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South Africa ~ Eastern Cape Wildlife Reserves

The Eastern Cape is malaria-free and the reserves are conveniently located around 1hr’s drive from Port Elizabeth and combine very well with a journey along the Garden route to- or from Cape Town.

Addo Elephant National Park

Addo Elephant National Park is one of the largest game reserves in South Africa and the only one with a coastline – as such they like to call it a ‘Big Seven‘ reserve including great white sharks and whales! Its size allows the incorporation of five biomes of great diversity, including Nama karoo, Albany thicket, inter-zonal forest, fynbos and the Indian Ocean coast bordered by dunes and grassy plains. Spekboom succulents put on a beautiful display of pink flowers in October/November.

The present c.450 elephants in the reserve originate from 11 which had managed to survive the attention of hunters and farmers when the park was established in 1931. Two prides of lions were reintroduced in 2003 and buffalo, black rhino, meerkat (suricate), Burchell's zebra, eland, red hartebeest, bat-eared fox, black-backed jackal, ostrich, secretary bird and blue crane may also be seen. The largest concentration of the unique flightless dung beetle is in this park. Giant golden-orb-web spiders, many species of tortoise, southern dwarf chameleons, Tasman's girdled lizard, yellow and small grey mongoose, bush-buck and grey duikers may also be spotted. The waterhole near the main reception, illuminated at night, is a good site for bird watching in addition to viewing larger animals and their nocturnal visits.

Guided game drives in open vehicles are available, as are horse riding and elephant-back safaris.

PRIVATE GAME RESERVES:

For an exceptional experience (at a price) the private game reserves east of Addo excel with guided open vehicle safaris, luxurious accommodation and good food. All are malaria free.

Shamwari Private Game Reserve

The 25,000 hectare conservation award-winning Shamwari Private Game Reserve is well-renowned as a luxury safari destination. Stretching along the Bushman’s River it boasts a variety of landscapes with five different eco-systems, supporting excellent wildlife diversity and viewing, including the ‘Big Five’, a multitude of bird species and several antelope species. The Born Free Foundation has two sanctuaries on the reserve which providing care for rescued big cats and can be visited by lodge guests.

All seven lodges on the reserve are 5-star (Long Lee Manor, Eagles Crag, Bayethe, Riverdene, Bushman's River Lodge, Sarili and Lobengula), offering exceptional service and comfort as well as highly trained game rangers and safaris by open vehicle and on foot.

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve

An &Beyond and Relais & Chateaux private reserve, Kwandwe is 20,000 hectares of undulating valley bushveld with aloe and giant euphorbias bordering the banks of the Grand Fish River. Much of this private reserve is restored farmland where over 7,000 animals were released before its opening in 2001, including the ‘Big Five’. There is also a research project into the African wild dog. ‘Kwandwe’ means ‘Place of the Blue Crane in Xhosa and is home to this highly endangered national bird as well as the threatened Knysna woodpecker, Cape grysbok, black wildebeest, crowned eagle and black-footed cat. Luxury lodged offer twice-daily game drives and guided river walking and hiking.

Kariega Private Game Reserve

Kariega is a family-run private reserve of 7,000 hectares. It has the unusual characteristic of being divided into two sections by road. Potentially dangerous game is confined to the west of the park whereas in the east, where accommodation is based, it is possible to walk or even mountain bike to view the game. This includes zebra, giraffe, many species of antelope, wildebeest, vervet monkeys and numerous bird species. The ‘Big 5’ plus hippo, hyena and various buck species on the western section of the reserve may only be spotted on established game drives. River cruses on the Kariega river are also available. As there are no crocodiles it is possible to swim in the river as an alternative to Kariega’s main pool. The beautiful sandy beaches of Kenton-on-sea on the Sunshine Coast are only a 15-minute drive away. There are four types of lodge at Kariega: Ukhozi Lodge with 10 suites each with private plunge pool and viewing deck; Kariega Main Lodge ideal for families with 21 log chalets; The Homestead which is privately let to groups or families up to 10 people with dedicated game ranger and chef; and the 5-star River Lodge on the banks of the Bushman’s River providing activities such as canoeing and fishing in addition to game watching.