Big 5 Guided Photographic Safari – Eastern Cape South Africa
Are you going on an African Hunt Safari? Would you like to end your safari or start it with a personal guided tour of the nearby Big Five National Parks?
We offer a private guiding service to the National Parks. Our expert guides will drive you through your chosen parks to try and find the Big 5. Your guide will be with you throughout your guided safari.
The parks are large with free-roaming predators. You can see large parts of the countryside and enjoy an authentic wilderness experience rather than being confined to a small game farm with limited flexibility.
We will arrange a pick-up with your outfitter in the Eastern Cape and drop you off at Port Elizabeth Airport in time for your departure flight back to the United States after your tour.
We offer a selection of guided alternatives. However, you are welcome to ask for a tailored experience.
Table of Contents
One-Day Guided Big 5 Safari
About this Activity
Addo Elephant National Park is the third-largest national park in South Africa and boasts the Big Five. The Big Five include Lion, Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Rhino, and Leopard. Addo has the highest density of elephants in the world, over 600 in the park. In addition to the Big Five, the park has 13 species of antelope.
A one-day tour is also available for the Mountain Zebra National Park. The highlight will be cheetah tracking on foot with one of the park guides. The Mountain Zebra Park has Lions, Cape Buffalo, Rhinos, and the endangered Mountain Zebra.
Spa Treatment
Spa treatments can also be arranged with a game-viewing guided Addo tour. The spa treatment is not included in the price.
The treatments include foot massages, pedicures, head, neck, shoulder, back, and full body massages.
Only natural products with natural ingredients are used. They make their foot scrub with salt and essential oils, including spekboom from a local entrepreneur. The spekboom is crushed as the juice from the plant is exceptionally healing and hydrating to the skin.
What is Included in the One-Day Big 5 Guided Tour?
- Pick up
- 4×4 vehicles and fuel for the duration of the safari
- All meals including picnic style lunches in the Park
- Coffee, tea and bottled water
- Park fees and Vehicle fees
- Drop off
What is not Included in the One-Day Big 5 Guided Tour
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Gratuities
- Spa Treatment
Daily Fees for the Guided Tour
- $250 per day
- $200 extra person
Addo Elephant National Park Two-Day Guided Big 5 Safari
About this Activity
Addo Elephant National Park is the third-largest national park in South Africa and boasts the Big Five. The big five include Lion, Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Rhino, and Leopard. Addo has the highest density of elephants in the world, over 600 in the park. In addition, the park has 13 species of antelope.
What is Included in the Two-Day Big 5 Guided Tour?
- Pick up
- One night in a 4-star lodge
- Guided Big 5 driving safaris
- For the more adventurous – 4×4 trails and guided hiking safaris
- 4×4 vehicles and fuel for the duration of the safari
- All meals including picnic style lunches in the Park
- Coffee, tea and bottled water
- Park fees and Vehicle fees
- Drop off
What is not Included in the Two-Day Big 5 Guided Tour
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Gratuities
Daily Fees for the Guided Tour
- $300 per person per day
- $250 per person per day sharing
Accommodation
We tend to stay in quality accommodation on the periphery of the park. Accommodation inside the park is government-owned and sometimes a bit dated, but not always. The private lodges inside the park are exclusive and expensive.
If you are considering your own safari and wish to stay inside the park, here is a summary of available park-owned chalets and bungalows.
Addo Elephant & Mountain Zebra Parks Three-Day Guided Big 5 Safari
About this Activity
In addition to the activities listed in the Addo Elephant Park two-day guided safari, we will visit the Mountain Zebra National Park. Here, the highlight will be cheetah tracking on foot with one of the park guides. The Mountain Zebra Park has Lion, Cape Buffalo, Rhino, and the endangered Mountain Zebra.
What is Included in the Three-Day Big 5 Guided Tour?
- Pick up
- Two night’s in a 4-star lodge
- Guided Big 5 driving safaris
- For the more adventurous – 4×4 trails and guided hiking safaris
- 4×4 vehicles and fuel for the duration of the safari
- All meals including picnic style lunches in the Park
- Coffee, tea and bottled water
- Park fees and Vehicle fees
- Drop off
What is not Included in the Three-Day Big 5 Guided Tour
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Gratuities
Daily Fees for the Guided Tour
- $300 per person per day
- $250 per person per day sharing
Accommodation
We tend to stay in quality accommodation on the periphery of the park. Accommodation inside the park is government-owned and sometimes a bit dated, but not always. The private lodges inside the park are exclusive and expensive.
If you are considering your own safari and wish to stay inside the park, here is a summary of available park-owned chalets and bungalows.
5 Day Big 5 Guided Safari
About this Activity
Parks we will visit:
- Addo Elephant National Park
- Mountain Zebra National Park
- Camdeboo National Park
In addition to the Addo Elephant National Park and Mountain Zebra Park, we will also visit Camdeboo National Park. Camdeboo is famous for the Valley of Desolation.
What is Included in the Five-Day Big 5 Guided Tour?
- Pick up
- Four night’s Accommodation in a 4-star lodge
- Guided Big 5 driving safaris
- For the more adventurous – 4×4 trails and guided hiking safaris
- 4×4 vehicles and fuel for the duration of the safari
- All meals including picnic style lunches in the Park
- Coffee, tea and bottled water
- Park fees and Vehicle fees
- Drop off
What is not Included in the Five-Day Big 5 Guided Tour
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Gratuities
Daily Fees for the Guided Tour
- $300 per person per day
- $250 per person per day sharing
Accommodation
We tend to stay in quality accommodation on the periphery of the park. Accommodation inside the park is government-owned and sometimes a bit dated, but not always. The private lodges inside the park are exclusive and expensive.
If you are considering your own safari and wish to stay inside the park, here is a summary of available park-owned chalets and bungalows.
7 Day Big 5 Guided Safari
About this Activity
Parks we will visit:
- Addo Elephant National Park
- Mountain Zebra National Park
- Camdeboo National Park
- Karoo National Park
In addition to the three National Parks already mentioned, this tour also includes visiting the Karoo National Park. The Karoo National Park offers an array of activities and attractions that cater to all tastes and preferences. From self-drive safaris to guided tours, from hiking to stargazing, there’s something for everyone in this remarkable park.
What is Included in the Five-Day Big 7 Guided Tour?
- Pick up
- Four night’s Accommodation in a 4-star lodge
- Guided Big 5 driving safaris
- For the more adventurous – 4×4 trails and guided hiking safaris
- 4×4 vehicles and fuel for the duration of the safari
- All meals including picnic style lunches in the Park
- Coffee, tea and bottled water
- Park fees and Vehicle fees
- Drop off
What is not Included in the Five-Day Big 5 Guided Tour
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Gratuities
Daily Fees for the Guided Tour
- $300 per person per day
- $250 per person per day sharing
Accommodation
We tend to stay in quality accommodation on the periphery of the park. Accommodation inside the park is government-owned and sometimes a bit dated, but not always. The private lodges inside the park are exclusive and expensive.
If you are considering your own safari and wish to stay inside the park, here is a summary of available park-owned chalets and bungalows.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between private game farms and national parks?
The National parks are owned and managed by the South African government. Private game reserves are repurposed farms and are owner-managed.
What are the advantages of staying at a national park?
You can see large parts of the countryside and enjoy an authentic wilderness experience rather than being confined to a small game farm with limited flexibility.
What are the advantages of staying at a private game reserve?
They are much smaller in size but offer an exclusive experience. However, they are more expensive.
Will I see the big five?
There is no guarantee. The Big Five is free-ranging, and the National Parks are large. A lot will depend on how much time you have. Our guides will do their utmost to locate these animals. We offer an authentic wilderness experience rather than driving around a small artificial game farm.
Are there giraffes in the Eastern Cape?
Giraffes are not considered endemic to the Eastern Cape and are not present in the National Parks. However, half-day walking safaris to view giraffes are readily available.
What are the best months to visit the national parks?
The dryer winter months are better for game viewing as animals are more visible. However, the parks are more aesthetically pleasing in the summer months due to summer rains. In addition, many animals have babies.