Southern Africa Travel - World leaders in tailor-made African travel.
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Visit the Eastern Cape region of South Africa to experience towering mountain ranges, an abundance of forests, rocky coves, sandy beaches, rolling hills and the some of the best game viewing opportunities available in Africa. Stay in luxury Eastern Cape accommodation wherever you choose to base yourself and explore the myriad attractions of the region.
Start your Eastern Cape journey in the Tsitsikamma, a treasure trove of attractions; this indigenous forest is part of a huge conservation area boasting an incredibly diverse ecosystem. Walk the forest, climb the mountain or follow the water – in spectacular gorges and crystal clear rock pools as it makes its way through kloofs and waterfalls to the river mouth and the sea.
Enjoy a malaria-free African safari in the Eastern Cape, home to some of the country’s leading luxury game reserves. The Big Five are on show here in game reserves such as Shamwari, Addo and Kwandwe; you will see elephant, lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo as well as a host of other mammals and predators. Luxury accommodation is available on the game reserves and safaris include game drives, unique bush experiences and fabulous cuisines and wines.
Head to the country’s fifth largest city and capital of the Eastern Cape, Port Elizabeth if you need some city life after time spent in the bush on safari. Geared up for visitors, Port Elizabeth’s attractions include safe swimming beaches and warm water! The Snake Park, Aquarium and delightful performing wildlife at the Oceanarium are guaranteed to be a hit with both adults and children. Stroll along the beachfront at the end of the day before heading out to dinner at one of the city’s fine dining establishments.
Get into the warm Indian Ocean waters to swim, surf, yacht or ski and the beautiful white sand beaches are the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate. The coastal waters are also teeming with life from the abundance of fish to dolphins and even the occasional whale is spotted.
Make a pilgrimage to the Valley of Desolation, set just outside of Graaf-Reinet in the Great Karoo. Here vertical cliffs teeter 120m above the valley floor in a simply awe-inspiring sight. The vast open spaces of the Great Karoo, clear night skies and hospitality on offer in the small towns and villages will leave you wanting to stay longer.
If you travel a few hours up the coast from Port Elizabeth you will reach the laidback city of East London, the only river port in South Africa. Long, white sandy beaches that are a surfer’s paradise appeal to all who love being on the water. It also boasts a natural history museum that is home to the only dodo egg in existence!
Stretching from the lush Tsitsikamma Forests, inland to the Great Karoo, the Bavianskloof Wilderness Area and the southern slopes of the Drakensberg, the Eastern Cape offers you seaside escapes, Big Five encounters on malaria-free game reserves, the chance to discover the history of the frontier and sophisticated city entertainment. Contact Southern Africa Travel today.
Malaria-free Game Reserves
Choose a luxury safari experience when visiting the game reserves of the Eastern Cape. Home to the Big Five - elephant, lion, rhino, buffalo and leopard – these luxury game reserves offer game drives and unique bush experiences.
Addo Elephant National Park
Visit one of our national treasures, the Addo Elephant National Park to view one of the densest African elephant populations on earth. You can view these magnificent creatures, more than 450 of them, as they roam peacefully in the bush. The Park is also home to other Big Five members as well as the unique flightless dung beetle!
Be entertained at the Grahamstown Arts Festival
This annual arts festival has been running since 1974 and is simply superb entertainment. Performers from all around the country gather to put on plays, exhibit their art and dance and sing their way into your heart. Craft markets abound and thousands of people gather in the small town of Grahamstown to celebrate the phenomenal artistic talent of South Africa.
Visit the Hole in the Wall at Coffee Bay
A bizarre sight, this huge detached cliff in Coffee Bay on the east coast has a giant opening in its centre. Caused by wave erosion over the years, this hole has given rise to many local myths and legends as to its origins. Locals call it the ‘place of thunder’ because during high tide and storms the clap of the waves can be heard for miles around.
Experience the Owl House
If you find yourself in the tiny hamlet of Nieu-Bethesda, make sure to pop into the famous Owl House. The original artist Helen Martins, inspired by the bible, the poetry of Omar Khayyam and the works of William Blake went to town here creating hundreds of sculptures, murals and relief figures of scenes from these books as well as her own fantastical imaginary beings.
12 Nights | 13 Days
Begin this romantic African journey in the beautiful paradise that is the Seychelles before heading to South Africa's cosmopolitan city Cape Town. Continue this journey to the malaria free Eastern Cape for the first of your luxury safari experiences before heading to the famous Sabi Sand Reserve, known as the "Land of the Leopard". Adventure, excitement, relaxation and romance, this journey has it all!
6 Nights | 7 Days
Treat your family to this unique South African vacation. Spend fun-filled days in beautiful Cape Town before embarking on an once-in-a-lifetime safari adventure to the Malaria-free Eastern Cape. Enjoy discovering the wonders of the African bush with the whole family.
7 Nights | 8 Days
Soak up the atmosphere of cosmopolitan Cape Town before a leisurely meandering up the Garden Route, and ending off with a malaria free safari in the Eastern Cape.
9 Nights | 10 Days
On this ten-day adventure you will experience vibrant Cape Town, the vast open spaces of the Klein Karoo, the rugged beauty of the Garden Route and an unforgettable Big Five safari in the Malaria-free Eastern Cape.
8 Nights | 9 Days
A scenic journey starting in the Mother City, Cape Town, travelling along the coastline on the famous Garden Route to Knysna before heading to the malaria free Eastern Cape for a Big Five safari adventure.
6 Nights | 7 Days
Challenge yourself with a round or two on the unique St Francis Links Course before discovering Africa’s wildlife on a Malaria-free safari. On this tour we combine the delightful village of St Francis Bay on South Africa’s Sunshine Coast with the premier Shamwari Game Reserve.
10 Nights | 11 Days
The Western Cape is a golfer’s paradise offering breathtaking views, lush fairways and immaculate greens that will both delight and challenge you. Pair this with a Big Five safari on the renowned Shamwari Game Reserve and your African golfing holiday will leave you with unforgettable memories.
7 Nights | 8 Days
Soak up the beauty of cosmopolitan Cape Town whilst enjoying all this breath-taking city has to offer. Whether indulging at the shoppers Mecca of the V&A Waterfront, dining at one of the outstanding local restaurants or pursuing more leisurely activities around the peninsula, possibly penguin viewing, walks through Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens or a cable car trip up Table Mountain, Cape Town will delight.
Leave Cape Town and head up the South-eastern Coast to revel in the splendour of the Garden Route before making your way to the Malaria-free region of the Eastern Cape of South Africa for a family safari experience.
Price On Request
Head to Kariega Homestead if your group of family or friends is looking for an exclusive, luxury African safari experience. Combine Big Five game viewing with beach and river activities at this malaria-free safari destination.
From $305 USD Per Person Sharing
Kariega Main Lodge, set on the beautiful Kariega Game Reserve in South Africa’s Eastern Cape region, allows you to combine Big Five game viewing with a beach holiday! Enjoy malaria-free safaris while indulging in great food, views and a superlative setting.
From $385 USD Per Person Sharing
Combine your Big Five adventure with a beach holiday at Kariega River Lodge, set in the beautiful Eastern Cape Region of South Africa. Luxury lodge accommodation, lots to see and do and superlative service is on offer.
From $362 USD Per Person Sharing
Spend your days on game drives or on the nearby beach when staying at Kariega Ukhozi Lodge in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Region. Offering great value, this comfortable lodge offers you the best of both worlds!
From $380 USD Per Person Sharing
Lalibela Mark’s Camp is the ideal family safari getaway. This Big Five Malaria-free reserve is situated on 7,500 hectares (18,500 acres) and is home to five different habitats and a wide variety of game species.
From $518 USD Per Person Sharing
Surely one of the most beautiful places on earth, the luxury sanctuary of Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve allows you to experience the magic of the beach, bush and Africa’s game all in one destination. Gourmet dining, an in-house spa and superlative service are the cherry on top at this luxury destination.
From $515 USD Per Person Sharing
Head to the luxury Pumba Private Game Reserve for a five star African bush safari experience. This not only includes the chance to see the Big Five in action but also birdwatching safaris, bass fishing, archery, stargazing, spa treatments and more. Play golf, go horseback riding, skydiving or scuba diving while staying at this luxury lodge.
From $134 USD Per Person Sharing
If you love the idea of ultimate comfort in a modern setting, the 18-storey Radisson Blu in Port Elizabeth delivers in style. You are only 300m away from pristine, white sand beaches and the rooms look out onto the glittering Indian Ocean.
From $ 468 USD Per Person Sharing
Enjoy the classic colonial comforts combined with superlative game viewing and warm and welcoming atmosphere on offer at the Garden Route’s Samara Private Game Reserve. Luxury rooms, stunning natural landscapes, outstanding cuisine and excellent amenities await you at this luxury Karoo lodge.
From $575 USD Per Person Sharing
Step into a superlative African bush experience at the prestigious Shamwari Batheye Lodge with its luxurious tents set alongside the river. Guided nature walks, exhilarating game drives and birdwatching are the order of the day here whether out in the bush or from the privacy of your own viewing deck and pool.
From $481 USD Per Person Sharing
Head back in time to days of more gracious living in the restored Victorian homestead of the luxury Shamwari Bushmans River Lodge. Intimate and tastefully decorated accommodation awaits you at this beautiful destination as well as plunge pool, great food and wines and an unsurpassed African wilderness experience.
From $615 USD Per Person Sharing
Discerning guests will appreciate the avant-garde luxury Shamwari Eagles Crag Lodge with its nine sumptuous suites offering privacy and every comfort you could desire. Head into the bush on game drives and to spot the eagles the area is famous for and when back at the lodge, relax on your private deck with pool.
From $615 USD Per Person Sharing
This exclusive lodge is set deep in the African bush and will accommodate only ten guests at a time; truly a tranquil luxury getaway, Shamwari Lobengula is perfect for those looking for elegant accommodation, gourmet cuisine and an excellent game viewing experience. Make use of the swimming pool, on-site spa and gym.
From $507 USD Per Person Sharing
A distinctive safari experience, Shamwari Long Lee Manor epitomises gracious living in a restored Edwardian Manor. Enjoy game drives, superb cuisine – enjoyed in and outdoors, relaxing spa treatments and more when staying at this luxury lodge. Peaceful and welcoming, Shamwari Long Lee Manor is a gem.
From $481 USD Per Person Sharing
The personal attention on offer, beautiful landscapes and riveting game experiences available at Shamwari Riverdene Lodge make this the perfect choice for those looking for a stylish and elegant bush experience accompanied by great food and choice of activities.
From $507 USD Per Person Sharing
Stay in a luxury family-friendly villa overlooking the Bushman’s River at the exclusive Shamwari Sarili Lodge in the Shamwari Game Reserve of South Africa’s Eastern Cape region.
From $170 USD Per Person Sharing
Indulge in a stay at a lavishly luxury boutique hotel when choosing Shamwari Townhouse in Port Elizabeth. Set only 100m away from the white sand beach, this exclusive hotel offers elegant and comfortable accommodation. The private cinema on site, fantastic collection of champagnes enjoyed with gourmet meals and Cuban cigars round off the luxury experience.
From $125 USD Per Person Sharing
If you are looking for a luxury stay, golfing vacation or some serious beach time, St Francis Golf Lodge in St Francis in the Eastern Cape region of South Africa is your best choice of accommodation venue.
Price On Request
Set high amidst majestic mountains in an untouched natural landscape, the luxury Tenahead is a fabulous retreat. Beautifully furnished with spacious luxury rooms and living areas, Tenahead offers you a complete country package from the accommodation, fabulous foods and fine wines to a landscape just waiting to be explored.
Special mention should be made for the excellent organisation and attention to detail— Alan Banbery, Switzerland
Your local knowledge within South Africa was key—
What an amazing trip, and I want to thank you for the places and people you lined us up with— Josh
