OVERVIEW

Take in the landmarks of Port Elizabeth from the comfort of your coach, leaving you with a wonderful impression of South Africa’s beloved Friendly City. At the entrance to the harbor, note the soaring Campanile, which was erected in 1923 and holds a carillon of 23 bells in honor of the area’s first British settlers. Continuing along the scenic shore, you’ll pass the lovely suburb of Summerstrand stop at Shark Rock Pier to take in panoramic views of the city. Pausing for photos whenever possible, see the beautiful Victorian Gothic Main Library, the Feather Market, constructed during the ostrich feather boom, and Dias Cross, a tribute to Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias, who erected a cross nearby after discovering Algoa Bay in 1488. At the Donkin Reserve you’ll observe a stone pyramid dedicated to Elizabeth Donkin, after whom the city was named in the 1820s. Admire well-preserved Fort Frederick and various sporting venues, including St George’s Park Cricket Ground, South Africa’s oldest bowling green, and the more modern Nelson Mandela Stadium, all testament to Port Elizabeth’s dynamic role in South Africa’s history.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Get acquainted with the Friendly City, affectionate nickname for Port Elizabeth, on a relaxing panoramic tour.
• Pause for memorable photos at several captivating points along the way, conditions permitting.
• Behold the towering 1923 Campanile, which houses a carillon and commemorates the area’s earliest British settlers.
• View numerous intriguing landmarks including the Victorian Gothic Main Library and the stately Feather Market.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Drive through the Addo Elephant Park, an unspoiled nature reserve teeming with wildlife. Settle in for an approximately 90-minute journey north across the Swartkops River to Addo Elephant Park, a spectacular nature reserve that stands as living proof of the success of South Africa’s conservation efforts. During your approximately two-hour game drive, you’ll hear that when the park was founded in 1931, it housed a paltry population of 11 elephants, which over time has ballooned to over 450 individuals. From your coach, catch sight of the park’s namesake elephants, a somewhat smaller species of the African elephant. You’ll gather that they are highly intelligent creatures that communicate through vocalization, touching with their trunks and various body postures. Learn that the park’s five biomes, from grassland to montane forest, support an enormous diversity of other animals, including black rhino, lions, antelopes, spotted hyenas, zebras and warthogs as well as a wide variety of birds, including the world’s largest Cape gannet breeding population. On this unforgettable excursion, you’ll applaud the successful protection of the remarkable Addo elephant.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Discover the magnificent animal denizens of the Addo Elephant Park during a coach game drive.
• Gaze in awe at the park’s Addo elephants, an intelligent and sociable species.
• Discern signs of communication among the elephants, such as touching trunks or vocalizing.
• Keep an eye out for zebras, warthogs, antelopes and the more rarely seen lions and black rhino.
• Glory in a range of fabulous birds including the African crowned eagle and Cape gannet.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses, binoculars and sunscreen.

OVERVIEW

Venture off-road through the Addo Elephant Park in an open safari vehicle, seeking the bountiful wildlife that roams freely in this vast nature reserve. Settle in for an approximately 90-minute journey north across the Swartkops River to Addo Elephant Park, a spectacular nature reserve that stands as living proof of the success of South Africa’s conservation efforts. Upon arrival, you’ll board your open-air 4x4 safari vehicle, which is designed to provide unobstructed views of the resident animals. During your approximately two-hour game drive, catch sight of the park’s namesake elephants, a somewhat smaller species of the African elephant. You’ll gather that they are highly intelligent creatures that communicate through vocalization, touching with their trunks and various body postures. Learn that the park’s five biomes, from grassland to montane forest, support an enormous diversity of other animals, including black rhino, lions, antelopes, spotted hyenas, zebras and warthogs as well as a wide variety of birds, including the world’s largest Cape gannet breeding population. You’ll feel closer than ever to unspoiled Africa on this exceptional adventure.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Approach the magnificent animal denizens of the Addo Elephant Park during an off-road game drive.
• Access off-the-beaten-path locations with the flexibility of your open-air safari vehicle.
• Gaze in awe at the park’s Addo elephants, an intelligent and sociable species.
• Discern signs of communication among the elephants, such as touching trunks or vocalizing.
• Keep an eye out for zebras, warthogs, antelopes and the more rarely seen lions and black rhino.
• Glory in a range of fabulous birds including the African crowned eagle and Cape gannet.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses, binoculars and sunscreen.
• Guests are not permitted to use cellular phones during the game drives.

OVERVIEW

Tour some townships where resistance to apartheid was particularly strong in the 1960s and 1970s, and see how they have since flourished artistically and culturally. Receive an insight into the local African culture like no other you have ever experienced, and in doing so, will contribute to the economic upliftment so vital for the people of South Africa. Drive through downtown Port Elizabeth, once a hotbed of political and social resistance to apartheid. As you continue through its neighboring townships, you will notice the vast differences in the residential areas, such as poor, undeveloped Missionvale and middle-class Kwadwesi. Your guide will point out a number of landmarks along the way, including the Native Strangers Location, Livingstone Hospital, and Lithuli Square, which is named for the political activist who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1960 for his non-violent opposition to apartheid. Stop for photos at a viewpoint in Kwa Magxaki before proceeding on through several other townships. Stopping in Rhamaphosa Village, a squatter camp, you will enjoy a visit to the community’s Arts and Crafts Center. Several styles of artwork are on display and for sale, all of them deeply personal to the local artists. Some of the subject matter may reflect the legacy of apartheid and how the people have struggled in this part of South Africa.

Drive by Emlotheni Memorial Park, which commemorates the death of six men who were executed in 1964 for defiantly resisting apartheid forces. Then, visit a local school or community center, where you’ll be served some refreshments and have the opportunity to interact with local community members and possibly some school children.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Join a game drive in an open-air 4x4 vehicle through the pristine Kariega Game Reserve in search of lions, elephants and countless other animals. Travel northeast for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to the Kariega Game Reserve, which sprawls over a fertile wilderness that was farmland just over 20 years ago. You’ll learn that today it supports an abundance of wildlife, including the iconic Big Five, comprising the lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros. Upon arrival, you’ll be treated to a refreshment before boarding your open-air 4x4 vehicle, which offers unobstructed views ideal for photography, and then drive into the bush for approximately three hours. In the varied terrain, which ranges from grassland to forest, you may see elephants tenderly caring for their young, giraffes nibbling on the upper leaves of the trees and thick-skinned rhinos happily wading in the water. You’ll likely encounter a variety of antelope and some of the more than 250 resident bird species. After your exhilarating game drive, ponder your superb experience while savoring lunch at the Kariega Restaurant, located atop a high ridge overlooking the lush hills and plains of the glorious reserve.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Track the wild animals of the Kariega Game Reserve during a 4x4 vehicle game drive.
• Enjoy unobstructed vistas and photo opportunities from your open-air vehicle.
• Watch for African elephants, rhinoceros, leopards, Cape buffalo and lions, collectively known as the Big Five.
• Delight at the sight of graceful antelope and a number of the reserve’s over 250 bird species.
• Sit for a satisfying buffet luncheon at the Kariega Restaurant, which boasts panoramic views of the reserve.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Wander through the breathtaking Lalibela Game Reserve on a 4x4 safari vehicle in search of South Africa’s signature wild animals. After an approximately 90-minute picturesque journey, arrive at the Lalibela Game Reserve, a stunning expanse of approximately 18,500 acres. During your approximately three-hour game drive in an open-air 4x4 vehicle, which offers unobstructed views ideal for photography, you’ll appreciate that Lalibela is the only private game reserve in the Eastern Cape without public roads running through it, providing the animals with a completely natural environment. Among the reserve’s six different vegetation regions, you’ll seek out wildlife including the Big Five, comprising the lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros, as well as the frequently seen zebra, giraffe, antelope and hippopotamus. Acquaint yourself with the reserve’s lesser-known residents, such as the highly social, black-faced vervet monkey and the serval, a medium-size cat related to the lion. Wrap up your visit with a splendid buffet luncheon at the Lalibela Restaurant, vivid images of the park’s animals still shining brightly in your mind.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Embark on a quest to find the Lalibela Game Reserve’s wild animals during a 4x4 vehicle game drive.
• Enjoy unobstructed vistas and photo opportunities from your open-air vehicle.
• Watch for African elephants, rhinoceros, leopards, Cape buffalo and lions, collectively known as the Big Five.
• Count hippos, zebras, giraffes, vervet monkeys and servals among your likely sightings.
• Recount your incredible wild encounters over a satisfying buffet lunch at the Lalibela Restaurant.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses, binoculars and sunscreen

Drive through a game reserve with vastly different types of terrain that increase your chances of observing a variety of archetypal animals. Sibuya Game Reserve features more navigable riverfront that any other reserve in South Africa and you will cruise through one of its most scenic sections. Still, the highlight will be the three-hour drive through Sibuya in a 4x4 vehicle, during which you will likely travel through various vegetation types like East Cape Valley bushveld, grassland, and coastal forest. You will have an excellent chance of spotting the Big Five – lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos and Cape buffaloes – which roam freely through the various biomes. Sibuya is also an extraordinary birding destination as more than 400 avian species live there. The guides will point out and identify the birds, which include Goliath Herons, a species known to swallow fish weighing as much as two pounds. You will have much to reflect upon over the buffet lunch that follows.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore Sibuya Private Game Reserve in a 4x4 looking for animals such as the Big Five.
• Drive through diverse terrains that are home to lions, elephants and countless birds.
• Cruise along one the reserve’s many navigable rivers while looking for other wildlife.
• Enjoy a hearty buffet lunch at the Sibuya visitor center.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Immerse yourself in the unspoiled Pumba Private Game Reserve, looking for wild animals aboard an open-air 4x4 vehicle. Relax during a leisurely 1 hour and 45 minute drive through the gorgeous South African countryside to the Pumba Private Game Reserve, an immense property featuring five different biomes with a dazzling variety of flora and fauna. Upon arrival, you’ll be treated to refreshments before meeting your park ranger and boarding your open-air 4x4 vehicle, which offers unobstructed views ideal for photography. You’ll learn the reserve supports over 300 species of birds, but the undisputed stars are the Big Five, comprising the lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros. You might even spot a white lion, as Pumba is one of only two reserves in South Africa where this rare species roams freely. With periodic stops to observe the animals up close, you may catch sight of zebras grazing in the grassland, massive hippos wallowing in the mud flats or herds of Cape bushbucks gracefully bounding across the fields. You’ll marvel at the giraffes, who often come right up to the vehicles out of curiosity. Following your thrilling game drive, conclude your bucket-list escapade with a hearty buffet lunch at the main lodge.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See the majestic wild animals of the Pumba Private Game Reserve during a 4x4 vehicle game drive.
• Enjoy unobstructed vistas and photo opportunities from your open-air vehicle.
• Watch for African elephants, rhinoceros, leopards, Cape buffalo and lions, collectively known as the Big Five.
• Keep a sharp lookout for the white lion, one of the Pumba Private Game Reserve’s most unique species.
• Behold zebras, hippos, Cape bushbucks and curious giraffe, who may approach the vehicle to greet you.
• Discuss the day’s marvelous sightings over a hearty buffet lunch in the reserve’s main lodge.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Look for iconic African animals on a lengthy game drive through Schotia Private Game Reserve, a sanctuary adjacent to Addo Elephant National Park. The same family has owned and operated Schotia reserve since 1933, and it is renowned for being the first reserve where lions hunt on their own, rather than being fed. Traveling through the bush in an open-air 4x4 vehicle offers countless opportunities to observe lions, hippos, rhinos, giraffes and elephants. Seeing them up close in their natural habitats is an extraordinary experience, especially since the animals are accustomed to being around people and are undisturbed by the presence of humans. You can also expect to catch sight of smaller creatures such as monkeys, crocodiles and birds, as more than 150 avian species live in Schotia.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Drive through a privately owned game reserve that has been in the same family since 1933.
• Look for elephants, lions and African plains animals, which are abundant in the reserve.
• Expect to see plenty of smaller animals, as well, including countless species of birds.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Meander through the extraordinary Kwantu Private Game Reserve and view South Africa’s most archetypal animals in their natural environment as well as various predators being rehabilitated. Enjoy an approximately 90-minute scenic drive inland to Sidbury, a historic village in the midst of an ecologically diverse area considered frontier country. Upon arrival, you’ll be treated to refreshments before meeting your park ranger and boarding your open-air 4x4 vehicle, which offers unobstructed views ideal for photography. In the surrounding bush, catch sight of zebras, giraffes, wildebeests and the iconic Big Five, comprising the lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros. You might also come across playful vervet monkeys, warthogs digging for roots or a solitary blue duiker at the edge of a clearing, with the ranger pointing out the various animals and explaining their habits in detail. After your magical game drive, pause at the reserve’s rehabilitation center, where injured, orphaned and even poisoned wildlife are cared for. While visiting, you may see white lion cubs and cheetahs, and also learn about the breeding program for endangered tigers. As an enjoyable finale, relish a nourishing buffet lunch at the main lodge while viewing a rousing performance by Xhosa dancers and singers.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore the Kwantu Private Game Reserve in search of wild animals during a 4x4 vehicle game drive.
• Enjoy unobstructed vistas and photo opportunities from your open-air vehicle.
• Watch for African elephants, rhinoceros, leopards, Cape buffalo and lions, collectively known as the Big Five.
• Find shy blue duikers, industrious warthogs and spirited vervet monkeys with the assistance of your ranger.
• Tour the reserve’s rehabilitation center for injured, ill, endangered and orphaned predators.
• Experience the terrific dancers and singers of the Xhosa people during a buffet lunch at the main lodge.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Cruise to the world’s largest colony of African penguins and look for marine life such as dolphins and whales along the way. The penguins inhabit St. Croix, a rocky island that is almost completely devoid of soil. Although the island sanctuary offers an excellent natural habitat, the penguins are in decline from environmental risks, oil spills and their eggs being pilfered for human consumption. While observing these endemic penguins, you will likely hear them braying like donkeys, which is why they are also known as jackass penguins. You may also spot bottlenose and humpback dolphins, large numbers of which frequent these waters. The island is on the migratory routes of various whales, although the Bryde’s whale lives year-round in the area. It is quite a spectacle to see one feeding, as these whales burst through a school of fish with their mouths wide open and their throat pleats extended.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Cruise to rocky St. Croix island to observe the world’s largest colony of African penguins.
• Gain an understanding of the threats to the birds and the efforts to protect them.
• Look for dolphins, whales and other marine life as you cruise to and from the island.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Join some of the residents of Walmer Township for a bit of light gardening and to see how they turn recycled materials into handicrafts. The oldest township in Port Elizabeth, Walmer was originally farm land and sections of it are being re-purposed for crops once again. Your host will show around one of the organic gardens that now flourishes on a former landfill. Feel free to pitch in and help maintain the sustainable gardens as you learn how they support the community, promote a healthier lifestyle and teach Walmer’s youth agricultural skills that can be life-changing. You will also have the opportunity to participate in a traditional crafting workshop and browse a project that assists disabled and blind residents of the township. Projects such as these offer hope to the local population, much of which is impoverished and unemployed. Your host will candidly describe the challenges and how the community is working to overcome them.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Hear the uplifting story of how organic gardens have given new hope to the impoverished.
• Do a little gardening with the founder of the project, who will candidly offer his insights .
• Join a workshop and learn the basics of beading, one of the most traditional handicrafts .

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.