New Tented Suites at Bellevue Forest Game Reserve – A Fresh Chapter in Eastern Cape Luxury
The much-loved family-owned Bellevue Forest Game Reserve in the verdant Eastern Cape province of South Africa recently completed its latest accommodation offering for guests, with the opening of five gorgeous tented suites to expand the options for those seeking a blend of romance and adventure. Overlooking a sweeping valley of Albany thicket between the mountains, the new addition to Bellevue’s accommodation portfolio captures the essence of “glamourous camping” (glamping), providing every comfort under the nostalgic cover of canvas.
An easy hour’s drive from Port Elizabeth’s (Gqeberha’s) international Chief Dawid Stuurman Airport, on excellent roads, brings the traveller to the mountaintop destination of Bellevue and its reception at the gracious Elephants Lodge, where thousands of guests have already created lasting memories.
Now there’s a new way to enjoy this wild place of wonder.
A Fresh Way to Experience the Eastern Cape
Bellevue Forest’s new safari tent accommodation has been created on the hillside edge a short walk beyond the lush, established gardens of the original Elephants Lodge at Olifantskop. Here, the cooling breeze softens the heat of the midday sun and the renowned champagne air breathes new life into tired minds and bodies. A masterful balance of comfort and wilderness, the en-suite tents envelop guests in a welcoming canvas cocoon where privacy and solitude are guaranteed, combining the authenticity of the bush with modern comfort.
Cool in summer and cosy in winter, the tents offer a closer connection with the elements. Night sounds are clearer, and the patter of raindrops on canvas is one of the loveliest, most soothing sounds in the world.
The addition of the camp follows Bellevue’s mantra of always thinking forward and implementing innovative, guest-focused ways to enhance the experience of resting within the wild beauty that surrounds one. Tented safari accommodation in South Africa has long been a top choice among nature-loving travellers and a search for Safari tents Eastern Cape offers numerous results. So why choose Bellevue? With us, it’s all about the details. The rich diversity of wildlife and bird species that call this paradise home – elephants, lion, buffalo, kudu, meerkats and plenty more. The personal touches of the dedicated local staff, each with a story of deep connection to this land. The pride and joy we take in welcoming you into our home with all its intricate miracles and curious creatures.
What Makes the Tents Special
Spacious Design & Private Decks
Each of our five suites has abundant space to move around within your own sanctuary, including the extended deck to enjoy stargazing, sunrise coffee or sundowner tipples. The earthy warmth of wooden floors underfoot and deeply inviting beds to laze away the evening. Windows in every direction to frame the ever-changing views and light of the forest beyond. A power shower beneath the forest canopy and stars, and the soft glow of paraffin lamps to gild it all.
Immersed in the Forest – Close to Wildlife, Yet Private
Bellevue Forest is aptly named after the extraordinary trees that grace the protected area, dripping with air plants and lichens. A haven for bird life, the forest enfolds the tents and their occupants within a green embrace. Who might pay you a visit while you sip your favourite libation?
Eco-Friendly Build and Sustainable Footprint
Bellevue has a strong focus on working WITH nature and minimising impacts. Tent construction and placement has been thoughtfully considered to uphold these guiding principles. Decks on stilts float above the forest floor, enabling plants and animals to move freely below and around.
Perfect for Couples, Families & Small Groups
Our glamping camp epitomises the ideal destination for romantic getaways and couple escapes for adventurous travellers. The small camp, comprising just five suites, is also perfectly geared for intimate family holidays or groups of friends seeking their niche wildlife holiday away from more crowded destinations.
Greater Addo’s Untamed Beauty
The gentle but glorious textures of the Eastern Cape’s wild spaces, particularly the Greater Addo region, continue to attract travellers seeking authenticity and originality. Blessed by a wonderful climate in a malaria-free area, the increasing range expansion of both the Addo Elephant National Park and those, like Bellevue, that surround it, offers visitors an enormous range of attractions and activities.
From Big Five game drives and giraffe tracking safaris on foot, to guided birding walks and drives, marine safaris at the nearby coast, scenic flights, gourmet cuisine and tailored spa treatments – there is literally something for everybody to enjoy in the Greater Addo region.
And now, with Bellevue’s glamping Eastern Cape addition, those who wish to experience the wild grandeur of Addo from a safari tent have a new option to consider.
If you haven’t yet tried a curated canvas bush adventure, you’re in for a lifetime highlight!
