What to do and see in Eastern Cape, South Africa: The Best Things to do Good for Big Groups

December 20, 2021 Carley Gatson

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
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Good
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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. Storms River Suspension Bridge

Tsitsikamma National Park South Africa +27 42 281 1607 http://www.sanparks.co.za
Excellent
60%
Good
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Satisfactory
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Poor
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,022 reviews

Storms River Suspension Bridge

This picturesque suspension bridge is on one of the shorter hikes of this river gorge.

Reviewed By west0909 - Metro Minneapolis-Saint Paul, United States

There is an entrance fee to the park, but IMHO it's worth every penny--the park is just another one of the amazing landscapes South Africa has to offer, but is so unlike the rest. The walk to the Storms River Suspension Bridge is lovely, the type of walk you want to have your camera at the ready throughout b/c every turn is more beautiful than the next. The walk to the bridge was 20-30 minutes each way, leisurely, and was quite accessible (it wouldn't be doable with wheels, there are too many stairs, but it is a board-path that makes for pretty easy walking. There are several suspension bridges (the one in all the pictures at the mouth of the river, then a few others right nearby). We only had time to walk tot he bridge and back, but you can continue onto other paths to make the journey as long as you'd like. If the weather is cooperating, the views alone are worth the walk, but the walk itself is a great experience, too.

3. Mountain Zebra National Park

Cradock South Africa +27 48 881 2427 http://www.sanparks.co.za/parks/mountain_zebra/all.php
Excellent
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Good
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Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 372 reviews

Mountain Zebra National Park

Reviewed By elsebev - Johannesburg, South Africa

Mountain Zebra National Park is a real gem! It is one of the quieter reserves in South Africa and very different to the Kruger Park in that it has a hilly terrain. There are other animals here, not only Zebra. We saw five lions and lots og other buck and smaller animals. The Zebras here are very different to those in the Kruger Park. The Chalets are superior - clean and well designed, with a patio to sit and relax. If you can book Chalet 18 or 19, the patio is right on the border of the camp and you can sit and watch the animals whilst relaxing with a drink. It is very hot is summer but the winter months are quite mild. Ther is also a swimming pool with a magnificent setting - like swimming in the middle of nature! Restaurant was not open for breakfast - only opens later. The shop is very basic, so make sure you bring as much as you will need in the line of food and drink.

4. The Dolphin Trail

Storms River, Tsitsikamma National Park 6308 South Africa +27 42 280 3588 [email protected] http://www.dolphintrail.co.za/
Excellent
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4.5 based on 69 reviews

The Dolphin Trail

Imagine the beauty of the famous Otter Trail, but without heavy backpacks. Join us for 4 days of unspoilt beauty hiking the magnificent Tsitsikamma coast, with 3 nights in charming lodges, all meals inclusive, and accompanied by experienced guides. This experience is memorable and special.

Reviewed By helenhoare - Cape Town, South Africa

Such a treat to have extremely professional and informative guides - Werner and JJ - to shepherd a happy group of two South Africans and eight delightful Germans through the magical Tsitsikamma (place of sparkling waters) National Park. The two day hiking path weaves between ancient indigenous forests, fynbos and the rocky seashore, At the end of each day, we were welcomed at the friendly four star accommodation at "Misty Mountain" and "The Fernery". A supreme experience of a pristine world. Thank you from Christopher and Helen

5. 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
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Satisfactory
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Poor
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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.

6. 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
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Good
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Satisfactory
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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.

7. Parque Nacional dos Elefantes Addo

335 Paterson Road, Addo Elephant National Park 6130 South Africa +27 42 233 8600 http://www.sanparks.org/parks/addo
Excellent
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4.5 based on 3,017 reviews

Parque Nacional dos Elefantes Addo

Reviewed By riyaze - Toronto, Canada

Hillary is a very professional tour guide who has a vast knowledge of tourism. She is very welcoming pleasant and highly motivated guide (recommendable!) My husband and I truly enjoyed her company and she made us very comfortable hence went out of her way to show us the animals in the Addo National Park and accommodate us with lovely coffee break, delicious lunch and fulfilling our requests. Hillary is friendly and a humorous lady filled with interesting information and you can tell that she really loves what she does. All the respect for Hillary who does a great job there; a true sample of Excellent Tour Guide. Way to go Hillary, keep up your good work!!! Riyaz Essa, Toronto, Canada

8. Paradise Beach

Jeffreys Bay South Africa
Excellent
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Good
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Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 165 reviews

Paradise Beach

Reviewed By Jeets2804 - Pretoria, South Africa

Went in December 2021. The beaches were closed due to the local restrictions. However, the beach is away from the cente of Jefferys Bay. Persons with fishing licences were allowed on the beach. We took advantage of this and went for long walks on the beach which has soft sand and great waves.

9. Kwantu Private Game Reserve - Day Visits

Nelson Mandela Bay, Port Elizabeth South Africa +27 42 203 1400 [email protected] http://www.kwantu.co.za/index_main.html
Excellent
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4.5 based on 83 reviews

Kwantu Private Game Reserve - Day Visits

Reviewed By hakdent

5 star accommodation and service without a doubt. We stayed in the bush lodges near the waterhole. The rooms were spectacular as was the views as well as the staff. Being in the lodges away from the hotel is not a problem as the drivers are always around to take you back and forth. There are 3 game drives per day. We managed to see all the animals including lions, elephants and rhino's, wildebeest, giraffes and various bucks. The rangers were informative and entertaining. The food in particular was excellent and the reserve makes sure that you never go hungry. There are lions being bred in captivity as well and a fabulous game room for younger kids as well as a huge swimming pool. Thank you kwantu for providing us with good accommodation and halal food. Noerraan

10. Cape Recife Nature Reserve

Marine Drive, Port Elizabeth South Africa +27 41 582 2575 http://www.nmbt.co.za/listing/cape_recife_nature_reserve.html
Excellent
57%
Good
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Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 128 reviews

Cape Recife Nature Reserve

Reviewed By Y9488JPeds

Pop down here after you've been to the penguin rescue centre. It's a lovely walk around the lighthouse and along the beach.

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