Four Reasons Why You Should Visit the Eastern Cape, South Africa

The Eastern Cape is an overlooked corner of South Africa. It is a place that feels isolated from the rest of the country, with a different pace of life and unique natural beauty. The province is home to some of the best game reserves in the country and excellent opportunities for exploring the outdoors. Travellers looking f or a safari experience will be delighted by what this hidden corner has to offer. If you’re planning your next vacation, why not include a safari to one of the many game reserves in the eastern cape? Here are four reasons why you should visit this part of South Africa as soon as possible:

The Eastern Cape is one of the few areas in South Africa that is not affected by malaria, this makes it an excellent destination for anyone traveling with children or health-conscious adults.

You won’t be bombarded by other vehicles in sightings if you visit a private game reserve. By using radios and limiting the number of vehicles, guides avoid overcrowding the animals and allow you to spend quality time with them.

It is not uncommon for reserves to have tidal rivers running through them. In addition to game drives and bush walks, you’ll also have the pleasure of getting on a boat to go fishing or take a gentle cruise to spot wildlife and birds, or even venture down to the beach.

The Eastern Cape is composed of the thicket biome and is unique to the area along the southeast coast. The predominant vegetation type is dense, evergreen thickets containing various shrub species. Approximately 46% of South Africa’s remaining natural forests are found in this province, and numerous yellow wood trees form dense canopies that provide ideal habitats for a variety of bird species.

As someone who grew up in the Eastern Cape, I am naturally biased towards this region since it is vastly different from anywhere else in the country. In September 2023, I will be hosting a safari to Kariega Game Reserve, where I began my guiding career at just 19 years old. Since I started guiding, I have grown immensely, and I’m excited to show a few guests around a place which holds a special place in my heart. There is abundant wildlife at Kariega, and not just the big five; the best places for me to see brown hyenas, aardvarks, aardwolves, and caracals are all there. If you enjoy the company of elephants then you’ll be enthralled with the herd; I have shared moments with them that I have yet to experience again.