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The Eastern Cape: Big Five reserves east of Gqeberha.
East of Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), private reserves such as Shamwari, Kariega and Lalibela have the Big Five within reach of the city’s airport. We plan Eastern Cape safari stays on their own, or after a Garden Route trip that finishes in Gqeberha.
Why the Eastern Cape
Shamwari, Kariega and Lalibela each describe their reserve as malaria-free, and each lists the Big Five. Please still check current health advice for your own trip before you travel.
The reserves are close to Gqeberha. Lalibela gives the drive as about 90 km, or an hour, along the N2, and Kariega gives 80 minutes from Port Elizabeth.
SHAMWARI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
Shamwari
Shamwari lies off the N2 between Gqeberha and Makhanda (Grahamstown) and has its own airstrip. Its lodges range from a tented camp to a family lodge where each family has its own safari vehicle.
STAYS AT SHAMWARI
- Shamwari BayetheTwelve tented suites, each with a private deck and plunge pool
- Shamwari Eagles CragNine Junior Suites of glass, stone and thatch
- Shamwari Riverdene Family LodgeFour family units, each with its own private safari vehicle; children from age three join the family drive
Kariega, near Kenton-on-Sea
Kariega is a private reserve near Kenton-on-Sea, towards the coast. Its two lodges suit different trips: a larger lodge with a children’s programme, and a smaller tented camp for older guests.
STAYS AT KARIEGA
- Kariega Main LodgeTwenty-four log chalets with one to four bedrooms; children of all ages, with a daily children’s programme
- Kariega Settlers DriftNine tented suites in a remote section of the reserve, for guests aged ten and over
LALIBELA WILDLIFE RESERVE
Lalibela
Lalibela Wildlife Reserve is on the N2 between Gqeberha and Makhanda. Its camps are booked separately, so a couple and a family can each have a camp that suits them.
STAYS AT LALIBELA
- Lentaba Safari LodgeTen thatch and stone villas, five Classic and five Luxury, each for two adults
- Mark’s CampClassic rooms, family rooms and a family suite for up to 18 adults and eight children, in a fenced camp
GARDEN ROUTE
After the Garden Route
Two of our small-group Garden Route tours run from Cape Town and finish in Gqeberha. An Eastern Cape safari can follow on from there, and Kariega and Shamwari both suggest pairing a stay with the Garden Route.
TOURS THAT END IN GQEBERHA
- Magnificent Garden RouteFour days from Cape Town to Gqeberha
- Garden Route SplendourSix days from Cape Town to Gqeberha
Getting there
Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport in Gqeberha is the nearest airport for all three reserves. We can arrange a private road transfer from the airport or from the end of a Garden Route tour. Shamwari also has its own airstrip.
Planning an Eastern Cape safari?
Tell us who is travelling, when you want to go, and whether the safari follows the Garden Route or Cape Town, and we will suggest the reserve and the lodge that fit.