Sibuya River Camp, Eastern Cape | Timbuktu Travel
Eastern Cape

Sibuya River Camp

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About Sibuya River Camp

An intimate, family-friendly camp on a beautiful river in the Eastern Cape
Sibuya Game Reserve is just a few miles inland from the quaint coastal town of Kenton-on-Sea, in South Africa's Eastern Cape. River Camp lies on a lush peninsula surrounded by the twists and turns of the Kariega River. To get there, you'll board a boat at the river's mouth in Kenton and take a 45-minute cruise upstream to camp. Care has been taken to create an authentic bush-camp feel, though the reality is that this is not the wildest place in Africa, with much of the reserve being reclaimed farmland. Nevertheless, it is extraordinarily beautiful and has the added convenience of being close to the Garden Route as well as some stunning beaches.
From $390 per person/per night
Safari
4 Rooms
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Property details

The property

The open-plan main area is a lovely combination of wooden floors and low stone walls with roll-up canvas flaps. A grand stone fireplace sides onto one section of the lounge with several plush armchairs and sumptuous couches; and large glass doors open onto an inviting, shady deck. The dining room's beautiful wooden tables can either be joined together or left apart for private dining. Tucked into the bush, down a short stone pathway, is the camp boma with another fireplace.

The rooms

Four sizable, luxurious tents are enfolded by indigenous forest, set just back from the river. Glass doors and sheer gauze create a light and airy feel. Tents are adorned with king-sized or twin beds (single beds can be added for accompanying children), while stylish desks and couches add additional warmth. Large en-suite bathrooms have double basins, a free-standing tub, a shower and separate toilet. Private decks and swinging chairs help to create the sense of being immersed in the bush.

Activities

Morning and afternoon game drives provide the best means for viewing Sibuya's wildlife, though this isn't the only way. Take in the reserve's majestic landscapes and prolific birdlife via a river cruise or canoe trip. For some sporting fun, give fly fishing in the river a try; otherwise a swim in its temperate waters is refreshing and serene. Nature walks are possible in select parts of the reserve, and a walk on the beach can also be arranged. Sibuya's lions and cheetahs are kept in enclosures separate from the rest of the reserve's wildlife and require feeding, which doesn't make for the most authentically wild experience, though it does mean you are guaranteed to see them. Other activities include horse riding, deep sea fishing and spa treatments - all come at an additional cost and must be booked in advance.

South Africa

Eastern Cape

A tip top safari destination with a cultural heart within reach of Cape Town and the Garden Route.