Safari in Eastern Cape Safaris
Enjoy malaria-free Big Five safaris in the Eastern Cape, home to Addo Elephant National Park and numerous private reserves, set against a backdrop of diverse landscapes.
Eastern Cape Safaris Parks Map
Explore safari parks across Eastern Cape Safaris
Eastern Cape Safaris Safari Parks
Explore safari parks in Eastern Cape Safaris
Addo Elephant Marine Protected Area
Located in the Eastern Cape, Addo is a conservation success story, home to over 600 elephants and the only park in the world to host the 'Big Seven' (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, elephant, great white shark, southern right whale). Its dense bushveld offers unique wildlife viewing opportunities.
Addo Elephant National Park
Famous for its dense population of African elephants, Addo also offers the unique 'Big 7' experience, encompassing the Big Five plus the great white shark and southern right whale (marine section). The park's diverse landscapes range from coastal dunes to thickets and fynbos.
Addo Elephant National Park - Addo Main Camp Section
The Addo Elephant National Park Marine Protected Area is a marine conservation area in Algoa Bay, adjacent to the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality, near Gqeberha, formerly known as Port Elizabeth. It is part of a national network of MPAs that covers 5% of South Africa's exclusive economic zone.
Addo Elephant National Park - Colchester Section
The Greater Addo Elephant National Park is a megapark in the making, and consists of the following parks: Addo Elephant National Park Woody Cape Nature Reserve Marine Protection Area Bird Island St Croix Island.
Addo Elephant National Park (Darlington Section)
The Greater Addo Elephant National Park is a megapark in the making, and consists of the following parks: Addo Elephant National Park Woody Cape Nature Reserve Marine Protection Area Bird Island St Croix Island.
Addo Elephant National Park (Kabouge Section)
Addo Elephant National Park (Kabouge Section) is a protected area in South Africa.
Addo Elephant National Park (Kuzuko Section)
The Greater Addo Elephant National Park is a megapark in the making, and consists of the following parks: Addo Elephant National Park Woody Cape Nature Reserve Marine Protection Area Bird Island St Croix Island.
Addo Elephant National Park (Zuurberg Section)
The Greater Addo Elephant National Park is a megapark in the making, and consists of the following parks: Addo Elephant National Park Woody Cape Nature Reserve Marine Protection Area Bird Island St Croix Island.
Addo Elephant Park (Nyati Section)
Addo Elephant Park (Nyati Section) is a protected area in South Africa.
Amakhala Game Reserve
Another excellent private reserve in the Eastern Cape, Amakhala offers a diverse safari experience with the Big Five and a variety of other wildlife. It's known for its range of accommodation options and activities, including river cruises and horseback safaris.
Camdeboo National Park
The Camdeboo National Park is located in the Karoo and almost completely surrounds the Eastern Cape town of Graaff-Reinet. It contains the Nqweba Dam. The park is located on the southern foothills of the Sneeuberg Mountain ranges, with an elevation of between 740 and 1480 metres above sea level. Camdeboo National Park was proclaimed as South Africa's 22nd National Park under the management of South African National Parks on Sunday 30 October 2005.
Garden Route National Park
The Garden Route National Park is a national park in the Garden Route region of the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces in South Africa. It is a coastal reserve well known for its indigenous forests, dramatic coastline, and the Otter Trail. It was established on 6 March 2009 by amalgamating the existing Tsitsikamma and Wilderness National Parks, the Knysna National Lake Area, and various other areas of state-owned land.
Grasslands National Park
Grasslands National Park is a protected area in South Africa.
Mountain Zebra National Park
Established to protect the endangered Cape mountain zebra, this Eastern Cape park offers beautiful mountainous landscapes and a chance to see these magnificent animals. It also hosts lion, cheetah, buffalo, and various antelope, providing a unique safari experience.
Shamwari Private Game Reserve
An award-winning private reserve in the Eastern Cape, Shamwari is a Big Five destination renowned for its conservation efforts and luxurious lodges. It offers guided game drives, walking safaris, and educational experiences, making it a popular choice for discerning travelers.
Tenahead Mountain Reserve
Tenahead Mountain Reserve is a protected area in South Africa.
Tsolwana Nature Reserve
Tsolwana Nature Reserve is an 8,500 hectare nature reserve situated on the edge of the Winterberg Mountain range. It is located 60 km west of Queenstown, and 30 km south- east of Tarkastad in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa and is managed by Eastern Cape Parks Board. Its western boundary is formed by the upper Black Kei River.
Woody Cape Section
Woody Cape Section is a protected area in South Africa.
Compare Parks in Eastern Cape Safaris
Side-by-side comparison of safari parks in Eastern Cape Safaris
| Park | Area | Wildlife | Lodges | Crowds | Malaria | Airport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Addo Elephant National Park | 1,640 km² | 300 | - | Moderate | Free | ZA-0231 (22km) |
| Addo Elephant Marine Protected Area | - | 264 | - | Quiet | Free | ZA-0231 (33km) |
| Amakhala Game Reserve | - | 264 | - | Moderate | Free | ZA-0231 (11km) |
| Shamwari Private Game Reserve | - | 300 | - | Moderate | Free | ZA-0231 (6km) |
| Mountain Zebra National Park | 284 km² | 281 | - | Moderate | Free | CDO (32km) |
| Addo Elephant National Park - Addo Main Camp Section | - | 300 | - | Busy | Free | ZA-0231 (25km) |
| Addo Elephant National Park - Colchester Section | - | 300 | - | Busy | Free | ZA-0231 (30km) |
| Addo Elephant National Park (Darlington Section) | - | 300 | - | Quiet | Free | FADP (2km) |
| Addo Elephant National Park (Kabouge Section) | - | 300 | - | Quiet | Free | FADP (18km) |
| Addo Elephant National Park (Kuzuko Section) | - | 300 | - | Quiet | Free | FADP (22km) |
| Addo Elephant National Park (Zuurberg Section) | - | 300 | - | Moderate | Free | FAHF (33km) |
| Addo Elephant Park (Nyati Section) | - | 300 | - | Moderate | Free | ZA-0231 (23km) |
123 species recorded in Eastern Cape Safaris11 threatened
We love the Eastern Cape for its sheer diversity packed into a malaria-free zone. The air here often carries the scent of dry earth and wild sage, especially after a rare rain. We recommend exploring the rugged valleys where elephants roam freely, and the sunsets over the scrub-covered hills are simply sensational. It feels ancient and untamed, yet remarkably accessible.
Terrain & Altitude
Rolling hills and scrubland give way to more open plains, with some areas featuring dramatic cliff faces and deep valleys.
Sea level to 1,800m above sea level
Vegetation
Dominated by thickets of Spekboom and Acacia species, with pockets of grassland and hardy fynbos in higher elevations.
Water Sources
The Sundays River is the primary river, supplemented by numerous smaller streams, natural springs, and strategically placed waterholes that attract wildlife.
Unique Features
The region boasts a unique blend of coastal influence and semi-arid interior, creating a diverse habitat mosaic that supports a wide array of species, including the endemic flightless dung beetle.
While Port Elizabeth is the most convenient gateway, we often recommend flying directly into one of the private airstrips if your lodge offers it. It saves considerable driving time and gets you straight into the wilderness. For self-drivers, the roads are generally excellent, making the Eastern Cape remarkably accessible for a malaria-free safari.
Nearest Airports
Port Elizabeth International Airport (PLZ)
70km / 1hr drive
Daily connections from Johannesburg (JNB) and Cape Town (CPT) on South African Airways and other carriers.
East London Airport (ELS)
180km / 2.5hr drive
Regular flights from Johannesburg (JNB) and Cape Town (CPT).
Bush Airstrips
Driving Routes
From Port Elizabeth
Easy drive on well maintained N2 highway directly to the park entrance and many private reserves.
From Cape Town
A longer but scenic drive via the N2. We recommend breaking the journey overnight in the Garden Route area if time permits.
Temperature
21.2°C
70°F
Rainfall
60.7 mm
Moderate rain
Humidity
70.4%
Sunshine
10.8 hrs/day
Data source: Open-Meteo Archive API
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