Luxury Safaris in the Eastern Cape made for you
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Big Five safaris and sun-soaked beaches
The second-largest province in South Africa, Eastern Cape boasts 800 kilometres (500 miles) of picturesque coastline. And with its easily accessible and malaria-free reserves teeming with wildlife, it’s a fantastic safari destination for families.
In private reserves like Kwandwe and Shamwari, you can head out on game drives to spot lions, elephants, cheetahs, giraffes and other animals. The region is also home to over 300 species of birds, including massive martial eagles and vibrant lilac-breasted rollers. And between June and December, take to the water to search for whales, seals and dolphins.
The Eastern Cape’s sprawling coastline is dotted with scenic beaches. Unwind on the secluded sands of the Wild Coast, learn to catch a wave at one of the region’s world-class surfing spots, or go on a scuba diving trip to explore historic shipwrecks. Back on land, you’ll find an extensive network of scenic hiking trails that lead past scrubland, tumbling waterfalls, dramatic rock formations and dense forests.
Experiences picked by our Eastern Cape safari specialists
See the Big Five
Head out on game drives to spot lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffalo, as well as other wildlife like cheetahs, giraffes and zebras.
Explore the coast
Ride the waves at world-famous surf spots, unwind on secluded beaches, snorkel over coral reefs or dive among historic shipwrecks.
Visit the Valley of Desolation
Marvel at the towering spires and sheer cliff faces of this ancient geological monument in the Camdeboo National Park.
Hike stunning trails
Trek through lush forests, rolling hills and open grasslands along routes that take you past rugged shorelines and cascading waterfalls.
A word from one of our experts
Why do I love South Africa so much? Apart from the fact that I called it home for a number of years, I think it’s also the friendliest, most beautiful and diverse country in Africa. Where else can you enjoy international food and wine pairing one day, and a safari in Big Five territory the next?
Senior Travel Designer
Luxury Eastern Cape safari lodges
There are many incredible places to stay in the Eastern Cape. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our safari experts:
Why book with Jacada?
Safari expertise
Our experts bring decades of first-hand expertise. They’ve lived and travelled across Africa and are regularly on the ground reviewing the most exclusive camps and experiences. You’ll also have the support of a personal concierge, based in region.
Unforgettable guides
We handpick the most knowledgeable guides, who bring each destination to life with care and passion. They’re chosen for their ability to provide unrivalled insight into the region’s wildlife and landscapes as well as a genuine, memorable experience.
Positive impact
By travelling with us, you directly support a range of initiatives spanning wildlife conservation to community engagement. Our luxury trips are designed to prioritise experiences that are positive for you and the places you visit.
Trip inspiration
Get inspired with our South Africa example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure
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Epic Landscapes and Wildlife Experiences of South Africa
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Where else to go in South Africa
Cape Town
Vibrant and beautiful, Cape Town is an essential stop on any South Africa trip. Table Mountain dominates the skyline and offers exciting outdoor pursuits while the streets below are full of history, culture and buzzing bars and restaurants.
Drakensberg Mountains
The Drakensberg mountains are an epic and exciting place to visit. Huge tabletops, massive ranges, ancient san rock-art sites and crashing waterfalls can be explored on hikes, exhilarating zip lines and expedition horse rides.
Durban
A subtropical climate, beautiful beaches and laid back atmosphere makes Durban a great city to spend time in. It also holds plenty of cultural and political importance as the capital of the KwaZulu Natal region.
Johannesburg
South Africa‘s ‘Big Apple’, this sunny city is not only one of the world’s largest urban areas and South Africa’s commercial and economic hub, it’s also been branded the new capital of cool.
KwaZulu Natal
Known as the ‘Kingdom of the Zulu’, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa’s most north-easterly coastal province, quite literally has it all.
Limpopo Province
Known as ‘The Great North’ Limpopo is characterised by majestic scenery, ancient landscapes and millions of hectares of protected land. There are numerous outdoor activities including some of the best horse riding safaris in the country.
Luxury Rail Travel
Luxury trains cut through dramatic landscapes, enjoyed from the comfort of stylish carriages. Any journey through South Africa will be a beautiful one and taking the journey by train delivers a wonderful sense of calm or romance.
Madikwe
Madikwe, in the northwest corner, boarding Botswana and the Kalahari desert is a hidden gem for safari-goers. A great spot for families with little children as there’s no malaria-free area.
Northern Kruger National Park
The Makuleke is the northernmost section of the Kruger National Park. It is something of an open secret among safari aficionados, a diverse and dramatic region that is perhaps the park’s most beautiful, yet kept wonderfully quiet thanks to its remoteness and community run concession status.
Phinda
Phinda is a private reserve offering exclusivity, conservation-lead hospitality and exciting wildlife encounters. A varied collection of habitats attracts plenty of wildlife and with its proximity to the coast, beach and bush combine perfectly.
Pretoria
Located in the northern part of Gauteng Province, this handsome city is one of South Africa‘s three capital cities. Pretoria is made up of grand buildings, large, leafy green suburbs and wide, tree-lined streets.
Sabi Sands
A private reserve spanning 600,000 hectares and boarding the game-rich Kruger Park means safari experiences here are exclusive and full of wildlife. A place of leopards and wild dogs, luxury lodges and endless savannahs.
The Garden Route
The Garden Route is a place of magnificent natural beauty. The coastline is made up of small bays, beaches and quaint towns. In the distance rolling, green hills and forestland runs down to meet the coast, laden with marine life.
The Kalahari
The Kalahari showcases the massive diversity of the country's landscapes. Unique desert species roam the arid plains, waiting for the rains to bring dry land to life with a flurry of desert flowers.
The Kruger
A world famous national park, and for good reason. The wildlife in the Kruger is abundant, the big five reside here in large numbers. The park is home to many luxurious lodges for a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience.
The Western Cape Mountains
The Cape Mountains span the northern and southern capes, taking in the Cederberg mountains and most of the Karoo plateau. A perfect place for jaw-dropping road trips on the famous route 62 and all just a convenient distance from Cape Town.
The Whale Coast
On the Atlantic shoreline of the western cape there’s a beautiful collection of bays, towns and villages. Whale watching boat trips can be arranged to spot southern right whales and evenings are spent in fine restaurants and stylish hotels.
The Winelands
Pretty towns and villages punctuate the green rolling hills of South Africa’s Wine Region. Home to fantastic wine, restaurants and plenty of outdoor activities that make the most of the stunning landscapes.
Meet your Africa experts
When to visit the Eastern Cape
The best time for an Eastern Cape safari is during the dry winter months (May to September). During this season, thinner vegetation and fewer water sources make it easier to observe the wildlife. However, October to April is also a great time to visit, as the landscapes turn lush and green. And January and February are the prime months for spotting baby animals.
The best time to visit the Eastern Cape’s beaches is between November and February, when the weather is warmest. For hiking, we recommend travelling between March and May for milder temperatures and lower humidity.
Safari
May–September
Beaches
November–February
Hiking
March–May
South Africa travel guides
Plan your trip to Eastern Cape
Whatever you want from your adventure in the Eastern Cape, our team of safari experts are ready to help.
Ask our experts
Is the Eastern Cape in South Africa completely malaria-free?
Yes, the Eastern Cape is completely free of malaria thanks to its cooler, drier climate and geographical location. That means you can go on safari here without the need to take anti-malarial medication. Because of this, it’s an ideal safari destination for families with young children or older adults.
How far in advance should I book an Eastern Cape luxury safari?
We recommend booking your luxury Eastern Cape safari 9-12 months in advance. This is especially important if you want to travel during peak season or stay in the region’s more exclusive lodges.
How do you get to the Eastern Cape safari reserves?
The majority of the game reserves in Eastern Cape are located within a 45-minute to 1.5-hour drive from Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth). You can fly directly to Gqeberha from Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg, making it easy to combine an Eastern Cape Safari with time in these cities. Alternatively, stay in Eastern Cape after a Garden Route road trip.
Don't take our word for it
Your trip, your story
We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.
