The Iconic African Big Five

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Our family has just got back from visiting an African Big Five park in the Eastern Cape of South Africa!

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We had a great holiday and don’t at all regret our choice of destination.

Did we see all of the African big five? Alas, no.

Can we think of other places where you WILL see them, unless you’re very unlucky? Yes!

Missing out on the Big Five isn’t such a big deal for us. We live in Cape Town, so it’s easy to keep going on safari. But if you have just one chance to visit here, you may want to maximise your chances of seeing the big game as well as the small.

And undoubtedly the way to do that is to go for the private game reserve option.

Yes, it’s (way) more expensive. But this is an area of life where you get what you pay for ;o).

The private lodges have knowledgeable guides offering incredible personal service, luxurious accommodation and glorious food. Some even have programmes to cater for younger children who just don’t have the capacity to game drive for hours.

If you’re looking at combining Cape Town , the Garden Route and a safari, the Eastern Cape is the logical place for your safari stop and there’s a great deal of choice available.

I've been doing my research and here's a list of all the African Big Five private reserves near Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown.

I’ve been told that Idwala is great for honeymooners, though not as ideal for families.

Sibuya, Shamwari, Lalibela and Kwandwe are all family-friendly game lodges that can accommodate those wanting to safari with children.

Each link will open in its own window so that you can compare different facilities and prices.

Shamwari Game Reserve, South Africa

Gorah Elephant Camp (private concession in Addo)

Kariega Game Reserve

Lalibela Game Reserve

River Bend Lodge (private concession in Addo)

Amakhala Game Reserve

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve

Sibuya Game Reserve (Big 4 - my pick for value, 'difference' and kids' delight)

Idwala Game Lodge (honeymooner territory!)


If you don’t want to venture as far as the Eastern Cape, here are your options for seeing the Big Five near Cape Town.