A story of drought in the Eastern Cape – and a story of hope
The Eastern Cape region of South Africa must be one of the most pristine, diverse habitats remaining on the African continent, rich with plants, animals and birdlife.
A true paradise! This is where you will find the family-owned 2500-hectare Bellevue Forest Reserve, close to the city of Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), the Addo Elephant National Parkand the famous Garden Route.
Home to hundreds of African animals, from buffalo, giraffe and lion to the tiniest creatures, among the ancient forests and rolling mountains of the Eastern Cape province.
Here we have a wide range of incredible tourism activities and attractions, such as our hugely popular giraffe walks, buffalo encounters, guided game drives, walking safaris and forest bathing escapes.
Our elegant Elephants Lodge, and the ultra-romantic Stargazer Camp, offer the perfect South African nature reserve accommodation.
BUT – there’s trouble in paradise.
Drought in the Eastern Cape
For several years, we have been in the grip of a severe and crippling drought.
Anyone who has lived through an experience like this will understand the sheer helplessness of standing by while animals suffer; of watching day after perfect day of blue, cloudless skies.
We are absolutely DESPERATE for rain that just never seems to come.
But there are angels among us, and we’d like to thank those who have heard our plea to assist with drilling boreholes or purchasing supplementary feed for our precious wildlife.
Assistance from Vortex Optics USA
Vortex Optics USA have stepped up to help us with equipment and costs of drilling for water. Our hearts were in our mouths as we watched the first drill descend… all the way to 250 metres, with nothing to show!
Of course, we could not give up, and so we drilled a second borehole in another area – and this time, a great, beautiful plume of water gushed from the barren earth! You can just imagine the emotions! Water is truly life, and life has been restored to our thirsty land!
We are eternally grateful to those who continue to support our efforts, our African wildlife and our people – this is truly the epitome of responsible tourism.
So – from our family, our staff and every one of our hundreds of creatures great and small – THANK YOU!
We cannot wait to see you here!
Loodt
