The subtropical climate of the Eastern Cape is responsible for cultivating lush African wilderness forests, prolific wildlife species and landscapes teeming with indigenous biodiversity.
Here visitors can seamlessly combine a seaside escape with an authentic African safari. The Eastern Cape is a favourable malaria free area making it an ideal destination for all types of holiday makers.
Enjoy some of South Africa’s finest hiking trails and adventure sports along the province’s largely undeveloped coastline and through its mountainous, waterfall-filled landscapes. Private wildlife reserves and national parks abound, see the Big 5 or migrating Whales and Dolphins. Visit the lush, evergreen Tsitsikamma Forest and the rugged Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area, the southern slopes of the Drakensberg and the arid Great Karoo.
My gratitude to the following establishments for hosting us and making it possible to experience this part of our beautiful country. We highly recommend and also include these properties in our Garden Route itineraries.
Admiralty Beach House, Port Elizabeth
This sophisticated 4-Star Beach House is ideally located, just 10-minutes away from Port Elizabeth airport and perfectly situated in the beachfront suburb of Summerstrand. It offers secure off-street parking and free Wi-Fi in all bedrooms and communal areas.
The outstanding buffet breakfast with many choices can be enjoyed at the poolside or garden patio areas, or in the cosy dining room in winter.
Hosts Jo and Allen truly offer warm, friendly hospitality and you just don’t get better than this in PE!
Amkhala Private Game Reserve
Situated in the Greater Addo and Frontier Country area of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. It is a malaria-free area and a mere 50-minute drive from Port Elizabeth.
Amakhala Game Reserve is named after the Xhosa word meaning Aloes, the indigenous plant found in the Eastern Cape region. Steeped in history and beauty, this 8500-hectare game reserve creates an ideal environment for unforgettable safaris, with its varied landscapes, including breathtakingly views of the Bushman’s River.
The reserve offers guests accommodation in a selection of 10 establishments made up of restored Country houses, Safari Lodges and Tented camps located in different areas of the Reserve.
Safari Lodge
Upon arrival the friendly staff makes you feel at home, while you slowly sip away on a refreshing drink.
This 4-Star thatched lodge offers luxury safari suites, each with their own splash pool! Here you can regenerate your soul and tune into the sounds of nature, with views of the waterhole where monkeys come to play, and antelope and zebra quench their thirst.
Woodbury Lodge
This 4-Star family run lodge offers spectacular scenery, warm hospitality, Big 5 game viewing, delicious food and drinks on an all-inclusive basis. Seven comfortable stone and thatch cottages are surrounded by indigenous trees and alive with birdsong. The dining and lounge areas are well positioned with expansive decks overlooking the Woodbury plains, taking centre stage for unforgettable sunrises or evening drinks around the fire under the African stars.
Woodbury Tented Camp
An intimate, 3-Star bush camp tucked into a secluded hillside thicket overlooking the ancient floodplain of the Bushman’s River. Each of the en-suite tents on raised bases, has its own private deck, that allows for a rare intimacy with nature. Each tent has hot running water and electric blankets for those cosy evenings. The family tents, which connect via a balcony, allow families to enjoy the African bush together.
Be aware when it gets rather windy, you may have trouble sleeping in a flapping tent!
Bush Lodge
This 5-Star lodge is positioned in the bush at the top end of an open valley. Each of the en-suite, tented and thatched suites overlook a watering point with big sky views from the viewing deck and intimate plunge pool. The romantic alfresco double showers make this the perfect bush retreat.
Here you enjoy luxurious dining, splendid lounge areas and evenings are spent around the outdoor fireplace.
Bush Lodge also offers twice-daily expeditions by open 4×4 safari vehicles.
Kariega Private Game Reserve
A family-owned and operated Big 5 private safari reserve located in the Eastern Cape. The reserve is situated along the Garden Route, making it the perfect South African safari destination to compliment a Cape Town visit and a trip along the country’s beautiful coast.
This malaria-free game lodge incorporates 10,000 hectares of pristine African wilderness, as well as two abundant rivers – the Kariega and the Bushmans rivers. The reserve offers five safari lodges to suit all needs. Experience close up game viewing of the Big 5 – lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard – as well as multitudes of other South African wildlife from the comfort of an open game drive vehicle. The abundance of game we came across in this reserve is truly mind blowing!
Main Lodge
This 4-Star lodge is great for families or couples as it offers a relaxed and friendly environment to enjoy the African bush. The 24 luxury log chalets are expertly integrated with the surrounding bush to create a natural environment where guests can enjoy traditional meals in the restaurant or boma, a drink at the bar or a swim in the pool. Some even have their own splash pools! Enjoy twice daily game drives, river cruises, canoeing and guided bush walks.
River Lodge
The 4-Star River Lodge is one-of-a-kind, offering guests luxurious peace and tranquility. Inside the lodge you can find a quiet spot in one of the lounges, page through a book in the library, relax at the pool or take in the view from the magnificent deck which overhangs the Bushmans River. This thatched lodge is unique in that it connects a Big 5 game reserve to the sea. Apart from the twice daily game viewing trips, you can enjoy optional daily boat cruises through to the quaint village of Kenton-on-Sea to its picturesque beaches. Also great for fishing and canoeing activities.
Ukhozi Lodge
This 4-Star lodge truly captures the romance and intimacy of Africa. Superbly sculptured from stone, wood and glass, this stylish and uniquely designed lodge forms idyllic spaces and nestles subtly into the landscape. Views are spectacular and the beautiful rim-flow pool on the valley edge is simply iconic – offering a panoramic view of the river plains teaming with wild animals. Meandering bush paths connect 10 luxurious suites, each offering complete privacy with their own breath-taking vistas and private plunge pools! Superb!
Settlers Drift Lodge
Depending on the tide, you are transferred by boat along the tranquil Bushmans River or you can travel along a road originally used by the 1820 Settlers to reach this absolutely magnificent lodge.
Located in a remote and untouched part of the Kariega wilderness, Settlers Drift offers a unique tented safari combined with 5-star luxury. Enjoy stunning views gazing down from the decks overlooking the Bushman’s River. This luxurious tented lodge delivers the ultimate guest experience.
Facilities include a restaurant, bar, wine cellar, spacious decks, pool, boma, curio shop, library and spa treatments and much more!…
Cape St Francis Resort
Borders the beach at Cape St Francis and just 90 minutes from Port Elizabeth airport, it ticks all the boxes as a perfect beach holiday destination. There is a selection of accommodation options from conventional hotel rooms, three- and four-bedroom cottages or luxury beach villas that appeal to couples or families. All are suitable for either a bed and breakfast choice or a self-catering option.
Here you can surf, kite-surf and canoe on the beautiful waters off both Cape St Francis and St Francis Bay’s as well as on the nearby Kromme River. For golfers, the top ten rated St Francis Links offers an excellent challenge with the nearby St Francis Bay Golf Club offering an easier but still challenging round of golf.
Scallop Lodge, Plettenberg Bay
Where peaceful earthiness encounters modern Africa, Scallop Lodge is tucked away in a peaceful neighbourhood. It offers spacious luxury accommodation and a mere 10 minutes’ walk from the pristine “Blue Flag” status Robberg Beach. This exclusive guesthouse provides absolute privacy, whether you are planning a romantic retreat or a family holiday.
The lodge offers five guest rooms with full en-suite bathrooms, which can be booked on a per-room basis or as a whole self-catering house. All rooms are equipped with under-floor heating, safes, Wi-Fi access, heated towel rails, beach towels and beach bags, luxurious linen and coffee and tea facilities.
