Luxury Lodges · Eastern Cape, South Africa
Bellevue Forest Reserve - Big 5 Game Reserve
Overview
Ditch the ordinary—discover Bellevue Forest Reserve!
Tucked away in South Africa’s malaria-free Eastern Cape, this 2,500-hectare private reserve is your gateway to untamed adventure and barefoot luxury. Home to the Big 5—Lion, Rhino Leopard, Buffalo, and Elephant—plus rare sightings like Aardvark and Honey Badger, Bellevue delivers the ultimate wild safari.
Track giraffes on foot, explore diverse landscapes on guided game drives and bush walks, then unwind at our Afri Spa or lounge with a cocktail as the sun sets. Think gourmet dining, forest stargazing, and unforgettable close-up wildlife encounters—all in one epic location.
Whether it’s romance, thrill, or family bonding you’re after, Bellevue is where wild hearts come alive.
Book your escape now—the safari of a lifetime is calling.
Suites & Rates
Choose how you stay
Classic Double / Twin Room
A double room with two single beds that can be converted into a king-size bed and an en-suite bathroom. Each bedroom is equipped with tea- and coffee-making facilities, overhead fan, radio, heater, safe and...
Classic Family Room
A family room with a double bed, twin beds and an en-suite bathroom. Each bedroom is equipped with tea- and coffee-making facilities, overhead fan, radio, heater, safe and toiletries.
Classic Safari Tent
Our Classic Safari Tents are a favorite among guests seeking an affordable 'glamping' experience in the heart of the African Bushveld. Tucked into a pocket of spekboom thickets and soft Eastern Cape light, the...
Luxury Family Safari Tent
Bellevue Forest Reserve’s new luxury family safari tents redefine comfort in the wild, offering families a truly memorable safari experience surrounded by the natural beauty of the forest. Designed with space and tranquility in...
Superior Room
The Superior Rooms at Bellevue Forest Reserve offer a perfect blend of luxury and nature. Designed with comfort in mind, these rooms feature elegant décor with natural materials, creating a peaceful, inviting atmosphere. Large...
Waggie Mountain Escape
Boasting garden views, Waggi Mountain Escape offers accommodation with a patio and a kettle, around 17 km from Addo Carol's rest waterhole. Situated 21 km from Ann's Villa - Blacksmith Museum, the property features...
Details
Good to know
Accommodation & amenities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath, Bed Linen, Bunk Bed, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Cooking Equipment, Cooking Facilities, Electrical Outlets, En Suite Bathroom, Family Safari Tent, Fan, Fireplace, Fridge, Fridge/Freezer, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Mosquito Nets, Plunge Pool, Private Lounge / Sitting Area, Private Pool / Jacuzzi, Queen Bed, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Television, Twin Bed, Verandah
Languages spoken
Afrikaans, Dutch, English
Ideal for
Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Flora, Gourmet, Hiking, Indigenous Culture / Art, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife, Wine
On-site activities
Big 5, Bird Watching, Fine Dining, Game Drives, Game Viewing Hide, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Garden Tours, High Tea, Night Drives, Safaris, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided), Wildlife Tours
Services
24-hour Security, Airport Shuttle (Available), Credit Card Facilities, Laundry Service (Available), Meal on Request, Private Vehicle (Available)
Nearby activities
Adrenaline Activities, Animal Encounters, Art Galleries, Beach, Big 5, Bird Watching, Boat Cruises, Child Friendly Activities, Cooking Courses, Cycling, Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Garden Tours, General Sightseeing, Golf, Helicopter Scenic Flights, Hiking, Marine Tidal Pool, Mountain Biking, Museums, Safaris, Shark Cage Diving, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided), Wildlife Tours, Wine Tasting
Property facilities
Air conditioner, Bar, Barbeque Facilities, Battery Charging Facilities, Business Centre, Communal Dining, Conference Centre, Eco Friendly, Guided Tours, Internet Access (Complimentary), Malaria Free, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa, TV Room, Vegetarian
Location
Where you'll be
Video
See the stay
Introduction of Lion to Bellevue Forest Reserve
Experience Bellevue Forest Reserve
Experiences at Bellevue Forest Reserve
The Triumphant Return of Elephants: A Century-Long Journey
Teaser of Bellevue Forest Reserve
Teaser of Bellevue Forest ReserveActivities
What you can do
Big 5 Safaris (Game Drive)
Bellevue Forest Reserve offers unforgettable game drives with both morning and afternoon departures, allowing guests to experience the reserve at different times of day. Led by knowledgeable guides, each drive journeys through diverse landscapes in search of the iconic Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo — along with a variety of other wildlife. Morning drives capture the forest as it awakens, while afternoon drives offer golden light and increased animal activity. Combining adventure, conservation insight, and breathtaking scenery, Bellevue’s game drives provide an authentic and rewarding safari experience for every guest.
Full Day Addo Elephant National Park + Giraffe & Buffalo Safari
Full Day Addo + Giraffe & Buffalo SafariExperience the wild in the heart of nature. Our Addo trip, combined with exclusive Giraffe and Buffalo encounters, offers an unforgettable safari in the Eastern Cape. Game viewing is guaranteed to be spectacular.Inclusions: - Return transfer to Bellevue Forest Reserve - Addo Game Drive - Giraffe Walk - Buffalo Excursion - Breakfast & LunchItinerary:- Arrival at Bellevue Forest Reserve (Olifantskop Lodge), greeted with morning coffee or afternoon High Tea - Meet your guide for a briefing - 45-minute safari activity followed by breakfast (morning) or sundowners (afternoon) - Morning: Registration at 07:15, coffee from 07:15–07:30, activities from 07:30–09:45 - Afternoon: Registration at 15:00, High Tea from 15:00–15:30, activities from 15:30 onward
Giraffe Tracking Safaris
Be part of an exhilarating African experience with our TALL FIVE Giraffe Walking 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 experiences a 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 day time slot (11H00am).Commencing right after you have enjoyed your beverages and will last about 45 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 sundowners in the bush for the afternoon activities.
Spa Treatments
Wellness and relaxation are key attractions at Bellevue Forest Reserve. While we are developing our in-house Wellness Centre, guests can currently enjoy the Afri Spa on-site at Bellevue Forest Reserve. Therapists can offer massages in your room or at Elephants Lodge's outdoor spa gazebo. Both overnight and day visitors can book treatments, but it’s essential to book in advance.Treatments include foot massages, pedicures, head, neck, shoulder, back, and full-body massages, plus a kiddies’ spa menu.Afri Spa provides five-star service with natural, eco-friendly products. Their foot scrub uses salt, essential oils, and locally sourced Spekboom, known for its healing, hydrating properties.
Ready to plan your stay?
Tell us your dates and we'll handle the rest — flights, transfers and the lodge itself.
Enquire nowKeep exploring


