Discover the extraordinary at Bellevue Forest Reserve, a malaria-free safari haven in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. Encounter the Big 5—Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, and Elephant—in a 2,500-hectare wilderness where adventure meets luxury. Known as the Giraffe Manor of South Africa, Bellevue offers rare on-foot giraffe tracking, thrilling game drives, and stargazing safaris. Unwind at the Afri Spa, enjoy gourmet dining, and soak in the serenity of nature. Whether it’s a romantic getaway, family escape, or unforgettable wildlife experience, Bellevue offers something for every traveler. Luxury, freedom, and wild beauty await—your ultimate safari adventure starts here.
The Superior Rooms at Bellevue Forest Reserve offer a perfect blend of luxury and nature. Designed with comfort in mind, these rooms feature elegant décor with natural materials, creating a peaceful, inviting atmosphere. Large windows and private balconies allow guests to enjoy stunning views of the surrounding forest, bringing the outdoors in. The spacious interiors include plush bedding, a cozy seating area, and modern amenities, ensuring a relaxing and rejuvenating stay.
For dining, whether it’s a casual meal at the lodge or a memorable bush dinner, each experience is carefully crafted to complement the serene setting, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the tranquility of the reserve.
Air Conditioning, Balcony , Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En Suite Bathroom, Fan, Fridge/Freezer, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Heater, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Facilities, Lounge Area, Mini Bar (Paid/Free), Private Lounge / Sitting Area, Private Pool / Jacuzzi, Pure Cotton Linen, Shower, Table, Tea / Coffee, Vanity Cabinet, Verandah
A family room with a double bed, twin beds and an en-suite bathroom. Each bedroom is equipped with tea- and coffee-making facilities, overhead fan, radio, heater, safe and toiletries.
Bath Towels, Bed Linen, Complimentary Wi-Fi, En Suite Bathroom, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Shower, Twin Bed
A double room with two single beds that can be converted into a king-size bed and an en-suite bathroom. Each bedroom is equipped with tea- and coffee-making facilities, overhead fan, radio, heater, safe and toiletries.
Bath Towels, Bed Linen, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Electrical Outlets, En Suite Bathroom, Fan, Foam Mattress, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Heater, Mini Bar, Shower, Twin Bed, Vanity Cabinet, Verandah, Wardrobe
Boasting garden views, Waggi Mountain Escape offers accommodation with a patio and a kettle, around 17 km from Addo Carol's rest waterhole. Situated 21 km from Ann's Villa - Blacksmith Museum, the property features a garden and free private parking.
Balcony , Complimentary Wi-Fi, Fireplace, Fridge, Hairdryer, Microwave, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Television
Bellevue Forest Reserve’s new luxury family safari tents redefine comfort in the wild, offering families a truly memorable safari experience surrounded by the natural beauty of the forest. Designed with space and tranquility in mind, each tent features two single beds (German doubles), a sleeper couch, and a pull-out bed, comfortably accommodating up to four guests, with a baby cot available on request.
Set deep within the lush forest, the tents provide an authentic sense of seclusion and privacy, allowing guests to unwind to the soothing sounds of nature. Despite their peaceful setting, the tents remain within easy walking distance of the main lodge, ensuring convenience without compromising on exclusivity.
Each unit is equipped with all modern amenities, including a fully stocked mini-bar, in-room drinks and snacks, complimentary Wi-Fi, and an en-suite bathroom complete with a shower and toilet. Thoughtfully designed interiors blend natural textures with elegant finishes, creating a serene retreat where comfort meets adventure.
Perfect for families seeking both relaxation and exploration, Bellevue’s luxury tents promise an unforgettable stay — a harmonious balance between wilderness living and refined hospitality, where every detail celebrates the beauty and spirit of the Eastern Cape’s pristine forest.
Air Conditioning, Balcony , Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Bed Linen, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Drinking Water Filtration System, Electrical Outlets, En Suite Bathroom, Ensuite, Family Safari Tent, Fridge, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Heater, iPod/iPhone/USB Dock, Kitchenette, Laundry Service (Available), Lounge Area, Mini Bar (Paid/Free), Mini Bar, Safe, Shower, Twin Bed, Vanity Cabinet, Wardrobe
Our Classic Safari Tents are a favorite among guests seeking an affordable 'glamping' experience in the heart of the African Bushveld.
Tucked into a pocket of spekboom thickets and soft Eastern Cape light, the Safari Tents at Bellevue feel like something time forgot — in the best way. No frills, no fanfare. Just the bush, and you, and whatever the day brings.
The tents are raised just off the forest floor, with wooden decks that catch the morning sun and hold onto it long after the trees have cooled. You wake up slow here. The light filters in early, filtered through canvas and birdsong. It’s warm, it’s quiet. You unzip the flap and step out — maybe with a coffee, maybe just to breathe.
Inside is simple, thoughtful comfort. A proper bed, crisp linen, warm wood underfoot. The kind of shower you won’t forget — half open, part rustic, all refreshing. Everything smells like fresh air and veld. You’ll catch yourself staring out of windows, not for anything in particular ...
Evenings settle in easy. Lanterns flicker. The bush gets louder in that soft, familiar way — insects, owls, a distant something that might be a jackal. No distractions. Just night. Just stillness.
Balcony / Deck, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Ensuite, Fan, Fridge/Freezer, Hairdryer, Mini Bar, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Sahara Style Tent, Shower, Table, Tea / Coffee, Twin Bed, Verandah, Wardrobe
Air conditioner, Bar, Barbeque Facilities, Battery Charging Facilities, Business Centre, Communal Dining, Conference Centre, Eco Friendly, Guided Tours, Internet Access (Complimentary), Malaria Free, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa, TV Room, Vegetarian
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath, Bed Linen, Bunk Bed, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Cooking Equipment, Cooking Facilities, Electrical Outlets, En Suite Bathroom, Family Safari Tent, Fan, Fireplace, Fridge, Fridge/Freezer, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Mosquito Nets, Plunge Pool, Private Lounge / Sitting Area, Private Pool / Jacuzzi, Queen Bed, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Television, Twin Bed, Verandah
24-hour Security, Airport Shuttle (Available), Credit Card Facilities, Laundry Service (Available), Meal on Request, Private Vehicle (Available)
Big 5, Bird Watching, Fine Dining, Game Drives, Game Viewing Hide, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Garden Tours, High Tea, Night Drives, Safaris, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided), Wildlife Tours
Adrenaline Activities, Animal Encounters, Art Galleries, Beach, Big 5, Bird Watching, Boat Cruises, Child Friendly Activities, Cooking Courses, Cycling, Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Garden Tours, General Sightseeing, Golf, Helicopter Scenic Flights, Hiking, Marine Tidal Pool, Mountain Biking, Museums, Safaris, Shark Cage Diving, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided), Wildlife Tours, Wine Tasting
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.
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.
At Bellevue Forest Reserve, guests can enjoy a variety of dining options, each offering a unique experience. Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the Eagles Nest Lounge, where you can enjoy a range of fresh, wholesome dishes. For lunch, guests can indulge in a variety of light meals and snacks, perfect for recharging after morning activities.
In the evening, the reserve offers a delightful dinner experience, with a menu showcasing local flavors and fresh ingredients, served either in the cozy lodge or under the stars in a scenic outdoor setting. Whether it’s a relaxing meal at the lodge or a special bush dinner, dining at Bellevue Forest Reserve is designed to complement the tranquil surroundings and enhance your stay.