A welcoming safari lodge overlooking the Kariega River Estuary in Sibuya Game Reserve with spacious en-suite accommodation, elegant communal areas, and a range of guided safari and river activities.
Sibuya Bush Lodge is the comfortable end of the reserve. It runs on an integrated mains and solar supply rather than the camps' solar-and-generator arrangement, which means air conditioning, hairdryers and other appliances work — and it has a heated swimming pool. For a UK client who wants the Big Five without the canvas, or for an older traveller for whom the tented camps would be hard work, that is the deciding difference between the four Sibuya properties, and it is rarely written down anywhere a product manager can find it.
There are four air-conditioned suites. Two take two adults; two take two adults plus a single, open plan. All are en-suite, with decks looking over the bush and the Kariega Estuary.
Bush Lodge accommodates children over twelve only. Children over twelve pay the full adult rate whether sharing with parents or in their own suite. A booking with younger children should go to River Camp, which takes any age, or to Nel's Lodge on a sole-use basis.
Access is by boat up the estuary from Reception in Kenton-on-Sea — there is no road in — so arrival is a river transfer through the reserve rather than a drive to a gate.
Two guided game drives a day in an open 4x4, boat cruises, canoeing, fishing, bush walks and birding are all included, along with spring water, soft drinks, beers, basic spirits and a limited selection of South African house wines. The reserve is malaria-free, so no prophylactics are needed, and it sits 80 to 100 minutes by road from Gqeberha and about two hours from East London.
Overview
- Location
- Kariega Estuary, Sibuya Game Reserve, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Malaria Free
- Yes
- Reserve Type
- Private Game Reserve
- Child Friendly
- No
- Open Year Round
- Yes
- Exclusive Use Available
- Yes
Why visit
- Four air-conditioned suites on mains and solar power, so air conditioning and hairdryers work
- A heated swimming pool
- Adults and children over twelve
- Two suites take two adults; two take two adults plus a single, open plan
- The comfortable end of the reserve without giving up the bush
- Malaria-free Big Five reserve, reached by boat up the Kariega Estuary
Accommodation
- Unit Type
- Luxury Thatched Suites
- Total Units
- 4
- Children Policy
- Children over twelve only. Children over twelve are charged the full adult rate whether sharing with parents or in a separate suite.
Bush Suite – Standard · 2
King or queen-sized bed
Sleeps 2
Bush Suite – With Sleeper Couch · 2
King or queen-sized bed plus sleeper couch for teenagers sharing with parents
Sleeps 2, maximum 4
Room amenities
- En suite bathroom
- Indoor shower
- Outdoor shower
- Private verandah
- Private living area
- Wood-burning fireplace
- Air conditioning
- In-room safe
- Hairdryer
- Integrated solar and mains electricity
- Plug points for charging devices
- Complimentary Wi-Fi (available at Reception and Lodge areas)
- Towels and personal amenities provided
Dining
- Cuisine Style
- Home-style South African cuisine
- Premium Beverages
- Limited premium wines available at additional cost
- All Meals Included
- Yes
- Complimentary Local Drinks
- Yes
- Dietary Requirements Accommodated
- Yes
- Tea Coffee Hot Chocolate Included
- Yes
Activities included
- Scheduled boat transfers to and from the Reserve
- Two daily guided game drives in open 4x4 vehicle
- Guided bush walks
- Guided beach walks
- River cruises
- Bird watching
- Fishing
- Canoeing
- Swimming in the river
- Use of heated swimming pool
Optional activities
- Cookery lessons
- Deep-sea fishing
- Golfing
- Specialist-guided bird watching
- Horse riding on the Reserve
- Additional boat transfers outside scheduled times
Wildlife highlights
- Big Five game reserve
- Pristine wooded valley setting
- Kariega Estuary ecosystem
- Excellent birdlife
- Marine and estuarine wildlife encounters
Facilities
- Heated swimming pool
- Air conditioning in all suites
- Mains and solar power, so hairdryers and other appliances may be used
- Communal lounge area
- Shared dining area
- Communal bar (complimentary local beverages)
- Boma firepit
- River access
- Boat jetty
- Secure complimentary parking at Reception in Kenton-on-Sea
Sustainability
- Solar Component
- Yes
- Plastic Reduction Policy
- Yes
- Integrated Power Solution
- Yes
- Community Employment Focus
- Yes
- Reusable Water Flasks Provided
- Yes
- Rhino Conservation Levy Applicable
- Yes
Getting there
- Arrival Point
- Sibuya Reception – 39 Eastbourne Road, Kenton-on-Sea
- Airport Transfer Time
- Approx. 80–100 minutes by road to Reception
- Boat Transfer Required
- Yes
- Secure Parking Available
- Yes
- Boat And Game Vehicle Transfer
- Yes
- Scheduled Boat Transfers Included
- Yes
Practical information
- Power
- Integrated mains and solar. Air conditioners, hairdryers and other electrical appliances may be used.
- Malaria Risk
- None – Eastern Cape is malaria-free
- Wifi Available
- Yes
- Gratuities Excluded
- Yes
- Television Available
- No
- Credit Cards Accepted
- American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard, Visa
- Medical Facilities On Site
- No
UK trade information
How Bush Lodge reaches the UK travel trade
Sibuya Bush Lodge is represented in the UK travel trade by Kusa Connect, an ATTA member UK rep company founded by Graeme Watson.
For UK trade enquiries about Bush Lodge, contact Kusa Connect or speak directly with Graeme Watson — founder of Kusa Connect (ATTA member), former SATSA Board Director.
- Property
- Bush Lodge
- Brand
- Sibuya Game Reserve
- Location
- Kenton-on-Sea, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Property type
- lodge
- Nearest airport
- Chief Dawid Stuurman Airport (Gqeberha / Port Elizabeth) (Approx. 80–100 minutes by road to Reception)
- UK trade rep
- Kusa Connect — ATTA member
- Trade contact
- Graeme Watson, Founder
Frequently asked questions from the UK trade
How is Sibuya Bush Lodge sold to the UK travel trade?
UK travel agents recommend Sibuya Bush Lodge to their clients, who book through specialist UK tour operators, who in turn work with the destination's Destination Management Companies for in-country operations. Kusa Connect is Sibuya Bush Lodge's UK trade representative and does not take consumer or retail-agent bookings.
Where is Sibuya Bush Lodge?
Sibuya Bush Lodge is in Kenton-on-Sea, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The nearest airport is Chief Dawid Stuurman Airport (Gqeberha / Port Elizabeth), approximately 80–100 minutes by road to Reception from the property.
Who represents Sibuya Bush Lodge in the UK?
Sibuya Bush Lodge is represented in the UK travel trade by Kusa Connect, a boutique UK rep company for African travel founded by Graeme Watson — a former SATSA Board Director, ATTA member and member of the Institute of Directors UK. FAM trip availability, trade product information and operator introductions are all handled through kusaconnect.com/contact.
Trade details last updated