Eastern Cape

Birthplace of Nelson Mandela and the scene of nine frontier wars between black and white the Eastern Cape was also one of the greatest wildlife areas of Africa before the arrival of the settlers in the early 1800’s. T oday the Eastern Cape is returning to its frontier wildlife days with vast areas of once-farmland returning to wilderness.

But it is not only wildlife and Nelson Mandela that draw visitors to this fascinating region for the province is renowned for its scenic beauty and incomparable diversity. From the arid Karoo to the lush forests of Tsistikamma, and from the spectacular coastline to the majestic mountains of the southern Drakensberg the Eastern Cape is truly South Africa’s most scenic province.

The Eastern Cape is now drawing visitors to its parks and reserves in numbers. No more only an extension to the Garden Route it is a holiday destination in its own right.

Madikwe

The Madikwe Game Reserve is a ‘Big Five’ game reserve covering some 75,000 hectare making it one of South Africa’s largest reserves.

Border by large rugged mountains and rocky hills the reserves vast plains of open woodlands and grasslands play home to a wide range of game providing excellent viewing opportunities.

The reserve is renowned for its approach to sustainability and provides a excellent example of local communities benefiting from tourism.

The restocking of the reserve over the past 18 years has been hugely successful with over 25 new species being introduced; including the big 5, spotted hyena, cheetah, wild dog, giraffe, zebra and hippo.