Experience Sibuya Game Reserve
In this authentic wilderness where nothing is tame or ordinary, you are face to face with the extraordinary, the unexpected, and the unforgettable.
As nature unfolds around you and weaves its particular brand of magic, you breathe more deeply, feel more acutely, see more vividly. Welcome to Sibuya, the ultimate African safari experience!
Treat yourself to award winning, malaria-free, 4-Star Sibuya Game Reserve, tented Camps and Bush Lodge for the ‘ultimate African Safari’. It is a breathtakingly scenic Private Game Reserve and a sanctuary to an abundance of diverse wildlife, including the ‘Big 5’. Spanning over 10 kilometres of the fascinating Kariega Estuary and being accessed by boat makes it one of South Africa’s most unique Safari destinations.
A mixture of game drives, river cruises and guided walks will enthral those with a desire to fill the day, whilst hammocks in the trees or a fishing line dangling in the water will suit those who wish to take it easy and just relax with a book and a chorus of birdsong as a soothing accompaniment.
Situated on the Eastern Cape’s ‘Sunshine Coast’ with its pristine Blue Flag beaches is the idyllic village of Kenton on Sea and it is here that Sibuya’s Reception is situated. Sibuya is an easy 140km drive from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and 152 km from Buffalo City or KuGompo (East London).
A natural extension to any trip from Cape Town up the Garden Route and easily accessible from Gqeberha – a short flight from the major cities of Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban.
Thought by some to be one of South Africa’s most beautiful family-owned Private Game Reserve, Sibuya covers more than 36 square kilometres of varied terrain and vegetation stretching from the coastal belt to the bush. The moderately open river plains, through the pristine Lower Albany Thicket to patches of Cape Fynbos and a windswept, grassy plateau favoured by the larger grazing animals, the diverse landscape offers suitable territories for an abundance of species. Consequently, as a birding destination, it is hard to equal approximately 400 different species of our feathered friends.
Your adventure starts here
Upon a warm and gracious welcome at our Reception in Kenton on Sea, where secure parking awaits, guests embark on the initial leg of their extraordinary journey, the quintessential ‘Sibuya Experience.’ This begins with a leisurely and informative 45-minute boat cruise up the breathtakingly scenic Kariega Estuary. A voyage that transitions seamlessly from the ocean’s embrace to the heart of the bush. Upon arrival at Bush Lodge, Forest or River Camp, the adventure unfolds, offering captivating game viewing experiences, delectable meals, and evenings spent beneath the vast expanse of the African sky, setting the stage for unforgettable moments amidst nature’s embrace.
Sibuya offers accommodation in two private, exclusive rustically luxurious eco-friendly tented Camps – Forest and River Camps which run on solar power and an exclusive Bush Lodge which has mains electricity.
WIFI is available at Reception and in the Lodges – however limited
Your dedicated Guide
At Sibuya, your safari adventure begins from the moment you arrive at Reception, where you are warmly greeted by our dedicated Team. Our Guides are known far and wide as stewards of the wild with deep knowledge and insight. Beyond being Guides, they are companions on your journey, enriching your experience with insights, stories, and a deep connection to the wilderness. From educational excursions to moments of pure enjoyment, our Guides are there every step of the way, ensuring your time at Sibuya is nothing short of extraordinary.
Exploring Sibuya’s Wildlife and Wilderness
At Sibuya, guests are treated to an unparalleled safari experience, surrounded by the captivating beauty of pristine coastal forests and the distant allure of the ocean. With one of the highest densities of wildlife in South Africa, every game drive promises an intensive and varied encounter with nature’s wonders.
As the Kariega River Estuary winds its way through lush thickets and grassy flats, Sibuya’s diverse biomes offer a fascinating tapestry of landscapes. Coastal, riverine forest, savannah, and a multitude of migrant birds converge, creating an avian paradise boasting close to 400 species.
Venture out on a boat or canoe expedition up the Estuary, where sightings of Ospreys and Kingfishers await, or explore downstream to witness the bustling activity of Waders, Terns, and Gulls along the beach. A stroll through the indigenous forest unveils treasures like the elusive Narina Trogon, while every game drive unveils a spectacle of Raptors, from majestic Fish Eagles to the seasonal Common Buzzards.
Game viewing at Sibuya is a feast for the senses, with frequent encounters with the Big five, as well as close encounters with Antelopes, Zebra and Giraffe. From the elusive Blue Duiker to the imposing Elephant, every sighting is a testament to the Reserve’s thriving ecosystem.
Yet, what truly sets Sibuya apart is not just the wildlife but its warm hospitality and the immersive experience it offers. Evenings are adorned with the gentle glow of lanterns, as guests gather around the campfire, swopping stories beneath a canopy of deep black, studded with glittering stars. A delicious buffet dinner and award-winning wines await. The distant roar of Lions, the haunting yipping of Jackals and the gentle calls of Owls, weave a symphony typical of a magic night at Sibuya. Each day ends on a perfect note in harmony with nature’s rhythm.
Activities
Embark on a world of adventure with a plethora of on-site and off-site activities, expertly organized by your knowledgeable Guide at Sibuya Game Reserve.
Activities at Sibuya
The following are fully included in your stay:
- All boat transfers
- Game drive
- Guided bush or beach walks
- Bird watching
- River cruises
- Fishing
- Canoeing
- Swimming in the river (heated pool at Bush Lodge)
Add-on Activities
For an extra charge, you can book the following activities in advance:
- Golf
- Deep sea fishing
- Horse riding on the reserve or the beach
- Spa treatments
- Specialised bird Guide
- Interactive cooking classes
Contact our professional Marketing Team who will help you plan your ultimate African Safari.
