Eastern Cape Game Reserves Holidays

There are some excellent game viewing opportunities in the Eastern Cape. Much is said about spotting the Big Five and here you have a good chance to see all of them, although you would have to be very lucky to see them all in the same day! On game drives you will have an experienced ranger to help you make the most of what you see; they really can enhance your enjoyment of the trip and are an absolute encyclopaedia of information.

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Eastern Cape Game Reserves Hotels

Our recommendations for the best places to stay in Eastern Cape Game Reserves

Kariega Game Reserve – Main Lodge

A relaxed and friendly lodge ideal for families or groups.

Kariega Game Reserve – Ukhozi Lodge

A cosy, intimate lodge ideal for honeymooners.

Kariega River Lodge

Sitting right on the banks of the Bushman's river, the air-conditioned thatched suites of the hom...

Kariega Settlers Drift

Kariega Settlers Drift is set in a remote landscape of untouched wilderness, overlooking the Bush...

Shamwari Private Game Reserve – Long Lee Manor

Long Lee Manor lies at the heart of Shamwari Private Game Reserve in South Africa’s Eastern Cape...

Shamwari Private Game Reserve – Riverdene Family Lodge

Riverdene Family Safari Lodge has been specifically designed to ensure that families may enjoy a...

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Visit the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuaries at Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Born Free Big Cat Sanctuary and Education Centre was established in partnership with Virginia McKenna’s Born Free Foundation. Guests of Shamwari Private Game Reserve can visit the centre to learn the importance of keeping wildlife in the wild.

Behind each of the big cats in their care, there is often a traumatic story. The rescued lions and leopards at the sanctuaries have grown up in appalling conditions of captivity. Whilst they should have been born in the wild, where they belong, unfortunately re-wilding them is not possible. With a dedicated team to monitor them as they adapt to their new surroundings, the sanctuaries give them a better home than they have ever known.

There are two centres that Shamwari guests can visit. Located in the southern part of Shamwari Private Game Reserve, the Julie Ward Centre was established in 1999 and provides sanctuary for the rescued cats. Education is also a vital role of what they do and at the Jean Byrd Education Centre, in the northern part of the reserve,  guests, local schools and colleges come to learn about South Africa’s wildlife and the importance of conservation for future generations.

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