Which private game reserves are near Port Elizabeth?

The four premier Big Five private game reserves near Port Elizabeth are Shamwari (75 km), Lalibela (90 km), Kariega (60 km), and Amakhala (70 km). All are malaria-free and offer luxury all-inclusive safari experiences within 1–1.5 hours of PE airport.

How much do private safari lodges near Port Elizabeth cost?

Rates start from approximately R5,040 per person per night at Amakhala and go up to R25,330 per person per night at Shamwari's ultra-luxury Sindile Lodge. Most lodges are fully all-inclusive — meals, beverages, game drives, and guided walks included.

Are the game reserves near Port Elizabeth malaria-free?

Yes — Shamwari, Lalibela, Kariega, and Amakhala are all located in the malaria-free Eastern Cape. This makes them ideal for families with young children and travellers who prefer to avoid anti-malarial medication.

Luxury safari lodge with African bush sunset

Safari Lodges & Game Reserves

From ultra-luxury Sabi Sands to budget Kruger rest camps — 12 handpicked lodges across South Africa's finest Big Five destinations.

Big FiveR947–R60,470/nightExpert AdviceFamily Options

Singita Sabi Sand — luxury safari accommodation

Big Five💎 Ultra-Luxury

4.9(680)

Sabi Sands

Singita Sabi Sand

The Pinnacle of Safari Luxury

Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Mpumalanga45,000 (shared traversing) ha

The world's most exclusive safari experience. Three legendary lodges in a private concession within Sabi Sand — where R50,000+ per night buys the finest guides, the rarest leopard sightings, and conservation leadership that has set the global standard.

World's #1 rated safari brandUnrivalled leopard sightingsAward-winning wine cellarBorn Free conservation partner

FromR49,255/ pp / night~$3,050 USD · 2 options

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Londolozi Game Reserve — luxury safari accommodation

Big Five💎 Ultra-Luxury

4.9(1,150)

Sabi Sands

Londolozi Game Reserve

Protector of All Living Things

Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Mpumalanga14,000 ha

A pioneering family-run reserve since 1926, Londolozi is where safari meets soul. Five exquisite camps, Relais & Châteaux status, and the world's most famous leopard population — from the Varty family who invented the luxury safari.

First Relais & Châteaux game reserveWorld-famous leopard populationFive distinctive luxury campsVarty family legacy since 1926

FromR27,950/ pp / night~$1,731 USD · 4 options

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Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve — luxury safari accommodation

Big Five💎 Ultra-Luxury

4.8(1,430)

Sabi Sands

Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve

Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow

Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Mpumalanga65,000 (shared traversing) ha

A family-owned icon since 1979 with four distinctly different luxury lodges — from the avant-garde underground Earth Lodge to the vibrant Bush Lodge. Consistently ranked among Africa's finest Big Five safari destinations.

Four uniquely designed luxury lodgesEarth Lodge — world's first underground lodgeShangaan tracker expertiseStay 4 Pay 3 specials available

FromR29,600/ pp / night~$1,835 USD · 3 options

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Royal Malewane — luxury safari accommodation

Big Five💎 Ultra-Luxury

4.9(540)

Greater Kruger

Royal Malewane

Africa's Ultimate Safari Lodge

Thornybush Game Reserve, Limpopo14,000 (shared traversing) ha

Part of The Royal Portfolio, Royal Malewane sets the benchmark for ultra-luxury safari in the Greater Kruger. Six suites, two Royal Suites, and the exclusive Africa House — where every detail is flawless and every game drive led by the most qualified guiding team in Africa.

The Royal Portfolio collectionAfrica's most qualified guiding teamSix-bedroom Africa House villaWaterside Lodge — bold new design

FromR55,500/ pp / night~$3,437 USD · 2 options

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Shamwari Private Game Reserve — luxury safari accommodation

Big Five✓ Malaria-Free⭐ Luxury

4.9(1,240)

Eastern Cape

Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Luxury Inspired by Nature

Paterson, Eastern Cape25,000 ha

One of South Africa's most prestigious Big Five game reserves, spanning 25,000 hectares of pristine wilderness in the Eastern Cape. Six luxury lodges, world-class conservation, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Six luxury lodges to choose fromBorn Free Big Cat SanctuariesWildlife Rehabilitation CentreFive distinct ecosystems in one reserve

FromR18,100/ pp / night~$960 USD · 5 options

MalaMala Game Reserve

The Original Safari

Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Mpumalanga13,500 ha

The largest private Big Five game reserve in South Africa with 13,500 hectares and 20km of Sand River frontage. Three camps, community co-ownership, and consistently the best game viewing statistics in the Sabi Sand.

Largest private Big Five reserve in SA20km Sand River frontageBest game viewing statistics in Sabi SandCommunity co-ownership model

FromR27,600/ pp / night~$1,709 USD · 3 options

Lion Sands Game Reserve

Elemental Soul Safari

Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Mpumalanga12,000 (shared traversing) ha

Part of the MORE Family Collection, Lion Sands offers two distinctive lodges on the banks of the Sabie River — from the supremely exclusive Ivory Lodge to the connection-rich River Lodge. Famous for the one-of-a-kind Treehouse sleep-outs under the stars.

Iconic Treehouse sleep-outsSabie River frontageFGASA-accredited guidesIvory Lodge — 8 suites only

FromR26,460/ pp / night~$1,565 USD · 2 options

Jock Safari Lodge

Where Legend Meets Wilderness

Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga6,000 (concession) ha

A legendary Kruger concession lodge at the confluence of two rivers, named after Sir Percy FitzPatrick's beloved "Jock of the Bushveld." Twelve thatched suites and an exclusive-use villa in the heart of the national park — one of only a handful of private lodges inside Kruger itself.

Private concession inside Kruger NPAt the confluence of two riversNamed after "Jock of the Bushveld"Fitzpatrick's exclusive-use villa

FromR18,480/ pp / night~$1,145 USD · 2 options

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Lalibela Game Reserve — luxury safari accommodation

Big Five✓ Malaria-Free✨ Premium

4.8(890)

Eastern Cape

Lalibela Game Reserve

Where the Wild Runs Free

Sidbury, Eastern Cape7,500 ha

A 7,500-hectare malaria-free Big Five reserve with five unique lodges across five ecosystems. Known for one of the highest free-roaming lion densities near Port Elizabeth.

Five unique lodges across five ecosystemsHighest lion density near PENo public roads — exclusive accessAward-winning rewilding programme

FromR10,500/ pp / night~$557 USD · 5 options

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Kariega Game Reserve — luxury safari accommodation

Big Five✓ Malaria-Free✨ Premium

4.9(1,050)

Eastern Cape

Kariega Game Reserve

Where Rivers Meet the Wild

Kenton-on-Sea, Eastern Cape11,500 ha

A family-owned 11,500-hectare Big Five reserve incorporating five biomes and two rivers. Five distinctive lodges from riverfront luxury to historic homesteads.

Family-owned for generationsTwo rivers run through the reserveThandi the rhino — conservation iconLand & water-based safaris

FromR7,200/ pp / night~$382 USD · 4 options

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Amakhala Game Reserve — luxury safari accommodation

Big Five✓ Malaria-Free🌿 Mid-Range

4.8(780)

Eastern Cape

Amakhala Game Reserve

Conservation With Heart

Paterson, Eastern Cape8,500 ha

An 8,500-hectare malaria-free Big Five conservancy with diverse owner-managed lodges, river cruises, and a powerful community conservation story.

Owner-managed lodges with unique characterFarmer-to-wilderness conservation storyBushman's River running through reserveAmakhala Foundation community projects

FromR5,040/ pp / night~$268 USD · 4 options

Kruger National Park Rest Camps

Africa's Greatest Wildlife Sanctuary

Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga/Limpopo1,962,362 ha

SANParks' iconic rest camps offer the most affordable way to experience the Big Five in nearly 2 million hectares of wilderness. From Skukuza's riverside bungalows to Satara's predator-rich plains — self-drive safari at its finest.

Nearly 2 million hectares of wildernessSelf-drive safari freedomMost affordable Big Five experience12 main rest camps to choose from

FromR947/ unit / night~$58 USD · 3 options

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Why Book Through Ingwe Africa Safaris?

We're local specialists who know every lodge personally. Your safari, your budget, your way.

Best-Rate Guarantee

Same rates as booking direct — plus complimentary extras and bespoke itinerary planning.

Local Expertise

We visit these reserves regularly and can match the right lodge to your exact preferences.

Seamless Logistics

Flights, transfers, multi-lodge combos — we handle every detail so you just enjoy the bush.

Tailor-Made Packages

Combine lodges, add city stays, Garden Route drives, or beach stopovers. Fully flexible.

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