while Amakhala stands out as an accessible all-rounder offering authentic safaris for various budgets.
One of the greatest advantages of these Eastern Cape safaris is how seamlessly they fit into a broader trip. They are just a short flight or drive from Cape Town, and they pair beautifully with a journey along the Garden Route. Many visitors choose to enjoy Cape Town’s culture and coast, meander through the Garden Route’s scenic delights, and then end with a thrilling safari in the Eastern Cape – all without needing anti-malarial precautions or long travel detours. Each reserve, while different, promises intimate wildlife encounters, whether it’s watching a lion stalk across Amakhala’s plains at dusk, or sipping coffee at sunrise as rhinos graze outside your villa at Kwandwe. Families will find peace of mind in the malaria-free environment and kid-friendly lodges, honeymooners will discover secluded suites and romantic touches like star-bed sleepouts and bush dinners, and wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the ethical conservation focus (from rhino protection to community upliftment) underlying each reserve.
Ready to plan your Eastern Cape safari? With so many incredible reserves and lodges to choose from, finding the perfect fit can feel overwhelming. Contact our expert local team to design a tailor-made itinerary ensuring your Eastern Cape adventure is truly unforgettable. Tell us your dates, budget, and wish list and we’ll do the rest. Thinking of a safari elsewhere in Africa, learn more by reading our ultimate guide to the best safari destinations in Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are all of these reserves malaria free?
Yes. One of the major advantages of the Eastern Cape is that every reserve listed — Shamwari, Lalibela, Kwandwe, Samara, Kariega, Amakhala, and Addo — is malaria free. This makes them very safe for families with children and travelers who don’t want to take malaria medication.
How far are the reserves from Cape Town?
All reserves are about a one-hour flight from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), followed by a short road transfer. Distances from the airport range from 45 minutes to about 3 hours by car, depending on the reserve.
Which reserves have private airstrips?
Shamwari, Kwandwe, and Samara all have private airstrips for charter flights. The others are typically accessed by road, though helicopters can often be arranged.
What types of accommodation can I expect?
There’s a wide range: ultra-luxury tented lodges for honeymooners, family lodges with kids’ programs, classic manor houses, and even exclusive-use villas for larger groups.
Can I combine more than one reserve in a single trip?
Yes. Combining reserves is highly recommended, as it allows you to experience different landscapes and styles of safari. For example, pairing Kwandwe with Samara gives you two very different environments — the lush Eastern Cape thicket alongside the wide-open Karoo wilderness — in one trip. Many travelers also add a self-drive through Addo for a complete circuit.