A malaria-free safari.
South Africa’s Eastern Cape.
There are two lodges on the Reserve: Ecca and Great Fish River Lodge. Ecca is chic and modern, while the tents at Great Fish River are ideal for safari traditionalists. There are also two private houses, perfect for groups of families and friends: Melton Manor, a modern farmhouse, and Uplands, an elegant colonial homestead.
Loosen your belt a notch or two- there’s nothing these South Africans like better than feeding visitors! There are early morning cookies, sumptuous brunches, afternoon tea, early evening nibbles, and to top the day off, a full three-course dinner! Facilities at each lodge are different, but the emphasis is on comfort and relaxation rather than glitz- while you may not always have telephone reception, you can be sure the staff will be charming, the beds soft, and the days full of endless adventure.
All of the Big Five around found on the reserve, so the main focus here is on some pretty impressive game viewing. The day starts and ends with game drives, with the chance for safari walks, bush picnics and sundowners. For guests who want something really special, there are some fabulous optional extras. Scenic flights, the chance to learn about carnivore research and get involved with the rhino darting programme, just to mention a few! Kids are well looked after too- if they don’t fancy a game drive there are cakes to be baked, pools to swim in and hundreds of different types of animal dung to identify (and squeamish adults beware- this is always the favourite activity for any child on safari!)
Take some time to look beyond the “Big Five”- baboons and some of the smaller animals are fascinating to watch too!