The area around Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) in the Eastern Cape is malaria-free and in this area there are many great private reserves that offer safari experiences at a very high standard. A safari in the Eastern Cape is perfect to combine with a round trip in Western Cape and the popular Garden Route.

Upplev Sydafrika recommends a safari in one of the private game reserves and accommodation at a nice private lodge, where usually the price is all inclusive, which includes all food (3 meals a day) and 2 guided game drives per day. In private reserves, skilled guides and trackers are often allowed to drive off road to get close to the animals. Some lodges offer bush walks with specially trained guides and where you focus on smaller animals and get to learn more about plants and nature. There are lodges in different price ranges that offer geat safari experiences.

LODGES WE HAVE VISITED – READ MORE

Kariega Main Lodge

Kariega Ukhuzi Lodge

Kariega River Lodge

Kariega Homestead

Kariega Settlers Drift

Pumba Water Lodge

Pumba Busch Lodge

Kwandwe Ecca Lodge

Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge

Kwandwe Uplands Homstead

Kwandwe Melton Manor

Kwandwe Forth House

Shamwari Sindile Lodge

Shamwari Eagles Crag

Shamwari Bayethe Luxury Tented Lodge

Shamwari Long Lee Manor

Shamwari Riverdene Family Lodge

Shamwari Lobengula Private Lodge

Shamwari Sarili Private Lodge

Shamwari Explorer Camp

Extra ordinary Safari Lodges of different character

Kariega Main Lodge & Homestead

Kariega Game Reserve is a family-owned and operated private game reserve in South Africa stretching across 10,000 hectares of pristine wilderness in the Eastern Cape. The Reserve is situated along the famous Garden Route, making it the perfect Big 5 South African safari destination to compliment a Cape Town visit and a trip along the country’s beautiful coast. This malaria-free South African game park is home to some of the richest biodiversity in Southern Africa, as well as two abundant rivers – the picturesque Kariega and Bushman’s Rivers. Kariega Game Reserve consist of 5 lodges where the Main Lodge, Ukhuzi Lodge, River Lodge och Homestead are 4-star. The Settlers Drift is a 5-star lodge.

Accommodation: At the pleasant family lodge Main Lodge you stay comfortably in a timbered chalet with glorious views of the Kariega river and beautiful scenery from the private veranda. There are a total of 24 chalets with 1,2 and 3 bedrooms. The accommodation and the lodge have the facilities you want such as air conditioning in the bedrooms, gym, kids club, restaurant, pool and spa etc. The private The Homestead is ideal for families and small groups and can accommodate up to 14 people. Children of all ages are welcome.

Price indication: Main Lodge cost from R7300 per person sharing/night. The Homestead cost from R64,000/night (10 persons). Prices are for high season and other prices may apply during peak season. Prices are all inclusive excluded beverages at Main Lodge.

Kariega Ukhozi Lodge & River Lodge

Kariega Game Reserve is a family-owned and operated private game reserve in South Africa stretching across 10,000 hectares of pristine wilderness in the Eastern Cape. The Reserve is situated along the famous Garden Route, making it the perfect Big 5 South African safari destination to compliment a Cape Town visit and a trip along the country’s beautiful coast. This malaria-free South African game park is home to some of the richest biodiversity in Southern Africa, as well as two abundant rivers – the picturesque Kariega and Bushman’s Rivers. Kariega Game Reserve consist of 5 lodges where the Main Lodge, Ukhozi Lodge, River Lodge och Homestead are 4-star. The Settlers Drift is a 5-star lodge. The elegant Ukhozi Lodge is uniquely sculpted in stone, wood and glass and forms idyllic spaces with spectacular views. Winding footpaths connect the luxurious suites, all of which offer complete privacy with their own breathtaking views and private pools. River Lodge is nestled on the banks of the Bushmans River with mighty beautiful river views. In addition to jeep safaris, they offer boat trips, fishing and kayaking.

Accommodation: Ukhozi Lodge consists of 10 luxury suites with private pool and veranda with panoramic views of the valley. Each suite has a spacious bathroom. River Lodge also consists of 10 tastefully decorated spacious luxury suites where guests can relax and watch animals from their private verandas. Children over the age of 10 are welcome at both lodges.

Price indication: Ukhozi Lodge and River Lodge cost R9200 per person sharing/night all inclusive. Prices are for high season and other prices may apply during peak season.

Kariega Settlers Drift

Kariega Game Reserve is a family-owned and operated private game reserve in South Africa stretching across 10,000 hectares of pristine wilderness in the Eastern Cape. The Reserve is situated along the famous Garden Route, making it the perfect Big 5 South African safari destination to compliment a Cape Town visit and a trip along the country’s beautiful coast. This malaria-free South African game park is home to some of the richest biodiversity in Southern Africa, as well as two abundant rivers – the picturesque Kariega and Bushman’s Rivers. Kariega Game Reserve consist of 5 lodges where the Main Lodge, Ukhuzi Lodge, River Lodge och Homestead are 4-star. The Settlers Drift is a 5-star lodge. Set in a remote and unspoilt part of the Kariega Reserve, Settlers Drift offers a unique tent safari combined with 5-star luxury. The luxuriously furnished and perfectly located lodge provides the ultimate guest experience.

Accommodation: Settlers Drift consists of 9 spacious luxury tents (110 m²), all with fantastic views and secluded verandas. All luxury tents have a sumptuous bedroom and living room, bathroom, indoor / outdoor shower, minibar. Children over the age of 10 are welcome at Settlers Drift.

Price indication: R14,600 per person sharing/night all inclusive. Prices are for high season and other prices may apply during peak season.  

KARIEGA GAME RESERVE GUEST REVIEW

“…the safari at Kariega – the highlight and we came soooo close to the animals, scary and exciting. It was a good option for us, to stay at the river was super, we had the animals outside the window. The skilled guide were lucky to show us lots of animals mornings and evenings”

– LENA ERIKSSON

Sibuya River Camp, Forest Camp & Bush Lodge

Sibuya is an Eco destination which is positioned on the Sunshine Coast of the Eastern Cape, approximately 130 km from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) or East London. The adventure starts with a gentle meandering 11 km boat transfer from the River mouth and Kenton’s idyllic Blue Flag beaches, up the stunning Kariega River Estuary to the Reserve, setting the tone for the unique experience to follow – from the Ocean to the Bush. Guests are either based at one of the two solar-powered, secluded luxury tented Camps tucked away in the forest on the banks of the Kariega River or at stunning Bush Lodge situated just outside the main Reserve in a pristine, densely forested valley. The ancient floodplains and pristine coastal forest host an abundance of wildlife: nearly 400 bird species and 45 species of wildlife including the Big 5. The lush vegetation ensures a high density of animals and one of the best game-viewing experiences in the country is guaranteed.

Accommodation: River Camp, with only 4 tents is the family camp, all children welcome. Forest Camp with 8 tents and Bush Lodge with 4 tents, adults only at the two, children 12 years and older welcome.

Price indication: River and Forest Camp cost R5893 per person sharing/night. Bush Lodge cost R6529 per peson sharing/night, during high season, full board. Other prices may apply during low and peak season.

SIBUYA GAME RESERVE GUEST REVIEW

“Sibuya Game Reserve was outstanding, very good accommodation, fantastic guide, safari with great comfort, lunch, G&T, bush-breakfast, dinners everything was good..”

– MARGARETA & MATS

Lalibela Mark’s Camp

Lalibela Game Reserve and Safari Lodge consists of 7,500 hectares (approximately 18,500 acres) and is home to the Big 5. Only an hour away from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and Addo. All of the animals, including the predators, are free-roaming throughout the entire game reserve. Lalibela Game Reserve consist of 6 lodges / camps of diffrent character; Marks Camp, the family camp, Lentaba Safari Lodge, the tented Tree Tops Safari camp, Luxury Kichaka Lodge and the exclusive-use Villa, Mills Manor Villa. The family-friendly Mark’s Camp can accommodates 18 adults and 8 children. With a large water hole in front of the lodge, it is common for guests to see antelope, giraffe, elephant and predators by the water hole! Mark’s Camp has a “boma” for outdoor dinners by the fire and brunch outdoors, as well as a graceful indoor dining area. There are two pools.

Accommodation: Marks Camp consist of 8 stone and thatch chalets, decorated in a relaxed Pan-African style. The camp consist of three different room types, standard cabin, family cabin and family suites. Each comfortably furnished cottage and suite has a private bathroom, air conditioning and ceiling fans for those warm summer nights. All cottages open onto a private porch. Children of all ages are welcome at Mark’s Camp.

Price indication: R8800 per person sharing/night all inclusive duirng high season. Other prices may apply during low and peak season.

Lalibela Kichaka Lodge

Lalibela Game Reserve and Safari Lodge consists of 7,500 hectares (approximately 18,500 acres) and is home to the Big 5. Only an hour away from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and Addo. All of the animals, including the predators, are free-roaming throughout the entire game reserve. Lalibela Game Reserve consist of 6 lodges / camps of diffrent character; Marks Camp, the family camp, Lentaba Safari Lodge, the tented Tree Tops Safari camp, Luxury Kichaka Lodge and the exclusive-use Villa, Mills Manor Villa. The main building of the 5-star Kichaka Lodge is built in natural stone and straw and blends in with the surrounding landscape. The lodge was renovated in 2020 and the interior of the “new” Kichaka is modern in combination colonial style which provides a pleasant atmosphere. There is a beautiful pool at the main building. The architect-designed spa, (above the waterhole), has floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows. Kichaka Lodge also has a well-equipped gym.

Boende: Kichaka Lodge consists of 10 suites that are decorated in the same luxurious style as the main building. Each suite has a private deck with heated private pool and an outdoor shower. The suites are perfectly placed to maximize the bush feel. Children over the age of 14 are welcome at Kichaka Lodge.

Prise indication: R12 500 per person sharing/night all inclusive in high season. Other prices may apply during low and peak season.

Pumba Water Lodge & Msenge Bush Lodge

Pumba is nestled in the heart of Eastern Cape and cover about 7,000 hectares of land. Besides the Africa’s big 5, it s also home to a pride of rare white lion and over 300 species of birds. Pumba Game Reserve consist of two lodges, Msenge Bush Lodge, with a private spa and gym. Pumba Water Lodge with its uniquely position is set amonst dens busveld overlooking Lake Cariega, where the animals come to drink.

Accommodation: Msenge Bush Lodge offers 11 luxury, glass enclosed, thatched chalets. All with dreamy bathrooms with magnificent views, luxury bedrooms opening onto private timer decks complete with plunge pools and outdoor showers. Pumba Water Lodge offers 12 luxury stone walled thatched, waterfront chalets, all with unique view of the lake. The chalets open up into private timber decks with outdoor showers and plunge pools. Children 6 above are welcome.

Price indication: Both lodges cost R9110 per person sharing/night during high season. Other prices may apply during low and peak season. Prices are all inclusive.

Kwandwe Ecca Lodge and Great Fish River Lodge

Kwandwe a world-class Big 5 safari destination that covers 22,000 hectares and offer a range of accommodation options, each with its own distinctive charm and character: Great Fish River Lodge, Ecca Lodge, Uplands Homestead and Melton Manor.

Accommodation: The intimate, relaxed, stylish and trendy Ecca Lodge with its 6 individually decorated suites, all with private veranda with great view and private plunge pool. Children all ages welcome. Great Fish River Lodge is set along the lush green banks of the river after which it is named. All 9 luxury suites lead onto private balconies with plunge pools and uninterrupted views of the horizon beyond.

Price indication: Ecca and Great Fish River cost from R20,440 per person/night all inclusive during high season. Other prices may apply during low and peak season.

Kwandwe Fort House & Melton Manor & Uplands Homestead

Kwandwe a world-class Big 5 safari destination that covers 22 000 hectares and offer a range of accommodation options, each with its own distinctive charm and character: Great Fish River Lodge, Ecca Lodge, Uplands Homestead, Melton Manor and Fort House.

Accommodation: Uplands Homestead set in a remote and tranquil valley and an intimate colonial-style safari home, ideal for families or parties of up to 6. Melton Manor at Kwandwe is a contemporary frontier farmhouse with a modern touch is perfect for family holidays or parties of friends up to 8. Fort House private villa with 4 suites accommodates 8 people.

Price indication: R102,200 for the Upland Homestead per night (for1- 6 guests). Melton Manor cost from R107,310 per night (1-6 guests) and Fort House cost R143,080 per night during high season (1-8 guests). Other prices may apply during low and peak season.