Bellevue Forest Reserve | Garden Route Game Lodge

home,page-template,page-template-full_width,page-template-full_width-php,page,page-id-15832,bridge-core-3.0.2,qode-page-transition-enabled,ajax_fade,page_not_loaded,,qode-title-hidden,side_area_uncovered_from_content,qode-child-theme-ver-1.0.0,qode-theme-ver-28.8,qode-theme-bridge,qode_header_in_grid,wpb-js-composer js-comp-ver-6.9.0,vc_responsive

Welcome to Bellevue Forest Reserve

Addo Elephant Park

Bellevue Forest Reserve is owned by the Buchner family, the realisation of a passion to be part of the ecological restoration of natural wildscapes and original wildlife corridors. This is where nature’s heartbeat is felt, and where healing and restoration happen. We place special interest in the preservation of endangered flora and fauna, including the flightless dung beetle. Our reserve is a haven for people and animals alike.

Community beneficiation is a key aspect of our responsible tourism model and for this reason we started the Foundation as the philanthropic arm of Bellevue Forest Reserve. The Foundation funds sustainable projects in educational, community and environmental projects in the Eastern Cape, seeking to help improve people’s lives and preserve our natural surroundings. Guests are welcome to participate in our community activities and be part of the upliftment of those less fortunate.

Part of a monumental conservation initiative, Bellevue Forest Reserve is on the brink of incredible partnerships and plans for expansion that will enable the reintroduction of species such as elephant and rhino on lands as far as the eye can see.

Visit our YouTube Channel

Our Lodges

VIEW ELEPHANT'S LODGE

VIEW STARGAZER CAMP

Our experiences

Escape from the everyday into a world of big skies, untamed bush, and a warm African welcome on a safari adventure at Bellevue Forest Reserve in the malaria-free Eastern Cape, South Africa. Walk with giraffe, experience the Big 5 up close and personal, see the wild differently on a stargazing safari, explore colonial history and a forgotten railway village, ride the waves with whales and sharks in a conservation area stretching from mountains to ocean.

Bellevue is an ideal getaway for honeymooners, families with young children, the young and the young-at-heart. Relish the luxury comfort of our Elephant Lodge or a romantic retreat under the stars in the Stargazer Camp. Meditation, massage, wild natural beauty, adrenalin-pumping adventure, safari cuisine and campfire tales – all await in our 2 500-hectare reserve of nature conservation with a heart for people, adjacent to the famed Addo Elephant National Park.

Giraffe Tracking Safaris

Wildlife Big 5 Safaris

Scenic Flights

Tooth & Claw Safaris

Buffalo Encounters

Celestial Stargazing Safaris

Beauty Treatments

Forest Bathing

What our guests have to say

Rikus

2022-01-03

The perfect place for the perfect wedding celebration We held a wedding celebration with our immediate family members at the lodge and spent the night there. The service was amazing, the rooms were great, the food was incredibly delicious, the views were surreal, and the hospitality was warm and friendly. We felt at home at a place that we never visited before. Thank you Loodt and your team for a day we'll never forget.

gunterpretorius

2021-12-30

Schlebusch Family Best service and food is of the best you will ever get. Bellevue is a must stay. the staff are friendly and the tour guides are very profesional. the rooms are clean and neat. location is lovely and the giraffe walk is a must.

Alexander Wilbrandt

2021-12-19

Solide Unterkunft nahe des Addos tl, dr: Unterkunft hält nicht das, was durch offensives Marketing (Luxuslodge) versprochen wird. Trotzdem auf Grund der Guides und der Nähe zum Addo zu empfehlen. Wir haben während unseres Aufenthalts einen Game Drive auf dem Gelände der Lodge in Kombination mit der Giraffenwanderung und eine geführte Tour durch den Addo Elephant Park mit jeweils dem gleichen Guide (Roger) gemacht. Dabei haben wir kurzfristig sogar mehr bekommen, als wir ursprünglich gebucht und im Nachhinein auch gezahlt haben. Also top!!! Gesondert zu erwähnen ist hier auch noch Roger: Dieser Mensch liebt Tiere und die Natur. Wir haben ihn durchlöchert mit Fragen und er war sich nicht zu schade, wirklich tiefgehende Erklärungen zu liefern und Zusammenhänge aufzudecken. Roger hat dafür gesorgt, dass der Besuch im Addo das Highlight unserer Reise wurde. Ganz großes Lob an ihn! Leider konnte unser Zimmer bei diesem Niveau nicht mithalten. Wir hatten zwar das größte Zimmer, welches wohl allerdings das einzige Zimmer ist, welches noch nicht modernisiert/renoviert wurde. Die Einrichtung wirkte abgenutzt, teilweise sogar defekt. Die Türen und Fenster waren derart undicht, dass wir nachts stark gefroren haben. Da (verständlicherweise) keine Heizung vorhanden ist, besteht auch keine Möglichkeit, das Zimmer tagsüber für die Nacht vorzuheizen. Das Essen war sehr lecker und reichhaltig und der Service sehr gut. Hier gibt es nichts zu beanstanden. Der Betreiber saß abends eine ganze Weile mit uns zusammen, um uns wertvolle Tips für den weiteren Reiseverlauf zu geben. Danke dafür!

vzxxnr279382

2021-11-30

Just stunning! We experienced exciting days there that were worth every penny. The waitress, our ranger Roger and the owner Loodt were all very warm and open towards us. It felt like a family. We visited the Addo with Roger and at this lodge you can even experience a private exploration of the giraffes. Simply fantastic!

Marischaaaa

2021-11-14

Don’t book safari here It is at a nice place and it looks realy good, but some things went wrong that I don’t want to recommed this place to others. I booked this spot because of the safaris and I ended doing none here. On the website they say what animals you can see during the safari so I got excited, but when I got there I got the hear the real story. Can see the lion behind a fence and can’t take pictures. Why not be honest about this before people book your place. The owner suggested doing safari at other place with 100% chance to see the lions. I found out what place he meaned and I found out he asked €100 extra just so he earns some money also. Realy bad! So people book your safari at Schotia Safari and skip this place. Also a lot extras on the end bill we didn’t do or drink, so check that also.

Dawie d

2021-10-31

Unforgettable stay I had the pleasure of staying here, booking via Booking.com. The price is incredible value for a 4 star Lodge. I have to say that the owner, staff, chef and experience they offer is simply amazing. I would highly recommend a minimum of 2 nights but ideally more. I can't wait to come back. Highly recommended

Annsonnia

2021-10-07

Bellevue Forest Reserve The rooms, staff and view is lovely. I wont recommend the place for toddlers and kids younger than 10. There is no entertainment at all for kids. The owner The deck does not have any sides so if they run they would easily fall off the sides. I would not even recommend if you planning on having a few too many drinks due to the deck. The food will not safisfy you. Its way to expensive for what you get. So if you order the food go with extra snacks. The game drive was lovely. I would recommend that.

paulnM7169QX

2021-08-16

Fantastic stay! Visited Bellevue FS with several VIP guests, and we all had a great time. Many animals, beautiful scenery and a great lodge & friendly staff to come back to in the evenings! We all look forward to visiting Bellevue again in the future.

Lizette K

2021-07-04

Bellevue What a awesome experience, peaceful & quiet. Beautiful surroundings, Roger our guide took us on a unbelievable Giraffe walk, a experience of a lifetime The owner made us the best Eland steak! Will see them again very soon!

angeladell555

2021-06-26

Little piece of heaven Great service, friendly staff, delicious meals. Luxurious rooms. Attention to detail makes one feel very special. Immaculate garden. Free wi fi is a bonus. Great curio shop. Thank you all at Bellevue Forest Lodge.

Quick Links