Eastern Cape Safari from Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha): Getting There Guide

Port Elizabeth (officially Gqeberha) is the gateway to the Eastern Cape’s private game reserves — all major reserves are within 1.5 to 2.5 hours of the city. Addo Elephant National Park is just 72 km from the city centre (1 hour drive). Amakhala Game Reserve is 1.5 hours north. Shamwari and Kariega are both within 2 hours. Fly into Gqeberha Airport (PLZ) from Johannesburg, Cape Town, or Durban, collect a vehicle, and you’re at a world-class malaria-free Big Five reserve within 2 hours of landing.

How Far Are the Eastern Cape Game Reserves from Port Elizabeth?

Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) is the ideal base for accessing the Eastern Cape’s game reserves. The airport (PLZ) receives multiple daily flights from Johannesburg (1.5 hours), Cape Town (1.5 hours), and Durban (1.5 hours). From the airport, all major reserves are within comfortable driving distance:

• Addo Elephant National Park: 72 km / 1 hour from PE city centre (1.5 hours from airport)
• Amakhala Game Reserve: 110 km / 1.5 hours from PE airport
• Shamwari Private Game Reserve: 75 km / 1 hour 15 minutes from PE airport
• Kariega Game Reserve: 120 km / 1.5 hours from PE airport
• Kwandwe Private Game Reserve: 185 km / 2 hours 15 minutes from PE airport

Flying into Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) Airport

Gqeberha Airport (IATA: PLZ) is a modern regional airport served by FlySafair, Airlink, and South African Express on routes from:

• Johannesburg (OR Tambo): Multiple daily flights, 1.5 hours flying time. First flight typically departs around 6am, allowing arrival by 8am and lodge arrival before midday.
• Cape Town (CPT): Multiple daily flights, 1.5 hours. Good for connecting a Garden Route trip with an Eastern Cape safari.
• Durban (King Shaka): Daily connections, 1.5 hours.

Vehicle hire is available from all major operators (Avis, Hertz, Budget, Europcar) at the airport terminal. Book in advance during school holidays and peak season (July–September).

Self-Drive Eastern Cape Reserves: Routes from Port Elizabeth

Addo Elephant National Park

From PE airport: take the N2 east towards Grahamstown (Makhanda), exit on the R335 signed to Addo. The Main Camp Gate is approximately 70 km from the city centre. Allow 1.5 hours from the airport including the exit and access road. Road quality excellent — tarred throughout.

Shamwari Private Game Reserve

From PE airport: N2 east — the Shamwari entrance gate is approximately 75 km, well-signposted from the N2. Road is excellent and accessible to standard sedans.

Amakhala Game Reserve

From PE airport: N2 east, then R342 north towards Paterson and Alicedale. Amakhala lodges are spread across the farms north of Paterson. Allow 1.5 hours from the airport. GPS coordinates are preferable to relying on signage in the final 10 km — confirm with your lodge before departure.

Kariega Game Reserve

From PE airport: N2 east past Grahamstown direction, R343 towards Kenton-on-Sea area. Allow 1.5–2 hours depending on lodge. Kariega’s river lodges are accessible by tarred road to the gate, with gravel access roads within the reserve.

Do Lodges Offer Transfers from Port Elizabeth Airport?

Most Eastern Cape private lodges offer paid transfers from Gqeberha Airport — useful if you prefer not to self-drive. Transfer costs typically range from R1,500–R3,000 per vehicle one way. Some lodges include transfers in certain packages; confirm at booking. For families or groups, transfers are often comparable in cost to vehicle hire for a short safari and eliminate navigation stress on arrival.

Combining Eastern Cape Safari with Cape Town or the Garden Route

The Eastern Cape’s strongest travel advantage is its proximity to South Africa’s two most popular tourist circuits. A classic South Africa itinerary for international visitors:

1. Fly into Cape Town → 3 nights Cape Winelands or city
2. Drive the Garden Route east (Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Tsitsikamma) → 3 nights
3. Continue east to Gqeberha → Eastern Cape game reserve 3–4 nights
4. Fly home from Gqeberha or continue to Johannesburg

Plan Your Eastern Cape Safari from Port Elizabeth

Our team specialises in Eastern Cape itineraries — from single-reserve stays to multi-reserve combinations and full South Africa circuits via the Garden Route. We know which reserves are performing best, which lodges offer the best wildlife experiences, and how to build an itinerary that makes the most of the Eastern Cape’s location and malaria-free status.

Enquire Now to plan your Eastern Cape safari from Port Elizabeth.