Luxury tented accommodation in the Eastern Cape with the Big Five, a cheetah breeding programme and superb cuisine.
The unique experience starts immediately with a half-hour boat transfer from the holiday village of Kenton-on-Sea. Turtles, dolphins and whales might be seen near the river mouth. Both River and Forest Camp are nestled in riverine forest and have been constructed in an environmentally conscious manner.
River Camp:
The smaller, more intimate River Camp has four tents, ideal for families with children, or for sole-use specialist groups. The tents measure 25 square meters (300 sq. feet), are adjoined by an en-suite bathroom and accommodate two adults sharing in top-of-the-range king or twin beds, and sits under an all-weather roof. Decks offer views of the river or forest. Cot or camp beds are available for children sharing with adults.
River camp offers ample relaxation opportunity.
The creative chef and his capable team take great pride in the preparation and presentation of the cuisine, which has attracted some rave reviews. The dining experience has to be tried to be believed. Good South African wines are served with meals.
Forest Camp:
Perfectly situated on the banks of the Kariega River, but tucked unobtrusively away into the vegetation. Adopting a low impact model, the accommodation is built on expansive, slightly raised wooden decks and has long wooden walkways through pristine thicket which allow elderly and disabled guests to move around with ease.
True luxury tented accommodation: each tent measures 40 sq. meters (450 sq. feet), is adjoined by a large en-suite bathroom, accommodating two adults sharing in top-of-the-range king or twin beds, and sits under an all-weather roof.
Wide decks offer views of the river or forest. Cot or camp beds are available for children sharing with adults.
The camp and hospitality staff is extremely friendly and helpful, and will go out of their way to ensure a memorable stay for their guests.
Guides include some of the most experienced in the business. Their love of the environment and their enthusiasm for their work is infectious, and guests will find them not only knowledgeable guides but also gracious hosts.
Activities:
The most popular activities are the game drives and walks, but many guests take advantage of the opportunity to try their hand at fishing from the camp jetties.
Canoes at the camps are regularly used by guests, keen paddlers and novices alike.
Birdsong provides the perfect background sound while enjoying a massage on the deck of one of the luxurious tents.
Excursions off the reserve can be arranged for activities such as golf, horse-riding on the beach, deep-sea fishing or historical tours of the area.
Bespoke packages can be arranged for birding enthusiasts and nature lovers who would like to learn more about the environment, guiding and tracking skills.
Fauna and Flora:
Covering over 2000 hectares of varied terrain and vegetation, offering Albany thicket, patches of Cape Fynbos and a windswept, grassy plateau favoured by many of the larger grazing animals.
The delightfully scenic Kariega River estuary winds its way through heavily wooded thickets on steep slopes before opening out onto wide, grassy flats and sandbanks just upstream of the river’s mouth.
Bird enthusiasts can spot the elusive Narina Trogon, the exquisite colourful birds such as Knysna Turacos, Sunbirds and Kingfishers are frequent. There are ostriches, Denham’s Bustards, Secretarybirds, Crowned Eagles, Fish Eagles, Spurwing Geese, Goliath Herons and many more.
Game viewing is consistently good, with frequent sightings of elephant, rhino, zebra and giraffe at close quarters. Antelope range from the mighty eland to the diminutive blue duiker, with a huge variety in between, including the rare oribi and bontebok.
Jackals are seen regularly, and there have been occasional sightings of caracals and aardvark. Due to the high carrying capacity, one is assured of an intensive and varied game-viewing experience in spectacular surroundings.
Weddings:
Forest Camp provides an idyllic setting for small intimate weddings of up to 40 people. A total of 26 adults and 13 children can be accommodated on the reserve. There are additional B&B’s in nearby Kenton-on-Sea.
Various packages are available including floral decorations, table décor, entertainment, table gifts, photographers, local beers, soft drinks, spirits, a choice of wedding menu’s and special honeymoon turndown.
Rates are inclusive of accommodation, all meals, all local beverages, scheduled boat transfers, boat cruises, game drives and camp activities.
Children of all ages are welcome.