A malaria-free province, Eastern Cape is one of South Africa’s leading tourist destinations. It boasts thriving biodiversity and spectacular scenery that guarantee a compelling experience of the South African safari. When you are here, you should visit the famous Valley of Desolation near Graaff-Reinet, especially if you fancy sunsets. Another point of interest that you should not miss is Wild Coast, which is home to numerous sea cliffs, subtropical forests, and wind-whipped beaches. To see enormous elephants and other wildlife, drop by Addo Elephant National Park, the country’s third-biggest national park. Of course, no trip is complete without quality accommodations. Check out the best safari lodges in Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Tip from Content Creator
Stretching from Cape St Francis in the West to The Wild Coast in the East (our dream to explore one day!), the Eastern Cape has hundreds of Game Reserves - ranging from luxurious five-star reserves to budget-friendly options. So be sure to choose wisely while booking one from this list! The province is also the best place to see the Big 7. The Great White Shark and Southern Right Whale complete the Big 7 as well as the Buffalo, Leopard, Lion, Elephant and Rhino.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 11, 2024.
1. Hlosi Game Lodge - Amakhala Game Reserve (from USD 449)
Reasonable pricing for a luxury safari experience
Luxury tents with beautiful views, outdoor showers, and expertly guided game drives
Situated within Amakhala Game Reserve, offering diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife
Delicious and plentiful meals, with a focus on local cuisine and wildlife viewing from the lodge's water hole
Hlosi Game Lodge features eight luxury safari tents and six suites along a hill, offering wide-open, wildlife views. Delivering family-friendly accommodations, some of its suites have 2 bedrooms that can sleep up to 12 adults and 4 children. Each of its suites has a bar fridge, coffee- and tea-making facilities, an outdoor courtyard with a shower, a private bathroom with a deep-soaking tub and shower, and a private veranda. It can be reserved exclusively as a venue for corporate and social functions.
Tip from tour guide
About a 30-minute drive from this accommodation is Addo Elephant National Park, which is home to over 600 elephants, 400 Cape buffaloes, and 48 endangered black rhinos (Diceros bicornis michaeli). Recently, lions and spotted hyenas were re-introduced here. A variety of antelope species and the largest remaining population of the flightless dung beetle (Circellium bacchus) can be found in the park as well.
Hlosi Game Lodge - Amakhala Game Reserve
Address: Amakhala Game Reserve, R342 Karel Landman Road
31.78 km (19.8 mi) from Addo Elephant National Park - South Gate - Mathyolweni Gate
2. Pumba Private Game Reserve (from USD 429)
Luxurious accommodations at a reasonable price point.
Spacious rooms with private plunge pools and stunning views. Knowledgeable and friendly staff, exceptional game drives, and a variety of activities including bush walks, archery, and stargazing.
Beautiful setting overlooking a plain and mountain ridge, with wildlife visible from the lodge and individual rooms.
Delicious and varied cuisine with attention to detail, accommodating dietary restrictions, and exceptional service.
Pumba Private Game Reserve is home to various African wildlife, such as cheetahs, giraffes, hyenas, and over 300 bird species. An ideal destination for family holiday vacations, it has a special program for young guests, Kids on Safari. This program takes kids on a one-hour game drive after breakfast, where they identify surrounding insect and plant species. It offers two accommodation options— Pumba Water Lodge and Msenge Bush Lodge. The former features a game viewing deck, guest library, guest lounge, pool and sun deck, thatched restaurant, and waterfront floating pier with sundeck. Meanwhile, the latter has a bar, game viewing deck, guest lounge, gym, internet office, pool deck, reading room, restaurant, and spa.
Pumba Private Game Reserve
Address: Highlands
64.71 km (40.3 mi) from Addo Elephant National Park - South Gate - Mathyolweni Gate
3. Mount Camdeboo Private Game Reserve (from USD 215)
Mount Camdeboo Private Game Reserve takes pride in delivering quality accommodations in Karoo, featuring three restored Cape Dutch manors and two elegant pods. It also has a secluded cottage that’s perfect for couples who are on a honeymoon or a romantic getaway. Ensuring that you have everything you need, it offers a compelling dining experience. Its chefs carefully prepare dishes using fresh, local ingredients and cater to various dietary restrictions. Many points of interest are nearby, such as Camdeboo National Park and Mountain Zebra National Park (MZNP).
Mount Camdeboo Private Game Reserve by NEWMARK
Address: Petersburg Road
170.76 km (106.2 mi) from Addo Elephant National Park - South Gate - Mathyolweni Gate
4. Premier Resort Mpongo Private Game Reserve (from USD 79)
Providing genuine South African hospitality and a unique game-viewing experience, Premier Resort Mpongo Private Game Reserve masterfully blends luxury and wildlife. Nestled at the heart of a 3,500-hectare (8,648.69-acre) conservation land 35 km (21.75 mi) away from East London, it is home to numerous African wildlife like buffalos, elephants, and giraffes. Its in-house restaurant, Huberta Restaurant, serves African cuisines for breakfast and light lunch between 9:00am and 4:00pm every day. Every Sunday, you can enjoy a sumptuous Sunday buffet lunch and traditional Sunday braai.
Premier Resort Mpongo Private Game Reserve
Address: Macleantown District, N6 National Road
202.92 km (126.1 mi) from Addo Elephant National Park - South Gate - Mathyolweni Gate
5. Bukela Game Lodge - Amakhala Game Reserve (from USD 515)
Luxurious accommodations with all-inclusive pricing.
Private, spacious tents with comfortable furnishings. Communal seating areas, turn-down service, and soft dressing gowns available.
Remote, game reserve location with fabulous views over the land and a watering hole on the property.
Delicious, well-presented meals with decent portion sizes. Varied menu with options for everyone, though service could be more attentive at times.
Tucked at the top of a hidden valley in Amakhala Game Reserve, Bukela Game Lodge boasts a secluded location that appeals to couples. It features 10 luxury safari tents and 4 suites that are well-appointed to make you feel at home in the middle of an African safari setting. It offers high teas, fireside boma dinners, and private candlelit dinners, ensuring that you get to maximize your romantic getaway. If you are looking for a private venue for your corporate or social events, you may also reserve it entirely.
Bukela Game Lodge - Amakhala Game Reserve
Address: Amakhala Game Reserve
31.11 km (19.4 mi) from Addo Elephant National Park - South Gate - Mathyolweni Gate
6. Camp Figtree (from USD 360)
Reasonable rates for luxurious glamping experience with stunning mountain views.
Luxurious suites, glamping tents, pool, bar, and outdoor dining with Wi-Fi.
Secluded mountain setting near Addo Elephant Park, offering tranquility and breathtaking views.
Delicious set course dinners, vegetarian options, buffet breakfast, and exceptional service.
Only 15 km (9.32 mi) away from Addo Elephant National Park’s main gate, Camp Figtree offers numerous accommodation options that meet the needs of different guests. A popular option is its Luxury Tents, which are built over the edge of a mountain to provide uninterrupted views. These Luxury Tents have private bathrooms and private balconies. Boasting eco-friendly hospitality, it is completely powered by solar energy. Plenty of outdoor activities await you here, especially when you visit Addo Elephant National Park, which is home to over 600 elephants.
Camp Figtree by The Oyster Collection
Address: Zuurberg Pass
34.99 km (21.8 mi) from Addo Elephant National Park - South Gate - Mathyolweni Gate
7. Samara Private Game Reserve (from USD 1241)
Samara Private Game Reserve is known for its award-winning conservation practices that began in 1997. If you want to take part in the conservation of African biodiversity, it is definitely the perfect place for you. It only has 2 luxury lodges- Karoo Lodge and The Manor, accommodating a maximum of 26 people at a time. Karoo Lodge is a restored farmhouse that sleeps up to 18 people, while The Manor provides contemporary lodging for up to 8 people. With 27,113.94 hectares (67,000 acres) of wilderness, it is guaranteed to be your private safari playground.
Samara Karoo Reserve
Address: Petersburg Road Off the R63 to Pearston Near Graaff-Reinet Eastern Cape
171.66 km (106.7 mi) from Addo Elephant National Park - South Gate - Mathyolweni Gate
8. Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve (from USD 599)
Offering five-star luxury and unrivaled experience of the African safari, Oceana features nine suites and a private, three-bedroom house. If you are on a family vacation, the house is suitable for you. This house has three bathrooms, a lounge with fireplace, kitchen with bar, six-seater dining area, and private deck with a plunge pool. Nearby, you will find an unspoiled beach where you can spoil yourself with breathtaking white sand and sparkling blue waters. The entire reserve is home to over 30 animal species and 220 bird species.
Tip from tour guide
We spent our time on the coast at Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve where we had a lovely safari, delicious food, and amazing rooms to rest. We also had cool drinks and got to see wildebeest, zebra, giraffes, waterbucks, and amazing sunset views. Eastern Cape Tourism has been amazing!
Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve
Address: R72 Main Road, Riet River
110.82 km (68.9 mi) from Addo Elephant National Park - South Gate - Mathyolweni Gate
9. ParkView Safari Lodge (from USD 79)
Reasonable pricing for luxury tents and chalets near Addo Elephant Park.
Spacious tents with modern amenities, pool, wildlife on premises, and helpful staff.
Conveniently situated near the South Gate entrance of Addo Elephant Park.
Delicious breakfast, lovely dinner options, and close proximity to restaurants and grocery stores.
Parkview Safari Lodge is only a 25-minute drive from Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport, offering a tranquil retreat away from the hustle and bustle while still being easily accessible. Only a few minutes away from Addo Elephant National Park, it is beautifully surrounded by wildlife roaming freely. It offers various accommodation options, including four guest rooms, five luxury tents, several self-catering units, and campsites with bathrooms. It has a seasonal swimming pool with sweeping views of Addo Elephant National Park.
ParkView Safari Lodge
Address: 880 Farm Colchester Off Main Rd
708 meters (0.5 ft) from Addo Elephant National Park - South Gate - Mathyolweni Gate
10. Hopewell Private Game Reserve (from USD 624)
Only a stone’s throw away from Addo Elephant National Park and a 50-minute drive from Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport, Hopewell Private Game Reserve offers a luxurious, African safari staycation experience. It has a lodge delicately built using local stone and thatch in the middle of landscaped greeneries. It features two lounges and one dining area where you can comfortably unwind or share meals with your loved ones. Every morning, you can enjoy a continental or full English breakfast. Its in-house chefs prepare savory dishes that highlight the best of contemporary South African cuisine.
Hopewell Private Game Reserve
Address: R72
28.4 km (17.7 mi) from Addo Elephant National Park - South Gate - Mathyolweni Gate
Have an unparalleled game-viewing experience in Eastern Cape
If you love the great outdoors and wildlife, Eastern Cape should be included in your bucket list of must-see destinations. You can stay in any of the many safari lodges in Eastern Cape, South Africa, so be sure to check them out!
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