Safari Highlights along Garden Route & East Coast (Self-Drive): Cape Town – Sanbona – Oudtshoorn – Samara – Eastern Cape – Plettenberg Bay – Whale Coast – Cape Town

Traverse the landscape of Sanbona Wildlife Reserve with a qualified ranger in comfortable open Landcruisers. During the drive, be it in the early morning or for sundowners, various species of plants, animals, big game and birds can be seen.

Sundowner evening drives offer spectacular displays of light as the evening sun sets over the Little Karoo.

Discover the spirit of the Little Karoo on foot and see the many treasures on the Reserve.

An optional walk with the guidance of a ranger can be arranged to cater for individual needs. From gentle strolls, taking in the breathtaking beauty of the indigenous fauna and flora, to challenging trails discovering isolated vistas, reveal the beauty of Sanbona Wildlife Reserve.

Be it a gentle walk, or challenging trail to a secluded rock pool which invites one to submerge into its invigorating bliss and then returning to your lodge for a scrumptious meal, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve has all of this and much more to offer.

For the avid birdwatcher, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is home to more than 200 species.

There is a very healthy population of raptors to be seen including African Fish Eagles, breeding pairs of majestic Black Eagles and regular sightings of Black Harrier.

Interesting birds on the Reserve include the Cinnamonbreasted Warbler only seen in the early light of dawn. The Booted Eagle in the pale form breed well on the Reserve, while the Southern Grey Tit intrigues one with its 13 different calls. The Namaqua Sandgrouse travels up to 80kms in search of water, collecting droplets in its breast feathers, flying back to the nest to give the moisture to its chicks. Blackwinged Stilts can be viewed foraging in and around water areas.

Due to the unobtrusiveness of Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, the birds are at ease, affording one with good viewing.

Step into a soothing sanctuary at the Relaxation Retreats at Tilney Manor.

At our Relaxation Retreats, Mother Nature is brought indoors for indulgent pampering. Our body range draws on properties from the world famous indigenous “Fynbos” plant kingdom, eliminating toxins, soothing the soul and rejuvenating the body.

The Relaxation Retreats at Sanbona overlook ancient rock formations and undulating mountains and plains. While the rejuvenating forces of nature cradle you, we deliver a range of world-class treatments and holistic modalities to balance and energise your being. Step into the privacy of our tranquil retreats – let the gentle atmosphere envelop and embrace your body, mind and soul ...

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve has about 600 species of plants and it is intriguing to know that various species are flowering at different times throughout the year, although some more prolific between August and September.

Approximately half of the reserve used to be livestock and agricultural farms and all aspects of farming are systematically being removed. There are various floral kingdoms that make up the Reserve. These include Acacia Thickets, Nama, Karoo, Renosterveld, Succulent Karoo and Central Mountain Fynbos. Succulents are especially varied and fascinating with names like Baby’s Bottoms, Ostrich Toes and Pig’s Ears.

Animals that roamed the area freely living amongst the San but were eradicated are being reintroduced. The Big 5 – Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Elephant and Rhinoceros as well as various other species such as Gemsbok, Springbok, Hartebeest, Eland, Kudu, Black Wildebeest and Zebra will be seen on Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. Natural small game such as Jackal, Caracal, Aardwolf, Ant bear, Brown Hyena, Grey Rhebuck, Steenbuck, Klipspringer, Grysbok and Common Duiker continue to thrive.

The San people of Africa roamed the area for thousands of years until 100 years ago.
The /Xam tribe, the nomadic hunter-gatherers living in harmony with nature realised then that man and nature together is sustainable.

There are 7 recorded sites throughout Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, however many more can be found. Rock art sites date back to more than 3500 years and depict the spiritual beliefs and lives of these fascinating people. During their travels, members of the group would congregate around a communal fire, weaving stories and celebrating the gift of life while the Shaman would meditate through rhythmic dancing, singing and clapping and while in a trance, receive visions and guidance. This medicine man or woman would ensure the well being of the tribe, protecting them from evil and sickness, predicting the future and ensuring good hunting and rains. Certain animals such as the Praying Mantis and the Eland were honoured and revered and were considered to have great spiritual powers.

The only evidence that remains of these little people is the delicate rock art found on Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, their indelible footprints left of their presence in this vast landscape for generations to come.

With the absence of artificial light, the stargazing at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is phenomenal and amongst the best in Southern Africa.

Interpretations about the constellations of the Southern Hemisphere are given by knowledgeable guides. Romantic stories of gods and goddesses banished to the heavens are woven into astronomical facts and unfolds before one’s eyes. Discover the ancient myths of the stories told by the San about their visions of the stars.

How better to end a blissful day at Sanbona but to sit reflecting under the star studded-canopy of African skies, the vastness of infinite galaxies stretching before one.

Five Shy Meerkat Tours – Original Tours Since 2004
The most popular of our activities we offer are without a doubt the daily wild habituated meerkat tours. These tours that commence only at sunrise are dependent on fair weather, since these little creatures will not venture outside their burrows on cold and rainy days. (No tours on rainy days & Christmas day).

Meerkats are part of the so-called Shy 5 which also includes the bat-eared fox, the aardvark, porcupine and aardwolf.

The meerkat tours last between 2-3 hours and booking is essential. Upon arrival at the meerkat burrows, guests are treated to a hot cup of coffee, after which they are issued with a lightweight aluminium chair to sit in while observing the meerkats as they come out of the burrow into the sunshine and then go about their daily routine of foraging and frolicking. These habituated wild animals are never fed or handled by humans.

Tours are presented by JD Glinister, and his team. It is a fantastic experience & unique privilege to get this close to these little creatures in the wild.

Tours starts at sun rise.
Meeting point 9km outside Oudtshoorn on the R62 - entrance to the right.

Family-owned and family-run, Samara offers an adventure for all ages. The Samara Team is passionate about educating the next generation of eco-warriors and opening their eyes to the wonders of the wild.

Samara’s malaria-free Big Five wilderness offers an exciting new world just waiting to be discovered. Upon arrival, kids are enrolled in the Samara Cubs Programme, jam-packed with fun activities and inspiring educational experiences, for all ages from toddlers to teens. Parents can opt to relax and unwind or join in, creating opportunities for the whole family to reconnect – with Nature and with each other.

Experienced staff will engage kids in age-appropriate activities, including track identification, painting like the Khoi-San people, walking stick carving, storytelling, T-shirt painting, Spekboom planting, orienteering and navigating. Using the bush as an outdoor classroom, kids will learn about the multitude of other creatures they share the planet with – from bugs and beetles to the "Funny Five".

Children aged 8 and older are welcome on scheduled game drives at Karoo Lodge, and a private vehicle is provided for families staying in a Karoo Family Suite for a minimum of 3 nights, subject to availability. Other guests may book a private vehicle at additional cost, subject to availability. Shorter "bumble" game drives and/or bush walks can also be organised for little children once the scheduled game drive has returned to the lodge.

A dedicated children’s menu is available to cater for individual preferences, including firm favourites like spaghetti bolognese and fun options like DIY pizzas. The emphasis is on healthy, nutritious and comfort food lovingly prepared in our Karoo Kitchen. Mealtimes are flexible and high chairs are available.

Samara's star bed offers an unforgettable romantic wilderness experience. Located in total seclusion in a riverside location, the mosquito net covered four-poster bed sits atop a raised platform with panoramic views of mountain and sky, designed for tranquil nights absorbing the serenity of the Great Karoo landscape.

The star bed experience starts just before sunset with a picnic dinner and sundowner. Guests will take in the spectacular view across the mountain landscape and watch as local wildlife descends to the river to drink. As the night sky develops, the star bed is in a prime position to admire the canopy of constellations that gathers overhead.

One of the highlights of a stay at Samara is the opportunity to track wild cheetah on foot. Thanks to a number of habituated individuals, starting with the famous Sibella, Samara has been able to offer unrivalled wild cheetah viewing on foot to many years of Samara guests. Cheetah tracking usually forms part of the morning or afternoon game drive and allows guests to witness the intimate lives of these endangered Big Cats – whether at rest, at play or on the hunt.

Consisting of 67,000 acres of born-again wilderness covering 5 vegetation biomes and a variety of topographies, Samara offers a diverse safari, both from a landscape and wildlife perspective. Home to the "Big Five" (lion, elephant, black rhino, buffalo and leopard), Samara offers twice-daily game drives to spot these charismatic creatures, as well as the multitude of other species that call the reserve home.

These include cheetah, giraffe and white rhino, as well as lesser-known desert-adapted species such as aardvark, bat-eared fox, meerkat, red hartebeest and springbok. The herds of black wildebeest, Cape mountain zebra and eland on the 'Samara Mara' – vast plateau grasslands rivalling the Serengeti for splendour – thrive amidst the spectacular scenery.

Birders are also catered for with over 225 species at Samara, including flocks of up to 200 endangered Blue Cranes in the winter months.

Samara is one of few private game reserves where walking forms an integral part of the safari experience. With fragile ecosystems and a "tread lightly" policy, the preferred form of off-roading is on one's own two feet.

And what a way to explore the bush! Let Samara's experienced guides walk you through the five vegetation biomes, pointing out the signs of the wild invisible from the vehicle. Marvel at busy termites as they go about their daily business, listen out for the call of the Honeyguide leading you to wild honey and feel your senses heighten in every way as you navigate the sort of landscape our prehistoric ancestors dwelled in long ago.

Every tree, every rock and every track has a story to tell. Breathe in the silence and space so foreign to our everyday urban lives and feel yourself reconnecting to Nature. No one can fail to be moved by the sound of trickling water in a stream, the gentle whistling of the wind rustling the leaves, the sense of suspense and awe at walking to within metres of endangered cheetah and rhino.

If the conditions are right, you’ll get the opportunity to track these iconic animals on foot. What a privilege to enter their space and witness these animals living wild and free. An unforgettable and humbling experience awaits.

At Samara, the wealth of stunning landscapes positively begs to be the setting for a delicious meal, whether it be a well-earned breakfast buffet, light lunch in the shade of a shepherd tree or dinner under the stars. Aside from the beautiful locations, gourmet picnic food has a certain je-ne-sais-quoi that just epitomises holiday mode.

As well as dining on your lodge verandah or in the outdoors "boma" with a campfire at its centre, there are a myriad other dining options to enjoy at Samara. From a picnic lunch in the riverbed at the height of summer with cool water flowing past your toes, to the iconic mountain picnic experience on the Samara Mara, you’ll struggle to go back to dining in urban eateries.

Samara's fly camping experience is an immersive adventure encompassing a guided afternoon bush walk and a sleep-out in one of Africa's most exquisite landscapes.

In safari days of yore, explorers setting up camp in big game country had to make do with little more than a fly sheet to protect them from the elements and the wildlife. Fly camping takes its name from this tradition, and although today’s camps are typically more substantial, there’s an undeniable thrill to going back to basics. Samara’s fly camping excursion pays homage to these origins and takes full advantage of the reserve’s vastness and diversity, offering an experience that is simple yet spectacular.

Every Samara guest helps the reserve to achieve its conservation vision simply by staying in one of its lodges. For those who want to delve a little deeper, to understand how a game reserve truly operates behind the scenes, Samara offers hands-on conservation sessions and personalised tours of its rewilding projects.

The Conservation Journey is a 5-night experience offering a thoughtfully-crafted itinerary that enables participants to develop a meaningful understanding of Samara’s conservation efforts, without compromising on 5-star comforts.

Activities include daily hands-on conservation sessions, subject to reserve needs at the time. This can include wildlife monitoring, camera trapping, land rehabilitation, Spekboom planting, research assistance, ecosystem management and community projects.

For guests traveling to Addo, our Tooth and Claw Safari offers an unforgettable experience. Led by your dedicated guide from Bellevue Forest Reserve, you'll journey to a premier safari destination in our own vehicle. This exciting safari includes close-up encounters with lions, elephants, rhinos, hippos, and crocodiles, with the chance to observe these majestic animals from very close range. The experience also includes a delicious dinner and drinks, ensuring a memorable evening in the heart of the wild.

Giraffe on Safari Credit: Loodt Buchner

Zebra on Safari Credit: Loodt Buchner

Boma Fire on Tooth and Claw Safari Credit: Loodt Buchner

Boma Dinner option Credit: Loodt Buchner

Elephant up close Credit: Loodt Buchner

Hippopotumas Credit: Loodt Buchner

Lion on Safari Credit: Loodt Buchner

Lion on Safari Credit: Loodt Buchner

Wellness and relaxation are key attractions at Bellevue Forest Reserve. While we are developing our in-house Wellness Centre, guests can currently enjoy the Afri Spa on-site at Bellevue Forest Reserve.

Therapists can offer massages in your room or at Elephants Lodge's outdoor spa gazebo. Both overnight and day visitors can book treatments, but it’s essential to book in advance.

Treatments include foot massages, pedicures, head, neck, shoulder, back, and full-body massages, plus a kiddies’ spa menu.

Afri Spa provides five-star service with natural, eco-friendly products. Their foot scrub uses salt, essential oils, and locally sourced Spekboom, known for its healing, hydrating properties.

Full Day Addo + Giraffe & Buffalo Safari
Experience the wild in the heart of nature. Our Addo trip, combined with exclusive Giraffe and Buffalo encounters, offers an unforgettable safari in the Eastern Cape. Game viewing is guaranteed to be spectacular.

Inclusions:
- Return transfer to Bellevue Forest Reserve
- Addo Game Drive
- Giraffe Walk
- Buffalo Excursion
- Breakfast & Lunch

Itinerary:
- Arrival at Bellevue Forest Reserve (Olifantskop Lodge), greeted with morning coffee or afternoon High Tea
- Meet your guide for a briefing
- 45-minute safari activity followed by breakfast (morning) or sundowners (afternoon)
- Morning: Registration at 07:15, coffee from 07:15–07:30, activities from 07:30–09:45
- Afternoon: Registration at 15:00, High Tea from 15:00–15:30, activities from 15:30 onward

Be part of an exhilarating African experience with our TALL FIVE Giraffe Walking Safaris. As one of Bellevue Forest Reserve’s specialty excursions on a 2,500-hectare private game reserve in the Greater Addo region, this is an experience like no other.

Filled with breath-taking moments, guests experiences a intimate walk through the heart of the Addo Valley Bushveld accompanied by a highly experienced FGASA trained armed trails guide. This is where beautiful memories are made, as you feel the African sun giving life to this amazing safari experience. Bigger groups can be accommodated with prior arrangement, as well as a mid of day time slot (11H00am).

Commencing right after you have enjoyed your beverages and will last about 45 minutes. Hereafter you will return to the lodge where you and your group will enjoy a scrumptious breakfast at our Eagles Nest Lookout Lounge for the morning trips and sundowners in the bush for the afternoon activities.

Experience the African safari like never before with our Buffalo Encounters. A behind the scenes, curtains open excursion that won’t be found around just any corner. Here a maximum of 10 guests get to be part of a 4×4 vehicle drive, facilitated by a Game Ranger and view from up close as Buffalo’s are fed and monitored on a daily basis.

Based on a section of our 2,500-hectare private nature reserve in the Greater Addo region, this is an experience like no other, giving you a glimpse into the natural habitat of these amazing species as you ride through the Buffalo Camp of the nature reserve. The morning breeze makes this trip more amazing, departing our lodge at (07h30) daily after a morning coffee and lasts between 45 – 60 minutes, followed by a scrumptious breakfast at our Eagles Nest Lookout Lounge.

As the day draws to a close, creating picturesque views the afternoon Buffalo Encounters tour leaves camp after Drinks and snacks and lasts approximately 45 minutes. Where after guests are entertained in the bush for sundowner drinks and snacks before ending the day at Elephants Lodge again.

LOCATION sets Mosaic apart from all others, with Walker Bay next door. From Lagoon Lodge, hop onto an open 4x4 vehicle and discover fynbos, birds and the pristine Walker Bay Beach and Nature Reserve and enjoy beautiful sunsets over the ocean. Canapes and beverages are enjoyed while watching for sights of fascinating marine life.

Between June and December, Southern Right Whales migrate from Antarctica to the shelter of Walker Bay to court, mate and calf. Whales can be viewed from the top of sand dunes while sipping a favorite drink. September through November is the height of whale season.

Guided quad-bike tours will take you exploring through fynbos clad hills, lagoon wetlands and spotting fantastic birds. Ride along the edge of the lagoon or up to high points on Mosaic with 360-degree views of the ocean, lagoon, and mountains. Mosaic's professional guides make the intricacies of creation come alive.

Board the "Lady Stanford" from the shores of Stanford on the Kleinr River for an excursion among water birds and the towering Overberg Mountains. Drinks and snacks are enjoyed while cruising.

Glide in a kayak on the lagoon to encounter the stunning blue cranes and water birds in the natural wetland at Mosaic, which is a proclaimed bird sanctuary. Or kayak to the mouth of the lagoon to the beautiful white sand of Grotto Beach.

Mosaic is a place to focus on wellness of mind, body and soul, so we can live our lives to the fullest and savor all that is good. It is a place to be surrounded by awe inspiring creation; discover nature; breath fresh air; engage in healthy activities; strengthen ourselves with healthy food; and be rejuvenated at the MOSAIC Milkwood Spa.

We exclusively use high quality, natural spa products from African origins. They are packed with botanical extracts, antioxidants and omega oils that nourish our skin and stimulate our sense of smell. Facials are done with the premium Elemis products and the Elemis BIOTEC machine for the smoothest skin results.

Spa treatments can be indoors our outdoors under a private lush canopy of milkwood leaves overlooking the lagoon, where you can also enjoy a hot invigorating outdoor shower. Soft music and sounds of birds ease you into relaxation as our excellent therapist pampers you. Indulge in the MOSAIC Milkwood Spa experience where you will be nurtured into a wellness state of mind.

The Cape Floral Kingdom is a true wonder of the world, having the richest density of plant species on earth · 8,600 with almost 6,000 occurring nowhere else on earth. Fynbos, Afrikaans for “fine bush”, is the unique type of vegetation that formed millions of years ago from ashes of drought-stressed forests. You will be guided along the lagoon edge and wetlands to discover intricate plant-animal relationships and the importance of conserving this unique floral kingdom.

Whether bird watching from a private deck or on a guided walk or quad bike trip, the birds at Mosaic delight enthusiasts. Over 140 bird species are home to Mosaic. Water birds along the shoreline are as numerous as the species that are found on fynbos covered limestone ridges. Blue cranes nest in the bird sanctuary at Lagoon Lodge, flamingos traverse the lagoon is mass, pied kingfishers can be watched hunting for food and owls are spotted day and night. Check out our full list of birds.

Just down the coast from Mosaic lies one of the most important archeological heritage sites in the Western Cape, Klipgat Cave. This cave system was formed millions of years ago and it is believed was occupied by humans up to 70,000 years ago. The KhoiKhoi people occupied this cave system and lived on shellfish and animals in the area at that time. The cave can be toured and an 8 km beach walk can be enjoyed along with sundowners on the beach and 4x4 trip back to Mosaic.

Between June and December, Southern Right Whales migrate from Antarctica to the southern tip of Africa to court, mate and calf. Walker Bay is the best place in the world to view these enormous mammals. This trip takes you by boat in search of the Marine Big 5: Whales, Great White Shark, African penguin, Cape Fur Seal, and dolphin.

Learn about the circle of marine life on this boat trip, that takes you to Shark Alley, between Dyer Island and Geyser Rock, home to 60,000 Cape Fur Seals. Great Whites are viewed from the boat and in a secure cage just under the surface of the water. The experience of being eye-to-eye with these large creatures is simply thrilling!

Flying over Walker Bay gives you one of the world’s most spectacular views of mountains, white sand beaches, dunes and marine life. From the air, you can comprehend the massive size of the Southern Right Whales and hopefully catch a glimpse of a calf learning to lob-tail or breach. Awesome scenic flights are available through out the year.