Reserves and parks for a Garden Route safari in South Africa
South Africa‘s Garden Route is one of the most breathtaking natural regions in the world. Stretching along the southern coast of South Africa from the Western Cape to the Eastern Cape it encompasses thick forests, savannah woodlands, mountains and the arid, semi desert landscapes of the Karoo. The area boasts a plethora of attractions from world class beaches to beautiful mountain passes. There are a host of national parks and private game reserves along the Garden Route, many of which are home to the Big 5 and are a great addition to a romantic or family holiday. There are some very unique properties in the area where unusual wildlife species can be seen. In addition the marine wildlife (such as whales, dolphins and sharks) in the coastal reserves offer once in a lifetime experiences. There are also numerous adventure activities available such as classic hikes, bungee jumping the world’s highest bungee jump to Great White Shark cage diving…
Shamwari is found in the Eastern Cape and its 25 000 hectares are abundant with game and wildlife species, including the Big 5. A range of habitat types make up the reserve, and the Bushman’s River attracts a plethora of bird species. The reserve is seen as a benchmark for conservation, and is also malaria free.
Samara Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape is made up of an array of habitat types and is home to the variety of game species, including cheetah, leopard, buffalo and rhino, as well as plains game such as bok, wildebeest, eland and zebra. Game drives, hiking, nature walks and late night nocturnal drives are amongst the highlights guests can expect to experience at Samara.
Sanbona Game Reserve is found in South Africa‘s beautiful Western Cape. It is home to all of the Big 5, and also has a growing cheetah population, as well as a small pride of white lions. The reserve consists of desert Karoo thinly coated with vegetation, and mountainous ridges. Other highlights include the spectacular flowering season in August and Spetember, as well as many traditional San bushmen rock art and fossil sites.
Garden Route National Park is found on South Africa‘s coast, and is one of the region’s most stunning destinations. Made up of several ecosystem types, including rainforest, estuary, and lagoons, the area is perfect for a unique, out of the ordinary safari. A variety of wildlife species, both marine and terrestrial, can be seen in the area, and there are a range of accommodation options and activities on offer.
Gondwana Game Reserve in South Africa‘s Western Cape is made of the unique fynbos biome, as well as tracts of open grassland, and is home to an array of wildlife creatures, including the Big 5. Many unusual and unique creatures also call the region home. Plains game such as zebra, buffalo and local Nguni cattle are also found in the reserve.
Amakhala Game Reserve is found in the malaria free Eastern Cape of South Africa and home to the big 5. Several habitat and ecosystem types make up the reserve, incuding open grassland and savannah, as well as coatsal dunes. Besides the Big 5, the reserve is home to many species of general game, and is also a superb destination for seeing cheetah. Several lodges suiting a variety of budgets are found on the reserve.
