Price Per Person Sharing
Starting from $1,992
Country
South Africa
Duration
5 Nights
What to expect on your...
Budget Eastern Cape Safari
Welcome to the soul-stirring landscapes of South Africa’s Eastern Cape—a region rich in natural diversity, cultural heritage, and meaningful conservation efforts. This five-day Eastern Cape Safari adventure is a journey of contrasts and connection, where untamed wilderness meets heartfelt local hospitality, and immersive experiences await at every turn. For travellers seeking accessibility without compromise, a Budget Eastern Cape Safari is the perfect way to combine value with unforgettable encounters.
Your adventure begins in the charming village of Addo, gateway to the magnificent Greater Addo Elephant National Park. This mega-park is one of the most ecologically diverse reserves in the country, encompassing five unique biomes—coastal, marine, dune, forest, and bushveld. It’s home to an astounding variety of wildlife, including the Big Five, antelope, birdlife, and marine creatures. From your comfortable base just outside the park, you’ll explore Addo at your own pace with self-guided game drives, while also enjoying the bonus of a guided safari experience for deeper insight into the park’s remarkable ecosystems. This blend of freedom and guidance captures the essence of an Eastern Cape Safari, offering flexibility while still providing expert knowledge.
After soaking in the wild and windswept beauty of Addo, the second part of your journey takes you to the Amakhala Game Reserve, a fascinating conservation success story. Once a collection of dairy farms, Amakhala is now a thriving, privately-owned reserve where local families have converted farmland into protected wilderness. Here, you’ll spend two nights in a beautifully styled 1920s safari camp, where cream canvas tents and polished teak details evoke the romance of a bygone era. The charm of this historic atmosphere makes it an excellent stop on any Eastern Cape Safari, particularly for couples or families looking to immerse themselves in a more intimate setting.
This leg of your safari offers a more personal and foot-on-the-ground experience, with daily walking safaris that bring you closer to the rhythm of the wild. From tracking big game to potentially spending a night in a cave, the adventure here is raw, real, and deeply rewarding. And beyond the wildlife encounters, Amakhala’s story is one of purpose and transformation. Their community-driven approach to conservation highlights how tourism can directly support environmental protection and education. Choosing a Budget Eastern Cape Safari here means travellers can enjoy authentic wilderness experiences while also contributing to sustainable development.
Guests are encouraged to contribute to the Conservation and Community Development Levy, which supports rhino protection efforts and funds educational programs for the next generation of conservationists. It’s a reminder that every footprint left on this land can help shape a better future for it. This element of conservation ensures that your Eastern Cape Safari is not only a journey for personal enrichment but also one that leaves a lasting impact.
Evenings on this adventure are a celebration of both wilderness and culture. At camp, fires crackle, lanterns glow, and the stories of the land unfold under star-filled skies. Meals are shared communally, blending traditional flavours with fresh, local ingredients, while the soundtrack of the bush adds to the atmosphere. These moments of stillness and connection are what make an Eastern Cape Safari so memorable.
This is not just a safari—it’s a journey into the heart of the Eastern Cape, where nature, history, and community come together to create a truly enriching experience. For those looking to balance meaningful adventure with affordability, a Budget Eastern Cape Safari delivers a powerful reminder that travel can be both transformative and accessible.
- Inclusions
- Selected Meals & Beverages
- Transport Logistics
- Scheduled Activities
- Local Flights
- Exclusions
- Gratuities
- International Flights
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance
- Items not mentioned under Inclusions
This safari is great for
- Safari Holiday
- Elephant Safari
- Self Guided
- Lion Safari
- Big 5 Safari
- Adventure
- Nature
- Game Drives
- Self Drive Safari
Best time to go
5=May, 6=Jun, 7=Jul, 8=Aug, 9=Sep 5=May, 6=Jun, 7=Jul, 8=Aug, 9=SepWhy is this safari sustainable?
This Eastern Cape safari is designed to protect wildlife, uplift communities, and tread lightly on the land. Staying at Elephant House supports local employment, training, and grassroots projects, while visits to Addo Elephant National Park and Schotia Private Game Reserve help fund habitat restoration and anti-poaching work. Your marine safari with Raggy Charters follows strict ethical guidelines and contributes to marine research and conservation. At Woodbury Tented Camp in Amakhala Game Reserve, eco-conscious operations and the Conservation & Community Development Levy directly support rhino protection, environmental education, and community upliftment. Every part of this journey plays a role in safeguarding the Eastern Cape’s wild beauty for generations to come.
YOUR ADVENTURE BEGINS
DAYS 1 - 2 in Addo Elephant National Park
Wildlife and Coastal Wonders of Eastern Cape
Set amidst the citrus groves of the Sundays River Valley, Elephant House is a family-run colonial-style lodge offering a peaceful retreat just minutes from Addo Elephant National Park. With nine spacious en-suite rooms and six private stable cottages, the property blends comfort with understated elegance. Each room includes private courtyards or verandas, while the lush gardens and twin swimming pools provide ideal spots to unwind between game drives. The lodge's interiors are tastefully decorated with Persian rugs, African art, and comfortable lounge areas perfect for reading or enjoying a sundowner. Mornings begin with hearty, home-style breakfasts before venturing out into Addo’s wilderness. In the evening, guests can relax with home-cooked dinners or dine out at the nearby Tangelo Restaurant, known for its fresh, citrus-themed cuisine.
The Elephant House
Elephant House, Main Street, Eastern Cape
+27 (0) 42 233 2462
A 30-minute self-drive from Gqeberha brings you to Addo. Drive times to Schotia Safaris and Gqeberha for marine excursions range from 32 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on the day's activity.
Explore Addo Elephant National Park through both self-guided and guided game drives, spotting elephants, lions, and buffalo in their natural habitat. Visit Schotia Safaris for the thrilling Tooth & Claw Safari, where you’ll track big cats, enjoy a traditional dinner, and take part in a night drive to spot nocturnal wildlife. Before heading to Amakhala, embark on a marine safari with Raggy Charters in Algoa Bay—home to whales, dolphins, African penguins, and Cape gannets. This ocean safari spans up to 50 km and offers some of the best chances to witness South Africa’s coastal wildlife.
Daily breakfast is included at Elephant House. One dinner is included during your Schotia safari evening. Other meals, such as lunch and dinner at Tangelo Restaurant, are at your own leisure, offering flavorful dishes inspired by local ingredients and Addo’s citrus heritage.
DAYS 3 - 5 in Amakhala Game Reserve
Into the Wild
Your home for the next two nights is Woodbury Tented Camp, an intimate, family-run safari retreat nestled within the spectacular Amakhala Game Reserve. Perched on raised wooden platforms, the ten en-suite tents blend rustic charm with comfort—each offering hot water, king-size or twin beds, electric blankets, and a private viewing deck that opens out to the African bush. Two of the tents are designed specifically for families, connected via a shared balcony to create the perfect setup for a shared adventure. This three-star camp is operated by the Gush family, who have lived on this land for five generations, and whose warmth and dedication shine through in every part of your stay. From attentive staff—many of whom grew up in the area—to hearty meals and immersive wildlife encounters, Woodbury offers a deeply personal and authentic safari experience.
Woodbury Tented Camp
https://www.amakhala.co.za/lodges/woodbury-tented-camp
Amakhala Game Reserve, Paterson, 6130
+27 (0)41 450 5658
Amakhala is just a 45-minute (44 km) self-drive from Addo, through the Eastern Cape’s rolling hills and citrus groves.
Enjoy two game drives daily led by experienced rangers who guide you into the heart of the reserve. Expect unforgettable sightings of elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, antelope, and more in their natural habitat. Between drives, relax at camp and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this thriving conservation success story.
All meals are included—breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Expect generous, locally inspired dishes enjoyed in the warm company of fellow travelers, with a special opportunity to dine under the stars at the camp’s traditional boma.
DAY 6 in Johannesburg
Farewell to the Eastern Cape Wilderness
Depart Amakhala Game Reserve for Gqeberha Airport (formerly Port Elizabeth), where you'll board a domestic flight to Johannesburg. Travel time by road to the airport is approximately 1.5–2 hours.
Your final morning offers time to reflect on the days spent in the bush, soaking up the sights and sounds of Amakhala one last time. While no formal game drive is planned, the journey itself may bring surprise wildlife sightings as you make your way back through the reserve. It’s a gentle and meaningful farewell to the Eastern Cape.
Breakfast
