Sibuya River Camp

Sibuya River Camp is situated, as the name suggests, on the banks of the Kariega River in the malaria-free 3,000 hectare Sibuya Game Reserve. Your unique Sibuya experience starts immediately with a midday boat transfer to your camp (alternative times can be arranged should this not suit your plans). Antelope abound, including the rare bontebok and oribi. Elephants, giraffe and zebra silhouetted against an Indian Ocean backdrop complete a truly memorable picture. The ancient floodplains and pristine coastal forest host an abundance of wildlife - nearly 400 bird species and 45 species of wildlife including the Big Five. The lush vegetation ensures a high density of animals and  a memorable game-viewing experience is guaranteed.

Sibuya’s rangers, some of the most experienced in the business, take pride in organizing rewarding bush walks, fishing, informative game drives and exclusive boat or canoe trips.Their love of the environment and enthusiasm for their work is infectious, and guests will find them to not only be knowledgeable guides but also gracious hosts.

A light and airy design lets nature’s sights and sounds flood into the generously proportioned main guest areas, which also offers views of the river from its secluded decks. Delicious buffet-style meals with an African twist are accompanied by award winning South African wine, served in the boma or under the star-studded sky. For those having a 3 day stay, picnics may also be arranged out on the Reserve or at the pristine Blue Flag beach at the nearby village of Kenton-on-Sea.

This small and intimate camp has 4 beautifully appointed spacious tented rooms, all with comfortable generous kingsize beds and en-suite bathrooms with both bath and shower. For those chillier nights, each tent is equipped with its own cosy fireplace. Ground level pathways and large fold-out sofa beds make River Camp particularly well-suited for those with children sharing with their parents. Each tented room has been designed with its own unique layout in order to avoid felling trees and to protect as much of the area as possible.

The camp is run almost exclusively on solar power unless the weather interferes, then there is gas backup.  The camp has a light footprint, light pollution is kept to a minimum, energy efficient lighting and solar lamps enhance the atmosphere. There is no Wi-Fi, television, air conditioning, electric fans and only intermittent mobile signal – so guests are really encouraged to enjoy the nature around them.

Rates Include

All meals; local beverages; scheduled boat transfers; daily afternoon and morning shared game drives; boat cruises; the Rhino Conservation Levy; fishing; canoeing; and bush walks are included.

Children Policy

Children aged 3 years and older are welcome. A separate game drive vehicle will be allocated to all families with children under the age of 6 years (no charge) on a shared basis.

Bush Walks / Walking Safaris

Children under 7 years of age are not permitted on bush walks (only conducted in non dangerous game areas). The final decision on whether a guest can join a guided bush walk remains with the guide and lodge manager.

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. The family rooms have a large fold-out sofa bed.

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 and babysitting services are 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.

Sibuya supplies most drinks on a complimentary basis. This includes spring water, non-alcoholic beverages, beers, basic spirits and a limited choice of fine South African house wines. Guests are welcome to bring their own premium wines, imported champagnes or premium spirits. Additionally, a select range of premium wines is available at an additional cost. 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.

Bush Walks / Walking Safaris

Children under 7 years of age are not permitted on bush walks (only conducted in non dangerous game areas). The final decision on whether a guest can join a guided bush walk remains with the guide and lodge manager.

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If you're not sure which place might be best for your own trip then either give us a call or get in touch via the website, and we'd be delighted to run through the options with you.