The Eastern Cape is known as a Big Seven (the Big Five plus southern right whales and great white sharks) destination, one of the very few places on Earth that can claim this title. There are plenty of reserves that offer great game viewing.
The Mountain Zebra National Park, situated outside Cradock, was established to protect the smallest zebra in Africa, the mountain zebra. It is home to dozens of other species including cheetah, Cape buffalo and black rhino.
The Addo Elephant National Park near Port Elizabeth is one of only a few places on Earth that offers the Big Seven. It is also one of the best places in Africa to see elephants up close.
Also definitely worth visiting if you’re looking for a luxurious bush experience is the internationally renowned and award-winning private game reserve, Shamwari Game Reserve. It has become a favourite among international celebrities: golfer Tiger Woods got engaged there, and actors Brad Pitt, Nicolas Cage and John Travolta have all visited.
The Mkhambathi Nature Reserve features a waterfall that drops straight into the sea. Here you can see eland and wildebeest wander along the coast, rare blue duiker and a Cape vulture colony.
The Great Fish River Nature Reserve is home to black rhino, hippo, Cape buffalo, elephant, lion and a number of antelope species.