Eastern Cape · Tourism
At Bellevue Forest, responsible tourism is about protecting the wild places, wildlife and communities that make this part of the Eastern Cape so special.
Set within the Greater Addo region, Bellevue Forest is home to diverse wildlife, indigenous vegetation and important natural habitats. Our approach to conservation extends beyond the guest experience,with ongoing work focused on wildlife protection,habitat restoration,
biodiversity and community upliftment.
Every stay at Bellevue forms part of a much bigger story — one that aims to ensure this landscape remains wild, healthy and thriving for generations to come.
Bellevue Forest spans approximately 2,500 hectares and is actively expanding as part of its ongoing conservation and rewilding vision.
Across the reserve, our team works to protect wildlife and maintain the natural environment through ongoing monitoring, habitat management, water management and the protection and restoration of indigenous vegetation.
Bellevue Forest is now a Big 5 game reserve, home to elephant, lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo, alongside a rich variety of other wildlife, birdlife and plant species.
Protecting these animals means protecting the ecosystem they depend on. From maintaining water sources and monitoring wildlife to managing the reserve responsibly, conservation is a continuous part of what happens behind the scenes at Bellevue.
Set within the Greater Addo region, Bellevue Forest is home to diverse wildlife, indigenous vegetation and important natural habitats. Our approach to conservation extends beyond the guest experience,with ongoing work focused on wildlife protection,habitat restoration,
biodiversity and community upliftment.
Every stay at Bellevue forms part of a much bigger story — one that aims to ensure this landscape remains wild, healthy and thriving for generations to come.
Protecting the Pollinators
Set within the Greater Addo region, Bellevue Forest is home to diverse wildlife, indigenous vegetation and important natural habitats. Our approach to conservation extends beyond the guest experience,with ongoing work focused on wildlife protection,habitat restoration,
biodiversity and community upliftment.
Every stay at Bellevue forms part of a much bigger story — one that aims to ensure this landscape remains wild, healthy and thriving for generations to come.
Responsible tourism is not only about protecting wildlife and landscapes. It is also about supporting the people and communities who are part of them.
The Bellevue Forest Reserve Foundation supports educational, community and environmental initiatives within South Africa’s Eastern Cape.
Bellevue’s relationship with the surrounding community is an important part of the reserve’s story. Employment, skills, education and community support all contribute to creating a more sustainable future for the people who help care for this landscape.
Guests have also played a meaningful role over the years by contributing clothing, educational items and other support to local families and children.
Those wishing to become part of these initiatives can contact us at donate@bellevueforest.co.za.
All contributions towards our community initiatives are used to support the people and projects connected to Bellevue.
Bellevue Forest has a deep commitment to protecting and restoring the natural environment.
Through our conservation initiatives, we work to preserve indigenous vegetation, restore natural habitats and reduce the environmental impact associated with travel and tourism.
One of the most remarkable plants found in the Eastern Cape is Spekboom (Portulacaria afra), an indigenous succulent known for its ability to absorb carbon while providing valuable habitat and food for wildlife.
Spekboom forms an important part of the natural vegetation of this region and plays a valuable role in restoring degraded landscapes.
Future Growth is an environmental initiative connected to the Bellevue Foundation and focused on protecting and restoring Bellevue’s indigenous vegetation.
Walking through Bellevue’s forests reveals just how special these ecosystems are. Ancient trees, twisting branches, indigenous plants and rich birdlife create a landscape where nature has developed over generations.
Protecting these areas — and restoring those that have been disturbed — is an important part of Bellevue’s long-term conservation vision.
Guests can become directly involved in this work through our Plant It Forward initiative.
By contributing towards the planting of a Spekboom, visitors can help restore indigenous vegetation and support Bellevue’s broader environmental conservation efforts.
Guests may choose to get their hands dirty and help plant their tree or allow our team to plant one on their behalf.
Participants receive acknowledgement of their contribution and can become part of the ongoing story of restoring and protecting the Bellevue landscape.
Every person who visits Bellevue becomes part of our conservation story
By staying with us, learning about the landscape, respecting our wildlife and supporting conservation and community initiatives, our guests help us continue protecting this special part of the Eastern Cape.
Come experience Bellevue Forest, discover the wildlife and landscapes we are working to protect, and become part of a more responsible way to travel.
