Eastern Cape

Big Five safaris in the malaria-free Eastern Cape game reserves. The Karoo interior offers stunning scenery, wilderness safaris and frontier history.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

August to May

Overview

Scenic diversity, wildlife and adventure is all on offer on an Eastern Cape safari holiday. It is packed with raw, rugged beauty ranging from lush coastal forests to arid desert landscapes. And the malaria free game reserves are a key focal point.

Whilst on the Coast, the attractive sandy beaches of the Wild Coast, Ciskei and St Francis Bay offer some of the most unspoilt coastal scenery in South Africa. Complete with dramatic rock formations, forested dunes, and rolling pastures. Then inland lies the immensely beautiful Karoo with its majestic panoramas and frontier history.

On Safari in the Eastern Cape

The Eastern cape offers malaria free game-viewing amidst stunning scenery. Plus the temperate climate and gently undulating hills are ideal for game viewing, as there are fewer trees obscuring sightings and better vantage points. There's a choice of game lodges to suit everyone from honeymoon couples to families. And groups of friends or family parties can enjoy some of the smaller safari lodges or Villas on an exclusive basis.

The Eastern Cape is one of the prime malaria free safari areas of South Africa - alongside the Kalahari, the Waterberg and Madikwe. The Addo Elephant Park with its large and relaxed elephant herds was the first. But now there are several private game reserves.

Giraffe on eastern cape safari holidays
~ STUDIO BLAAUW_19

Features

Why you may love it

  • Malaria-free safaris.
  • Long sandy beaches at Kenton, Port St Alfred and St Francis Bay.
  • Family safaris & kid’s activities at many Eastern Cape game lodges.
  • Majestic Karoo scenery with superb star-gazing & cheetah sightings.
  • Superb links golf courses at Port Elizabeth, St Francis and Port St Alfred.

When to visit Eastern Cape

November to March

Summer in Eastern Cape

The Eastern Cape is in the transitional climate zone between the Summer rainfall region of the north and east of South Africa and the Meditterranean climate of the Western Cape. The main characteristic is that rain is more evenly spread between summer and winter. Summer tends to be warm and humid with moderate rain. Game-viewing in the Eastern Cape is thus less seasonal than elsewhere in Southern Africa. This rainfall is quite high along the Wild Coast, whereas the interior of the Karoo tends to dry and hot.
AVG RAINFALL 44 mm
AVG DAYLIGHT 8 Hours
MAX TEMP 24 ℃ / 75 ℉
MIN TEMP 19 ℃ / 66 ℉

April to mid-May

Summer in Eastern Cape

This is a good time to visit as well as temperatures remain very pleasant and the rain is moderate.
AVG RAINFALL 55mm
AVG DAYLIGHT 7 Hours
MAX TEMP 21.5 ℃ / 71 ℉
MIN TEMP 13.5 ℃ / 57 ℉

Mid-May to August

Winter in Eastern Cape

These is our winter months which are characterised by cold winter nights, especially away from the coast but pleasant winter days of 20-22C. Though there is not much rain during the winter, game-viewing can be quite a cold experience. However many game lodges offer safari offers to warm up the experience.
AVG RAINFALL 59 mm
AVG DAYLIGHT 7 Hours
MAX TEMP 18 ℃ / 64 ℉
MIN TEMP 10 ℃ / 50 ℉

September to October

Summer in Eastern Cape

This is an attractive time to visit. Whales visit the coastal areas from July to November, peaking in number between September and October. The nights are much warmer and the days are sunny and warm but not hot. Great time for game-viewing.
AVG RAINFALL 63 mm
AVG DAYLIGHT 8 Hours
MAX TEMP 21 ℃ / 69 ℉
MIN TEMP 14 ℃ / 57 ℉

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Brilliant safari in Eastern Cape

"Our safari on the Eastern Cape was brilliant – we would have had to sacrifice a day of safari for a day of travel if we had gone to the larger/better known areas and we are so glad that we didn’t, and that we were advised that safari on the Eastern Cape would be just as good. " Ms Winter, UK
Did you know
  • HealthMalaria free
  • Famous peopleBirth and resting place of Nelson Mandela

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