Kariega River View
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About the Eastern Cape Region

The Eastern Cape is the second largest of South Africa’s nine provinces and incorporates five ecological zones – ranging from lush evergreen forest to rugged mountain and dry savannah. On the south-east border, the beautiful Sunshine Coast offers miles of pristine beaches and warm sparkling ocean dotted with rivers, lagoons and coastal villages. The Eastern Cape is also the fastest growing nature and conservation area in South Africa and offers the best in malaria-free, Big 5 wildlife safaris.

Kariega Game Reserve is situated in Frontier Country, the historical heartland of the Eastern Cape. This inland area embodies the spirit of many cultures which currently form part of South Africa’s Rainbow Nation, including the British 1820 Settlers, the Khoi, the Xhosa and the Boers. The Eastern Cape province is also the birth place of many prominent South Africans including Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki.

Located on the Sunshine Coast, Port Elizabeth is the largest city in the province. Its domestic airport is the fourth busiest in South Africa and provides a gateway to the regions many game reserves and tourist attractions. Port Elizabeth is also a major seaport.

The city and surrounding area enjoys a subtropical climate with mild winters (May - September) and warm summers (October - April). The climate is very moderate throughout the year. 

Wildlife History

Find out more about our region's amazing ecological history and conservation efforts on our Wildlife History page.