The second largest of South Africa’s nine provinces, the Eastern Cape stretches from the Tsitsikamma National Park in the west to the remote wild coast in the east. The traditional home of the Xhosa people, it is a land of undulating hills, wide sandy beaches, majestic mountain ranges and emerald green forests. There are a number of excellent game reserves close to Port Elizabeth, a major airport town of the area, which are easily combined with the Garden Route. These reserves are malaria free and make a good choice for families. The largest is Addo Elephant Park which is home to over 400 elephants and ‘big five’. On the parks coastal border you may also see Great White sharks and southern right whales. Nearby Shamwari is an exclusive, private, reserve, renowned for its wildlife and important conservation work.