Nel’s Lodge, Sibuya Game Reserve: A Sole‑Use Sanctuary Above the Kariega

Situated on a private plateau deep within the heart of Sibuya Game Reserve, Nel’s Lodge offers an intimate escape—where forest, river and sky converge in a seamless embrace. Designed for families, small groups, or couples seeking serenity with a touch of indulgence, this sole‑use lodge promises comfort, privacy, and quiet discovery.

Nestling in verdant woodland and carefully integrated into the wild contours of the landscape, Nel’s Lodge frames sweeping views of the Kariega estuary as it winds its way through the reserve toward the distant ocean. Here, the architecture is softened by nature—walls of indigenous stone, warm timber decks, and generous windows that invite the outside in. In the early morning, mist drifts across the river plains below, while golden light filters between branches to dance on your private terrace.

The lodge’s expansive living spaces flow effortlessly into nature, offering cosy nooks for conversation, a welcoming fireplace for cooler evenings, and a swimming pool set against the forest. Whether you linger over breakfast on the deck, gaze across the valley at sunset, or drift into soundless rest under a canopy of stars, Nel’s Lodge is a place to feel wholly immersed, deeply restored, and quietly enchanted.

Getting There: Your Arrival Begins on the River

One of Sibuya’s most memorable details is that your journey doesn’t end at a gate—it continues by water.

Scheduled boat transfers (included in the rate)

• Morning arrival: Check-in at Reception in Kenton-on-Sea at 11:30, boat departs 12:00 (noon)
• Afternoon arrival: 15:30 (must be prearranged), boat departs 15:30
• Early departure from lodges/camps: 07:30 for 08:00, arrive Reception 08:30
• Scheduled departures: Boat arrives Reception 11:00 for check-out

Important: Additional transfer times must be arranged in advance and will be charged. Late arrivals not communicated in advance may also incur the cost of an unplanned boat transfer.

Travel times (guideline)

• From Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) Airport: allow 80–100 minutes
• From East London Airport: allow 120 minutes

What to Expect at Sibuya (and at Nel’s Lodge)

Electricity & comfort

Nel’s Lodge uses an integrated power solution combining solar and mains electricity—meaning air conditioners, hairdryers, and other electrical appliances may be used (a notable comfort advantage compared to the more limited tented camps).

Wi‑Fi, signal, and switching off

• Wi‑Fi is available at Reception and all main lodge venues
• Cell signal is intermittent around the reserve
• No television—Sibuya encourages guests to truly switch off and soak up the tranquillity

Families & children

Nel’s Lodge is a sole‑use lodge that accommodates children of all ages.
If travelling with very young children, note that due to the reserve environment and proximity to water in parts of Sibuya, close supervision is recommended.

Included Activities: The Rhythm of Wild Days

Sibuya’s daily tariff includes a generous range of experiences—so days can be as adventurous (or as slow) as you like:

• Boat transfers to and from the reserve
• Two guided game drives daily in an open 4×4 vehicle
• Daily boat cruises
• Fishing, canoeing, birdwatching
• Picnics, bush walks
• Swimming in the river
• Plus: Nel’s Lodge has a heated swimming pool (shared feature with Bush Lodge)

Optional extras (book in advance; additional cost)

• Cookery lessons with a connoisseur chef
• Deep-sea fishing
• Golf
• Specialist-guided birdwatching
• Horse riding on the reserve
  (Some activities are weather dependent—coastal conditions can change quickly.)

Food, Drinks, and Thoughtful Touches

Dietary requirements

Special dietary needs must be communicated in advance (catering is largely done from the main kitchen rather than on-site at each venue).

Bar offering

Sibuya supplies most drinks on a complimentary basis, including:

• Spring water
• Soft drinks
• Beers
• Basic spirits
• A limited choice of fine South African house wines

Guests are welcome to bring their own premium wines/spirits, or order in advance for Catering to arrange.

A small detail with a big impact

To reduce plastic waste, Sibuya issues guests with a complimentary reusable branded water flask, with purified spring water available to refill throughout the stay.

Practical Notes for a Smooth Stay

Health & medical

• Guests should notify Reservations in advance of pre-existing medical conditions or allergies (doctors are not readily available in the bush).
• The Eastern Cape is malaria-free—no prophylactics required.
• Guests are responsible for ensuring they have comprehensive travel and medical insurance, including evacuation cover.

Firearm policy

No firearms are permitted on the reserve under any circumstances.

Rhino conservation levy (why it matters)

Sibuya has experienced severe rhino poaching incidents (including attacks in 2016 and April 2023). Protection efforts have escalated significantly, and guests are asked to partner with the reserve in supporting rhino conservation.

What to Pack (So You’re Comfortable in Every Season)

Even in summer, the river and coastal air can turn cool—especially on cruises and evening drives. Consider packing:

• Sun hat, sunblock (preferably waterproof)
• Warm jacket and/or rain jacket
• Long trousers
• Bathing costume
• Binoculars and camera

Sibuya recommends packing lightly: hand luggage can go on the boat, with additional luggage transported separately.

A Quick Guide to Sibuya’s Other Stays (River Camp, Forest Camp & Bush Lodge)

If you love the Sibuya setting but want a different style of stay—more social, more tented, or more lodge-like—here’s how the reserve’s other venues compare.

River Camp: Child-Friendly, Riverbank Tranquillity

Nestling in a mini forest on the banks of the estuary, River Camp is all about laid-back wilderness living. With only four luxury tented rooms and informal buffet meals in the boma, it’s ideal for small groups of friends or families with children.

• Location: about 10 km up the Kariega Estuary (boat access)
• Accommodation: four spacious tents, carefully spaced for privacy along pebbled pathways through indigenous riverine forest
• Room details: en-suite bathrooms, king-sized or single beds; well-suited to two or more children sharing with parents
• Evening atmosphere: a wood-burning fireplace for cosy winter gatherings
• Hosting: dedicated hosts and guides on hand to look after the details

River Camp accommodates children of all ages. Because of the proximity to the river, children under 3 should be supervised at all times.

Forest Camp: Elevated Walkways & Classic Tented Safari Style

Reached by long wooden walkways into the forest, Forest Camp is a private-feeling, nature-immersed retreat with a slightly larger footprint than River Camp—perfect if you want tented romance and riverine wilderness, with a bit more buzz.

• Location: about 12 km up the estuary by boat
• Accommodation: eight supremely comfortable, stylish tented rooms positioned for privacy
• Setting: elevated decks and walkways leading deep into indigenous riverine forest on the estuary’s tranquil banks
• Room details: en-suite bathrooms; king-sized or single beds
  • Three tents have divans suitable for young adults over 12 sharing with parents
  • One tent includes a compact annex for two youngsters
• Evenings: boma fire gatherings—especially magical on cooler nights
• Hosting: dedicated hosts and guides available throughout your stay

Forest Camp accommodates children over 12 years.

Bush Lodge: Thatched Luxury, Valley Views & a Heated Pool

Set like a gem in pristine indigenous forest, Bush Lodge delivers classic safari-lodge charm—thatched roofs, sweeping wooden decks, and modern amenities—with an especially secluded feel.

The journey is part of the magic: guests enjoy a picturesque boat trip up the Kariega Estuary, and on arrival, a guided transfer from the boat to Bush Lodge via game drive vehicle adds a dash of adventure right from the start.

• Accommodation: only four thatched suites overlooking a pristine wooded valley
• Room details: en-suite facilities with inside and outside showers; king or queen beds
  • Two suites have sleeper couches for teenagers sharing with parents
• Atmosphere: a wood-burning fireplace for winter evenings
• Downtime: a sparkling heated swimming pool nestled in the wilderness
• Hosting: dedicated hosts and guides on hand at all times

Bush Lodge accommodates children over 12 years, and (like Nel’s Lodge) uses an integrated power solution that supports appliances such as hairdryers and air conditioners.

Which One Should You Choose?

• Nel’s Lodge: best for privacy, sole-use exclusivity, and a “home in the wilderness” feel (families, couples, small groups).
• River Camp: best for families with children who want a relaxed, tented, close-to-nature base.
• Forest Camp: best for tented safari atmosphere with elevated walkways and shared boma evenings (children 12+).
• Bush Lodge: best for classic thatched lodge luxury, valley views, and a heated pool (children 12+).