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South Africa safari
Eastern Cape
A tip top safari destination with a cultural heart within reach of Cape Town and the Garden Route.
Eastern Cape Safari Trips & Tours
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4.9 out of 5 stars
Average guest rating
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Our guests rate us excellent
4.9/5 (947 reviews)
About Eastern Cape
The Eastern Cape encapsulates South Africa in one province. Expect incredible Big Five safaris at famed game reserves (our favourite is Addo Elephant Park, just 40 kilometres from Port Elizabeth and home to mega concentrations of elephant and white rhino), stunning hiking and mountain scenery, and deep-rooted African culture in the Transkei, the once-independent homeland of the Xhosa people. Then there’s the Wild Coast, with its endless Indian Ocean beaches and rolling rural pastures, where you feel a million miles from anyone. You could spend weeks exploring the Eastern Cape without ever feeling the need to move on.
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What to do
Why you'll love it
Overlooked for years, the Eastern Cape is a now a recognised safari destination and makes the perfect "bush" add-on to a Cape Town or Garden Route holiday.
Off the beaten track
Culture vultures will adore the town of Graaff-Reinet, the fourth oldest in the country after Cape Town, Stellenbosch and Swellendam (in the Western Cape), with its original architecture and glorious collection of museums and galleries.
Something to think about
The game reserves in the Eastern Cape are outstanding in terms of service, accommodation, animals – you name it! But what you won’t get is the feeling of absolute wilderness.
Where to stay
When to go
April - September, November - February
Wildlife in Eastern Cape
Elephant
Abundant
Giraffe
Occasional
Hippo
Occasional
Black Rhino
Occasional
White Rhino
Occasional
Lion
Occasional
Cheetah
Occasional
Leopard
Rare
Hyena
Rare
Wildebeest
Occasional
Buffalo
Occasional
Zebra
Occasional
Warthog
Abundant
Wild Dog
None
Meerkat
Rare
Show all wildlife
From the blog
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