Wildlife & Parks
Here are places around Jeffreys Bay and the wider Eastern Cape for wildlife lovers, nature buffs, and peaceful escapes.
Addo Elephant National Park
A premier Big Five destination in the Eastern Cape. Expect elephants, lions, rhinos, buffaloes, and leopards roaming free in vast landscapes. Excellent for both self-drive adventures and guided game drives. Great diversity of birds and several different habitats.
SanParks – Addo Elephant National Park
Schotia Safaris Private Game Reserve
Bordering the eastern side of Addo, Schotia is the oldest private reserve in the area. It’s malaria-free and boasts over 40 mammal species, roughly 2000 animals. Offers both day drives and overnight bush lodges — perfect if you want an immersive safari without going too far.
Contact: +27 (0)83 654 8511 ·
African Dawn Bird & Wildlife Sanctuary
Just between Jeffreys Bay and Port Elizabeth, this sanctuary rescues, rehabilitates, and sometimes releases injured wild animals (birds, mostly). They also keep some animals permanently if they can’t go back into the wild. Nice spot for a tranquil half-day, bird lovers, families. They have picnic areas so you can bring lunch.
Tel: +27 (0)42 2860 710 · Email:
Seekoei River Nature Reserve
Very local, very special for birding. Wetlands, river-edge habitat, great for spotting water birds, shore birds, etc. Lovely for a morning or late afternoon walk, especially if you want to mix beach and nature.
TripAdvisor – Seekoei Nature Reserve Tripadvisor
Nyosi Wildlife Reserve
About 30-35 minutes from Jeffreys Bay. A modern, well-managed reserve with game drives, accommodation, picnics, and nature experiences. You’ll see animals like elephants, buffalo, Cape mountain zebra, cheetah, etc. Good if someone wants to stay in a reserve but still be close to city amenities.
Contact:
Local / Coastal Nature Reserves & Botanical Spots
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Cape St Francis Nature Reserve – rugged coastal scenery, fynbos walks, lovely spots for relaxing by the sea.
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Kwelera Nature Reserve & Kwelera National Botanical Garden – coastal dune forest, estuaries, flora & fauna, birdlife. Trails and botanical garden for gentle walks. Wikipedia+1
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Cape Morgan Nature Reserve – part of the Wild Coast region; forests, estuaries and coastline. Good for hiking (e.g. part of the Strandloper Trail), exploring tidal pools, photography. Wikipedia
Larger / More Remote Reserves (for Day Trips or Longer Excursions)
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Great Fish River Nature Reserve – large, varied landscapes with river valleys, ridges, thicket and good safari-feel. Might require planning because of distance. Wikipedia
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Mountain Zebra National Park – farther away but a gem, especially if you’re interested in rare zebra species (Cape mountain zebra) and big scenic views. Wikipedia
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Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve – for the adventurers: coastal forest, marine elements, remote, wild. Best for those who want to get off the beaten path. Wikipedia