Sibuya Game Reserve

Overview

Location: Eastern Cape–>South Africa
Accommodation Type: Lodge
Comfort Level: Luxury
Experience: Big 5 Safari |
Good For: Family, Couple/Romantic, Solo |

Sibuya Game Reserve has two small tented camps set amongst the trees on a peaceful riverbank in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. Just getting to Sibuya is an adventure in itself as the reserve can only be accessed by boat You’ll be met by your ranger at Kenton-on-Sea then be taken on a 45-minute cruise up the meandering Kariega River and to your choice of either Forest Camp or River Camp.

Forest Camp has 8 tents while River Camp is even smaller with just 4 tents. Whichever one you choose you’ll be hosted and guided by a fantastic team, who really go out of their way to create a personalised safari experience complete with exciting activities, fine bush cuisine and evenings spent around a crackling fire – chatting and laughing as you relive your day’s sightings.

Game viewing at Sibuya is unique in that it combines a river cruise with a game drive. There’s plenty to see with frequent sightings of lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, bontebok, zebra and giraffe; and even if you’re not a keen birder it’s hard not to be impressed by the birdlife along the Kariega River. The drinks stop is another safari highlight, as your guide takes you to a lookout point with sweeping views across what must be one of South Africa’s most beautiful reserves.

Back at camp you can easily slip into the relaxed pace of life on the river: there are some canoes for paddling about, you can fish off the jetty or even take a dip in the slow-flowing, fresh water. In the evening, dinner is prepared on the open fire, so look forward to a braai (barbecue) or potjie (traditional stew) accompanied by a bottle of fine South African wine.

Accommodation

Sibuya Forest Camp has 8 tents built on wooden decks and connected to the main camp area via raised wooden walkways. The smaller, more intimate River Camp has just 4 tents, making it a great option for a large family or friends who are travelling together and like the idea of a whole camp to themselves

The tents at both River and Forest Camp are neat, comfortable and private. Each is furnished with either a king-size or twin beds, has an en-suite bathroom and opens onto a lovely deck with forest or river views. Around the camp hammocks swing from tree branches; inviting you to while away the heat of the day with a cold drink and a good book.

Don’t expect a luxury hotel-like experience, however, these are eco-friendly camps run mostly off solar power. There’s no air-conditioning and instead of kettles in the room you order flasks of hot water from the kitchen. We feel this all adds to the feel of a genuine bush experience, as do the dinners cooked over the fire and nights lit by lanterns and starlight.

Wildlife

Sibuya is a wonderfully diverse reserve covering riverine forests, savannah plains, patches of Cape fynbos, and a grassy plateau favoured by the herds of grazers. This mixture of biomes allows for an intense and varied game viewing experience with more than 45 species of wildlife recorded.

During your stay at either Sibuya Forest Lodge or River Lodge you’ve got a good chance of seeing lion, cheetah, rhino, elephant, Cape buffalo, giraffe and a whole host of antelope such as nyala, impala, eland and bontebok. Smaller predators such as jackals regularly make an appearance, and there have also been occasional sightings of caracal and aardvark.

As a birding destination, Sibuya Game Reserve is hard to beat. Nearly 400 species of bird have been recorded including 6 varieties of local kingfisher, a host of raptors from common buzzards to rare eagles, and nocturnal species such as owls and nightjars which can be seen on spot-lit night drives.

Conferences

Weddings:

Sibuya provides an idyllic setting for small intimate weddings of up to 150 people.

Various packages are available which include floral decorations, table décor, entertainment, table gifts, photographer, local beers, soft drinks, spirits, house wines and Methode Cap Classique, choice of wedding menu’s and special honeymoon turndown.

Events:

Tailor made events, celebrations and funtions are available at Sibuya.

More Info

Children:
• Special meals for children are offered, on request.
•  Child minding  facilities are offered in River Camp.
• Due to their duration game drives are not suitable for children under the age of 6 years unless a private game drive vehicle is booked at a nominal rate
Please note 
• As the Eastern Cape is malaria-free, prophylactics are not necessary
• There is intermittent signal in the camps and on the reserve. We recommend that guests switch off and enjoy the tranquillity

Directions

Directions from Port Elizabeth:

Travel on the N2 towards Grahamstown
Take the R72 to Port Alfred
Pass Boesmanriversmond / Bushmans River and then turn right into Kenton-on-Sea, Kariega Road.

Follow this road to the bottom of the hill
At the second stop street, just before the river, turn left into Eastbourne Road

Our reception and secure parking is located at 39 Eastbourne Road

Directions from East London:

Travel on the R72, pass through Port Alfred to Kenton-on-Sea

Turn left into Kenton-on-Sea, Kariega Road

Follow this road to the bottom of the hill
At the second stop street, just before the river, turn left into Eastbourne Road

Our reception and secure parking is located at 39 Eastbourne Road

Directions from Grahamstown:

Travel on the N2 towards Port Elizabeth
Just outside Grahamstown turn left onto the R343 to Kenton-on-Sea
At the stop street in Salem, turn left
Travel for +- 37km to Kenton-on-Sea
At the crossroads continue straight, Kariega Road

Follow this road to the bottom of the hill
At the second stop street, just before the river, turn left into Eastbourne Road

Our reception and secure parking is located at 39 Eastbourne Road