I’m fortunate to go on yearly safari trips, but my recent stay at the Sibuya Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape stood out in a way that felt refreshingly different. Sibuya isn’t just about spotting the Big 5—it’s an entire journey that begins long before you even see your first animal.
After a short flight from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth – followed by a 90 minute drive – the journey to Sibuya begins in the seaside village of Kenton-on-Sea when you board a boat for the 10-kilometre trip up the Kariega Estuary.
I can honestly say I’ve never arrived at a game reserve quite like this before. As the boat glided upriver, the scenery shifted from ocean air and wide water to sheltered channels framed by lush bush. The soundtrack was just as captivating—the gentle lap of water and an endless chorus of birdsong. It set the tone beautifully for what lay ahead.
Arrival at Forest Camp
My home for the stay was Forest Camp, one of Sibuya’s three accommodation options. Tucked away beneath a dense canopy, the camp is linked by long wooden walkways raised above the forest floor, so you feel immediately immersed in nature.
My tent was spacious and elegant, with a king-sized bed, fireplace, a SPECTACULAR private bathroom, and views that opened out onto the estuary. This is Glamping at its finest.
Relaxing in a hot tub listening to the sound of the forest is a truly magical experience.
At night, just before I drifted off to sleep, I found myself just listening—the distant call of jackals, the rustle of leaves, and the night sounds of the bush reminding me how alive the forest is, even in stillness.
A Feast in the Forest
Meals at Sibuya are an experience in their own right. Everything is freshly prepared by the camp’s chef, and each dish feels wholesome and nourishing. Whether it was a long, relaxed breakfast after a game drive or a hearty dinner to round off the day, the food is great.
One of our most memorable meals – an afternoon lunch – took place on top of a mountain, looking out at the winding Kariega, sipping wine and gazing through binoculars to see if we could spot any animals. We did – an elephant.
Into the Wild with Nico
Our guide for our 4 day stay, Nico, made the game drives unforgettable.
He’s a larger-than-life character with an enthusiasm for nature that’s truly infectious. His stories, insights, and sharp eye meant that no drive was ever the same.
My very first sighting came quickly—a magnificent African Fish Eagle, soaring overhead before swooping down in flight. I managed to capture it with my camera, and it felt like the perfect welcome to the reserve.
The next highlight came on our second afternoon, when we came across an elephant grazing in the thickets. Watching him feed in such close proximity, I was struck by this majestic creatures quiet power, yet gentle demeanor.
Perhaps the most thrilling encounter was with the lions. We were lucky enough to spot them up close, resting in the afternoon sun. At one point, a lion wandered directly towards our vehicle, pausing just long enough for my breath to catch before it continued into the bush. It was a heart-pounding reminder of just how wild and unpredictable these moments can be.
We also had the chance to see rhinos at incredibly close range—so close that we could actually hear the crunching sound they made as they tore at the grass.
Daily sightings of giraffes became a kind of ritual, their elegant silhouettes appearing against the horizon no matter which way we drove.
And then there was the vast plain filled with hundreds of buffalo, a scene so dramatic it felt straight out of a documentary.
Sibuya is known for its incredible birdlife, with nearly 400 species recorded, and it’s easy to see why. Every drive brought flashes of colour, distinctive calls, and new feathered discoveries that delighted us all. We even saw a White Backed Vulture, but, sadly, it was a little too far for my iPhone to capture.
A Landscape of Rich Vegetation
One of the things that makes Sibuya so special is its incredible diversity of vegetation. The reserve stretches from the lush Albany Thicket, with its dense, tangled greenery, to open plains dotted with patches of Cape Fynbos, where delicate, hardy plants thrive.
The Kariega River winds its way through these varied biomes, feeding the landscape and creating rich habitats for both wildlife and birdlife. It’s this mosaic of ecosystems that allows such a wide variety of species to flourish here—and makes every game drive feel completely different from the last.
A Deeper Connection
What sets Sibuya apart is more than just its beauty—it’s its ethos. With its eco-friendly design, solar power at Forest and River Camps, and strong commitment to conservation projects like reforestation and endangered species protection, Sibuya is a reserve with purpose. Staying here feels like being part of something bigger, where luxury and sustainability work hand in hand. You can read more about the Sibuya Rhino Foundation HERE, or you can join the programme to become a volunteer HERE.
Saying Goodbye
We left the camp in the afternoon, once again by boat down the Kariega Estuary. Watching the shoreline slip past, I felt grateful for the experience and a little reluctant to return to everyday life. Sibuya has a way of drawing you in—not just with its landscapes and wildlife, but with the sense of connection it creates between people and nature.
It’s not every day you find a safari that balances comfort, adventure, and conservation so seamlessly. For me, Sibuya was a place where the wild truly felt alive, and I’ll carry those memories with me for a long time.
Travel Tip: Extend Your Journey with Cape Country Routes
If you’re planning a trip to the Western, Eastern, or Northern Cape, it’s worth looking into Cape Country Routes (CCR) South Africa. This collection brings together more than 20 privately owned hotels, lodges, and guest houses across the Western and Eastern Cape—each carefully chosen for its charm, character, and unique setting. Whether you’re after romance, history, or simply a comfortable base from which to explore, CCR properties cater to every taste and budget.
They’ve also just launched the Cape Country Routes Loyalty Program, offering fantastic discounts and value-adds with participating partners. Membership is R200 per year for individuals or couples, and R500 for families—a worthwhile investment if you love exploring South Africa’s scenic routes. You can find out more and sign up here: loyalty.capecountryroutes.com.
