The best safari lodges in Port Elizabeth
Kariega River Lodge sits on the banks of the Bushman's River in the private Kariega Game Reserve.
The Best Port Elizabeth Safari.
The Eastern Cape has become a popular holiday destination for families who are looking to enjoy the best of both worlds – some fun & relaxation on a sunkissed beach and an exciting safari on a malaria-free Big 5 game reserve.
There are several private reserves in the Eastern Cape but there are a select few that stand out from the rest because of their accommodation options and game viewing experiences. Promising a truly memorable experience, here are the Best Port Elizabeth Safari Lodges.
Picture: Shamwari Game Reserve
Shamwari is loved by travellers around the world because of their 25 year contribution to wildlife conservation. Shamwari is a thriving game reserve with all members of the iconic Big 5 present, along with other fascinating wildlife and over 250 species of birds.
Shamwari has 7 lodges and 1 explorer camp, each providing a unique experience. From luxury tented camps for nature enthusiasts to lodges offering exclusive tranquillity and family fun. The safari experience is exceptional and includes dawn and dusk open vehicle game drives, guided bush walks, bird watching, spa treatments and an indigenous San tracking experience.
Visits to the Shamwari Wildlife Centre are a treat for the kids. It is here that a veterinary team assists in the rescue, rehabilitation and care of sick, injured, abandoned or orphaned wildlife.
Amakhala Safari Lodge nestles in the northern reaches of the Amakhala Private Game Reserve which is just under an hour’s drive from Port Elizabeth. If you love elephants then you should be visiting Amakhala Safari Lodge which is said to be one of the five best places in Africa to view them in the wild.
The African inspired thatched lodge boasts eleven luxury suites, each with comfortable beds, mosquito netting, an en-suite bathroom with outdoor shower, air conditioning, minibar, tea & coffee making facilities, separate lounge area and a private patio with a plunge pool and spectacular views of a waterhole that attracts plenty of wildlife.
Amakhala offers sanctuary to an abundance of wildlife, particularly the Big 5 and various antelope species. The safari experience at Amakhala includes day and night game drives, river cruises (water-level dependent), bird watching, horse trails and nature walks.
Kariega River Lodge sits on the banks of the Bushman’s River in the private Kariega Game Reserve. This riverside lodge offers a tranquil location in which to relax and enjoy the peacefulness of nature.
The lodge features ten thatched suites, each with a spacious bedroom, an en-suite bathroom, bathrobes, air conditioning, heater, in-room safe, fan, tea & coffee making facilities, satellite television, minibar, and a private patio. Some suites have their own swimming pool and a few of the suites overlook the river.
The main guest area is incredible, hosting a cozy lounge, dining area, outdoor boma, bar, library, spa and swimming pool. There is also a gym nearby.
The Kariega reserve is home to various wildlife species – from the famous Big 5 to hippo, hyena, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, eland, kudu and waterbuck. Guests get to explore the pristine game reserve on open-vehicle game drives and guided walking safaris, along with other unique activities such as river paddling, fishing excursions and river cruises down to the quaint village of Kenton-on-Sea.
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