Eastern Cape Safari’s
Featured Lodges
Luxury Malaria-Free Safari Lodges
The Eastern Cape offers an exceptional safari experience with its collection of luxury malaria-free safari lodges. Nestled within pristine private game reserves, these lodges combine world-class comfort with unforgettable wildlife encounters. Guests can expect stylish accommodations, gourmet cuisine, and expertly guided game drives in Big Five territory—all without the need for malaria medication, making it ideal for families, couples and international travellers alike.
Luxury Lodge Experience
Guests at the Eastern Cape’s premier safari lodges can expect a blend of untamed wilderness and refined comfort. Each lodge offers elegantly appointed suites or private villas, often with outdoor showers, fireplaces, and sweeping views over the bush. Exceptional service is a hallmark—from warm, personalized hospitality to expert safari guides and trackers who ensure unforgettable wildlife encounters. In between game drives, guests can unwind in luxurious spa facilities, sip cocktails by the infinity pool, or soak in panoramic vistas from private decks. Gourmet dining is a highlight, with chefs crafting exquisite meals using locally sourced ingredients, served under the stars or in stylish dining areas. Whether enjoying a bush breakfast, boma dinner, or sundowner with a view, every moment is curated to indulge the senses. With the tranquil setting, top-tier amenities, and authentic safari atmosphere, these lodges offer a truly immersive and restorative African escape. African escape. tranquil, allowing for both adventure and deep relaxation in nature.
Logistics For Easy Traveling
Accessing the Eastern Cape’s luxury safari lodges is simple and stress-free. After landing at Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) Airport from Cape Town or Johannesburg, guests are met by professional drivers for a comfortable, scenic road transfer directly to their safari destination. Most lodges are located within 1 to 2 hours’ drive, making it one of the most accessible Big Five safari experiences in South Africa. With no connecting flights needed and smooth roads throughout, guests can relax and enjoy the journey as their safari adventure begins.
Benefits of Long Stays or Multi-Lodge Safaris
Choosing a longer stay or visiting multiple lodges in the Eastern Cape allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the safari experience. Each lodge offers a unique setting, style, and wildlife viewing opportunities, from riverine landscapes to open plains. Extended stays mean deeper relaxation, richer encounters with nature, and more time to enjoy lodge amenities like spa treatments, gourmet dining, and poolside leisure. A multi-lodge itinerary adds variety, showcasing different reserves, guiding styles, and luxury experiences—while keeping travel easy and convenient within a malaria-free region.
Abundant Wildlife and Safari Opportunities
The luxury safari destinations of the Eastern Cape are home to a rich diversity of wildlife, offering unforgettable Big Five encounters—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo—alongside cheetah, giraffe, zebra, hippo and over 300 bird species. These malaria-free reserves provide world-class safari experiences, from twice-daily game drives and bush walks with expert rangers, to night safaris and photographic tours. With wide open landscapes and fewer crowds, the Eastern Cape delivers intimate, high-quality wildlife viewing in a relaxed and luxurious setting.
How We Create Your Ideal Safari Holiday
At Freewalker Exclusive Tours, we specialize in crafting the perfect safari holiday based on your unique travel needs. Once you share your group size, travel dates, and interests, our expert team handpicks the ideal combination of luxury lodges, activities, and destinations across the Eastern Cape. Whether you’re seeking a romantic escape, family adventure, or photographic safari, we ensure every detail is thoughtfully curated for a seamless, personalized, and unforgettable journey—from arrival to departure.
Who Is Designing Your Safari
Murray Luscombe, Owner of Freewalker Exclusive Tours will personally design your safari, planning and booking all lodges, activities and logistics as ideally as possible. Murray has personally been to all the destinations and his local knowledge will make this unique group, family or couple tour one of a kind. Murray is a born and bred in South Africa and is incredibly passionate about showing his clients the best of this wild destination. Murray grew up on a 6,000 hectare wildlife farm and spent his entire life visiting other iconic game reserves.
Contact Murray via WhatsApp: +27 823601250
TESTIMONIALS
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Eastern Cape really malaria-free?
Yes, the entire Eastern Cape region is officially malaria-free, making it ideal for families and travellers who wish to avoid anti-malarial medication. All safari regions are so much more enjoyable without the hassle of malaria medication.
2. Which airports are closest to the safari lodges?
Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) is the main gateway, with daily flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town. We will collect and drop off in Gqeberha with all transport at lodges and in between included.
3. How do I get from the airport to the safari lodge?
Most lodges offer road transfers from Port Elizabeth, usually between 1 to 2.5 hours depending on the reserve.
4. What wildlife can I expect to see?
The region is home to the Big Five (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard), along with cheetah, giraffe, zebra, antelope, and abundant birdlife.
5. Are Eastern Cape safaris family-friendly?
Yes, many lodges welcome children and offer family suites, child-friendly activities, and junior ranger programs.
6. Do I need vaccinations to visit the Eastern Cape?
No special vaccinations are required for this region, but routine immunisations are recommended.
7. What is the best time of year to visit?
The Eastern Cape is a year-round destination. Winter (May–September) offers great game viewing, while summer (October–March) is lush and ideal for birding.
8. Are safaris safe?
Yes, as long as you follow park rules, stay in your vehicle, and listen to guides during activities. Always treat wildlife with respect and keep a safe distance.
9. What kind of safari accommodation is available?
Options range from luxury tented camps and five-star lodges to family lodges and intimate boutique stays. Exclusive use family villas or homesteads are also a great private option.
10. Can I go on a walking safari?
Yes, guided bush walks are offered at many lodges, usually led by trained, armed rangers.
11. What should I pack for an Eastern Cape safari?
Neutral-coloured clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, a hat, camera, and layers for changing temperatures. We usually recommend taking a small day bag for all your belongings.
12. Is the water safe to drink at the lodges?
Yes, most lodges provide filtered or bottled drinking water. Tap water in the Eastern Cape is generally safe.
13. Do lodges cater to dietary requirements?
Absolutely. Inform the lodge in advance about vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or other dietary needs.
14. Are safaris suitable for elderly or mobility-challenged guests?
Many lodges cater to all mobility levels and can accommodate special needs upon request.
15. Can I combine a safari with a beach holiday?
Yes! The Eastern Cape coastline and Garden Route to Cape Town offer beautiful beaches and can be easily combined with a safari for a diverse South African trip.
