Starting where the sun rises, the Eastern Cape is home to Shamwari Game Reserve - the longest-running private reserve in the Cape, stretching across 25,000 hectares. It now not only boasts the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, Cape buffalo), but also has wild dog, cheetah, hyena, hippo, giraffe and zebra. At 22,000 hectares, Kwandwe Reserve is the second largest of the Eastern Cape reserves, known for excellent cheetah sightings. Ask us about Addo Elephant Park too….particularly as an introduction to African wildlife for young children. Two of our top lodge picks in the Eastern Cape are:
Riverdene Lodge, Shamwari
‘Overlooking the magnificent bushveld of the Eastern Cape, Riverdene Lodge is a beautifully restored original frontier home. With just nine spacious inter-leading rooms, there is a relaxed, calm vibe. The Kids on Safari Adventure Centre includes a rock-climbing wall, zip line, treehouse playground and maze.’
Kwandwe Ecca Lodge….
‘Included with each Family Suite at Kwandwe Ecca Lodge is a private vehicle, ranger and tracker. This lodge sets the standard in offering innovative ‘live green’ activities including: planting Spekboom (a type of thick vegetation native to the Eastern Cape, and one of the top five carbon-storing plants on the planet!), or Kwandwe’s ‘Knit a Bit’ where kids are taught to knit squares to make blankets for the local communities.’
‘If you prefer to decide what time you go on your game drives each day, and for no minimum age restrictions, take one of the three private-hire lodges at Kwandwe - Fort House, Uplands Homestead and Melton Manor - and design your own safari!’
Madikwe Game Reserve at 75,000 hectares is one of South Africa’s largest reserves. It is a three-hour drive from Johannesburg and a non-malaria area making it very popular with families. On a 23,000 hectare private concession within the Big 5 Marakele National Park, Marataba is approximately four hours driving time from Johannesburg. Whether you decide to fly or drive, combining these two reserves makes for a varied, top-notch, family safari. Ask us about the brilliant FLYMORE packages which save you money on flights to both camps…
Madikwe and Marataba MORE Safari Lodges
‘Lelapa lodge at Madikwe Safari Lodge has four Family Suites; each includes a second children’s bunk bedroom, giving your kids (and you) their own space. For those wanting alternatives to Big Five excursions beyond vehicle drives, Marataba offers a walking safari and a must-do water safari, where guests navigate the Matlabas River in search of hippos, lions and much more while on the lodge’s pontoon, Miss Mara.’
Located to the west of Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands is widely considered to be South Africa’s finest reserve. For families who are unphased by taking anti-malarials, it is hard to beat, and is particularly famous for incredible leopard and lion sightings.
Chitwa Chitwa
‘In addition to the six one bedroom suites, the Charlsy suite has two inter-connecting rooms ideal for families. Chitwa House Villa has two exclusive en-suite bedrooms and includes a dedicated ranger, private vehicle, butler and large pool. Located on the largest lake within Sabi Sands private reserve, you may even spot hippos and crocodiles from the sunset deck pool!’
Grootbos
‘And for a chance to spot South Africa’s ‘Marine Big 5’, spend a few nights at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, just outside of Hermanus and a short drive from Cape Town. Between June and December, hundreds of Southern Right Whales gather in the shallow waters of Walker’s Bay to mate and calve their young. The Garden Lodge suites and The Villa are brilliantly suited to families but they do book up early so you’ll need to plan ahead for this unique eco-property.’
