Bellevue – Lions spring loose!
As of this month (August 2024), the family-owned Bellevue Forest Reserve has increased its animal population by three more, with the introduction of lions.
A magnificent Kalahari male (whose lineage is known to produce some of Africa’s most handsome and impressive lions) has been joined by two beautiful young lionesses from the nearby Amakhala Game Reserve. The three were released into the rolling hillsides of the mountaintop game reserve that already boasts an abundance of other fauna, including buffalo,elephant, kudu, eland, giraffe and many other typical species.
It has been a year since the historic reintroduction of a family group of nine elephants from the world-famous Addo Elephant National Park. The excitement was at fever pitch as this first-ever family translocation from Addo took place, led by a team of renowned experts and funded by philanthropic organisations to ensure a win-win outcome for the benefit of the pachyderms. The elephants settled in immediately, gorging themselves on the delicious prickly pear plants that adorn the Albany thicket vegetation at Bellevue. A year later, they continue to delight visitors with their gentle presence.
Now, the roar of lions is sure to add an extra thrill to game drives, and liven up the dark, still nights around the fire, as the felines set about exploring their new home range.
As Bellevue owner Loodt Buchner says, “the lion is the absolute epitome of the African experience. One cannot describe the feeling of hearing them roar – it resonates deep within our human psyche. We are so happy to finally be able to welcome these wonderful predators onto our reserve, especially the male who was doomed to be hunted before we rescued him. May he live a long and healthy life, freed from captivity and threat, among this pristine expanse of the reserve. We are very grateful to Amakhala Game Reserve for the donation of two of their lionesses to keep him company.”
Based near Paterson in the Eastern Cape, a short distance from Addo, Bellevue offers a variety of accommodation appealing to any sort of visitor – couples, honeymooners, solo travellers, adventurers, birding fanatics, luxury-seekers or families can all be accommodated with packages tailored to suit their needs and budgets. Bellevue is situated an hour’s drive from the Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) Airport along the excellent N10 highway, making it easily accessible for a short or longer stay. Excursions and adventures can be arranged from the elegant base at Elephants Lodge, including the highly popular Giraffe Walk.
Ideally positioned as it is between the coastal plains, mountain heights and bordering the Karoo, Bellevue has an impressive bird list that draws birders from around the world.
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