Archived News> South Africa boasts stunning malaria free Game Reserves

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	– South Africa boasts stunning malaria free Game Reserves

Surrounding the coastal city of Port Elizabeth, lies a selection of game reserves boasting outstanding facilities and thrilling Big Five game viewing. What makes this area even more enticing is that it is malaria free, and no anti-malaria medication is required.

The Eastern Cape is renowned for its pristine beaches, its vast plains, and epic history. Many 1820 English and Dutch settlements are found in the area, while The Great Fish River was the border during the Frontier Wars of 1779 to 1878 between the Xhosa, and the Settlers.

There are a plethora of game reserves to choose from. Bukela Lodge situated in the 6000 hectare Amakhala Game Reserve is a mere 40 minutes drive from Port Elizabeth, and offers intimate accommodation with four exclusive African-inspired suites.

Located 80 minutes from Port Elizabeth, Kariega Game Reserve offers Big 5 game viewing and a variety of 4 star Accommodation. Ukhozi Lodge offers 10 suites with panoramic views of the reserve, while Kariega Lodge offers 20 wooden chalets. The River Lodge comprises of 10 beautiful thatched suites on the Bushmans River, and the Homestead is an extended and newly restored, 100 year old farmhouse, with five spacious en-suite bedrooms.

An hour outside Port Elizabeth is Pumba Private Game Reserve, which covers over 6000 hectares of grassland, thicket and forest. The reserve is home to the Big Five, and has recently introduced a White Lion breeding programme – a first in the region.

Pumba Private Game Reserve offers five star accommodation at its Pumba Water Lodge and the newly developed Msenge Bush Lodge. Pumba Water Lodge consists of 12 stone walled, thatched cottages overlooking the Kariega Dam, and Msenge Bush Lodge offers 11 luxury, glass enclosed, thatched chalets.

Kwandwe Game Reserve consists of 22 000 hectares of thick savannah terrain and gentle slopes. This 5 star reserve offers a choice of accommodation from the Great Fish River Lodge with 9 exclusive suites, to Kwandwe’s Ecca Lodge, which offers 6 suites overlooking the valley.

Uplands Homestead is a restored farmhouse, dating back to 1905, and features three en suite bedrooms, and Melton Manor is a sophisticated sole-use villa, comprising of four en suite bedrooms. Both are ideal venues for family getaways.

Kwandwe boasts a private chapel, perfect for couples wishing to be married in the African wilderness.

The award-winning and world famous Shamwari Game Reserve is also located in the Eastern Cape.

Port Elizabeth is an hour’s flight from Cape Town, or 1 ½ hrs flight from Johannesburg. The drive from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, known as the Garden Route, is particularly scenic and passes quaint towns and breathtaking scenery.

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