Sibuya is one of South Africa's most unique safari destinations. The experience starts with a midday boat transfer from the main reception to Forest Camp (alternative times can be arranged should this not suit your plans) - the reserve has more navigable river than any other game reserve in South Africa. Consequently, as a birding destination it is hard to beat - there are nearly 400 different species. This breathtakingly beautiful 3,000 hectare game reserve is sanctuary to an abundance of diverse wildlife from elephants to otters, and almost everything in between, including the Big Five.
Perfectly situated on the banks of the Kariega River Estuary but tucked unobtrusively into the indigenous bush, Sibuya Forest Camp offers a blend of essential comforts and warm, charming style. Richly coloured local textiles, in shades of rust and burnt orange, are used throughout in support of the regions weaving community.
Designed with a light footprint to protect the surrounding riverine environment, and with a minimum of schedules and absolutely no pressure on guests to do anything other than relax, the camp combines the finest in safari luxury with fabulous service. Forest Camp is run almost exclusively on solar power - which means no Wi-Fi, air-con, fans, hairdryers - and guests are invited to relax and enjoy the simplicity of life without these mod-cons for a few days while on safari here.
Sibuya Forest Camp, with its long wooden walkways meandering through pristine thicket, has 8 secluded tents with unique en-suite bathrooms and comfortable kingsize or twin beds complete with luxury linen and furnishings. Four of the 8 tents are equipped with a pull-out sleeper divan - available if necessary for a child sharing with parents. A cosy fireplace in each tent adds a personal touch and provides comfort on the chillier nights.
Delicious buffet-style dining with an African twist is an integral part of any visit to Sibuya Forest Camp. Served in the lapa, on picnics or under a canopy of stars in the wonderful open air boma, meals are accompanied with excellent South African wine.
Directions For Drivers
From Port Elizabeth: Travel on the N2 towards Grahamstown. Take the R72 - following signs to Sunshine Coast, Kenton-on-Sea and Port Alfred.
After approximately 70 km, turn right into Kenton-on-Sea. This is Kariega Road. Follow this road to the bottom of the hill. Turn left into the last road before the river which is Eastbourne Road. The reception and secure parking for Sibuya is located at 39 Eastbourne Road.
Access to the camp is via a boat transfer. Scheduled boat transfers leave from the Reception once a day at 12:00 (noon). Guests are requested to check-in by 11:30 at the very latest (travel times - from PE Airport allow 80-100 minutes).
For departing guests, the scheduled boat transfer returns to the reception at 11:00 daily.
Boat transfers at alternative times can be arranged IN ADVANCE at an additional cost (on request).
General Information For Guests
Each tent has a deck, a tea/coffee station, a safe, a fan, a fireplace, mosquito netting, and an en-suite bathroom with WC, bath and shower.
Standard activities included in your rate include twice daily game and bird-watching drives in an open 4x4 vehicle, daily boat cruises, and use of the swimming pool. Optional activities that may attract a nominal charge and which are bookable when in camp include bush walks (in non dangerous game areas), massages, deep sea fishing, horse riding on the nearby beaches, seaside picnics and other beach excursions.
A laundry service is available (additional cost).
The camp is reached by a boat transfer. The first transfer leaves from Sibuya's reception in Kenton-on-Sea at 12:00 (noon). Guests are requested to check-in at reception (39 Eastbourne Road, Kenton-on-Sea) at least half an hour before the boat departure times (travel times - from PE Airport allow 80-100 minutes). For late arrivals, there is a second boat transfer that departs at 15:30 (check in at reception at 15:00) but this MUST BE arranged in advance - upon arrival at the camp you will depart immediately on the game drive, or you can settle into your tent at a more leisurely pace and relax before dinner, but this will mean you miss the first game drive. The missed game drive can be replaced with a night drive after dinner on the first or second night - please discuss with the manager on arrival.
For departing guests, the boat transfer returns to the reception at 11:00 daily after your morning game drive. For earlier departures, there is a transfer that departs at 08:00 but you will miss your morning drive if you take this one - again, this needs to be requested and arranged IN ADVANCE.
Boat transfers at alternative times can be arranged IN ADVANCE at an additional cost (on request).
Due to the steps to the jetties for the boat transfers, it is recommended that where possible, guests pack a small travel bag for the duration of their stay and leave large suitcases at the main reception.
Guests will be required to sign an Indemnity Form - this tends to be standard procedure throughout the safari industry and will take a few minutes only to complete.
The camp has limited electrical connectivity. Lighting is provided by a solar system with an emergency generator for back up. There is one plug point at the main guest area for charging mobile phones and camera batteries. There is insufficient power for hair dryers and other electrical appliances. There is no Wi-Fi or connection to the internet or television. There is intermittent mobile signal at the camp and on the reserve.
All guests are issued with a re-usable Sibuya bottle and are asked that they support the camp in their quest to reduce pollution and their carbon footprint, by refilling these bottles with purified spring water which is readily available at the camp.
Sibuya's Reservations office must be informed via your Travel Butlers consultant in advance of any special dietary requirements. This is essential, as most catering is done in the main kitchen which is not situated at the camp. Special meals for children can also be requested.
American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa credit cards are accepted.
Your rate includes a Rhino Conservation Levy which goes towards anti-poaching initiatives on the reserve.
Cannot speak highly enough about our guide at Sibuya. A fantastic end to a brilliant holiday.