Tracking giraffe on foot

Possibly the most distinctive animal of all, the skyscrapers of Africa dominate the treetops of our bushveld. An exhilarating, authentic African experience is to join a giraffe tracking safari on foot in our 2500-hectare private game reserve. Giraffe are quite remarkable creatures and much more so from the perspective of being on the ground looking up!

Filled with breath-taking moments, guests experience an intimate walk through the heart of the Addo Valley bushveld accompanied by a highly experienced FGASA trained, armed trails guide. This is where beautiful memories are made, as you feel the African sun giving life to this amazing safari experience. 

Commencing after welcome beverages, the walk lasts about 45 – 60 minutes. The terrain is suitable for those of average fitness. 

After the excursion you will return to the lodge where you and your group will enjoy a scrumptious breakfast at our Eagles Nest Lookout lounge for the morning trips, or sundowner snacks on the lookout deck for the afternoon activities. 

Larger groups can be accommodated with prior arrangement. An excellent full day’s outing is to combine this experience with the Buffalo Encounter.

A True African Experience

Exclusive personalized Addo Elephant National Park’s Big 5 Safaris. On these tours you will experience breath-taking wildlife sightings as only our area can provide.

The “Big 5” is a term originally coined by game hunters, and was applied to a group of animals considered most difficult and dangerous to hunt on foot. Now, it is more a target of safari adventurers to see The Big 5 on a trip – or even on a single drive if you are particularly lucky! The group consist of lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino. Some purists will insist it refers to black rhino only, but we think that any rhino sighting is special. 

Drives are done twice daily in morning and afternoon departures. We make use of converted open air Safari vehicles and luxury closed 4×4 SUV’s.

A window on our magnificent world

An incredible adventure that can be organized through Bellevue Forest Reserve for our guests is the opportunity to take a helicopter flight over the visually stunning Eastern Cape region, taking in the extraordinary combination of dense bushveld and terrestrial wildlife, together with the vast dunes and coastline. 

From the comfortable cabin of a Bell Jet Ranger helicopter, get a bird’s-eye view of Bellevue Forest Reserve and its breath-taking surroundings. Purple mountains cradle fynbos far below to the north, while herds of animals appear below you.

Truly the experience of a lifetime with the possibility of spotting both elephant and whales in one short flight! From the curling aquamarine waves to crisp mountain air beneath you, soar through mountain peaks amongst the clouds and see glorious sunsets from up high. Viewing wildlife from above means you won’t disturb any of our wonderful creatures far down on earth and at the same time giving you a superb glimpse into their natural world.

Why not fly over the iconic Zuurberg Mountain Range to Port Elizabeth? Or to the majestic Karoo for a Karoo-style picnic? Thinking of an unforgettable way to propose marriage? An aerial tour can easily incorporate all of these and more. Tell us your dream and we will make it happen!

Details: Scenic flights may be booked for 2 or more passengers. Flying time total is 15 minutes; Excursion total of 1.5 hours. All drinks are included. This activity is an extra charge for all guests or day visitors.

Buffalo Encounters

Experience an African safari like no other by joining our buffalo encounters. A behind-the-scenes glimpse at the management of these iconic animals, this extraordinary excursion brings guests right up close to our Cape buffalo as they are fed and monitored daily. Based on a section of our 2500-hectare private nature reserve in the Greater Addo region, this unique experience offers a glimpse into the natural habitat of these amazing animals as you drive through the Buffalo Camp. (No physical interaction is permitted with these wild animals.)

A maximum of 10 guests are privileged to participate on a vehicle tour, guided by one of our game rangers who provides information on this renowned ‘Big 5’ species.

Tours last between 45-60 minutes. Morning tours depart from Elephants Lodge daily at 07h30 and are followed by a scrumptious breakfast served at our Eagles Nest Lookout Lounge.

Afternoon tours leave camp late in the day for a 45-minute visit to the Buffalo Camp. As the day draws to a close, creating picturesque views, guests are entertained in the bush for sundowner drinks and snacks before ending the day back at Elephants Lodge.

Day visitors and groups are welcome to book this tour. An excellent day’s activities would be the combination of the buffalo encounter and the giraffe tracking experience.

Become part of the endless expanse of the heavens

Shielded by the enveloping forest deep in the game reserve, spend a night or two under the open sky in a cocoon of luxuriously soft bedding. Walls and roofs are replaced by trees strung with twinkling lights and the only barrier between you and nature is the gauzy film of draped netting – but mosquitoes won’t be bothering you here. The whisper of the trees will hush you to sleep, the magical illumination of a billion stars offer a skylight view like no other. Count shooting stars as they cross the mighty Milky Way arching above. A more romantic setting would be hard to come by and the sheer adventure of the experience is unbeatable.

Stargazer is properly off the grid and runs on green principles. With only three ‘suites’ spaced far enough apart for total privacy and separated by a central, cosy fire pit, guests feel alone in the vast universe. Winding sand paths, outdoor showers and toilets form part of the experience.  

Stargazer Camp is exclusively for adult guests, and includes delicious African cuisine served under the boughs of majestic trees along with chef and butler service.  A genuine five-star guest adventure!

Addo is the best place to get up close and personal with the biggest land mammal – the park is home to the densest population of elephants in the world.

Other mammals include Lion, Hyaena, Cape Buffalo, and Black Rhino, as well as Zebra, Jackal, Warthog, Suricate and numerous species of Antelope. Over 150 bird species have been recorded in Addo and there are around 600 different plant species. Addo is also home to the endangered dung beetle.

Whether you experience the park from the comfort of your own vehicle or on a game drive with an experienced guide, the chances are you will have close encounters with the elephant. To make the most of the park, be sure to bring binoculars, camera, walking shoes and wildlife reference books.

Holistic wellness in nature

Wellness and relaxation are key attractions during a visit to Bellevue Forest Reserve. While we are working on developing our own inhouse Wellness Centre, guests at present can make use of the facilities of the Addo Indlovu Spa, situated in the nearby Addo Elephant National Park.

Therapists can be arranged to visit Bellevue Forest Reserve to provide guests with the opportunity to unwind in the comfort of their rooms or a private outdoors massage in the spa gazebo at Elephants Lodge. Day visitors need not feel excluded as treatments are able to be booked by both overnight and day guests.

Treatments include foot massages and pedicures as well as head, neck, shoulder and back massages, as well as full body massages. There is also a kiddies’ spa menu for little hands and feet.

The name ‘Indlovu’ means elephant in isiXhosa, which is the local language spoken in the Eastern Cape. Addo Indlovu Spa aims to deliver five-star customer service offering value for money while respecting the environment. Only products with natural ingredients are used. 

The Spa makes their own foot scrub with salt and essential oils, including from the indigenous ‘Spekboom’ plant – a local wonder plant native to the Eastern Cape – which is bought from a local entrepreneur. Spekboom is crushed to release a juice that is exceptionally healing and hydrating to the skin.