Bellevue Forest Reserve

Bellevue Forest Reserve is a 2,500-hectare private game reserve in the Eastern Cape's Greater Addo region, close to Addo Elephant National Park. The reserve is malaria-free and carries the full Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo — across landscapes that include spekboom thicket and valley bushveld.

Twelve rooms and tents spread across the reserve. Classic double and family rooms have en-suite bathrooms, tea and coffee facilities, fans, heaters, and safes. Luxury family safari tents accommodate up to four guests in the forest, with two beds and a pull-out sleeper couch; a baby cot is available on request. Classic safari tents sit raised off the ground in spekboom thickets. Some rooms have private plunge pools or balconies with forest views.

Game drives run in both morning and afternoon, led by guides across the reserve's varied terrain. The signature activity is an on-foot giraffe tracking safari through the Addo Valley bushveld, accompanied by a guide. Night drives, guided bush walks, self-guided walks, and birdwatching are also available on the reserve. A full-day combined excursion runs to Addo Elephant National Park and includes the giraffe walk and a buffalo encounter.

The Elephants Lodge Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with the morning meal taken at the Eagles Nest Lounge. The on-site Afri Spa offers treatments in your room or at an outdoor spa gazebo; advance booking is required. The reserve has a pool, bar, communal dining, and conference facilities. An airport shuttle is available on request.