4 STAR Bellevue Forest Reserve, a scenic 45 minutes’ drive from Port Elizabeth and 25km from Addo Elephant National Park’s main gate, is home to a growing number of free roaming wildlife within the Malaria free Eastern Cape otherwise known as the Adventure Province. The big 2,500-ha privately-owned forest reserve, places special interest in wildlife conservation especially the endangered African Flightless Dungbeetle and a wealth of Bird and Tree Species. In the best interest of the animals no animal interaction is allowed at Bellevue. The reserve is a unique gateway to the exclusive floral and bird wealth of the Eastern Cape. Bellevue accommodates a maximum of 12 guests for overnight stays and a maximum of 60 guests on a day visit divided between morning and afternoon excursions thus 30 x 2. This means that the reserve is a calm and tranquil place to enjoy the clean forest air of Bellevue. Beautiful scenery and vast open spaces are a special part of the Bellevue experience.

ELEPHANT'S LODGE

The 4-star Lodge features 5 rooms that can sleep a total of 12 guests. All rooms are in proximity to all facilities. The Lodge rooms are ideal for families. Each room has its own coffee making facilities, equipped with safes, hair dryers and the basic amenities to make each guest stay as memorable and comfortable as possible. All Lodge rooms are shower en-suite and their own porch to outside.

STARGAZER CAMP

The African skies have so much to offer, so why not enjoy Africa’s raw beauty by sleeping under the stars. Sleep under the stars, where you can drift off while admiring the glittering jewels above. This magical experience will immerse you in a natural world that, will make you feel all on your own. The Milky way is an extraordinary ceiling, and you can lose count to the number of shooting stars above you. What could be better than immersing yourself in nature and enjoying total tranquility.

WILDLIFE & SAFARIS

Select members of the Big 5 – elusive Leopard, Cape Buffalo and Lion – are represented at Bellevue Forest Reserve. Elephant will be introduced soon. The game is thriving and during your safari you may come across herds of eland, gemsbok and zebra, Giraffe and many more signature African species. The Giraffe herds and walks are a distinct highlight at Bellevue Forest Reserve. Game drives focus not only on the Big 5 select members but on the entire ecosystem, with great birding opportunities, a bird count in the region of 165, as well as an insight into the fascinating vegetation in this area of the Eastern Cape. Bellevue is well known for its spectacular micro climates and vegetation. The game reserve is well known for its adventure excursions including giraffe walks, buffalo tours and stargazing walks at night. There is a strict "no touch" policy in place at the reserve. Eyes on, and hands off is key.

Giraffe Tracking Safaris

Be part of an exhilarating African experience with our TALL FIVE Giraffe Tracking 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 experience an 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 daytime slots (10H30am). Commencing right after you have enjoyed your welcome beverages and will last about 45 – 60 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 sundowner snacks on the lookout deck for the afternoon activities.

Big 5 Buffalo Feeding Tours

Experience the African safari like never with our Unique Buffalo Encounters. A behind the scenes, curtains open excursion that won’t be found around just any corner.

Depart on a 4×4 safari vehicle drive, facilitated by a Game Ranger and view from up close as Buffalo’s are fed and or monitored daily.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 on a safe 4×4 vehicle.  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 at our Lookout Deck for sundowners.

Game Drives

Addo is the best place to get up close and personal with the biggest land mammal – the park is home to the densest population of elephant in the world. Other mammals include Lion, Hyaena, Cape Buffalo, and Black Rhino, as well as Zebra, Jackal, Warthog, Suricate and numerous species of Antelope. Over 150 bird species have been recorded in Addo and there are around 600 different plant species. Addo is also home to the endangered dung beetle. Whether you experience the park from the comfort of your own vehicle or on a game drive with an experienced guide, the chances are you will have close encounters with the elephant. To make the most of the park, be sure to bring binoculars, camera, walking shoes and wildlife reference books.

Scenic Flights

A scenic flight around this area is an experience of a lifetime. Spot up wildlife in the waves of fresh crisp mountain air beneath you, see glorious sunsets from up high, and soar through mountain peaks amongst the clouds.  Viewing Safari Wildlife from above means you won’t disturb any of our wonderful creatures far down on earth and at the same time giving you a superb glimpse into their natural world.  From the inviting cabin of a Bell Jet Ranger Helicopter, get a bird’s-eye view of Bellevue Forest Reserve and its breathtaking surrounds. Purple mountains cradle fynbos far below to the North, while animals are migrating in big herds below you. Why not fly over the iconic Zuurberg Mountain Range to Port Elizabeth? Or to the Majestic Karoo for a Karoo Style Picnic? An aerial tour can easily incorporate all of these and more.

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 some of our night life, the sounds of the bush and stars in the African heavens. Whilst learning more about our unique constellations in the Southern Hemisphere with an experienced game ranger.