Addo & Schotia Safari Explorer: Eastern Cape’s Premier Big Five Experience

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the wild heart of South Africa’s Eastern Cape, a region rich in biodiversity, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Perfectly designed as either a cruise shore excursion or a dedicated full-day safari, this experience combines the best of Addo Elephant National Park and Schotia Private Game Reserve to create an immersive, world-class adventure for nature lovers and discerning travellers alike.

Morning Magic: Addo Elephant National Park
Your day begins with a scenic transfer in a luxury, air-conditioned vehicle to Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa’s third-largest national park and a celebrated wildlife sanctuary.

This remarkable reserve is home to the densest population of wild elephants on Earth, with more than 650 elephants roaming freely across its diverse landscapes. As we journey through a patchwork of rich ecosystems, from coastal bushveld to Karoo scrub and forested valleys, you’ll also be on the lookout for lions, Cape buffalo, leopards, black rhinos, and other fascinating creatures such as zebras, warthogs, hyenas, and the rare Addo flightless dung beetle.

With insightful commentary from your knowledgeable guide, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the region’s ecology and conservation efforts, including the remarkable Spekboom, a local plant known for its carbon-absorbing superpowers.

Afternoon Adventure: Schotia Private Game Reserve
From Addo, we make our way to Schotia, one of the oldest and most respected private reserves in the Eastern Cape. Nestled along the boundary of Addo, this 2,000-hectare, malaria-free reserve offers an exceptional chance to spot Africa’s famed Big Five, along with a rich array of other wildlife.

Your afternoon unfolds with a four-hour game drive in an open Land Rover, guided by an experienced ranger who knows the terrain intimately. Expect close encounters with rhino, giraffe, crocodile, hippo, and a variety of antelope, as well as free-roaming lions, often seen at their most active as the African sun begins to dip below the horizon.

Schotia’s dense population of animals and expertly guided drives offer some of the most consistent and rewarding wildlife viewing in the region.

Evening Enchantment: Dinner Beneath the Stars
As darkness settles over the bush, your adventure ends on a high note at Schotia’s thatched lapa, a traditional open-air gathering space complete with a crackling log fire.

Here, enjoy a delicious two-course dinner infused with local flavour, served in a warm and relaxed setting. The experience is as much about the atmosphere as the meal itself, an opportunity to reflect on the day’s highlights while dining beneath the vast African sky.

After dinner, your guide will safely return you to your accommodation or cruise terminal, concluding a day filled with awe, discovery, and connection to the wild.