SIBUYA GAME RESERVE
Game Lodge Accommodation
in Grahamstown,
Eastern Cape, South Africa
(Package includes game drives and boat cruises)
The delightfully scenic Kariega River estuary winds its way through wooded
thickets and steep banks before opening out onto wide, grassy flats and
sandbanks just upstream of the Indian Ocean mouth. In a first for any South
African game reserve, arriving and departing guests traverse this wonderfully
diverse stretch of salt water the best way possible, in a leisurely 45-minute
boat cruise. The estuary harbours large numbers of waterfowl and shorebirds
including the rare African Black Oystercatcher. The fortunate might even see
dolphins, seals or turtles near the mouth, and otters further upriver.
Game viewing is of a consistently high standard, with regular sightings of
elephant, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest and giraffe at close quarters. Antelope
range from the mighty eland to the diminutive blue duiker, with a huge variety
in between, including the regal kudu and rare oribi. Sibuya is home to a number
of endangered species including bontebok, rhinoceros and cheetah, the latter as
part of a breeding project. Lions are present for the first time in more than a
century; jackals are frequently seen; and there are occasional sightings of
leopard, caracal and aardvark.
Thought by some to be one of South Africa's most beautiful private game
reserves, Sibuya covers more than 3000 hectares of varied terrain and
vegetation. From the moderately open river plains, through the pristine Lower
Albany Thicket, there are also patches of Cape Fynbos and a windswept, grassy
plateau favoured by many of the larger grazing animals. Sibuya supports one of
the highest densities of wildlife in South Africa ensuring an intensive and
varied game-viewing experience in spectacular surroundings.
Bird enthusiasts have a fair chance of spotting the elusive Narina Trogon, while
sightings of other exquisitely colourful birds such as Knysna Turacos, Sunbirds
and Kingfishers are frequent. For those impressed by size, there are Ostriches,
Denham's Bustards, Secretarybirds, Crowned Eagles, Fish Eagles, Spurwing Geese,
Goliath Herons and many more.
River Camp - 4 luxury tented rooms
A favourite amongst friends, families and sole-use groups, this small and
intimate camp has four beautifully appointed tented rooms, all en suite.
Discretely tucked into a small forest on the river bank, each tented room has
been designed with its own unique layout in order to avoid felling trees and to
protect as much of the site as possible. A light and airy design lets nature's
sights and sounds flood into the generously proportioned guest areas, creating a
sense of oneness with the wilderness all around. Ground level pathways and large
foldout sofa beds make River Camp particularly well-suited to those with
children, and there's even a playroom tent. Located on an ancient floodplain
where an oxbow, or billabong, will one day form, the camp affords spectacular
views of the river from its sweeping verandas.
Sibuya's rangers, some of the most experienced in the business, take pride in
organising rewarding bush walks, personalised game drives and exclusive boat or
canoe trips. Their love of the environment and enthusiasm for their work is
infectious, and guests will find them to be not only knowledgeable guides but
also gracious hosts.
Part of the purpose of a getaway is to relax! River Camp offers ample
opportunity for guests to do this, and few pastimes can be more soporific than
lying on a hammock with a book, listening to the birdsong in the trees. At
night, the soft glow of lanterns and distant roar of the ocean are the only
distractions from the crackling outdoor fire.
Forest Camp - 8 luxury tented rooms
Perfectly situated on the banks of the Kariega River, but tucked unobtrusively
into the indigenous bush, Forest Camp offers a blend of essential comforts and
warm, charming style. Richly coloured local textiles, in shades of rust and
burnt orange, are used throughout in support of the region's weaving community.
The camp, with its long wooden walkways through pristine thicket, has eight en
suite tents, complete with luxury furnishings. Designed with a light footprint
to protect the surrounding riverine environment, the camp affords views of game
on both banks of the river and makes an ideal venue for weddings and small
functions.
With no schedules and absolutely no pressure on guests to do anything other than
relax, this wonderful camp combines the finest in safari luxury with fabulous
service and truly memorable game experiences.
Sibuya's executive chef and his capable team have won rave reviews for the
preparation and presentation of their cuisine. Top notch dining is an integral
part of any visit to Sibuya with excellent South African wines served in the
dining room, on picnics, or under a canopy of stars in the wonderful open air
boma.
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