EASTERN CAPE - The number of game reserves in the area has exploded, with one of the key factors being that the area is malaria, bilharzia, foot & mouth, and cholera free, allowing you the peace of mind to travel without the fear of contracting one or other of these diseases. There are 67 reserves falling under Eastern Cape Tourism - which is by no means all the province has to offer - and there is something to suit everyone’s pocket. As yet, many of these are undiscovered and need to be exposed and explored.
The Eastern Cape used to abound with a rich variety of game, which was unfortunately hunted almost to extinction over the past two centuries. Fortunately this state of affairs has been halted and far-sighted conservationists have reversed the process. More than a million hectares of marginal farmland has been returned to its former use and landowners are now re-stocking their land with the game that used to be endemic to the region, as well as other species that are easily adaptable. Conservation efforts by private individuals in the Eastern Cape have won international recognition and increased the awareness of the value of wildlife and its conservation.
The possible reason for this phenomenon is that the Eastern Cape is often subject to drought and game presents greater resilience than conventional livestock farming. Being a multi-species system it is able to use a wide spectrum of habitats and veld conditions, and the Eastern Cape is richly blessed with many different biomes. Endemic game species are usually adapted to withstand heat, disease and shortages of water far better than domestic animals. Eco-tourism is a non-consumptive product, and tourism is the fastest growing sector of the economy, so it makes good sense to provide what tourists want as well as what is economically viable and environmentally correct.

With such a diverse range of habitats, the Eastern Cape has enormous variety to choose from, and must arguably have some of the best game viewing in the country. Photos: DSA - Henry Greyling

Three National Parks, namely Greater Addo Elephant, the Tsitsikamma, and Mountain Zebra National Park are all well known and need no further introduction. There are also several provincial and municipal game parks, which are affordable to the man in the street. At the other end of the scale, are exclusive private game reserves with very upmarket lodges offering superior accommodation; several of them stock the big five. These are geared mainly to overseas tourists.
The National Parks, private game reserves, and protected areas of the province offer countless different opportunities for viewing game, whether you want to explore on your own, or with experienced, knowledgeable guides. Accommodation ranges from old converted colonial lodges to rustic chalets, intimate bush camps, and basic campsites. The option of walking amongst game is available and this is one of the best ways to experience the whole bush and game scene.
Many game reserves offer conference facilities, and these are beginning to include team building and places to hold a “bosberaad”. Most reserves however, no matter at which end of the scale, provide that “back to nature” or even a wilderness experience, which replenishes the soul, and recharges the proverbial batteries. The Eastern Cape has enormous variety to chose from, and must arguably have the best game viewing in the country.

Yvonne Craig

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