Ultimate Eastern Cape Big Five Safari
Malaria-Free Big Five Across Two Legendary Private Reserves
Overview
This is the Eastern Cape at its finest — two of South Africa's most celebrated private reserves, Kwandwe and Shamwari, linked into one malaria-free Big Five journey. You track lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and both black and white rhino across sweeping Karoo valleys, then return each evening to lodges that rank among the country's best. Because the whole region is malaria-free, there are no tablets and no worry, which makes it a rare safari you can share with children, grandparents and first-time travellers alike.
Kwandwe protects 30,000 acres along 30 kilometres of the Great Fish River, with just a handful of suites to the entire reserve — so game drives feel genuinely private. Shamwari adds a renowned wildlife rehabilitation and big-cat sanctuary story that gives every drive real conservation meaning. Fly in from Johannesburg or Cape Town to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), and you are on your first game drive the same afternoon.
Who It's For
Made for travellers who want the very best of malaria-free safari without a long-haul bush flight — couples marking an anniversary, families with older children, and photographers who value exclusive, uncrowded sightings.
Package Highlights
Two Elite Reserves
Kwandwe and Shamwari back to back — different terrain, same Big Five
Completely Malaria-Free
No tablets, no risk — ideal for children and older travellers
Black & White Rhino
Among the best rhino viewing anywhere in South Africa
Easy Fly-In
One-hour flight to Gqeberha, then a short scenic transfer
Big-Cat Conservation
Shamwari's sanctuary story adds meaning to every sighting
Cellar-Class Dining
South African wine and farm-to-table menus each night
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Fly into Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) where your guide meets you for the scenic transfer to Kwandwe. Settle into your suite above the Great Fish River, enjoy a light lunch, then head out on your first afternoon game drive. The reserve's low guest numbers mean you often have a sighting entirely to yourselves. Sundowners in the bush lead into a candle-lit dinner back at the lodge.
🏨 Accommodation: Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge
🍽️ Meals: Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
Featured Lodges & Accommodation
Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge
📍 Kwandwe Private Game Reserve
Nine glass-fronted suites set high above the Great Fish River, each with a private deck and plunge pool. With so few guests to 30,000 acres, drives feel entirely exclusive.
From $900 per person per night
Shamwari Eagles Crag Lodge
📍 Shamwari Private Game Reserve
Tucked into a forested valley, Eagles Crag pairs contemporary suites with a wellness spa and a strong conservation programme, including the reserve's big-cat sanctuary.
From $850 per person per night
Pricing & Options
All prices per person sharing. Customize any tier to your preferences.
Signature
(~$840/night)
Both flagship lodges, shared game drives, all meals and house beverages
Get QuotePrivate
(~$1,280/night)
Suite upgrades, a private vehicle for one reserve, premium wine list
Get QuoteExclusive
(~$1,960/night)
Private guide and vehicle throughout, spa credits, air transfers between reserves
Get QuoteWhat's Included & Excluded
✓ Included
- ✓ 5 nights luxury lodge accommodation
- ✓ All meals and selected beverages
- ✓ Twice-daily game drives in open 4x4 vehicles
- ✓ Guided bush walk with armed ranger
- ✓ Conservation and big-cat sanctuary visits
- ✓ Road transfer between Kwandwe and Shamwari
- ✓ Airport meet and greet at Gqeberha
- ✓ Park and conservation fees
✗ Excluded
- ✗ International and domestic flights
- ✗ Travel insurance
- ✗ Visa fees
- ✗ Premium cellar wines and champagne
- ✗ Spa treatments (unless in Exclusive tier)
- ✗ Gratuities
- ✗ Personal expenses
Photo Gallery
Best Time to Travel
The Eastern Cape is a true year-round safari. Winter (May–September) brings crisp air and thinning bush for classic game viewing, while the green summer months are lush, mild and quieter, with newborn animals and superb birding.
Why Choose This Package
Malaria-Free Big Five
See all five iconic species with no malaria tablets and no health worry — a genuine rarity in African safari country.
Two Reserves, One Trip
Kwandwe's river valleys and Shamwari's five ecosystems give you two very different bush experiences in a single, easy journey.
Reach It in a Day
A one-hour flight from Johannesburg or Cape Town to Gqeberha puts you on a game drive the same afternoon.
Conservation with Meaning
Both reserves are active in rhino protection and big-cat rehabilitation, so your visit directly supports the wild you came to see.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Experience the Ultimate Eastern Cape Big Five Safari?
From $4,200 per person | 6 Days / 5 Nights
⚡ Limited availability for peak season 2026 — book early to secure your dates
