032 Eastern Cape South Africa

In many respects, the Eastern Cape is a microcosm of the best of South Africa.

Its varied geography includes surf-lashed beaches, such as those found along the Wild Coast and Sunshine Coast, and large industrial cities like Port Elizabeth and East London. Additionally, the region boasts arid desert landscapes, exemplified by the Great Karoo, and lush green walking trails traversing mountain passes and coastal cliffs, particularly in the Tsitsikamma and Hogsback areas.

The Eastern Cape's climate is equally diverse, ranging from the temperate conditions along the coast to the semi-arid conditions of the inland areas. This variation in climate contributes to the unique ecosystems found throughout the province, supporting an array of plant and animal species.

Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the numerous national parks and game reserves scattered across the Eastern Cape. Addo Elephant National Park, renowned for its thriving elephant population, also hosts lions, buffaloes, rhinos, and leopards, completing the Big Five experience. The Mountain Zebra National Park, located near Cradock, is home to the Cape mountain zebra and other endemic species.

Safari in the Eastern Cape

An essential guide to the Eastern Cape's best game reserves

In many respects, the Eastern Cape is a microcosm of the best of South Africa. Here are swathes of surf-lashed beaches, big industrial cities, desert horizons and green and quiet walking trails winding over mountain passes and along coastal cliffs. There is also an abundance of wildlife and a diverse network of national parks and game reserves in which to enjoy the animals...read more

  • Shamwari Game Reserve

    Shamwari Game Reserve

    Shamwari, an esteemed and exclusive private game reserve in the Eastern Cape, lies near Addo Elephant National Park...
  • Addo Elephant Park

    Addo Elephant Park

    Addo Elephant National Park, one of South Africa's largest, is renowned for its elephants but offers a diverse landscape encompassing river valleys, mountains, savannahs, forests, and beaches...
  • Amakhala Game Reserve

    Amakhala Game Reserve

    Amakhala, a compact private reserve of approximately 75 sq km, offers an impressive wildlife experience...
  • Kariega Game Reserve

    Kariega Game Reserve

    Kariega, a family-owned and managed 10,000-hectare private reserve, occupies former ranch and farmland in the Eastern Cape...
  • Kwantu Game Reserve

    Kwantu Game Reserve

    Kwantu Private Game Reserve, spanning 6,000 hectares, is relatively small compared to other African reserves...
  • Lalibela Game Reserve

    Lalibela Game Reserve

    Encompassing five distinct ecosystems, the malaria-free Lalibela reserve is home to a remarkable variety of flora and fauna, including the Big Five...
  • Pumba Game Reserve

    Pumba Game Reserve

    Pumba Game Reserve, situated near the bustling city of Port Elizabeth, attracts more visitors than some of the region's more remote parks due to its accessibility to day guests who participate in the reserve's organised safaris...

Places to go in Eastern Cape

Eastern Cape Tours

Wonders of South Africa

15 days from Port Elizabeth to Kruger

15 daysFrom £4,125
Southern Africa, Africa
Tour Type Custom itinerary, Self-guided tour
Activity Safari, Luxury, Honeymoon, Beach, Family, Adventure, Active, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Birdwatching, National Parks, Culture, Cities, Culinary, Food, Wine

Eastern Cape Travel Companies

Wayfairer

Tailor-made luxury travel
East Africa, Southern Africa
Custom itinerary, Private guided tour
Luxury, Family, Nature & Wildlife, Culture, Culinary, Responsible Travel

Absolute Zambia Safaris

Custom safari holidays to Zambia
Zambia
Custom itinerary, Private guided tour
Safari, Luxury, Family, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Birdwatching, National Parks, Responsible Travel

Wild Frontiers

Safaris into East, West and Southern Africa
East Africa, Southern Africa
Custom itinerary, Small group tour, Private guided tour
Safari, Adventure, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Overlanding, Camping, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, National Parks, Culture, Indigenous Tourism, Solo Travel

The African Wild

Botswana tours and safaris
Botswana
Custom itinerary, Private guided tour, Self-guided tour
Safari, Luxury, Family, Active, Walking, Camping, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Birdwatching, National Parks

Take Me To Africa

Experts in small group travel to Africa
East Africa, Southern Africa
Small group tour
Safari, Luxury, Honeymoon, Beach, Family, Active, Walking, Camping, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Birdwatching, National Parks, Culture, Culinary, Food, Solo Travel

YellowWood Adventures

Sustainable travel for the modern-day explorer
Central America, North Africa, East Africa, Southern Africa, Central Asia
Custom itinerary, Small group tour, Private guided tour
Safari, Adventure, Backpacking, Hiking & Trekking, Mountain Biking, Water Sports, Active, Walking, Overlanding, Camping, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Birdwatching, National Parks, Culture, Cities, Museums & Galleries, History, Responsible Travel, Conservation, Solo Travel

African Encounters

East Africa, Southern Africa
Small group tour
Safari, Luxury, Family, Adventure, Active, Walking, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Birdwatching, National Parks, Responsible Travel, Conservation, Eco-travel

The Adventure People

The Most Inspiring & Exciting Adventure Holidays On Earth.
Central America, South America, North Africa, East Africa, South Asia
Small group tour
Safari, Beach, Adventure, Backpacking, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Walking, Camping, Nature & Wildlife, National Parks, Culture, Solo Travel

Why Horizon Guides?

Impartial guidebooks

Impartial guidebooks

Our travel guides are written by the leading experts in their destinations. We never take payment for positive coverage so you can count on us for impartial travel advice.

Expert itineraries

Expert itineraries

Suggested itineraries and routes to help you scratch beneath the surface, avoid the tourist traps, and plan an authentic, responsible and enjoyable journey.

Specialist advice

Specialist advice

Get friendly, expert travel advice and custom itineraries from some of the world’s best tour operators, with no spam, pressure or commitment to book.