Sibuya Game Reserve

Sibuya Game Reserve  -  Spanning the magnificent Kariega Estuary on its course to meet the warm Indian Ocean, malaria-free Sibuya is South Africas only Big 5 game reserve accessed solely by boat.  After arriving at Sibuyas reception near the river mouth in Kenton-on-Sea, guests embark on a meandering 45-minute boat cruise to the breathtakingly beautiful Reserve.  Leaving behind the wide, golden beaches of the Sunshine Coast, kingfishers, fish eagles, otters, antelope and other wildlife may be spotted.

With just four or eight luxury tents in each camp and 4 elegant suites in the lodge, our professional guides are able to offer you personalised game drives, rewarding walks, exclusive boat trips and sumptuous beach and bush picnics.  Swimming, canoeing and fishing are also on offer, or you might choose to simply relax in a hammock under the trees, book in hand.  The ancient floodplains and pristine coastal forest play host to an abundance of wildlife: nearly 400 species of birds and 45 species of game including the Big Five.  The sub-tropical vegetation ensures a high density of wildlife and one of the best game-viewing experiences in the country.  The estuary holds its own bounty: crabs, turtles, the occasional small shark and fish flopping in and out of the water.

Additional activities by arrangement include: massages; horse riding on the beach.  Under starlit skies, the distant roar of the ocean and the soft glow of lanterns are the only distractions as guests are served fine fireside fare in the warm embrace of the evening fire.  The unequalled splendour of the vistas, with the Indian Ocean as their enduring backdrop, will leave you saying Sibuya we will return.

Our all-inclusive package includes:
Accommodation, all meals, local beverages, scheduled boat transfers to and from camp, afternoon and morning game drives, bush walking, fishing and canoeing.
For a 3 nights stay or longer we include a river cruise trip from camp to one of the beautiful beaches in Kenton on Sea with a packed picnic lunch and local beverages.

Activities:
Standard activities included in the daily tariff consist of scheduled boat transfers to and from reception, twice daily game and bird-watching drives in an open 4x4 vehicle, daily boat cruises, canoeing, fishing, bush walks and swimming
Optional activities that may attract a nominal charge include massages, horse-riding on the nearby beaches, sea-side picnics and other excursions to the beach. The unpredictability of coastal weather means that some of these activities cannot be booked in advance, but need to be arranged by Sibuyas guides once in camp

Arrival and departure times:
NB: Please ensure check in by 11h30 late arrivals will incur the cost of a private transfer
Scheduled boat transfers leave from Sibuyas reception in Kenton-on-Sea, once daily, at 12h00 (noon). Guests are requested to check in at reception (39 Eastbourne Road, Kenton-on-Sea) at least half an hour before the boat departure time (travel times: Port Elizabeth airport allow 80-100 mins East London airport allow 120 mins)
For departing guests, scheduled boat transfers return to reception at 11h00 daily to allow for check out and departure by 11h30
Boat transfers at alternative times may be arranged in advance at an additional charge

Airport transfers:
Airport transfers can be arranged with reservations and are handled by accredited transporters

Bar:
Sibuya supplies most drinks on a complimentary basis. This includes spring water, non-alcoholic beverages, beers, basic spirits and fine South African house wines.
At Sibuya we actively attempt to limit our carbon footprint. As plastic bottles from bottled water constitute one of the largest sources of pollutants in the world today, we actively discourage their use whilst resident with us. All guests are issued with a reusable Sibuya bottle and we ask that you support us in our quest to reduce pollution and our carbon footprint by refilling these bottles with purified spring water rather than using the disposable commercial bottles of water
Guests are welcome to bring their own premium wines, imported champagnes or premium spirits; alternately guests may order in advance and catering will arrange on their behalf
A select range of premium wines is available in both camps and our lodge at nominal prices

Dietary requirements:
Sibuyas reservations office must be informed in advance of any special dietary requirements. This is essential, as most catering is done in our main kitchen offsite

Medical conditions:
Prior to arrival, guests should notify Sibuyas reservations office of any pre-existing medical conditions. This includes any allergies, such as to bee stings
Sibuyas reservations office should be informed in advance of any physical disabilities. This is essential as boat access may not be possible and there are limited suitable facilities including accommodation and vehicle seating
As the Eastern Cape is malaria-free, prophylactics are not necessary

Packing suggestions:
A rain jacket, jersey and long trousers are recommended even in summer
A good pair of binoculars is recommended
Sunblock is essential, preferably waterproof for swimming or water-sports
A bathing costume for swimming in the warm Kariega River or in the nearby Indian Ocean

Rhino Conservation Levy
In March 2016, Sibuya suffered a horrific poaching attack and three of our rhino were slaughtered and their horns removed despite the best efforts of our Anti-Poaching Unit. We cannot offer a true Big5 experience without Rhino so by necessity have to dramatically increase our protective capabilities to protect these magnificent animals. We ask all our guests to please partner with us in this effort to protect our rhino and the species as a whole
Compulsory Rhino Levy charged at per person per day