Port Elizabeth is a port city in the eastern cape provinces of southern South Africa. Port Elizabeth welcomes its visitors to unravel its tangled beauty. It is situated on the Algoa bay of the Indian Ocean. A breakwater encircles the harbors of the city. The city’s location is perfect at the Garden Route‘s end, making it accessible for all. Apart from its deep oceans and endless beaches, Port Elizabeth has a variety of wildlife experiences. Between Addo and Grahamstown, the N2 highway and other routes are bordered by private game reserves. They include a variety of wildlife-watching opportunities, picturesque settings, opulent resorts, and conservation initiatives. The Big Five are present in most of the wildlife reserves near Port Elizabeth, like a lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo. For your dream journey, the top-picked 13 safaris and game reserves in the Eastern Cape are listed below.
- Addo Elephant National Park
- Shamwari Private Game Reserve
- Schotia Private Game Reserve
- Amakhala Game Reserve
- Pumba Private Game Reserve
- Sibuya Game Reserve
- Lalibela Game Reserve
- Kariega Game Reserve.
- Kwantu Private Game Reserve
- Tsitsikamma National Park
- Samara Game Reserve
- Camdeboo National Park
- Mountain zebra national park
A string of malaria-free wildlife reserves in Port Elizabeth is waiting for you.
13 Best Safari Parks and Game Reserves Near Port Elizabeth
Addo Elephant National Park
Addo elephant national park is situated in the eastern cape in the dense forest of the Sunday river region. In 1931, the area was declared a national elephant park with only 11 elephants; now, there are more than 550 elephants. According to some estimates, Addo is the world’s most diversified game park with good roads. It includes the world’s largest African penguin and Cape gannet breeding grounds, the Algoa Bay islands, and the southern hemisphere’s largest and best-preserved coastal dune field. Along with elephants there are Cape Buffalo, Black Rhino, many antelope species, and the rare flightless dung beetle, which is solely found in Addo. Together with fantastic wildlife, Addo offers tourist accommodation and a variety of activities to get you out of the confined safari vehicle, like horseback riding, kayaking, and hiking. Also, it’s one of the most incredible safari places for families. The best time to visit Addo elephant national park is the dry season winter months of May to September.
Distance from Port Elizebeth – 70 km, which takes an hour
How to reach – Port Elizabeth is the nearest domestic airport, and Johannesburg and Cape Town are the closest international airports.
Entrance fee: Addo Elephant National Park international visitors’ entrance fees are R360 (USD 21) per adult per day and R180 (USD 11) per child per day.
Activities and attractions: There are a lot of attractions and activities waiting for you in Addo, including elephant interaction safaris, hiking, guided game drives, whale and shark watching, horse trails, beaches, mountains, birding, kids’ program, and swimming.
Things included – Under guide, you could do game drives, elephant population visits, and safaris. The “Big 7,” which consists of the elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo, leopard, whale, and great white shark, may be found at Addo.
Where to stay – Various options are available near Addo elephant national park, including Rest Camps, Boutique Hotels, Luxury Tented Camps, and Luxury Lodges. Some of them are Addo Dung Beetle Guest Farm, Barefoot Addo Elephant Lodge, and Gorah Elephant Camp.
Shamwari Private Game Reserve
Shamwari private game reserve is regarded as the best among private game reserves in the eastern cape. Five of South Africa’s eight biomes, including Addo, and the Big Five, are involved in a conservation program here. The Nama Karoo, Succulent Karoo, Fynbos, Forest, Thicket, Savanna, Grassland, and Desert are present here. Shamwari is very near Addo elephant national park. The place is home to classic African safari mammals, including rhinos, elephants, and lions. For those interested in learning more about South African conservation practices, there is a rhino awareness center, an extensive cat habitat, field guide training, and volunteer options, etc are available. The best time to visit Shamwari private game reserve is from June to September.
Distance from Port Elizebeth – 75 km, which takes an hour.
Cost per person: From 01 April 2023 – 30 April 2023 from R 12,485 per person sharing; fully Inclusive Plus includes accommodation, all meals, select drinks, and activities.(The prices vary from season to season and the lodging options you choose. You can visit https://www.shamwari.com/rates-packages/ for more data.)
How to reach it – Flying will be the most convenient way of getting to the Shamwari private game reserve. You can fly to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg or Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town.
Activities and attractions: Different activities and packages are available according to your preferences, like special Honeymoon packages, private villas, bush walks, kids on safari, birding, game drives, camping, and sustainable conservation.
Things included – Morning and evening game drives, outdoor dinners, swimming and gym, Nature Walks with armed rangers, and the Born Free Foundation and Wilderness Area are a must-see.
Where to stay – There are several luxury safari lodges available inside the game reserve. Some are Sindile Safari Lodge, Long Lee Manor Safari Lodge, Eagles Crag Safari Lodge, and Bayethe Safari Lodge.
Schotia Private Game Reserve
The oldest private game reserve in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, Schotia Safaris, is along the park’s eastern boundary. With around 40 mammal species and roughly 2000 animals, Schotia Private can provide consistently outstanding game viewing year-round. This is one of the best private game reserves in South Africa. The enormous open-air lapa at Schotia Private Game Reserve is said to be one of the biggest in South Africa. Free-ranging lions were first introduced at Schotia, evoking the African bush before humans destroyed it all. The best time to visit schotia private game reserve is May to September.
Distance from Port Elizebeth – 57 km or 40 minutes
How to reach -Port Elizabeth is the nearest airport to Schotia private game reserve.
Cost per person – R3500 (Jan 2021 – Aug 2021)
Activities and attractions: You can do game drives, bird watching, and bush walks.
Things included – There are various safari packages, including schotia tooth and claw safari, Schotia and Addo safari, sea cruise, etc.
Where to stay – Accommodation options include Family lodge, Orlando Lodge, Orlando Tented Camp, Honeymoon Safari Suites, etc.
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Amakhala Game Reserve
Amakhala Game Reserve near Port Elizabeth, which is situated at the northern end of the well-known Garden Route, provides a singular and fascinating wildlife experience that can not be missed. The reserve is home to all the big five fives – Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino, and Buffalo and also there are cheetah, Giraffe, Zebra, and numerous antelopes. Amakhala is also a conservation organization that aims to reintroduce animals to the area where they once freely roamed. It was founded by sheep and cattle farmers whose families had been farming here since the early 1800s. Some lodges provide two- to three-hour horse treks, overnight stays, and day safaris (starting at R1,200 per person). You can go to Amakhala game reserve throughout the year; still, the best time will be June to September. This is the most famous of the private game reserves near Port Elizabeth.
Distance from Port Elizebeth is 70 km or 45 minutes.
How to reach – Taking a flight to Amakhala is the most convenient way of getting to the location. O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg or Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town serves as the primary gateways for most tourists to Amakhala Game Reserve.
Cost per person – Starting from R 1200 per person.
Activities and attraction – Game viewing is the most beautiful activity in the amakhala game reserve; they have big Fives, lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, leopard, cheetah, etc. zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, and plenty of antelope species. Activities include horse rides, day safaris, river cruises, spa treatments, and bushwalking.
Where to stay – Several lodging facilities are available inside the reserve, including Bukela game lodge, Bush lodge, and Carnarvon dale lodge.
Pumba Private Game Reserve
Pumba Private Game Reserve is a famous game reserve in the Eastern cape, a malaria-free area near Port Elizabeth. Green Leaf Environmental Standard manages the administration of Pumba Private Game Reserve. Pumba Private Game Reserve is home to big fives, other animals including hippos, hyenas, giraffes, and 300-plus bird species. A group of split-gene lions that are white and tawny also exists here. The best times to visit Pumba Private Game Reserve are from March to May and October to December. Many grazing antelopes and the endangered White Rhino are on the broad plains. Joining a birding safari, a guided bushwalk, stargazing, or going on a game drive will allow visitors to see Africa’s wildlife in its natural setting. A short drive from Pumba will take you to Grahamstown, a charming university town. Pumba is considered the most popular private game reserve in the eastern cape.
Distance from Port Elizabeth – 110 km or 1 hour and 15 hours.
How to reach – Port Elizabeth is the nearest airport to Pumba private game reserve.
Activities and attractions: You can find various activities in Pumba private game reserve, including day and night big five safaris, hiking, and botanical walks, Walking and birding safaris, Bass fishing, spa and gym, Archery and Picnics, and stargazing.
Things included – In addition to seeing leopards, buffalo, rhinos, and elephants, Pumba Private Game Reserve visitors enjoy the unique possibility of seeing a stunning white lion.
Where to stay – The accommodation options nearby Pumba Private Game Reserve are Bush lodge and Walk lodge.
Sibuya Game Reserve
Sibuya Game Reserve is a unique safari destination near Port Elizabeth, which provides oceans and mountains together. The reception of Siyuba is located in the seaside village of Kenton-on-Sea, from where the reserve is accessible by boat up the Kariega River in 45 minutes. This malaria-free game reserve is home to the Big Five along South Africa’s Sunshine Coast. Sibuya’s one-of-a-kind navigable river makes it possible to see 400 different bird species and water-loving fauna like elephants and otters. Guests can explore the game reserve on game drives and guided walks, but Sibuya is also a genuine bush and beach resort in South Africa with river cruises, fishing, beach walks, canoeing, and swimming available. The best time to visit Sibuya game reserve is from May to September.
Distance from Port Elizebeth – 120 km
Cost – R3098 per person for night sharing.
How to reach – The nearest airports to Sibuya Game Reserve are East London Airport – 150km; Port Alfred Airport, 25km; and Port Elizabeth Airport – 120km.
Activities and attractions: There are many activities you can engage in in the Sibuya game reserve, like Game Drives, fishing, beach walks, swimming, birding, river cruises, canoeing, and fly fishing.
Where to stay – Visitors to Sibuya Game Reserve have three options for pleasant South African safari lodging close to Kenton-on-Sea, like River Camp, Forest Camp, and Bush Lodge.
Lalibela Game Reserve
Lalibela Game Reserve game reserve is the nearest one to Port Elizabeth, with the highest number of free-roaming lions. This is the largest private game reserve near Port Elizabeth. The Lalibela game reserve stands out from others with its large expanses of savannah grassland. Big cats can hunt herds of plains species; you can see zebras, impalas, wildebeest, red hartebeest, blesbok, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, and lynx. It is easy to reach Sibuya from Port Elizabeth, which is close to the important cities of Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban. A stay at Sibuya is a natural extension of any trip from Cape Town to the Garden Route. The best time to visit the game reserve is from October to march. Lailbela is known as the most exclusive game reserves near Port Elizabeth.
Distance from Port Elizebeth – 90 km or one hour.
How to reach – Port Elizabeth is the most accessible airport near Lalibela Game Reserve.
Cost – R3098 per person per night sharing
Activities and attractions: The activities you can engage in at Lalibela Game Reserve include game drives, bushwalking, Guided Walking Safaris, fishing, rock surfing, and river and fly fishing.
Where to stay – Visitors to Tree Tops and Lentaba Lodge may anticipate outstanding comfort, assistance, and cuisine. Each choice offers opulent lodging with traditional safari and authentic African decor and has its distinct charm.
Kariega Game Reserve
The Kariega game reserve is an iconic private reserve that lies at the heart of 1820 Settler Country. The reserve, which is located in the hinterland of Kenton-on-Sea, includes five different biomes as well as the Kariega and Bushman’s Rivers, which increases your chances of seeing an African fish eagle or hippo on the riverbanks. The Big five’s are Elephant, Lion, Buffalo, Rhino, and Leopard; guests can also see Hippos, Hyenas, Eland, Zebra, Giraffes, and Wildebeest. The best months to visit the coastal regions are regarded as April and May. Due to less foliage and warmer temperatures, the dry months of July, August, and September provide the greatest opportunities for watching wildlife. The reserve has a unique scenic attractiveness because of the coastal woodland and beautiful river basins. Kariega is virtually the ideal location for a quick safari; it provides excellent accommodations, first-rate guides, a variety of activities, and proximity to the Garden Route beaches.
Distance from Port Elizebeth – 145 km or one and a half hours
How to reach – The nearest airport to Kariega Game Reserve is Port Elizabeth.
Cost included – The price from 11 January 2023 to 30 April 2023 per person is R 6,700.
Activities and attractions – The activities you can do around the kariega game reserve are Game Drives, River Cruises, Guided Bush Walks, Canoeing, Fishing, Golf, Beach, and Historical Sightseeing.
Where to stay – The reserve offers five safari lodges to suit all needs: Main lodge, River lodge, Ukhozi Lodge, Settlers Drift, and The Homestead.
Kwantu Private Game Reserve
Kwantu Private Game Reserve is situated in Sidbury Plains, the heart of Frontier Country, and was once used by the 1820 Settlers from the UK. The game drives provide visitors the chance to see the Big 5, experience the excitement of an African safari on a private game reserve, and travel through the Eastern Cape. Guided tours are held at sunrise and evening when the Kwantu Wildlife is most active. In kwanthu you will get the premier private game reserve experience. There is a real community here with a cricket field, tennis courts, and an Anglican church (the local cricket club dates to the 1890s). The best time to visit Kwantu Private Game Reserve is July, September, and November.
Distance from Port Elizebeth – 89 km or 1 hour.
Cost – starting from R 1295
How to reach – Port Elizabeth is the nearest Kwantu Private Game Reserve airport.
Activities and attractions: There are many nearby places and activities to do. Some include Open-vehicle Game Drives, Bird Watching, Swimming pool, Fountain swimming pool, Meditation gardens, a Tennis court, a Cricket field, and a Children’s animal play farm.
Where to stay – Accommodation options inside the game reserve are Luxury bush lodge, Pollard’s inn hotel, Elephant ridge, Lions view, etc.
Tsitsikamma National Park
This park is one of the most stunning locations near port Elizabeth and offers a rocky coastline, ancient breath-taking forests, places of cultural value, and the famous Storms River Mouth. The Khoi people, who named the region, were the first to live there. Tsitsikamma means “place of great water” in Khoisan. Tsitsikamma surprises you with its rocky beaches, high temperate forest, and Fynbos (indigenous plants) that roll down to the sea in an unspoiled emerald carpet. The main attractions of this reserve include Dolphins and porpoises, African Black Oystercatcher, Knysna Lourie, Cape Clawless Otter, and Blue Duiker. The best time to visit is spring and summer, that is from October to February.
Distance from Port Elizebeth – 185 km or 2 hours
How to reach – Plettenberg Bay is the closest town and airport to Tsitsikamma National Park, which is 68 km away.
Cost included – R140 per adult, per day as conservation levy.
Activities and attractions – Many options are available for the visitors in Tsitsikamma, like Hiking, Scuba-diving and snorkeling, inter-tidal excursions, Kayaking and tubing, The Otter Trail, Dolphin Trail, Tsitsikamma Trail, and guided eco walks.
Where to stay – Several options are near the game reserve, including Tsitsikamma Lodge, Tsitsikamma Village Inn, Forest nest, etc.
Samara Game Reserve
Samara Karoo Reserve is a conservation trip on 67,000 acres of revived wildness in South Africa’s breathtaking Great Karoo region. This malaria-free Eastern Cape game reserve introduces visitors to the elusive Cheetah, guided by a professional and knowledgeable guide, free from the constraints of other reserves. Samara game reserve is home to many African species, including the Big Five and endangered wildlife. The game reserve is one of the most diversified safari locations in South Africa, with five vegetation biomes and different topography. It also includes more than 60 mammal species, including the Big Five and cheetahs, and 225 bird species.
Distance from Port Elizebeth – 244 km or two and half hours.
How to reach – Samara Private Game Reserve can easily be reached by taking a flight or getting through the Road. The nearest airport to the Samara game reserve is Port Elizabeth. The nearest international to the game reserve is Johannesburg and Cape town.
Cost included – From 1 August 2023 to 31 October 2023, this time is called the new high-demand season, then the price per sharing is R9550.
Activities and attraction: The main interest of the samara game reserve is its activities. Their activities include game drives, guided walks, wilderness picnics, Cheetah tracking on foot, aardvark spotting (winter is best), birding, hiking, and mountain biking.
Where to stay – The accommodation options inside the game reserve include The Manor and Karoo Lodge. Both of them are intimate luxury lodge options.
Camdeboo National Park
With its sheer cliffs and dolerite pillars, Camdeboo National Park is strangely gorgeous. You can do your much-needed digital detox in Camdeboo National Park. Most of the Camdeboo National Park is located between 740 and 1480 meters above sea level on the foothills of the Sneeuberg range. Visitors frequently see steenbok, springbok, blesbok, and black wildebeest in wide spaces, among other game animals. At the “Valley of Desolation,” you may admire the magnificent dolerite pillars. You can visit the game reserve all year long; the beauty reaches the top in October to march.
Distance from Port Elizebeth – 264 km or 2 hours and 45 minutes.
How to reach – The easiest way of getting to Camedboo national park is by Road. The park is approximately 353 km from the nearest airports of George Airport and 250 km from Port Elizabeth Airport.
Cost included – 113 as conservation levy.
Activities and attractions: Camdeboo National Park offers a different experience, like visiting the valley of desolation, Game viewing and bird watching, Trails and walks, 4*4 Trails, and water sports.
Where to stay – There are various options to stay near the game reserve, like Camdeboo Cottages, Mount Camdeboo Private Game Reserve Graaff-Reinet, Drostdy Hotel Graaff Reinet, etc.
Mountain zebra national park
The Mountain Zebra National Park is situated in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province and is well known for offering good viewing opportunities of Buffalo and Black Rhinos and being a natural reserve that saved the Cape Mountain Zebra. Mountain Zebra National Park supports a variety of species, from hulking buffalo to black wildebeest, red hartebeest, eland, blesbok, kudu, and springbok. The best time to visit the national park is from October to March. You might even see the predators living here, and you have the opportunity to get a specialized guided trekking tour of animals, including hyenas introduced in 2008, lions in 2013, and cheetahs in 2007.
Distance from Port Elizebeth – 260 km or 3 hours.
How to reach it – The nearest domestic airport to mountain zebra national park is in Port Elizabeth, and the international airport is in cape town.
Cost – Minimum Adult Rate is R1530
Activities and attractions: The activities in the mountain zebra national park include morning and evening safari, 4*4 trails, cheetah tracking, San cave paintings, and Salpeterkop Hike.
Where to stay – The accommodation options available include Linduli Farmstay Lodge, Sanctuary Guest & Adventure Farm, Di Valdi’s, etc.
We hope you liked our guide on the 13 best safari parks and game reserves near Port Elizabeth.
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