Find destinations, properties and journeys.
Rolling hills, vast private reserves and remarkable wildlife have helped establish the Eastern Cape as one of South Africa's most rewarding safari destinations.
Settlers Drift, a five-star luxury tented lodge in the malaria-free Kariega Game Reserve, offers an exquisite safari retreat. Its nine spacious suites provide breathtaking views and unparalleled seclusion amidst the African bush. Each elegantly designed tented suite features a private viewing deck, opulent bedroom, inviting living area, and a luxurious bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers, complemented by a wood-burning stove, minibar, and air-conditioning. The modern lodge boasts expansive decks, a serene pool, a traditional boma, a curated shop, a tranquil library, and a rejuvenating spa, ensuring a refined and immersive experience. All-inclusive dining showcases gourmet cuisine paired with fine drinks, served in sophisticated settings or under the stars in the boma. Twice-daily safari drives, river trips, and guided walks, led by expert rangers, deliver thrilling encounters with the Big 5 and the reserve's diverse wildlife, offering guests a profound connection to the pristine wilderness. The lodge's warm hospitality and meticulous attention to detail create a soulful escape for discerning travellers. Located 36 km from Port Alfred and 37 km from Grahamstown, with complimentary private parking, Settlers Drift combines luxurious comfort with the untamed beauty of the Kariega Game Reserve, delivering an unforgettable safari adventure.
From £735 per night
Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge, perched on a hill in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, offers an enchanting luxury safari across 75,000 hectares. Renowned for Big Five and rare wild dog sightings, it borders Botswana with captivating wilderness. The ten secluded glass-fronted suites, each spanning 150 square metres, feature private decks with plunge pools, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, fireplaces, mosquito nets, fully stocked minibars, and romantic en-suite bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers, offering uninterrupted savannah views. Little Madikwe, a family-friendly camp, includes a 390-square-metre two-bedroom suite, with two additional luxury suites available to form a private retreat for up to eight guests, complete with a private pool, verandah, dining room, kitchen, personal chef, butler, and dedicated game drive vehicle. All-inclusive dining features full English and continental breakfasts and lunches on the main deck, with dinners served under starlit skies in the traditional boma or with fine silver service in the elegant dining room, paired with local wines. The lodge's wellness spa, inspired by African healing traditions, offers signature treatments using indigenous botanical ingredients, complemented by a fully equipped gym with treadmills, weights, and aerobic mats. A library, curio shop stocked with local crafts, and a terraced viewing deck overlooking a vibrant waterhole enhance the experience. Twice-daily three-hour game drives in state-of-the-art vehicles, guided by expert rangers and trackers, deliver thrilling encounters with 86 mammal species, including cheetah, lion, and 420 bird varieties, alongside bush walks and wildlife photography. Located 265 km from Lanseria International Airport, Madikwe Hills blends unparalleled luxury with the majestic beauty of South Africa's diverse wilderness.
From £2430 per night
Long Lee Manor, a luxurious Edwardian-styled retreat in the malaria-free Shamwari Private Game Reserve, exudes timeless elegance amidst manicured gardens. Overlooking the vast African plains, it offers an intimate Big Five safari experience. The spacious rooms and suites, adorned with refined decor, feature air-conditioning, ceiling fans, satellite televisions, and tea-and-coffee facilities, ensuring sophisticated comfort. Each space blends classic charm with modern amenities, providing a serene haven that harmonises with the vibrant wildlife and sweeping vistas of the reserve. All-inclusive dining, encompassing breakfast, lunch, and dinner, is served in the elegant dining area or outdoors, showcasing exquisite cuisine paired with fine beverages. Morning and afternoon game drives in open vehicles, guided by expert rangers, include sunrise coffee and tea or sunset sundowner drinks, delivering thrilling encounters with the Big Five and the reserve's diverse fauna. For relaxation, the rim-flow pool overlooks a bustling waterhole, while three treatment rooms and a well-equipped fitness centre offer rejuvenation. A gift shop provides curated souvenirs. Located 75 km from Port Elizabeth and 45 km from Grahamstown, with shuttle services and a private landing strip available, Long Lee Manor seamlessly blends opulent heritage with the untamed allure of Shamwari's wilderness.
From £940 per night
Woodall Country House & Spa, a luxurious five-star retreat on a serene citrus farm, offers an idyllic escape 65 km from Port Elizabeth. Adjacent to Addo Elephant Park, it captivates nature lovers and connoisseurs alike. The boutique hotel's 11 exceptionally spacious rooms, including suites with private pools, feature private verandas and outdoor showers overlooking picturesque gardens teeming with resident herons, cormorants, and rare waterbirds. Each room blends elegant comfort with modern amenities, creating a tranquil haven perfect for honeymooners seeking privacy and romance amidst the peaceful citrus orchards. The thatched dining room, with its award-winning Diner's Club Diamond cellar boasting a curated collection of fine South African wines, serves stylish regional cuisine inspired by freshly picked herbs, vegetables, and local ingredients. Guests can enjoy buffet-style breakfasts, poolside lunches, or dinners with water views, while relaxation areas like the library, sundowner deck, chill room, and indoor and outdoor lounges enhance the serene ambiance. The Citrus Spa, inspired by the surrounding orchards, offers unique treatments in a couple's therapy room, sauna, hydrobath, steam room, and Vichy shower, complemented by a gym. Daily safaris in open Landcruisers to Addo Elephant Park and nearby reserves like Schotia, Amakhala, Pumba, Kwantu, and Elephant Back Safaris provide thrilling wildlife encounters. Located close to Shamwari Game Reserve, Woodall delivers an exquisite blend of sophisticated indulgence and the natural allure of the Eastern Cape.
From £230 per night
