The Eastern Cape is a picturesque destination ideal for a malaria-free safari, and provides the perfect alternative to the Kruger. This province is an eden boasting landscapes dotted with sweeping cliffs, hidden bays, tidal estuaries, mighty rivers eagerly cutting through lush regions, indigenous forests carpeting undulating landscapes, hilly grasslands and arid inland areas home to a wealth of wildlife. The Eastern Cape offers a destination that is offers the best of beach and bush, making it a must see destination. Many second time visitors to South Africa self-drive the Garden Route and head north to the Eastern Cape to explore the delicate biome of this unique area. The Eastern Cape is known mainly for its malaria-free big five game reserves, but has so much more to offer its visitors. The Eastern Cape really is a world in one.
Eastern Cape is home to some of the friendliest people that welcome you with open arms to their provincial paradise. There’s nothing more charming and heartwarming than a true Eastern Cape welcome. Beneath the surface of the Eastern Cape’s unsurpassed scenery, there dwells a myriad of cultures and interesting history worth exploring.
We have many favourite destinations deep within this province, areas that international visitors might not even know about, but our favourite hideaway is untainted coastal region of Chintsa.
Chintsa forms part of the revered Wild Coast route, and is located a mere 45 km north of the relaxed coastal town of East London. Rugged coastlines with estuaries, rivers and long stretches of sugar-white beaches define the area. Looming cliffs with coastline vistas, grass covered sand dunes and an ocean ideal for surfing, fishing and watersports; Chintsa has warmed the hearts of many a visitor.
To us the Eastern Cape represents outdoor pursuits, coastal splendour and safaris. So we’ve selected 3 places in and around charming Chintsa that can all be neatly packaged into one itinerary. We recommend a stay at Prana for the best of Chintsa, a stay at Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve and a round of golf at Olivewood. Charming Chintsa never disappoints!
Here’s a quick introduction to our top choices :
Olivewood Golf Estate
Olivewood is a mere 1 km away from the Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve, making it the ideal destination for the avid golfer who wants to combine an intrepid safari experience with time on the greens. Olivewood certainly takes advantage of its pristine yet wild surrounds. Players can enjoy unsurpassed views of Chintsa, the surrounding thickets of forest and the completely wild environment that hugs Olivewood. Chintsa Valley is a spectacular, unexplored region of the Eastern Cape and even parts of the Chintsa River courses through a section of the estate, providing ample water sources for a plethora of game. Plains game often wanders onto the course, which adds a unique dimension to a round of golf. Expect to see nyala, blesbok, impala and sounders of warthog.
After enjoying a safari experience at Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve, enjoy the best of the beach life. There is nothing quite like combing a beach and bush experience to enhance your Eastern Cape experience. Prana epitomises coastal luxury, and offers its guests a wealth of activities. Surrounded by pristine forest, and located adjacent to Chintsa Bay, Prana Lodge is a must-see destination.
Pamper yourself with an on-site spa treatment in indigenous forest gardens to restore your balance and energy, spend time relaxing in your suite that comes complete with your own private plunge pool and deck area. Decor is plush and reminiscent of a bygone era, with Persian carpets and percale linen offering a complete sense of comfort.
Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve
This malaria-free game reserve is home to the big five and has an intricate biosphere comprising a tidal estuary, lush tropical landscapes and forested regions. The biome is fascinating, and is the ideal habitat for plenty of species of wildlife to thrive. Because of its coastal location, visitors are also able to spot the southern right whales. Spot big cats, mammals and a bustling arrangement of birdlife. The reserve spans 4500 hectares and offers visitors luxury accommodation in the Valley camp in well-appointed tents, where there’s plenty of access to activities such as guided safaris, hiking trails, horse trails, canoeing, quad biking, mountain biking, elephant interactions and elephant back safaris.
