Amakhala Game Reserve

Many generations ago five families settled in the Eastern Cape to farm sheep and cattle on the wild and often hostile frontier of the Zuurveld.  Now the land has been turned to Game, with the aim of re-creating a special wildlife experience and conserving natural heritage.  The Reserve has the added attraction of the Bushmans River , for boat cruises and canoeing.

Addo Elephant National Park

Established in 1931, when only 11 elephants remained in the area, the Park is now home to the densest elephant population in the world. Lion has also been recently introduced, living alongside Cape Buffalo and Black Rhino as well as, on a smaller scale, the unique flightless dung beetle.

Plans are underway to expand the Park down to the coast, to include a marine zone for sighting species such as the southern right whale and great white shark, making this the first 'Big 7' destination.

You can 'self-drive' around the park, although we would recommend including a guided tour in an open vehicle, to enable you to see and learn more.

River Bend Lodge is located within a private area of the Park or if you are on a budget, basic chalet accommodation is also provided by the Parks Board.  You can also opt to stay at a Guest House nearby such as Elephant House.

Blaauwbosch Private Game Reserve

Discover a wide variety of game including lion, buffalo, elephant, leopard, rhino, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, antelope, abundant birdlife and rare flora on game drives with professional rangers.  The stunning setting in the heart of the Karoo ensures sunsets of burned orange and deep purple. The latest exciting project is the introduction of  a ‘walk and stalk’ safari which involves the shadowing of the fastest of all land hunters, the cheetah, as it stalks its prey.

Bushman Sands

Situated on nearly 4000 hectares of former farmland, Bushman Sands Game Reserve offers sightings of a large variety of animal species. Working with the conservation team of the award-winning Shamwari Game Reserve, indigenous animals that once roamed freely over 200 years ago have been reintroduced to their natural habitat. The Africa of a bygone era is further recaptured by the Bushman paintings some of which are accessible in the reserve and can be viewed on request.  Another unique feature is the massive 200ha New Years Dam in the heart of the reserve.

Kariega Private Game Reserve

At around 5,000 hectares in size, Kariega is a smaller reserve than Shamwari and Kwandwe. However, it is a very family-friendly alternative, providing accommodation in two or three bedroomed chalets and a host of activities such as canoeing on the Kariega River, all at an affordable price.

The Reserve in fact incorporates two separate areas, one of which does not include dangerous animals, so that walking safaris with children amongst giraffe and other wildlife can be enjoyed. The other section recently became home to Lion and Elephant, which can be viewed on a game drive.

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve

Kwandwe, meaning 'Place of the Blue Crane'(south Africa's highly endangered national bird) is operated by Conservation Corporation Africa, the continent's leading ecotourism company.

This diverse and fascinating 20,000 hectare reserve in the Great Fish River region, was a hotly contested border during the Frontier wars (1779-1878) and the reception building is a fortified homestead from this period.

Lalibela Game Reserve

This Big Five Private Game Reserve spans 5 ecosystems resulting in a breath-taking diversity of flora and fauna. The Reserve is home to three Lodges including Mark's Camp which offers excellent accommodation and activities for families with educational drives and the opportunity to enjoy making African arts and crafts.

Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Since 1992, Shamwari has pioneered the return of the legendary 'Big 5' to this region after over a century of farming had destroyed the game and degraded the land. Now also home to the Born Free Foundation, the Reserve has received numerous awards including the world' s Leading Conservation Company and Game Reserve for five consecutive years.

Shamwari has now grown to 20,000 hectares in size, incorporating the Bushmans River and 5 eco-systems enabling the support of many forms of plant, animal and bird life.

Accommodation

We would recommend carefully considering your children's ages and their needs when choosing the most appropriate option for your family.

For further details, please see our Eastern Cape Safari accommodation selection page.

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