Wildlife of the Eastern Cape
There are some excellent game viewing opportunities in the Eastern Cape Game Reserves. Much is said about spotting the Big Five and here you have a good chance to see all of them, although you would have to be very lucky to see them all on the same day! Rhino, elephant, leopard, lion, and buffalo are all present on many of the reserves. Such abundance and diversity make this part of South Africa a hotspot for safaris.
On game drives you will have an experienced ranger to help you make the most of what you see; they really can enhance your enjoyment of the trip and are an absolute encyclopedia of information.
At Shamwari Game Reserve elephants, lions, giraffe, and hippos are all common sightings but cheetahs and leopards are rare here.
In Kwandwe and Amakhala the elephant sightings are less common but cheetah and leopard sightings are more common in these locations. It is suggested that you research which animals are commonly sighted in each area to help you decide which game reserve within the Eastern Cape Game you wish to visit on a once in a lifetime safari adventure.
The area also offers a colossal variety of birdlife which will awe even the most experienced bird watcher, with over 300 species of bird residing in the area. The Blue Crane, Cape Vulture and Martial Eagle are all common birds to spot during your safari at Eastern Cape Game Reserve.
In order to optimize your bird watching experience (although bird watching is generally good year-round within the Eastern Cape Region), plan your trip from November to April, when the migratory birds of northern Africa and Europe have arrived for their summer holiday, escaping the often harsh European winters.
Elephant
CommonGiraffe
OccasionalHippo
OccasionalBuffalo
CommonZebra
CommonWildbeest
OccasionalWhite Rhino
CommonBlack Rhino
RareLion
CommonLeopard
CommonCheetah
CommonHyena
OccasionalWild Dog
Rare