Cape Game & Beaches


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This is an area of very varied scenery and attractions. To the west of Port Elizabeth is the resort of St. Francis Bay and this part of the coastline is renowned for its beautiful beaches, the variety of sea shells to be found, and superb surfing. The city of Port Elizabeth is South Africa’s fifth largest and its busy port ranks as third in the country after Cape Town and Durban.

The area from Port Elizabeth to the east is known as ‘Settler Country’ as in 1820 about 4000 British settlers arrived and started farming, particularly sheep and angora goats. With the establishment of farms, the indigenous animals soon disappeared and it is only in the past generation that vast tracts of land have been restored to their natural state. Game reserves have been created and the land restocked with animals such as elephant, rhino, lion, giraffe and buck.

The countryside is full of Victorian history and places to visit include
Grahamstown and Bisho (formerly King William’s Town). Modern history has also evolved in this area as Nelson Mandela was born in the village of Qunu near Umtata.

The coastline between the Kei River Gorge in the Eastern Cape and the border of KwaZulu Natal is known as the Wild Coast and this stretch of 280km has some of the finest coastal scenery in South Africa. It is unspoiled, full of cultural interest, rich in flora, marine and bird life. A number of small resorts are dotted along the coast, such as Coffee Bay, Umngazi and Mazeppa Bay. Access to the area is being improved and over the next few years a number of new ecologically designed lodges will be built.

Port Elizabeth is fondly referred to as ‘The Friendly City’ and has a host of attractions for the family, including eco-attractions, scenic nature trails, wildlife and cultural experiences, as well as 40km of breathtaking coastline and beaches. There are a number of well appointed hotels in the area.

PORT ELIZABETH
Port Elizabeth is fondly referred to as "The Friendly City" and has many attractions for the family, including scenic nature trails and cultural experiences and 40km of breath taking coastline and beaches.  There are a number of well appointed hotels in the area and we recommend the "top of the range" Hacklewood Hill Country House (picture above) which has 8 beautifully furnished bedrooms and is close to the airport; the popular Beach Hotel on the sea front overlooking Hobie Beach about 10 minutes from the airport; the Courtyard Hotel with 64 reasonably priced suites all facing Humewood Beach and the new boutique style Windermere Hotel which is centrally located and has wonderful views of Kings Beach from its cocktail deck.

THE DUNES
This is an exclusive family-owned retreat set on a 600 hectare conservancy surrounded by indigenous bird-filled gardens. It is situated just minutes from the beaches in St. Francis and adjacent to the new St. Francis Links golf course. In the gardens are 6 garden suites each with their own separate entrance and
private verandah. The rooms are well appointed with the en suite bathrooms having under floor heating. There is also a Garden Cottage ideal for sleeping a family or party of 4 persons as it has 2 bedrooms, lounge and private
verandah. In the main house is a lounge and breakfast room. A set dinner can be requested whilst light lunches can be enjoyed at the outside lapa around the swimming pool area.

THE SANDS
New to the village of St. Francis Bay, this hotel has 5 superbly appointed bedrooms, each with air-conditioning, Jacuzzi and a private timber deck overlooking the beach below. The glass fronted restaurant, with its impressive thatched roof, central fireplace and surrounding timber deck has the most breathtaking panoramic view. Excellent cuisine is prepared with an emphasis on seafood. The Director’s Cellar stocks an impressive selection of the finest South African vintage wines to complement your evening meal. Facilities include a secluded pool deck and steam room plus
massage and beauty therapy on request.

THE BEACH HOUSE
This exclusive, family run, thatched Indonesian style beach retreat is situated in the popular resort of St. Francis Bay. There are wonderful views of the bay and ocean from the public rooms, terraces and 2 of the 4 bedrooms. The bedrooms contain extra length beds and well appointed bathrooms. Relax by one of the 2 swimming pools – one nestling amongst enormous rocks, the other spilling over into the sea. Sample the fine wine cellar and enjoy the excellent cuisine served in the elegant dining room. All the amenities of the village are close by. In addition, the family also manage a nearby, newly built 4 bedroom house, ask for more details.

RIVER BEND LODGE
The lodge lies in the Sundays River Valley within the Addo Elephant National Park. There are 8 charming, air conditioned bedrooms (some are with interleading rooms which are ideal for families), a dining room serving delicious meals created from the finest local grown ingredients, a library and verandahs with sweeping views to the Zuurberg Mountains. There is a swimming pool in the gardens. Game viewing safaris are available as are guided walks. Birding is excellent with over 300 species being recorded. Children are most welcome and various activities and entertainments can be arranged. A trained child minder is available. Half board basis available in high season.

WOODALL COUNTRY HOUSE
The house is on the doorstep of Addo Elephant National Park and has 10 cottages and bedrooms, all appointed to a very high standard with air-conditioning, hi-fi systems, room safes and private verandahs. Stylish regional cuisine is served in the thatched waterside dining room with views of resident herons, cormorants and other South African waterbirds. Complimenting the menu is the private underground cellar, boasting a comprehensive cross section of fine local wines. Facilities include a gym, swimming pool and extensive spa facilities offering a range of treatments and therapies.. Woodall’s own land cruiser departs daily on safaris to nearby game reserves (charges applicable).

ELEPHANT HOUSE
Situated in the Sundays River Valley on the edge of the Addo Elephant National Park, the beautifully decorated thatched lodge has 8 air-conditioned en suite bedrooms each opening onto a courtyard or verandah. The décor is reminiscent of an era long gone. Here, antique Persian carpets, collectable pieces of furniture and valuable heirlooms add to the sense of history. Dinner is served in the candlelit dining room or under the stars and for relaxation there is a swimming pool. Game viewing drives are available to the Addo Elephant Park in an open safari vehicle, while other options like horseback safaris and helicopter trips can be arranged (charges applicable).

GORAH ELEPHANT CAMP
Located on a private concession in the Addo Elephant National Park, the gracious main house has been restored and furnished with period pieces. Evening dining is by candlelight in the dining room or on the verandah overlooking the waterhole. Accommodation is in 11 spacious en suite tented suites with thatched canopies and private decks, positioned to give panoramic views over the savannah plains. There is a lovely rock swimming pool with surrounding decking for sun bathing and relaxation. Game viewing is by open safari vehicle with experienced guides and walking trails can also be undertaken. The area is noted for its bird life with 320 species being recorded. It should be noted that there is no electricity in the tents.

SAMARA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
The reserve is located 55 km from Graaff-Reinet and about 3 hours drive from Port Elizabeth (it is also possible to fly by charter aircraft to their own airstrip). There is a wonderful sense of space here as the reserve encompasses the southern flank of the Sneeuberg mountain range. Not only will you see a wide range of plains game, cheetah, rhino, aardvark and varied birdlife but you will also have the opportunity to view ancient rock art and marvel at the stunning scenery including the view from Eagle’s Rock. Karoo Lodge accommodates a maximum of 12 guests in 6 air-conditioned suites. Lodge facilities include lounge, library, bar, swimming pool and tennis court. Game viewing drives are by open safari vehicle and guided walks and tracking are also available.

BLAAUWBOSCH PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
Only an hour north of Port Elizabeth, this exclusive 5-star private game reserve offers a unique experience where guests can relax in complete comfort. The 6 air-conditioned suites are spacious, with dressing room,
private verandah and mountain views. You will see a wide variety of game including cheetah, leopard, rhino, giraffe and zebra together with prolific birdlife. Game viewing is by open safari vehicle accompanied by a ranger and other activities include star gazing, guided walks and birding. In the lodge grounds is a swimming pool and boma for outdoor evening dining. The new exclusive Kaai’s Camp has 4 suites and facilities include a swimming pool, boma, lounge and dining area with verandah.

NGUNI RIVER LODGE
The lodge is situated on a private concession area in the Addo Elephant National Park. It is sited on a high ridge from which there are spectacular views over a pristine floodplain and towards the majestic Zuurberg Mountains. The lodge has 8 well appointed air-conditioned suites plus a family suites which comprises of two bedrooms and an adjacent lounge. From all the rooms there are panoramic views. Throughout the lodge the design incorporates elements of the culture and style of the Xhosa people as well as the colours inspired by their Nguni cattle. Facilities include a lounge and dining area and a swimming pool. Game viewing drives and walking trails are accompanied by an experienced ranger.

KARIEGA GAME RESERVE
The reserve is set in the pristine wilderness of the scenic Kariega River Valley about 1.5 hours drive from Port Elizabeth. It offers a combination of 'Big 5'
game viewing with an expansive variety of fauna, flora and birdlife in a landscape that spans across 5 different eco systems, bushveld, savannah, grasslands, fynbos and riverine forest. River Lodge is a 5-star quality lodge with 10 superbly appointed spacious and air conditioned thatched suites which meander along the banks of the Bushman's River. Guests can enjoy the lodge’s lounge and library, relax by the heated swimming pool or take in the magnificent views from the deck overhanging the river. Activities include game drives, walking trails, fishing, canoeing and boating to the beach at Kenton

AMAKHALA GAME RESERVE
Amakhala means aloes in the Xhosa language and this prolific indigenous plant is widely found in the area which is just over an hour from Port Elizabeth. The reserve covers over 14,000 acres and offers a range of activities including game viewing by open safari vehicle, walking trails and boating on the Bushman's River. Leeuwenbosch Country House & Shearers Lodge consist of a lovely guest house and converted sheep shearing shed, both of which are ideal for families. Safari Lodge has 4 African tribal designed thatched lodges and 2 new suites complete with plunge pools and lounge area. From the central lounge there are views over the small waterhole which attracts animals throughout the day and night. Children under the age of 12 are not accepted at this lodge.

LALIBELA GAME RESERVE
About an hour from Port Elizabeth, the 8,000 hectare reserve spans 5different ecosystems, giving a breath-taking diversity of plants, animals and birds. You can see the ‘Big 5’ as well as wild dog, hippo, giraffe, zebra and many species of antelope. Mark’s Camp is ideal for families as they offer a dedicated children’s programme; Lentaba Lodge with 8 thatch and stone chalets and a private viewing deck; Tree Tops with 4 air-conditioned safari tents perched on thatched platforms; Idwala Lodge with 4 air-conditioned rooms with spectacular views; and the new Makana’s Lodge offering 9 suites, each having its own plunge pool and terrace. Game viewing is by open safari vehicle accompanied by an experienced ranger.

PUMBA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
Within the reserve, located about 1 hour from Port Elizabeth, are two excellent
lodges. Pumba Lodge overlooks Lake Kariega and has 12 air-conditioned, stone walled, thatched chalets, each having a plunge pool, outdoor shower and wonderful views of the lake from the private deck. Public rooms include a lounge, dining room, bar and swimming pool. Pumba Msenge Lodge is very
contemporary in style with 11 spacious glass walled suites with plunge pools, many with stunning views over the waterhole and plain. The lodge has a dining deck, bar and a spa offering a range of treatments. Game viewing includes the 'Big 5' and children go on specially designed game drives with an experienced ranger. The area is also noted for its fine birding with over 300 species having been recorded.

SHAMWARI GAME RESERVE
Shamwari is one of the most highly regarded game reserves and has won many international awards for its conservation. It covers over 20000 hectares of land which boasts 5 eco-systems, thus supporting many forms of plant, animal and bird life. It is about a 45 minute drive from Port Elizabeth and there is a choice of accommodation, three 5-star lodges and three 4-star lodges, all offering very high standards of comfort and service.
The tariff includes meals, locally branded beers, wines & spirits and all game viewing activities. The reserve is home to the Born Free Foundation Centre which provides sanctuary for big cats that have been rescued from captive conditions.
Accompanied game viewing drives are by open safari vehicle. The 5-star lodges are: Lobengula with 5 luxury air-conditioned rooms tucked away in the valley bushveld; Eagles Crag with 9 superior rooms having wall-to-wall glass doors on two sides plus private decks and plunge pools; and Bayethe Lodge with 9 air-conditioned luxury tents with viewing deck and plunge pool.
The 4-star lodges are: Long Lee Manor built in 1910 and offering a distinctive colonial style for up to 38 guests; the smaller Riverdene Lodge and Bushmans River Lodge having 9 and 4 bedrooms respectively. Both lodges have been beautifully restored and offer air-conditioned rooms, charming public rooms and a swimming pool. Children can be accommodated only at Long Lee Manor.

KWANDWE PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
The reserve, managed by the much respected Conservation Corporation Africa, is located close to Grahamstown, some 2.5 hrs from Port Elizabeth. The reserve flanks both the north and south banks of the Great Fish River, which meanders for 30 kms through this, private, pristine wilderness. It covers a massive area of 22,000 hectares and is home to thousands of animals including lion, black and white rhino, buffalo, elephant and cheetah. Kwandwe means ‘Place of the Blue Crane’ in Xhosa and is home to a population of these rare, highly endangered birds. The reserve also provides sanctuary for other threatened species, such as black stork, martial eagle, kori and Stanley’s bustards. Enjoy game viewing drives, nature walks and sundowners on the banks of the Great Fish River. Accommodation is at Great Fish River Lodge which has 9 stone and thatched suites each beautifully appointed and with a private plunge pool. Floor-to-ceiling doors fold back to reveal uninterrupted wilderness vistas; Uplands Homestead and Melton Manor are two lodges ideal for family groups and have 3 and 4 bedrooms respectively.  Each has a  dedicated ranger, tracker and chef team, as well as a private open 4 x 4 safari vehicle  provided; and Ecca Lodge with 6 spacious, air conditioned suites. Wrap around wooden decks lead out from the sitting rooms and bedrooms to private plunge pools and outdoor showers. This is an innovative, stylish and intimate lodge which embodies a “funk meets futuristic farmhouse” ambience.