It’s the festive season, the silly season, the crazy days of summer holidays and end-of-year panic to tie up loose ends, attend a dozen functions, make plans, shop, spend, rush around, fight the traffic, cook, feed the family, beat the heat, fight the crowds …. whew, are you FRAZZLED yet?
Calm down and take a deep breath – we’ve got you!
While all the world is in a frenzy, YOU could feel like you’re a million miles away from it all – on safari at Bellevue Forest Reserve.
Situated only an hour from the bright and bustling coastal city of Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Bellevue is a different world. Green rolling mountains filled with richly diverse Albany thicket, host an abundance of wildlife and bird species. Elephant, buffalo, kudu, giraffe and many other large animal species find refuge here in the champagne air. Meerkat colonies provide delightful encounters on a different scale. Birding is simply marvellous in the balmy summer temperatures, with an expanding list as we continue to record the species found within our reserve. Breathe in the healing essence of the forests, the soothing buzzing of busy insects heralding life and vitality in the fields of wildflowers. Rejoice in glory of a sky painted a thousand colours at sunset as you witness a 360-degree panorama of this daily marvel, and the fresh blush of each dawn over the far-reaching hills that sweep downwards towards the sea.
Our guided vehicle or walking safaris are always personal, led by well-qualified and informed guides and geared towards the interest of our guests. A favourite is the giraffe walk, bringing guests up close to these majestic animals in a breath-taking setting.
A short drive away is the world-renowned Addo Elephant Park, for a day’s outing in a different landscape. Here, you will encounter more of the gentle giants than you can shake a stick at, returning in the later hours to the delicious meals prepared by our chef.
And speaking of food – nobody’s going hungry here! Full cooked breakfasts with a range of cereals and fruits on the side await your return from the early morning safari; hearty dinners cooked with flair and love round off the evenings. And in between, the most delectable afternoon high tea treats on the deck overlooking the waterhole and rolling hills in our bird-filled garden as you put your feet up for a hard-earned bout of doing absolutely nothing. The absolute pleasure of being served with by our gracious staff rather than slaving away over an oven in a hot summer’s kitchen is the cherry on top of any busy parent’s holiday.
Christmas time brings extra touches of celebratory cuisine, and we can’t wait for you to discover our special themed festive snack tables in the midst of the wild beauty… (Instagrammable moments guaranteed).
Our small and intimate Elephants Lodge (five luxury bedrooms, sleeping a maximum of 12 people) warmly welcomes families, couples or solo travellers. The recent addition of four beautifully appointed tented suites ensures splendid privacy for those who seek it. And our ultimate escapist offering is the deliciously wild Stargazer Camp, set up in the open under trees and stars, for a truly extraordinary adult open-air bush sleepover.
Hospitality and conservation are our dual passions, and our family-owned reserve and accommodation is owner-run for the most personal attention in nature’s embrace. With the beautiful beaches in one direction and the starkly stunning Karoo in the other, we are poised in a perfect location to explore all that our magnificent province offers. The only limit is our imagination as we tailor all types of special add-on activities to suit your interests and energy levels!
Tell us your dreams and let us create an unforgettable Christmas for you and yours, at this time joyous celebration and togetherness.
Merry Christmas!
