Planning an African safari in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province is exciting! There’s the promise of big game sightings, vast malaria-free landscapes, and that fresh bush air each morning. But when it comes to booking your safari lodge, you might encounter a few package options that leave you wondering: What’s the best deal for me? Lodges here (including our own Bellevue Forest Reserve) typically offer choices like “Bed & Breakfast (B&B),” “Dinner, Bed & Breakfast (DBB),” or “All-Inclusive” packages. Each comes with its own perks and level of convenience. In this guide, we’ll break down Eastern Cape safari deals in plain language, compare B&B vs. DBB vs. all-inclusive stays, and help you choose the right package for your adventure. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect from each option – and how to get the most value out of your safari package without missing a moment of fun.
What Do B&B, DBB, and All-Inclusive Packages Mean?
If you’re new to these terms, don’t worry. They’re essentially shorthand for what’s included in your stay:
Bed & Breakfast (B&B)
This is the simplest package: you get your accommodation for the night plus breakfast the next morning. Think of it as your room and a hearty morning meal, that’s it. Lunch, dinner, and any activities or safaris would be additional. At Bellevue Forest Reserve, our B&B offer provides a luxury room and a delicious breakfast to kick-start your day. You’re then free to spend the rest of the day as you please – perhaps drive through Addo Elephant National Park or relax by the lodge pool – and decide on lunch and dinner on the go. B&B is a great option if you want flexibility or are maybe doing a self-drive tour where you won’t be at the lodge much during the day. It’s also typically the most budget-friendly option, since you’re not pre-paying for extras.
You are then at liberty to pick and pay for any additional activities that appeal to you as your stay unfolds.
Dinner, Bed & Breakfast (DBB)
Sometimes called half board, this package includes your breakfast and your dinner along with the accommodation. Essentially, you have two meals a day taken care of – usually the two most important ones on safari (an energising breakfast and a well-earned dinner after your adventures). This is a nice middle-ground for many travellers. You still have your mid-day open to grab lunch where you want (or you can often order from the lodge à la carte if you’re around). At Bellevue Forest, our DBB package goes a step further: it not only includes breakfast and a home-style dinner, but one guided safari activity per night of your stay as well. So, if you stay two nights on a DBB plan, you get two different guided experiences – like an evening game drive one day and maybe a giraffe tracking walk the next morning. This combo is ideal if you want a taste of guided safaris but also free time to do other things.
All-Inclusive Safari Package
This is the works! An all-inclusive deal means your accommodation, all your meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), and typically a selection of drinks (often house wines, local beers, soft drinks, coffee/tea) are included. Crucially for safari lodges, it also bundles in guided activities – usually two game drives per day (one in the morning, one in the late afternoon), and sometimes additional walks or extras like sundowner drinks in the bush. It’s the closest you get to a “pay once, and just enjoy” experience. At Bellevue Forest’s All-Inclusive, for instance, you’ll get all meals, selected beverages, and two memorable safari activities per each night stayed. Imagine: you could start your day with a sunrise game drive to spot elephants, have all meals taken care of, and cap the day with a guided night drive or a relaxing drink by the fire – all prepaid. All-inclusive is perfect if you want a zero-stress, maximised safari. It’s the priciest option upfront, but it also delivers the most in terms of experience.
In summary:
- B&B = Room + Breakfast
- DBB = Room + Breakfast + Dinner (+/- an activity)
- All-Inclusive = Everything (meals, drinks, activities) included
B&B vs. DBB vs. All-Inclusive – Which Fits Your Style?
Bed & Breakfast (B&B) – The Flexible Explorer
Go for B&B if you like to keep your options open. It’s perfect for independent souls or those on a tighter budget. You’ll save on the upfront cost – B&B rates are the lowest – and you can always add activities à la carte. For instance, you might book a guided game drive separately on one day, and on another day drive yourself through Addo or visit a nearby attraction. With B&B, you’re not paying for lunches or dinners you might skip.
Dinner, Bed & Breakfast (Half Board) – The Happy Medium
This option is great if you want a bit of structure but not a full schedule. You’ll start your day with a hearty breakfast and end with a lovely dinner. Having dinner included is fantastic because after a long day of game viewing or driving, you won’t have to worry about where to eat – you’ve got a table waiting for you. During the daytime, you have freedom to do what you want. At Bellevue Forest Reserve, the DBB package’s inclusion of a daily safari activity is a big bonus – it gives you a taste of the guided safari life without committing to the full all-inclusive program.
All-Inclusive – The Full Immersion
This is for the traveller who says, “It’s my big safari trip – I want the complete package.” If you intend to spend most of your time at the lodge or out on guided safaris, and you want to indulge in all the offerings, all-inclusive will likely give you the best overall experience (and often, the best value for that experience). Yes, the upfront cost is higher, but consider what you get: three meals a day, standard drinks, and two safari activities each day with professional guides. It’s also a stress-free budgeting option – everything is prepaid.
Note: Some travellers even mix packages – for example, two nights all-inclusive at one lodge and a couple of nights B&B elsewhere for flexibility.
Tips for Choosing the Right Deal
Budget vs Value
Start with your budget, but remember to factor in value. Sometimes that pricier package gives you more bang for your buck once you add activities and meals.
Know Your Plans
Be realistic about how you want to spend your days. If you envision tracking animals from dawn to dusk, you’ll be happier on an all-inclusive. If you prefer flexibility, B&B or DBB might be better.
Group Needs
Align expectations with your travel companions. Families often benefit from DBB or All-Inclusive, as meals and activities are easier to manage with kids.
Length and Season
Check for specials and promotions, especially in winter. Multi-night discounts can make higher packages more affordable.
Ask for Advice
Don’t hesitate to reach out to the lodge. At Bellevue Forest Reserve, our team is happy to recommend the right package based on your travel style and goals.
Get the Best of the Eastern Cape, Your Way
The Eastern Cape is a spectacular safari destination, and its appeal is that it caters to many types of travellers. Whether you’re a backpacker looking for budget B&B, or a honeymoon couple splurging on the all-inclusive Big 5 safari of your dreams, you’ll find a package that fits. By understanding the differences between B&B, DBB, and all-inclusive, you’ve already taken a big step toward planning a safari that suits your needs.
Remember, there’s no wrong choice – just different styles. A lion doesn’t roar any less mightily because you didn’t prepay for lunch, and the stars over Addo shine just as brightly whether you’re on a self-catered braai or sipping lodge-included champagne on the deck.
If you’re still unsure, think about the one or two things that matter most to you. Is it freedom to explore? Go B&B. Is it having dinners and a couple of drives included? DBB is calling. Or do you want full immersion, gourmet meals, and twice-daily safaris? Then All-Inclusive is worth it.
Lastly, don’t forget to check out current safari specials in the Eastern Cape. You might find an offer that lets you upgrade or add value to your package. At Bellevue Forest Reserve, for instance, seasonal deals like “Stay 3 nights, pay 2” or complimentary night drives make premium packages more accessible.
At the end of the day, we are all about providing YOU, the visitor, with the very best option we can to ensure that your Eastern Cape safari experience is an incredible highlight that brings you wonderful memories long after your last African sunset has faded.
