Written by Nina van Zyl

The Eastern Cape of South Africa is packed with safari attractions like national parks and private game reserves that boast a wide array of wildlife including all members of the Big 5 and more. Since the province includes idyllic beaches and sleepy seaside towns, as well as traditional villages and rolling green hills, it follows that the wild creatures that call it home are just as diverse as its landscape. Even better, this part of South Africa is malaria-free, with environments that are lush yet open, allowing visitors to spot easy-to-see animals during exciting self-drives or on expert-led game drives. 

Have a look at our list of the animals you can be sure to see during your unforgettable Eastern Cape safari:

Elephants at Greater Addo Elephant Park

This 164.000 ha park is home to the densest population of African elephant on earth, so you can be sure you’ll be seeing these gentle giants roaming around on a visit to this park. The park has a stunning variety of landscapes, from forests to hills, with each area home to its own unique cast of creatures. Expect to see grumpy-looking Cape buffaloes as well as endangered black rhinos grazing on the plains. And look out for elusive predators like lions and hyenas hidden expertly behind the bushes. 

Cheetahs at Kwandwe Private Game Reserve

The second largest game reserve in the Eastern Cape, Kwandwe is a fantastic destination for visitors looking to see the fastest mammal on earth, the cheetah. The reserve has seen the successful establishment of a population of cheetahs in the area for the first time since 1888 and is involved in translocating cheetahs around the country to establish genetic diversity. Kwandwe is also a major attraction for birders, who flock (hehe) to the park to see its population of endangered Blue Cranes. 

Zebras at Mountain Zebra National Park

Rolling green hills and deep valleys make this park the perfect home for the large population of previously-endangered Cape mountain zebra after which it’s named. But that’s not all — visitors have the opportunity to track the park’s  collared cheetahs during an unforgettable search by foot. And remember to keep an eye out for other animal members of the park, like its wildebeest, buffaloes, caracals and black rhinos.

African wild dogs at Pumba Game Reserve

The stunning Pumba Game Reserve encompasses five of the world’s seven biomes and is a fantastic destination for any African safari. The location of the park means that visitors can come to view the Big 5, after only a short drive from nearby Grahamstown. Other animals to spot include necky giraffes, lazy hippos, sly hyenas and spotty African wild dogs. And don’t overlook the smaller inhabitants of the park, such as the Cape fox, aardwolf and scrub hare. 

Lions at Shamwari Game Reserve

Just an hour’s drive from Port Elizabeth and stretching along the Bushman’s River, award-winning Shamwari is the most southerly game reserve in Africa. Its 25.000 ha is home to all the members of the Big 5, as well as the ones that didn’t make the list, like wild dog, cheetah, hyena, hippo, giraffe and zebra. 

With so many animals to see, a safari in the Eastern Cape is the trip of a lifetime. Check out our website for ideas on how to make it happen.