A part of South Africa not many know about…yet.
Why the Eastern Cape Is South Africa’s Best-Kept Safari Secret
When most travellers think of a South African safari, their minds jump straight to Kruger. And fair enough — it’s iconic for a reason. But here’s the thing: if you’ve ever dreamed of witnessing the Big Five without the buzz of busy camps, dodging malaria pills, and being just a short hop from Cape Town, there’s a hidden gem waiting for you.
Welcome to the Eastern Cape — South Africa’s most underrated safari destination.
A Safari Without the Crowds (or the Mosquitoes)
While Kruger has long claimed the crown, it also draws the crowds. Game drive traffic jams are common, and the sheer size of the park often means long distances between sightings.
The Eastern Cape flips that script.
Here, you won’t be jostling for space at a lion sighting or queueing behind six vehicles for a glimpse of a rhino. The reserves are private, intimate, and uncrowded. And unlike Kruger and many northern parks, the entire region is malaria-free — a game-changer for families with kids, honeymooners, or anyone who just doesn’t want to deal with daily medication and insect nets.
It’s wild Africa, minus the stress.
Just a Hop from Cape Town
One of the most delightful surprises about the Eastern Cape? How easy it is to get there.
After soaking up the Winelands and Table Mountain, you can board a short 90-minute flight from Cape Town to Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth). From there, it’s an easy road transfer to the private reserves. In a few hours, you can go from sipping Pinotage to watching elephants bathe at sunset.
It’s the perfect addition to a Cape Town–based trip — no cross-country logistics required.
Nature, Rewilded
The Eastern Cape isn’t just about convenience. It’s also home to one of South Africa’s most inspiring conservation stories.
Many of the region’s private reserves are located on former farmland that has been painstakingly rewilded — land restored, ecosystems rebuilt, and animals reintroduced. What you see today is the result of decades of dedication to bringing nature back to life.
It’s not just a safari. It’s a front-row seat to a conservation success story.
The Best-Kept Secret: Lalibela Game Reserve
Among the Eastern Cape’s standout reserves is Lalibela, a privately owned reserve covering over 10,000 hectares of malaria-free wilderness. It’s home to the Big Five, plus cheetahs, hyenas, giraffe, zebra, and an abundance of plains game. But what really sets Lalibela apart is its ability to cater to everyone.
For the romantic travellers...like us
Kichaka Lodge offers five-star luxury with private plunge pools, spa treatments, and elegant suites overlooking the water. It’s tailor-made for honeymoons, anniversaries, or couples wanting a special getaway in the wild.
For families with kids:
Marks Camp is family-friendly, relaxed, and welcoming — with game drives designed to include and inspire the next generation of wildlife lovers.
For groups or exclusive travellers:
Mills Manor is a beautifully restored farmhouse that sleeps up to 10, with a private guide, chef, and vehicle — ideal for multi-generational families or small groups looking for total privacy.
For nature lovers and adventurers:
Tree Tops Safari Lodge offers elevated, tented rooms that make you feel immersed in the bush — with birdsong as your morning alarm clock and the rustle of wildlife below your deck.
And no matter where you stay, everything is all-inclusive. That means twice-daily game drives, delicious meals, drinks, bush walks, and warm South African hospitality — all rolled into one.
A Kruger Alternative Worth Considering
To be clear: we’re not knocking Kruger. It’s legendary for a reason. But if you’re craving something different — a safari that’s less “bucket list” and more personal, less hectic and more heartfelt — the Eastern Cape quietly delivers what so many travellers truly want:
Malaria-free comfort
Unhurried, uncrowded game drives
Quick and easy access from Cape Town
Authentic, conservation-driven experiences
Lodges that cater to your style of travel
It’s a more curated, more conscious, and dare we say more soulful safari experience.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes, the best travel memories come from places that aren’t shouting the loudest. The Eastern Cape may not have Kruger’s global spotlight, but what it does offer is something quietly exceptional — a safari that feels like a secret, kept just for you.
Whether you’re planning your first safari or your fifth, it’s a region worth exploring. And if you’re looking for a place to start, Lalibela Game Reserve is a name to remember. Because the best safaris aren’t just about the wildlife you see. They’re about how the experience makes you feel — connected, awe-struck, and just a little bit changed.
Ready to plan your Eastern Cape safari?
Book your trip with Viatu like we did! You can follow our exact itinerary or plan your dream trip from scratch!
