Eastern Cape
Eastern Cape

Eastern Cape

The second largest of South Africa’s 9 provinces, the diverse Eastern Cape is situated between the Western Cape and KwaZulu Natal, bordered by the Orange River and Drakensberg Mountains. The area offers pristine beaches and game reserves teeming with wildlife.

Eastern Cape Highlights

The Eastern Cape province in South Africa offers pristine beaches along the warm Indian Ocean, game reserves teeming with wildlife, luxurious safari lodges, as well as traditional South African hospitality. A superb region offering incredible diversity; the location for a holiday adventure of a lifetime.

Visitors can explore the Eastern Cape and experience the green-fringed coastline, remote, peaceful villages, and white sand dunes for days. The area offers unique mountain ranges, ancient forests, indigenous fynbos, as well as some of the best nature reserves and game parks in South Africa.

The Garden Route, situated along the Eastern Cape, incorporates some of the most scenic venues in the country. A route along the lush coast, beginning in Mossel Bay in the Western Cape to Storms River in the Eastern Cape. The name, Garden Route, comes from the ecologically diverse vegetation encountered along the way, and the numerous lagoons and lakes dotted along the coast.

Ready to Go on Safari?
Where to go icon
Tell us where you would like to visit.
Tailored solutions icon
We will work on some tailored solutions.
Safari icon
It's time for your safari! Bon Voyage!
Useful Information

Alternating between sweeping sand, river mouths, rocks and coves, the Eastern Cape coastline is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts and beach bums alike.

The Eastern Cape offers scenic diversity, ranging from the evergreen Tsitsikamma Forest to the rugged Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area, the southern slopes of the Drakensberg and the arid Great Karoo.

The Wild Coast (East London to just before Durban) is one of South Africa's most exciting and unexploited areas, with a special appeal for fishermen all year round. It is rich in South African heritage and boasts tropical temperatures year-round.

The Eastern Cape is littered with fantastic, luxury, safari destinations. Private Game Reserves include Shamwari, Kwandwe, Lalibela, and Amakhala; all of which are centred around a conservation ethic and offer biodiverse environments.

Amakhala Game Reserve is a unique private game reserve that employs a commendable conservation initiative in its operation. It allows animals to be re-introduced to the area where they once roamed freely and so making a contribution to the conservation of South Africa's natural heritage. Accommodation is offered in a range from rustic to ultra-luxurious.

At Shamwari Game Reserve , a dedicated and systematic re-introduction program was launched, and in October 2000, the first lions were brought back to the Eastern Cape and released on the reserve. Constantly working on conservation of big cats and other species, Shamwari is the ultimate safari destination on the Garden Route.

Addo Elephant Park  is the home of the elephants in the Eastern Cape. It offers a choice of elephant activities to supplement a visit to this National Park; such as, walking with elephants and elephant-back rides. It is located near the city of Port Elizabeth and ranks 3rd as South Africa's biggest game reserve.

How to get there

Sun Safaris can arrange scheduled flights for guests into Port Elizabeth, George and Cape Town airports; depending on where guests are headed. Upon arrival, Sun Safaris can either arrange a rental car for self-driving guests, or a private driver and guide for a more luxurious alternative.

Guests can self-drive from anywhere in South Africa to the Eastern Cape; drive time depending on where one is driving from.

There are luxurious safari locations along the luscious coast of the Eatern Cape, many of which are primarily targeted towards conservation of the biodiversity and endangered species.

Many guests wanting to experience the Garden Route do so on their own time, in hired vehicles. Sun Safaris will provide maps and suggestive information for those embarking on self-drives.

Eastern Cape Game Viewing and Activities

The game viewing at the pristine game reserves along the Garden Route is spectacular. The area is home to the Big 5, as well as an abundance of general game, including endangered species. The game reserves are exclusive and offer guests a unique safari experience. The area is malaria-free which makes it ideal for families with young children.

The Eastern Cape offers prime African bushland and includes some of the world's leading game reserves that have been targeted towards conservation of South Africa's unique heritage. Guests can expect to see lion, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, black and white rhinoceros, hippopotamus, kudu, springbok, bushbuck, grey duiker, black wildebeest, gemsbok and zebra.

Visitors will experience the culture and heritage of the region, spectacular wildlife, a large variety of adventure and outdoor activities as well as 9 tourism routes. Most popular along the Eastern Cape's Indian Ocean coast is the world-famous Garden Route, which includes both an exploration of game parks and cultural hotspots.

Eastern Cape Price Guide Enquiry
More From Eastern Cape
Sun Safaris

Sun Safaris organises African & South American safaris, holidays and honeymoons. We are based in Cape Town, South Africa. Both continents are specialized and complex, yet exciting destinations. For this reason, Sun Safaris aims to help you make well-informed travel decisions by calling on our extensive knowledge and first-hand experience, providing you with up-to-date travel information, and to ensure all your enquiries and bookings are handled efficiently.

Find out More
About Us
Contact Us
PO Box 52160
Waterfront
8002
South Africa
Follow Us
Facebook Icon
Instagram Icon
Brett Thomson
Sun Safaris
Sun Safaris
Janelle Thirsk
Your digital guides
PayGate - online payments