Top 10 Nature & Wildlife Areas in Eastern Cape, South Africa

February 7, 2022 Merry Kessler

The Eastern Cape is a province of South Africa. Its capital is Bhisho, but its two largest cities are Port Elizabeth and East London. It was formed in 1994 out of the Xhosa homelands of Transkei and Ciskei, together with the eastern portion of the Cape Province. Landing place and home of the 1820 settlers, the central and eastern part of the province is the traditional home of the Xhosa people.
Restaurants in Eastern Cape

1. Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Shamwari Game Reserve N2 between Port Elizabeth & Grahamstown, Port Elizabeth South Africa +27 42 203 1111 [email protected] http://www.shamwari.com
Excellent
93%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 434 reviews

Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Please visit the official Shamwari Game Reserve Lodges page on TripAdvisor for more info, images, video & slideshow. Search "Shamwari Game Reserve lodges".Shamwari is the best private game reserve situated in the malaria free Eastern Cape,South Africa.This privately owned 25 000 hectares of prime natural terrain has received numerous international awards.Shamwari is an exploration of nature with close encounters of free roaming wildlife and the coveted big five with a choice of unique luxury lodges, an exclusive private villa and the adventurous Explorer Camp.Luxury accommodation is offered in 7 different game lodges at Shamwari Game Reserve, all of which are 5 Star graded. Choose a game lodge that perfectly compliments your ideal African experience

Reviewed By laurdan - London, United Kingdom

Hey guys you stole a part of my heart that will stay with you forever! From the moment we drove onto Shamwari land I was in heaven I couldn't believe after all the years waiting that I was going on Safari and would enter what to me is sacred land "Born Free Foundation" We stayed at Bayethe lodge and loved every minute of it, the sounds in the morning were amazing of the animals waking up and we would stand on our terrace to breathe in the bush and just look out at the reserve and say hello to the little monkeys that would stop by on the off chance of something to eat. The food is amazing from breakfast to dinner and nothing is too much trouble, the staff really looked after us and treated us like royalty. They always greeted us with a smile. Our spa treatments were relaxing and listening to the animals outside at the same time was just perfect. Our ranger was JB who was so much fun and made the four day trip so enjoyable sharing his experiences and knowledge with us, we adopted him as our South African son and we were so sad to leave him when our time came to go. He really enjoys his work and I can honestly say he loves driving that jeep! He made sure we saw so much on Safari, all of the big 5 and more. We had cocktails in the bush one afternoon and then a picnic another day and the most fabulous coffee and hot chocolate one cold morning. Many thanks for all of the little special surprises JB x On our last day we went to the Born Free Foundation within Shamwari, which is a bitter sweet experience.....but not to be missed. I loved everything about my trip to Shamwari and it will stay in my heart forever. I often think of them all there and hope one day I can return xx

2. Cat Conservation Trust

Clifton Game Farm, Cradock 5880 South Africa +27 48 881 2814 [email protected] http://www.karoocats.org
Excellent
83%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
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5.0 based on 18 reviews

Cat Conservation Trust

Conservation centre for the indigneous small cats of Africa. See and learn about the CITIES Appendix I Blackfooted Cat (aka small spotted cat), African wild cat, Serval and Caracal. Informative fully guided tours have to be prebooked. We are involved in education, conservation and research of these species.

3. Lushington Valley Reserve

R67 On Grahamstown Road, Bathurst 6166 South Africa http://lushingtonreserve.co.za/index.php
Excellent
100%
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Lushington Valley Reserve

A varied wildlife and nature preservation area, stocked with game and mixed use cattle ranching. This property can be hired for picnics, walks and functions. We also plan and operate, trail runs and mountain bike routes. Monthly "Full Moon Dinners" and walking picnics are a regular feature

Reviewed By 513robb - Ottawa, Canada

During our visit to the Bathurst region we wanted to visit this reserve as it was a farm which my great great great grandfather had farmed in 1830. We arranged our visit through Gavin and Lucille who are the owners of the Pig & Whistle pub in Bathurst. We met Gavin and Mark his ranger at the gate of the reserve. After a walk around the reserve spotting game ( no predators on this reserve)we had a very enjoyable picnic, supplied by the Pig & Whistle, near the river close to where weaver birds were making their nests. Mark and Gavin gave us both a better understanding of all the issues involved in running a game reserve,especially in the current dry conditions.

4. Waters Meeting Nature Reserve

4km Outside Bathurst, Bathurst South Africa
Excellent
75%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Waters Meeting Nature Reserve

Reviewed By tinoChaka - Grahamstown, South Africa

For a meer R36 a person we got to see the best view of horseman shoe River.... Its an amazing view and they have a picnic and braai area. I highly recommend this place

5. Seal Point

Saint Francis Bay South Africa
Excellent
49%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
10%
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4.5 based on 41 reviews

Seal Point

World renowned surfing spot!

Reviewed By westcoastcat - Vancouver, Canada

Starting at the white lighthouse one can walk along this wide open beautiful beach for miles. Many surfers can be seen among the waves and it’s fun to watch them surf. This is a popular spot for dog walking too. For refreshments afterwards try Tradewinds which is just up the road.

6. Addo Raptor and Reptile Centre

Main Road, Addo Elephant National Park 6078 South Africa +27 82 332 3499
Excellent
64%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 45 reviews

Addo Raptor and Reptile Centre

Reviewed By 610antonial - Ascot, United Kingdom

A really lovely spot to visit, especially with animal-mad kids. As it does wild animal rehabilitation, many of the animals have a back-story which makes it more interesting. The walk-in aviary is amazing, built around a beautiful tree and a platform for viewing the colourful inhabitants. The restaurant area is very neat and comfortable, and the menu is good. The service is friendly. It is a perfect place to visit on your way in or out of Addo Elephant Park. Highly recommended.

7. Schotia Tooth and Claw Safari

N10 Addo heights dirt rd turn off. Schotia Headquarters, Crnr N10 and Addo Heights Dirt Rd turn off 3km from nanaga, Addo Elephant National Park South Africa +27 42 235 1436 http://www.schotia.com/
Excellent
74%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 380 reviews

Schotia Tooth and Claw Safari

Schotia offers one of the best chances to see lions in the wild. This private malaria free reserve close to the Addo Elephant National Park is probably the most densely stocked reserve in Africa, and with over 40 mammal species and approximately 2000 animals, can offer consistently good game viewing throughout the year.

Reviewed By JoanneM604

We went on this safari at the end of October with our 3 boys. Nic was our guide and he was great - really enthusiastic and knowledgeable. We seen all the animals except the hippo. Loved that we were able to get so close to the animals. We had an evening meal too were there was a wonderful atmosphere and great hospitality. As a family we had a wonderful experience and made great memories.

8. Groendal Wilderness Area

Uitenhage, Port Elizabeth South Africa +27 43 492 0881 http://www.nmbt.co.za/listing/groendal_wilderness_area.html
Excellent
69%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
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Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 16 reviews

Groendal Wilderness Area

9. Kragga Kamma Game Park

Kragga Kamma Road Theesecombe, Port Elizabeth 6000 South Africa +27 83 410 2883 [email protected] http://www.kraggakamma.co.za
Excellent
55%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 702 reviews

Kragga Kamma Game Park

Lush coastal forest and grassland is home to vast herds of African game, including White Rhino, Buffalo, Cheetah, Giraffe, Zebra, Nyala, Bontebok, Lechwe and many more species. All the animals roam freely, unrestricted in natural surroundings. This owner operated animal friendly park, where no hunting or other disturbance of the game is permitted, means that you always get close up views and great photo opportunities. Take a drive in your own vehicle through the park on the well-maintained roads and enjoy viewing the game in any weather conditions from the comfort of your car. For those really close encounters, choose the 2 hour guided tour in an open Landrover with a professional guide providing you with interesting information on the animals and the historical background to the area.

Reviewed By mrtoerien - Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Recent I spent two nights at this amazing venue,with two friends,to celebrate a special birthday and a reunion of our hitch-hiking experience in Europe in the 70's. One friend travelled from Jbg; the other from East London.We checked into the fully-equipped Giraffe Cottage, after waiting for ten minutes, while one of eight giraffes blocked the road, as it browsed lazily from the bushes. What a welcome! The facilities in the spotlessly -clean cottage are amazing. With very comfortable accommodation, beautiful views and every conceivable piece of kitchen equipment one would need,it was home from home! The park itself is beautifully maintained. Pleasantly rugged, well-marked roads, litter-free foliage, ample water-holes and plentiful game, make a visit to the Kragga Kamma reserve an amazing experience. Having had close encounters with all the various species, we were left with only the rhinos to track down on our last morning. No need! Right there, on the grass, outside our chalet, five spectacular rhino CAME TO VISIT US!! What a treat! We enjoyed a braai in the convenient barbecue area, had a hearty breakfast in the restaurant and made some excellent purchases in the gift shop. All in all, an unforgettable visit.

10. Animals in Wonderland

Plot 20, Port Elizabeth 6018 South Africa +27 74 824 3962 [email protected] http://www.animalsinwonderland.co.za
Excellent
67%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 3 reviews

Animals in Wonderland

Wildlife Breeding and Educational Facility. Perfect for Tour groups of 10 and more. Animal Talks and Interaction. Venison Lunches. School Groups. Kids Party Shows. Party Venue.

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