Big 5 Private Game Reserve in malaria-free environment

Unique in the Eastern Cape, this Game Reserve has no public roads running through its property. Home to the Big 5, all of the animals, including the predators, are free roaming throughout the entire reserve.

This exclusive game reserve's location in the Eastern Cape means it is not only malaria free, but spans 5 ecosystems, resulting in a breath-taking diversity of plants, animals & birds.

It has 3 accommodations all offering décor that is infused with the essence of Africa, as well as warm and friendly service and unforgettable game viewing. Open vehicle game drives bring you face to face with elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, cheetah, African wild dog, hippo, giraffe, zebra, warthog and numerous species of antelope. Food is true safari cuisine with an emphasis on local specialities, ranging from centuries-old recipes to exciting contemporary African dishes. A special children’s programme is offered at one of the lodges.

Overnight stay programme:
An overnight stay includes an afternoon/sunset game drive, followed by a safari cuisine dinner prepared by our chefs. The following morning, after a light breakfast, guests have a morning game drive before returning to their lodge for a large brunch. Rates at all of the accommodations are fully inclusive of accommodation, game drives, all meals & all drinks (kindly note that drinks at the reception are an extra charge - drinks elsewhere on the reserve are included in the overnight rate).

 Accommodation
Whilst the standard of accommodation at all three accommodation options are the same, each has its own unique character:

The Lodge: The lodge is situated on a hillside overlooking a waterhole. Each of the 8 en-suite stone & thatched rooms have a private observation deck to make the most of the views. The rooms have thatched roofs, stone clad walls and carpeted bedroom floors. There are ceiling fans, panel heaters, air-conditioning, tea/coffee facilities, direct dial telephones, hairdryers and en-suite bathrooms with showers (no baths). They also boast a large lounge, a viewing deck and a sunny swimming pool where guests can spend lazy afternoons. In addition they have an outdoor dining 'boma' for fireside dinners and open-air brunches, as well as stylish indoor dining areas.

The Camp: The camp is situated in a wide valley overlooking a waterhole and is decorated in a relaxed Pan-African style. This lodge sleeps up to 20 guests in four individual chalets and four family chalets which all have thatched roofs, stone clad exterior walls and polished teak floors. Each comfortably furnished chalet has an en-suite bathroom (with shower) and air-conditioning for those warm summer nights. There are also ceiling fans, panel heaters, tea/coffee facilities, direct dial telephones and hairdryers. The chalets open up onto a private deck with views over the surrounding bush. The family units are much the same and have all the facilities of the standard rooms. They differ in that they have a bath & shower and the children's sleeping area is divided from the main room by a lattice partition. The children's beds double as the lounge area when not needed as beds. Camping cots are available on request.

Between game drives, guests can relax in the large lounge, bird watch from the viewing decks or laze around the swimming pool. There is an outdoor dining “boma” for fireside dinners and open-air brunches, as well as a gracious indoor dining area. This camp is perfect for families travelling with young children and a dedicated children’s programme is offered.

Tree Tops: The Tree Tops differ from the other accommodations in that it is a tented camp overlooking a deep ravine. The luxury safari tents perched high on thatched platforms at "tree top" level are joined by raised walkways and offer spectacular views over the thickly-wooded valley. The rooms, with their canvas walls and thatched roofs have huge window areas and give guests the feeling of being right in the bush. There is heating, direct dial telephones, hairdryers and tea/coffee facilities. Each air-conditioned room has a private veranda where guests can sit and relax in privacy. As with the other accommodations there is a large lounge and open-air dining deck with a view over a small waterhole. Guests can sun bathe around the swimming pool or relax in the shaded gazebo. Special care and consideration was taken during the construction of these rooms to minimise the impact on the pristine vegetation in the valley.

Conference Centre: 110-Seater amphitheatre-style venue as well as an 18-seater boardroom with adjacent dining boma. The Restaurant – a 3½ hour African-themed dining extravaganza including dancing & drumming. Seats up to 110 guests.