Nature ReserveEastern Cape Game Reserves
Malaria-free safari experiences in award-winning private game reserves and private concessions
The malaria-free Eastern Cape is an extraordinarily beautiful safari destination. Nature-lovers will be delighted by its unique landscapes of undulating green hills dotted with colourful Xhosa homesteads, sprawling rivers, and wildlife. Several game reserves in the Eastern Cape boast the Big 5 plus other charismatic creatures like giraffes, zebras, warthogs and hyenas. Experience enormous herds of elephants amidst the thicket, wonder at fierce big cats prowling along plains and peer skyward at soaring birds of prey. The wide selection of award-winning reserves in the area offer a unique array of scenery, animals, activities and conservation feats. The best part of visiting these lesser-trodden spots is that there aren't enormous crowds, meaning you could enjoy the sighting of a pride of lions at a waterhole all to yourself!
The malaria-free Eastern Cape is an extraordinarily beautiful safari destination. Nature-lovers will be delighted by ...
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Viatu Top Picks
Suggested Trip Templates
13 nights
The Ultimate Western Cape Road Trip: Cape Town, Garden Route, and Addo National Park
From $1,143 /person
- 15 nights
- •
0.397t CO₂
Garden Route Gallivanting: 16 Days of Budget-friendly Beach & Safari
From $1,019 /person
- 18 nights
The Perfect Garden Route Roadtrip: Wilderness, Winelands and Sensational Wildlife
From $7,893 /person
Best time to go
FAQs
Best time to go to
The Eastern Cape has a Goldilocks climate – not too hot, not too cold – with plenty of sunshine, making it a prime year-round destination. The best time to visit for wildlife viewing is in the dry winter season from May to September as the foliage is sparse and animals flock to water sources. The winter nights can be very cold, so you will need your fleece and beanie. Between October and April, reserves are busier owing to the warm weather. You can also enjoy an abundance of baby animals, spring flowers and migratory birds during this period.
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Featured Stays
Discover the extraordinary
South Africa- •
Addo African Home
An unforgettable green escape at the end of the Garden Route
From $51 /person
- South Africa
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AfriCamps Addo
Experience boutique glamping in AfriCamps Addo, nestled amid adventure and natural beauty
From $64 /person
- South Africa
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Amakhala Safari Lodge
An undisturbed retreat in the heart of the Eastern Cape.
From $519 /person
- South Africa
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Bayethe Safari Lodge
A luxury tented lodge in the Eastern Cape’s malaria-free Shamwari Game Reserve
From $1,020 /person
- South Africa
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Bukela Game Lodge
A stunning, serene lodge situated in the lush Amakhala Game Reserve
From $552 /person
- South Africa
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Dungbeetle River Lodge
A comfortable stay near Addo Elephant National Park boasting expansive river views
From $55 /person
- South Africa
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Eagles Crag
Glass and stone suites with pristine vistas on an exclusive malaria-free safari
From $1,102 /person
- South Africa
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Ecca Lodge
Exclusive African-inspired suites on a private game viewing wilderness lodge.
From $1,032 /person
- South Africa
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Explorer Camp
A nostalgic and immersive safari camp in Shamwari’s Big-5 Private Game Reserve
- South Africa
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Fort House
An exclusive safari escape to the flatlands in Kwandwe Private Game Reserve
From $1,098 /person
- South Africa
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Gorah Elephant Camp
A classic safari experience in luxury tented suites
From $768 /person
- South Africa
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Great Fish River Lodge
A tranquil and timeless lodge on the banks of the Fish River
From $1,257 /person
- South Africa
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Hillsnek Safari Camp
An intimate bush camp in the spectacular Amakhala Game Reserve
From $519 /person
- South Africa
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Hlosi Game Lodge
Tranquil family-friendly safari retreat in the Eastern Cape
From $498 /person
- South Africa
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Inzolo Lodge
A luxury lodge with panoramic views of the stunning Lalibela Game Reserve
From $523 /person
- South Africa
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Kichaka Lodge
An elegant 5-star safari lodge immersed in the Eastern Cape bush
From $500 /person
- South Africa
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Leeuwenbosch Country House
Experience the natural beauty of the Eastern Cape at this classical, luxurious stay
From $314 /person
- South Africa
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Leeuwenbosch Shearers Lodge
Homestyle comfort in the Eastern Cape bush
From $68 /person
- South Africa
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Lentaba Safari Lodge
A traditional African safari-style lodge nestled atop a hillside in the bush
From $500 /person
- South Africa
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Long Lee Manor
An Eastern Cape manor house showcasing the area’s rich heritage amongst pristine nature
From $680 /person
- South Africa
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Marks Camp
A family-friendly, Pan-African styled lodge in Lalibela Game Reserve
From $500 /person
- South Africa
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Melton Manor
A picturesque safari villa with courtyard views of the Afromontane forests
From $1,098 /person
- South Africa
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Mills Manor
Exclusive private villa situated within the malaria-free Lalibela Game Reserve
From $523 /person
- South Africa
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Riverdene Family Lodge
A nature-inspired retreat for family relaxation at Shamwari Game Reserve
From $938 /person
- South Africa
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Sarili Private Lodge
Luxury safari lodge inspired by the beauty of Shamwari Game Reserve’s bush
From $1,194 /person
- South Africa
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Sibuya Bush Lodge
A secluded lodge accessed by boat nestled in the indigenous Eastern Cape bush
From $397 /person
- South Africa
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Sibuya Forest Camp
An exclusive, malaria-free eco-camp in the indigenous thicket of Sibuya Game Reserve
From $359 /person
- South Africa
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Sibuya River Camp
A serene riverside camp built to blend in with its Eastern Cape surroundings
From $359 /person
- South Africa
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Sindile Safari Lodge
A luxury tented camp paying homage to the celebrated leopard of Shamwari
From $1,224 /person
- South Africa
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Tree Tops Safari Lodge
Experience a thriving game reserve from above in luxury treetop tents
From $523 /person
- South Africa
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Uplands Homestead
Quaint safari homestead set in the valley of Kwandwe Private Game Reserve
From $1,046 /person
- South Africa
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Woodall Country House & Spa
Boutique retreat on a citrus farm near National Addo Park
From $172 /person
- South Africa
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Woodbury Lodge
Secluded stone-and-thatch luxury lodge in Amakhala Game Reserve
From $419 /person
- South Africa
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Woodbury Tented Camp
An intimate bush camp in the spectacular Amakhala Game Reserve
From $314 /person
- South Africa
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Zuurberg Mountain Village
Peaceful, tranquil, and truly unique mountain top retreat in the Eastern Cape
From $94 /person
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What our travellers are saying
Because of the easy way we communicated with our Viatu expert, it felt like planning our holidays with a friend. It made it really flexible and perfectly suitable for our needs. The accommodations that he suggested were just wonderful and a perfect mix of everything we needed.
Nicole
Verified Traveller
With super short notice, they organised a trip that was just perfect. Loved everything about it! Will definitely recommend Viatu to all my friends!
Margherita
Verified Traveller
What can I say? We've had an absolute blast traveling through Namibia. Soooo many good new memories! We booked our trip a bit last minute but had amazing support from Viatu to get all the information in time.
Anna
Verified Traveller
Our Viatu experience was just amazing, starting with the first discussions and the planning of our trip to Namibia. The Viatu team did a great job planning the trip according to our wishes and preferences.
Stefano
Verified Traveller
We had the most wonderful experience with Viatu and the trip of a lifetime. My sister and I travelled for 3,5 weeks through Namibia and South Africa, and everything was perfectly planned and just amazing.
Valerie
Verified Traveller
Our South Africa vacation managed by Viatu based on our request turned out perfect. All logistics and transfers worked seamlessly with local professional personnel.
Svein
Verified Traveller
I spent one of my most exciting and beautiful holidays with Viatu in Namibia. From unforgettable game drives, lodges with stunning locations, delicious food and an adventurous cycling trip through the desert, we got the full package.
Manuel
Verified Traveller
We booked our 3.5-week honeymoon with Viatu, and it was simply wonderful! We had the most amazing time in South Africa and will book holidays with Viatu again!
Linda
Verified Traveller
We had an incredible journey with Viatu and many unforgettable memories in South Africa. The journey was tailor-made to our wishes and the communication with Alex really easy, friendly and helpful. All the information was accessible online at any time, nicely presented and structured in an overview.
Michèle
Verified Traveller
I had a once in a lifetime trip with Viatu. It was extremely exciting, adventurous and diverse! As my first trip, I found it to be very enjoyable. Everything was totally planned out from A to Z.
Irina
Verified TravellerBecause of the easy way we communicated with our Viatu expert, it felt like planning our holidays with a friend. It made it really flexible and perfectly suitable for our needs. The accommodations that he suggested were just wonderful and a perfect mix of everything we needed.
Nicole
Verified TravellerWith super short notice, they organised a trip that was just perfect. Loved everything about it! Will definitely recommend Viatu to all my friends!
Margherita
Verified TravellerWhat can I say? We've had an absolute blast traveling through Namibia. Soooo many good new memories! We booked our trip a bit last minute but had amazing support from Viatu to get all the information in time.
Anna
Verified TravellerOur Viatu experience was just amazing, starting with the first discussions and the planning of our trip to Namibia. The Viatu team did a great job planning the trip according to our wishes and preferences.
Stefano
Verified TravellerWe had the most wonderful experience with Viatu and the trip of a lifetime. My sister and I travelled for 3,5 weeks through Namibia and South Africa, and everything was perfectly planned and just amazing.
Valerie
Verified TravellerOur South Africa vacation managed by Viatu based on our request turned out perfect. All logistics and transfers worked seamlessly with local professional personnel.
Svein
Verified TravellerI spent one of my most exciting and beautiful holidays with Viatu in Namibia. From unforgettable game drives, lodges with stunning locations, delicious food and an adventurous cycling trip through the desert, we got the full package.
Manuel
Verified TravellerWe booked our 3.5-week honeymoon with Viatu, and it was simply wonderful! We had the most amazing time in South Africa and will book holidays with Viatu again!
Linda
Verified TravellerWe had an incredible journey with Viatu and many unforgettable memories in South Africa. The journey was tailor-made to our wishes and the communication with Alex really easy, friendly and helpful. All the information was accessible online at any time, nicely presented and structured in an overview.
Michèle
Verified TravellerI had a once in a lifetime trip with Viatu. It was extremely exciting, adventurous and diverse! As my first trip, I found it to be very enjoyable. Everything was totally planned out from A to Z.
Irina
Verified Traveller