Safari: Addo

Safari: Addo

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Experience a Wild and Luxurious African Safari

South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province is a short distance from the end of the celebrated Garden Route, combining these two famed destinations provides the ultimate South African adventure. The Eastern Cape’s biggest drawcard is its premium selection of game reserves.

This province is the ideal getaway for travelling families and is also home to the Addo Elephant National Park, which lays claim to being the only park in the world that features Africa’s Big 7. The Big 7 include elephant, rhino, buffalo, leopard, lion as well as the southern right whale and the great white shark. The Addo Elephant National Park offers a good range of accommodation and nearby, there are an impressive selection of high-end, luxury-focused safari lodges.

An Eastern Cape Safari is epitomised by its exclusive private reserves. Kwandwe Game Reserve boasts four award-winning lodges, Shamwari Game Reserve is renowned for its conservation initiatives that includes two big cat sanctuaries and Pumba is home to the star lions, the name given to the rare white lions. Amakhala Game Reserve offers an exclusive selection of safari lodges and tented camps.

Activities include game drives, guided nature walks, river cruises, horseback safaris as well as hiking trails that range from short walks to three-day treks and luxurious pampering treatments in upmarket spa facilities. For those in search of bird life, this area has a staggering 450 species and the area is also well known for being home to five of South Africa’s plant biomes, a delightful discovery for those interested in botany.

Incentive Highlights

Unique Big 7 safari destination
Perfectly combined with the renowned Garden Route
Ultimate malaria-free family journey

Best time to go

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What to Do

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Take a private charter flight direct to the lodge airstrip (Addo)

We will arrange exclusive charter flights from South Africa’s international airports to the airstrips of a range of private game reserves in Southern Africa. Guests enjoy the adventure and the privilege of setting down in the heart of the African wilderness with all the logistics, such as allowable luggage for lightweight aircrafts, seamlessly taken care of.

Revel in the finest Luxury Safari Lodge accommodation

We offer you world-class safari lodges set in outstanding Big 5 private game reserves that also provide stylish African-inspired décor, breath-taking views; and spacious, private indoor and outdoor accommodations. With fine attention to detail and a warm smile, Southern Africa’s top safari lodges cater for your guests’ every need.

Enjoy sumptuous breakfasts, lunches & afternoon ‘High Teas’

Day time meals, including elegant colonial era ‘high teas’ are seamlessly blended into the game-viewing schedule. Your guests can expect outstanding, freshly prepared cuisine served in picturesque settings, whether that is breakfast on a game deck overlooking a waterhole or a champagne lunch set out in the bush in a dry riverbed.

Dine under the dazzling African night-sky

Dining out under the starry African sky is a fantastic part of the safari experience. Dinners in traditional-style African boma’s are characterized by roaring fires and delicious meats, including game, cooked over the blazing coals and accompanied by the finest South Africa wines. These occasions are often enhanced by traditional song, dance and story-telling.

Encounter the Wild on morning and afternoon game drives

Early mornings and late afternoons offer the finest game-viewing opportunities. While on safari your guests will be encouraged to rise at dawn and head out with their rangers, full of anticipation for what wonders they may encounter. Knowledgeable and experienced rangers and trackers ensure the safety of guests and also enhance their game and bird-watching experiences by enthusiastically sharing their wealth of expertise about the magnificent and unforgettable fauna and flora of Southern Africa.

Set out on intrepid guided bush walks and game-tracking activities

Many of safari lodges offer guests guided bush walks that enable them to get up close and personal with Africa’s big and small game. Under the close guidance of experienced rangers and trackers they set out on foot to immerse themselves in the detailed beauty of the wilderness. At some lodges, game-tracking activities that serve as exciting team-building experiences can be added to your program.

Celebrate with Boma, Bush or Airstrip gala dinners

Luxury safari lodges offer a choice of inspiring venues to host outstanding and creative gala dinner events. These celebrations may be held at the Lodge’s boma, at a boma in the bush or even on Reserve’s airstrip. Surrounded by African wilderness and overhung by a legion of stars, a gala dinner while on safari will never be forgotten.

Where to Stay

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Kuzuko Lodge, Addo National Park

With uninterrupted views of the Karoo Plains and the Zuurberg Mountains, Kuzuko Lodge lies in a private concession to the north of the Addo Elephant National Park, the third largest national park in South Africa in the malaria-free Eastern Cape region. The restaurant, bar and outdoor wooden deck offer spectacular views of the big 5 reserve below. Guests are housed in luxurious chalets, each with a private deck, en-suite bathroom and mini-bar.

Shamwari Lodges, Shamwari Game Reserve

Luxury accommodation is offered in 6 different lodges at Shamwari Game Reserve, all of which are 5-Star graded. This is a private sanctuary in the malaria-free Eastern Cape that offers a 'safari of a lifetime'. Apart from your group’s game-viewing activities, they will enjoy relaxing, swimming, delicious cuisine and luxurious spa treatments as well as visits to the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuaries, the Ian Player Rhino Awareness Centre or the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.

Water and Bush Lodges, Pumba Private Game Reserve

Your guests will discover wild Africa in true luxury at Pumba Private Game Reserve & Spa in the malaria-free Eastern Cape of South Africa. This exclusive reserve has achieved gold status for its environmental responsibility and a 5-star rating for its exquisite accommodation facilities. Each lodge boasts their own touch of opulence paired with a passion for cordon bleu cuisine with an African twist, exclusive vintage wines from the director's cellar and a focus on providing the ultimate luxury experience.

Gorah Elephant Camp, Addo Elephant National Park

This exclusive safari lodge recaptures the romantic mystique of authentic safari of centuries past - the natural world of Africa merged with colonial nostalgia and modern sophistication to deliver an unforgettable 5 star adventure. Gorah is the only private concession and Camp situated in the middle of the famous Addo Elephant National Park, home to the densest population of elephants on earth. Sheltered beneath thatched canopies, Gorah’s tented suites are luxurious and spacious with en-suite bathroom, an interior relaxation area and a private deck offering panoramic views across the endless Savannah.

Sarili Lodge, Shamwari Game Reserve

Sarili Lodge is perched above the Bushman’s River in the Shamwari Game Reserve, overlooking the grassy plains of ancient Africa. This 5-star, environmentally-friendly lodge provides the perfect blend of a gracious colonial and adventurous bush experience. This is a private sanctuary in the malaria-free Eastern Cape that offers a 'safari of a lifetime'. Apart from the excellent game-viewing activities, guests canl enjoy relaxing, swimming, delicious cuisine and luxurious spa treatments as well as visits to Born Free Big Cat Sanctuaries, the Ian Player Rhino Awareness Centre or the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.

Kichaka Game Lodge

Situated in a private, malaria-free Eastern Cape game reserve, Kichaka offers guests a chance to escape and enjoy a Big Five safari in peaceful luxury. The communal living spaces offer uninterrupted views across the pristine African bushveld and a chance to spot game as they make their way to the nearby waterhole. Each beautifully appointed suite has a private deck, plunge pool and Wi-Fi connectivity. Activities include guided game drives in open vehicles or safari walks, as well as pampering sessions in a safari-styled spa.

Shamwari Eagles Crag Lodge

Hidden between imposing mountain cliffs where eagle soar, this 5-star lodge offers an elegant and exclusive way to experience the beauty of the African bush. Beautifully designed glass and stone suites offer expansive views of the surrounding rock faces and offer guests sheer comfort with luxurious details such as bird spotting scopes and private plunge pools with decks. This lodge is situated in the world-renowned Shamwari Game Reserve, a luxury Big Five territory with over 5000 heads of game, as well as an award-winning conservation company.

HillsNek Safaris

This exclusive, family-run, Fair Trade Certified lodge is located in the malaria-free Amakhala Game Reserve. Guests are housed within luxury tents with en-suite bathrooms and romantic outdoor showers. The surrounding reserve boasts a profuse variety of wildlife including the Big Five and over 250 species of birds. The lodge’s stunning setting on the banks of the Bushman’s River, with panoramic views of the open plains, sets the stage for unforgettable African sunsets followed by relaxing evenings spent eating safari-style cuisine and relaxing around a copper bowl fireplace.

Kwandwe Ecca Lodge

This Relais & Chateaux accredited Ecca Lodge is a relaxed and contemporary bolthole just one step away from nature. Décor features giant modern prints, retro light fittings, ultra-modern bathrooms and wraparound decks with awe-inspiring views over an Acacia, Aloe and Spekboom-studded valley. Guests enjoy personalised safaris in the heart of the malaria-free Kwandwe Big Five game reserve. This vibrant lodge offers the perfect wildlife experience for the young at heart. It’s also ideal for families, thanks to an interactive kitchen for mealtime fun and a fully-equipped play centre for the little ones.

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