Olifantskop Lodge  Verified Listing

Based in the Eastern Cape, South Africa Bellevue Forest Reserve is the ideal break away into the wild to forget about the everyday hustle and bustle. Accommodating families with children, honeymoon couples and young travelers we have exactly the ADVENTURE you are looking for.

Being Big 5 country your adventure starts right here.

With its origins emerging from a time long forgotten and being born from an old railway village and farmland, has now over time become a private game reserve of vast natural beauty.

Conveniently located in the malaria-free area of the Eastern Cape a mere 80 km from Port Elizabeth. Set inside this 2500m² reserve of indigenous bush-veld are our two unique Lodges.

Elephants Lodge:
Crowning the ridge amongst magnificent age-old indigenous Milkwood Trees,
Elephants Lodge overlooks the endless valleys of the Bellevue Forest
Reserve. Teeming with wildlife and where a world of intrigue awaits you.
Game drives, walking safaris and daily activities are some of the excursions
we offer to guests. Children are welcome.

StarGazer Camp:
As the name implies, the StarGazer Camp is the perfect place to forget about
the world around you and become part of the endless expanse of the heavens.
Roof’s and walls are replaced by trees draped with hanging lanterns,
romantically enveloping an inviting bed so when the lights go out, your suite
is magically illuminated by the stars above.

Crowning the ridge among magnificent age-old indigenous Milkwood Trees, Elephants Lodge overlooks the endless valleys of the Bellevue Forest Reserve, teeming with game and where a world of intrigue awaits you. This spectacular area where five of natures biomes converge, offers a unique personal encounter with every aspect of unspoiled fauna and flora.

Room facilities include a tea/coffee station, an overhead fan, built in safe and toiletries & amenities. There is also one self-catering room which has a kitchen for longer stays.

STARGAZER: As the name implies, the StarGazer Camp is the perfect place to forget about the world around you and become part of the endless expanse of the heavens. Roof’s and walls are replaced by trees draped with hanging lanterns, romantically enveloping an inviting bed and when the lights go out, your suite is magically illuminated by the stars above. A more romantic night one could not imagine.

In the foothills of the Zuurberg Mountains and the lush valleys of the very exclusive Bellevue Forest Reserve, bang in the middle of game reserve country, lies the little village of Paterson - named after its founder, John Paterson. Not quite midway between Shamwari and the Addo Elephant Park, you would be right to assume it an obvious stopover for game viewing enthusiasts, just off the N10 en route to Cradock - its six grain silos a significant mark against the skyline otherwise dominated by thicket.

Facilities:
* Free Wi-Fi
* Undercover parking
* Game Drives
* Horse Back Safaris (on request)
* Guided Walking Trails

Just over an hour’s drive from the beautiful beaches of the Sunshine Coast and Port Elizabeth, this part of the world is popular for those wanting a true taste of the ‘bushveld’ without the fear of malaria or having to drive thousands of kilometers to experience bushveld country. Valley bushveld (thicket) is endemic to this part of the world, which supports a larger number of insects, birds and animals than any other on earth, so it’s little surprise that the area is given over to so many private game reserves, all of which offer one a chance to experience the beauty of the Greater Addo.

1. The Wildlife
Experience one of our exclusive personalized Addo Big 5 game driving safaris, where you will experience breath-taking wildlife sightings as only Africa can provide.
Or alternatively experience the plains game close-up on a personalized game drive on our very own Bellevue Forest Reserve.

2. Signature Giraffe Walking Safaris
Experience a unique close adventure walk with our Tall 5 and get to observe the tallest mammal on earth in its natural habitat. This experience incorporates a mini game drive on the Reserve to locate the giraffe and affords the guests the opportunity to observe some of the plains game along the way. It is also an exciting and safe safari for young children to experience. These encounters depart twice daily from the Lodge Reception.

3. Celestial Stargazing Safaris
Experience the bush at a celestial level. Embark on a personalized guided nature walk with a difference under the African night sky and discover the nocturnal 5 (Aardvark, Aardwolf, Porcupine, Small Spotted Genet, Honey Badger & Bushpig. Whilst learning more about our unique constellations in the Southern Hemisphere with an experienced knowledgeable ranger.

4. Buffalo Encounters
Experience a unique opportunity to get up close to our magnificent Cape Buffalo and learn more about the largest bovine species on earth. Our resident breeding herd offers up the chance of allowing guests the rare opportunity to see and learn more about what are considered South Africa’s most dangerous of the Big 5. These encounters depart twice daily from the Lodge Reception.

5. Bush Tapas Tour
Experience “happy hour” with a difference. Relax in the bush and savour local drinks and tapas style snacks and breathe in the natural surrounds while observing the beauty Africa has to offer. Available anytime from when the “Crow has flown over” until sundown. A Sundowner Tapas Tour is the perfect time to pop the question too!